Hannah Hoes Van Buren
Born: March 8, 1783 at Kinderhook, New York
Died: February 5, 1819 (aged 35) at Albany, New York
Spouse: Martin Van Buren (m. 1807 – 1819)
Children: Abraham Van Buren, John Van Buren, Martin “”Matt”” Van Buren, Jr., Smith Thompson Van Buren
Facts about Hannah Hoes Van Buren
Little is known about Hannah Van Buren’s life, as few records about her exist even President Van Buren excluded her from his autobiography. Reported to be a sociable woman, Hannah was a willing hostess for her husbands frequent guests. Martin Van Buren never remarried and as such served his single term with a relative acting as first lady.
Hannah Hoes Van Buren Childhood
One of four children born to Maria Quakenbush and Johannes Dircksen Hoes, Hannah Hoes was raised on a farm in Kinderhook, New York. Kinderhooks residents were descended from earlier generations of immigrants from Holland; Hannah not only learned Dutch as her first language, she never lost the distinct accent while speaking English.
She grew up in the tight community alongside Martin Van Buren, a cousin related through both sides of the family. Hannah was also related to future first lady Elizabeth Monroe and the Roosevelt’s through her mothers lineage.
Hannah and Martin reportedly began their romance as teenagers, the future president smitten by the shy girl he called Jannetje However, he did not want to get married until he had the proper means to support a family.
Where is Hannah Hoes Van Buren buried?
She was buried in Albany before being re-interred at Kinderhook Cemetery in 1855.
How did Hannah Hoes Van Buren die?
After twelve years of marriage, Hannah Van Buren contracted tuberculosis and died on February 5, 1819, at the age of thirty-five.