February 21, 1807
Martin Van Buren & Hannah Hoes

The Van Burens

Our eighth president of the US made it official with his first lady, Hannah 203 years ago today.

The two grew up childhood sweethearts (and distant cousins) in a New York Dutch community. After establishing himself as a lawyer, Van Buren married Hoes in a Dutch Reformed Church ceremony. The affair took place at the bride’s brother’s home, the Huxton House in Catskill, New York. He was 25 – his bride, 24.

Over the next 11 years, the couple had 11 sons. Unfortunately, Mrs. Van Buren never lived to see her husband become president. She passed away in 1819 and he wasn’t elected until 1836. Although she never officially served as first lady to the country, she was the first lady in his heart. He never remarried.