Abraham Van Buren

Abraham Van Buren II (November 27, 1807 – March 15, 1873) was an American soldier and the eldest son of Martin Van Buren, the eighth President of the United States and his wife, Hannah Hoes Van Buren. A career soldier and veteran of the Second Seminole War and Mexican–American War, Van Buren was named in honor of his paternal grandfather Abraham Van Buren, an officer in the Albany County militia during the Revolutionary War.

Van Buren served as his father's private secretary during his father's presidential term. In his later years, he helped oversee management of his wife's South Carolina plantation and traveled extensively in Europe.

Early life

Abraham Van Buren II was born in Kinderhook, New York on November 27, 1807, the eldest son of Martin Van Buren (1782–1862) and Hannah Hoes (1783–1819).

Van Buren was educated in Kinderhook and attended Greenville Academy. At age 15, Van Buren began attendance at the United States Military Academy. Van Buren and his wife Angelica left Washington in March 1841 and visited with Angelica's family in Sumter, South Carolina, where Angelica gave birth to their son Singleton.

Return to Army At the outbreak of the Mexican–American War in June 1846, Van Buren was reappointed in the army as a paymaster with the rank of major.

After Mexico's surrender, Scott appointed Van Buren as the military representative empowered to discuss peace terms with Mexican authorities. He also gave testimony on Scott's behalf and the inquiry resulted in Scott's exoneration.

In spite of his absence while serving in the military, Van Buren was still close to his father. Singleton was a daughter of a wealthy South Carolina planter, and a refined lady who had been schooled in the fine arts at Madame Grelaud's French School in Philadelphia.

Rebecca Van Buren (1840–1840), died young Singleton Van Buren (1841–1885) Martin Van Buren II (1844–1885) Travis Coles Van Buren (1848–1889)

Death and burial Van Buren died in New York City on March 15, 1873. He was buried alongside his wife at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.

Dates of rank Van Buren's effective dates of rank were:

Second Lieutenant of Infantry (Brevet) – July 1, 1827 Second Lieutenant, 2nd Infantry – July 1, 1827 First Lieutenant, 1st Dragoons – March 4, 1833 Captain, 1st Dragoons – July 4, 1836 Resigned – March 3, 1837 Major, Pay Department – June 26, 1846 Lieutenant Colonel (Brevet) – August 20, 1847 Resigned – June 1, 1854