Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-04-22
HOME OF THE VAN BURENs.
How the Ex-President Spent His Last
Days on Earth.
From the Nelo York World.

Days on Earth.
From the Nelo York World.
UNDERTOOK, n. Y, April 1S.-The
writer, having been a resident of this viii
lage for 40 years, had many opportunities
of seeing ex-President Martin Van Buren,
and observing his inner life after his re-
turn from Washington to the secluded re-
treat known as "Lindenwald," situate
| two miles east of this place, although he
was reticent and secretive. The farmers
/ in the vicinity OF his residence enjoyed
| many chats with their distinguished
neighb0r, but they were not enlightened
as to his political views, his conversation
always turning on other general subjects.
| The grave of the eX President is situate in
a cemetery "A little north of the village Of
Undertook. the background of which
consists of large native forest trees. A
PLAIN granite shaft surmounts it, and the
Inscription contains in addition to the
date of his birth, death, the words
Eighth President Of the United States"
No Enclosure surrounds it, and in close
proximity are the graves of many de-
scendants from old Holland families.
Mr.. Van Buren, was faithful attendant
Of the Reformed Church Of this village,
although he was not member, and his
religious views were unknown. lie was
in the habit of entering the church a
short time after the audience had become
seated, and his appearance naturally eX-
cited attention as he marched with digni-
fed tread up the aisle to a large box pew
near the pulpit. Distinguished
guests frequently accompanied him to
church, and the gaze of the rural cOngre-
cation was often estranged from the min
lister to look upon the features Of Henry
Clay, Thomas II. Benton, Preston King,
William l.. Marcy, Silas Wright. eX-GOv.
TrOup, and scores of other distinguished
men who have passed away. Mr.. Van
Buren, was in the habit of riding daily on
horseback, and for number of years
after yacatng the Presidential chair rode
a beautiful thoroughbred bay horse, which
was presented to him by John Randolph
of Roanoke. The humblest person re-
ceived recognition from him as he rode
by, and his hat was often lifted as a sa.
lutte. After the liberation of slaves in
this State many of them continued their
residence in this place, and Massa Van
Buren, was regarded as their true friend,
and they halted with uncovered heads as
he passed by, always receiving from him
due recognition OF the same.
Mr. Van Buren, never paid an indebted =
ness until a bill was presented, and then
responded promptly with a check on a
bank, which was torn irregularly from q
stub. This was done in order that he
could detect a forgery by simply match
ing the check with the stub.
one hot day While riding along, after
lifting his hat to a friend, a cabbage leaf
dropped from it. 81 have a right to wear
that" said he, abiding to the report that
cahbages were extensively grown on his
farm, whereas there were no more cult
waited by him than by others.
w hpnpVpr g1hgpriDtiOp yVng no
raised in the village for any purpose the
committee always got the eX-Presidents
| signature first, although the amount sub
scribed was generally small, but no one
presumed to contribute more than the
President, and hence the wealthy but
penurious took shelter behind the dis
tinguished contributors signature. What
ever "Matty" gave, as he was Familiarity
called, was considered the maximum sum.
The eX-President was much censured
at one time for having signed a petition
and written a letter to the Governor OF
the State asking for the Communication of
| the sentence of Henry Tanner from exc
cutiOn to imprisonment for life, as he was
| an OLD man. IL was a Wife-murder of a
| most aggravated character, and having
| been committed in this village excited
| much interest. There is no doubt that
| the influence of Mr.. Van Buren, affected
!
| tiOn il may be stated as the only ease on
/ record where the murderer was permitted
| TO attend the funeral of his victim, which
was held in church. OF course he was
/ IN the custody OF an officer.
When Mr.. Van Buren, held the office of
/ President Of the United States the ques-
/ tion of nepOtsm did not receive the at
/ tertiOn which it excited during the terms
| of Gen. Grant, and the appointment OF
! his brother Lawrence as Postmaster al
/ Undertook was regarded as a natural
sequence of the power granted. After
the retirement OF the President his influ.
ence was used to retain his brother in the
post office, and the applicants for the pO-
sition We're worsted in every effort &c
GUST him. During the time that Mont
gomery Blair held the position Of
Postmaster General the inlu
ence of Mr.. Van Buren, wa:
/ used through Francis p. Blair TO retain
his brother in Office, and it WAS not unit
! eX-GOV. Dennison was appointed his sue
cessor that the Republicans could effect
removal. After Andrew johnson became
President, the brother Lawrence crawl
tated to his old position and held it unit
his death. DR.. John p. Beekman, ply
stefan of much prominence and a residcn
Of the village OF Undertook, was FIRE
Quently visited by Mr. Van Buren,, and i
/ IS supposed tndt ne alone was cOgnlHan
Of the views of the former on the eXcitin!
political questions of the day.
The eX-President was known to be pc
nurious and would haggle over the COS
in small dealings. He had occasion {,
send telegram TO Gen. Scott, who theI
resided in New \ 0rk, declining an invita-
ton TO dinner, and was quite veXed at th,
rate, 60 and !, which would be considered
rather steep for 100 miles nowadays.
A minister Of the Gospel INDUCED in ;
horse trade with Mr.. Van Buren,, and NJ
doubt thought 1t pardonable sin to &c
the best OF "A dicker with one who had
reputation for 50 much craft and shrewd
ness. lie succeeded in getting the best o
the trade with the eX-President, who wa
indignant, and no doubt would hay,
sought redress by law had il not been fo
the standing held by both parties.
IlTTGN TtT.ACt. NEATVrrpG