Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-12-27
"REMINISCENCES.
Y. WHITM0RE.
Publisher and proprietoI


the Other Presidents.
New York Cor. Troy Times.l
The death of Smith 7. Van Burcn
removes the last of the former
Presidents family. Martin Van
Buren was the richest of our Presi-
dents in point of money, but he
ranks among the poorest in point
OF character. His name recalls the
parallel between the recent Presi-
Dental canvass and that of 1910,
since in each instance a New York
lawyer is beaten by a Buckeye. Van
Buren and Tilden, both from Col
umbia county, were unsuccessfully
matched against Harrison and
Hayes. Van Buren had three
children, all sons John was the
only one of the number that had
talent, the other two being below
mediocrity. One Of the number
died suddenly many years ago, and
being man Of weak mind but lit
tie was said of him. Smith also
was mentally deficient, and sue
ceeded in marrying successiyely
two heiresses. This shows the
snobbery of American society. Wo
men of wealth were willing to take
such a man simply because he car
RED a name which had won socia
and political distinction. OF latC
years the deceased became SO imbe
| cile that he was confined in a luna
tic asylum, where he died last weel
at the age Of sixty.
Martin Van Buren was the oldes
of our ex-PgesiIents except join
Adams, being four score at thu
time of his death. His last day
were passed at his farm near Kin
derhook, to which he gave thu
name Of Underwood. The ole
man, though worth more than {
half million, became very close
and even ayaricious, which CAV,
him rather an ill-name in th,
neigbborhood. Since his death thu
farm has beeis sold, and all trace
of the family have been removed
John, to whom reference has beer
made, was an able lawyer and bad {
good practice. He was also a poll
tician of the same mischievou'
school with his father, but, fortu'
nately, was limited in influence,
He only survived the latter three
years. The pride and arrogance ot
the Van Buren, family in the days
of their political power was gene.
rally noticed. Martin Van Buren
was lord over the State of New
York for many years, and his poll
cy had all the success which wire
pulling, trickery and finesse could
produce. He enjoyed unequaleC
prominence in national honor unit
the Harrison campaign laid hi
hopes in final ruin, and now Tho
name can hardly awaken senti
ment of respect, AS the only Pres
ident elected to that Office from
New York, he is little honor to thu
Empire State.
The death of ex-ffesident Var
Buren's youngest son recalls Incl
dents concerning other Presidential
children. The childless Washing
ton was followed by Adams with
two sons and a daughter. The frs
of these became President, also
but the youngest, whose name wa,
Charles, turned out badly end died
in middle age, leaving a widow anC
two children dependent upon tht
old gentleman. The daughter mar
ried a Colonel Smith, butthe union
was unfortunate. Jefierson's mar
ried life only lasted ten years. 1
was of delightful character ant
brought him six children-al
daughters-of whom only two grew
to maturity. One Of these MARY
married John W. Eppes, while thu
other (Martha) married ThomaI
M. Randolph. Madison, like Wash
ington, married a widow and haC
no children. Monroe married I
lady of this city and had a daughter
who became the wife of Samuel /.
Governeur The latter was post
master here under jackson, ant
Monroe died while an inmate Of hi