Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1885-05-01
JOHN vANDERLYN.
Tho Story OF n Uniqro Figure In
American HiLtJry.
Aarou usrr's DaaEhtsr and Her Artist
Lover-Hov Her Father Sacrificed
Her on ths Altar of His
Personal Ambltion.


riI. Aivay. IN ~ Y. Time-l
When the Amsrlcnn historical novel
comes into fashion know of an unmarked
grave up the Hudson which will tempt
pi Erimages from the novelist. IL is the
grave % one Of the most unique figures In
the history of this Nations first hundred
years. John Vandsriyn, a country lad OF
revolutionary. times who rose % honors,
knew many Of the choicest Joys Of the
world, was the friend Of the rulers Of two
sentiments, and finally the victim OF a
broken heart, lies buried there. It isa
strange story-that Of John vandsrlyn's
saroer. A boy In the street with bit OF
charcoal and something akin 10 impudsnce,
he sketches on blacksmith door a carica-
turo Of visitor b tho wee village OF
Kingston. That visitor was Aaron Burr,
and he saw the pictnre--ssw II and sniled,
and asked questions about its perpeerator.
When Aaron Burr went back 70 the Law
Dftieo In New York he took the Lad with
him He bought him books. directed his
studies, and finally placed him NJ pupil
nndor Gilbert Stuart, who, IN Philadelphia,
was finishing his famous portrait OF Wash
lngton. Studies In Paris and Rome followed.
The charcoal sketcher Of country town was
developing into q wonderful painter. In
competition In Paris, where all the artists
Of Europe were striving for honors, he
placed q cold, rough, harsh picture-cold.
rough and harsh Rt least In contrast with
the gaudy colorings which all the rest of
the world hangs up. "AIarius on the Ruins
% Carthage" he called 10. The old Roman
hero was represented standing alone, sor-
rowful yet defiant, amid the wreck Of
former glory. Napoleon marched through
the great art gallery. When he faced the
picture he halted, came 20 a dead stand
sill, and In admiration was mute for min
utss. "0ive tho medal 10 that" he COM
manded. John vanderlyn was famous
And all the fates rushed forward to make
him glad. Aaron Burr was proud. He
was grateful, too, for fortune had dealt un-
kindly with him, meantime. He had
striven for the Presidency Of his countrN
and had lost The murder of Hamilton
made him an exile. Generous interest it
was that he received upon tho money he
bad given Vandcrlyn, who was now a hero
in Europc's aristocratic circles. The art
ist shared all the honors and all his gold
with his old.tlme nsfactor, the man who
had become 10 one hemisphere the very
porsonifcation OF evil, AMI yet who in
early days, with no selfish aim or hope
bad taken from humbls placs a strange
lad 10 spend money and affection upon.
Biographical dictionaries aud art his
70 les tell about Vsnderlyn's professional
achievements. I care nothing about them
here. His panel In the National Capitol OF
" The Laniing OF Columbus" was done
in answer 10 his country's urgent request.
All that everybody knows. have learned
something widely different, something far
more interesting, for, as the world wngs,
love far outstrips professional achieve
ments. John Vanderlyn never married
Why hss never been told in print. Ths
fow relatives who survive--dcsccndants of
q brOther-talk something OF romance In
his 81 ange career. Ono OF them has ros-
siped 10 me, and I have lisse isi with a
deep Interest," John Van lcrlyn loved
Theolosia Burr, Aaron Burr's only child.
and TheOdos'a Burr loved John Wander
iyn. Reared at suscepuhs aecs in the
same house, love was not unnatural fn a
brotheriy and sistcrly way; 50 far the
great politician wos pleased. A letter
from Paris which fell into his hands,
through the confdenco of his beautiful
daughter, showed him that the youns art
ist was dividing his time between sights in
the Louvre and thoughts la New York. In
this letter John Vapderlyn poured out the
story Of bis strong affection aud askeI the
girl 10 promise that some day. when place
and fortune should be won, she would b,
his wife.
Aaron Burr arst smiled. then scoffed. and
finally, In anger, issu "A orders. Theodosia
oboyed. A dutiful girl she was, for An do
ing her fathers will sho did it knowins
that thire was more than a light reason
for the moment only In his direction. He
told her plainly Of other plans arranged
for her; plans which sacrificed all OF her
own future 10 that Of the parent whom she
worshipod. Politics was at the bottom.
This was before the historic contest in Con-
gress with Jefferson for the Presidency.
Aaron Burr needed friends, close and infiu.
entail Through the gift Of a daughters
hand he would win what strategy might
otherwise take from him. He would mar
~ her 10 a connection OF n powerful polit-
ical family OF the State, and Influences
Nt Albany hitherto lacking might bo do.
pended upon. There was willingness with
the lover, more willingness than p,rcep.
ton. sighting word was spoken OF
John Vanderlyn-''paupor" was tho Phrase
the courting lover used. He used IL but
once. The blood OF Aaron Burr mounted
20 tho cheek Of the daughter, and with an
air that was bitter as bitter might
be abe dismissed him. A scene be.
tween father aud daughter, n storm with
All the RAINING pyrotechnics that the
Burr split could muster quickly. A
Lieutenant Of the discarded lovers family
showed speedy resentment OF TIE slight.
Evon had the spirited girl relented it had
been too late. Cooling love had given way
to warfare. Aaron Burr smiled another OF
bis biting smiles and from uphraiding came
10 hattery for the honest part she PLAYED
But no word would be hear OF vanderIyu
asa suitor. The painter still working
hard, not yet recognized, had heard from
his swestheart's pen the story OF fathers
Interference, and the motive for it; and he
had heard, too, that above all things os
earth she treasured the penniless painter,
love There was a sharp letter that cam,
from Paris 20 Burr. but the cool-hcaded
politician essayed no answer. The next
letter John Vandarlyn had from the Burr
household was brief and free from any
ardor; 10 was but a formal announcement o,
the bothrothal OF Theodosia Burr to ths
brilliant young Southorner, Aston. Te
secure her father Carollnian influences
she welded. He was an honorable man
this husband 30 whom she gave her
hand; perhaps ere the sea rioteJ
and swallowed her, she learned 10 love
him. He was worthy Of her affection. Ts
him there was no knowledge that q wife
came In barter and by sale; he never sus.
pectcd that 70 vas for votes 70 aggrandiEs
Aaron Burr that Aaron Burr's daughtei