6A May 07 - 56 The Salt Lake Tribune Clip for Your Scrapbook Our Presidents by Patrick and Vinmont This fellow was President of U.S. When Mormons were expelled from Missouri “Your cause is just but I can do nothing for you” New York - 1800 lawyer Onward to the west Bank of U.S. now the U.S. Custom House - Philadelphia, Pa. MARTIN VAN BUREN Born December 5, 1782, at Kinderhook, New York. His father was a tavern keeper with a small farm. Attended country school and Kinderhook Academy until he was 14. Ambitious to be a lawyer, he had his first job as office boy in a law firm. When 17 he borrowed forty dollars and went to New York City to be clerk in a law office; four years later admitted to the bar. He was early noted for his intelligent observation of public events. Before 21, was delegate to a political convention; at 25, a county surrogate; at 38, United States Senator after having been State Senator and State Attorney General. Re-elected U.S. Senator, he resigned to become Governor of New York. Seving two months in this office, he resigned to be Jackson’s Secretary of State. Elected Vice President in 1832. Successful as the Democratic candidate, he was inaugurated eighth President of the United States March 4, 1837. With the Seminole War dragging on, Copr. 1956 revolutions in Ontario and Texas, and the panic of 1837 (the result of Jackson’s banking policy and the first big western boom), his administration was full of problems. Although he was wise in financial affairs, his action in separating the state banks from the government and holding the funds of the nation in an independent U.S. Treasury defeated his reelection. He also lost the nomination in 1844 and was defeated when he ran for President on the Free Soil ticket in 1848. Recognized as a leading attorney, he was chiefly interested in politics. By nature a champion of the popular cause, he knew the pulse of the public and became the leader of Jacksonian Democracy. Reading and study were his favorite pastimes. Enjoyed horseback riding, travel, and social life. He was often criticised for the style and luxury he displayed in horses and carriages. He died in retirement July 24, 1862, aged 79, at his country estate in Kinderhook.