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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Be sure to check-out Dr. Robb Haberman's fascinating book edited from the writings of Revolutionary War veteran, Sgt. James Selkirk!

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

PMVB editor Dr. Andrew Wiley has a new book which will be available through all major retailers on May 4, 2027. Be sure to pre-order your copy now!

Picture of Dr. Wiley’s book called Conserving a Democracy for White Men: Race and Economics in Indiana During
the Civil War and Reconstruction. Available at all major retailers on May 4, 2027. Description of book: This book brings recent scholarship on northern conservatives and the Midwest together to examine Indiana politics before, during, and after the Civil War to explain the behavior of critical voters that helped determine when the Civil War began and when Reconstruction ended. Photo of Dr. Wiley standing next to a plane. Picture is from the ankles up, he is wearing light jeans, a suit jacket, sun glasses, and has his hands clasped in front of him.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Please welcome Dr. Laura Smith! Dr. Smith is the new assistant editor here at the PMVB headquarters. We are all very excited and lucky to have her on our team!

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Cheathem, Mark. “Martin Van Buren: Domestic Affairs.” Miller Center of Public Affairs, 23 Jan. 2026, millercenter.org/president/vanburen/domestic-affairs.

millercenter.org

Martin Van Buren: Domestic Affairs | Miller Center

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

He then formally nominated McKinley on September 18, and the Senate confirmed him on September 25. McKinley "kept a low profile on the court, serving as a voice supporting states' rights." He served on the Supreme Court until his death in 1852. 👇

Portrait of John McKinley. Plain background of brown, blue, and black. McKinley is in a dark jacket with gold buttons, a golden vest, and a white cravat.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

In April 1837, President Martin Van Buren used a recess appointment to place former U.S. senator John McKinley of Alabama on the vacant seat for the Eighth Circuit. 👇

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

In 1837, Congress expanded the Supreme Court to enable greater representation for recently added states. This act added two associate judges to fill two new circuit courts, which oversaw Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. 👇

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

To learn more about how Martin Van Buren used the 50th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution to reflect on its adoption, as well as to define his presidency, check out the lesson plan that Iowa high school teacher Jeff Firsching recently developed. vanburenpapers.org/lesson-plans...

vanburenpapers.org

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Martin Van Buren spent the 1st part of his 1838 annual message discussing the development of the U.S. during its first 50 years under the Constitution. He declared that the Constitution "has proved amply sufficient for the various emergencies incident to our condition as a nation." #ConstitutionDay

The constitution devised by our forefathers as the frame work and bond of that system, then untried, has become a settled form of government; not only preserving and protecting the great principles upon which it was founded, but wonderfully promoting individual happiness and private interests. Though subject to change and entire revocation, whenever deemed inadequate to all these purposes, yet such is the wisdom of its construction, and so stable has been the public sentiment, that it remains unaltered, except in matters of detail, comparatively unimportant. It has proved amply sufficient for the various emergencies incident to our condition as a nation. A formidable foreign war; agitating collisions between domestic and, in some respects, rival sovereignties; temptations to interfere in the intestine commotions of neighboring countries; the dangerous influences that arise in periods of excessive prosperity; and the anti-republican tendencies of associated wealth—these, with other trials not less formidable, have all been encountered, and thus far successfully resisted.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Please give a warm welcome to our new Research Editor, Dr. Robb Haberman! We are super excited to have Dr. Haberman on our team.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Don't forget about the Cynthia Van Buren lecture tonight at 7! Dr. Max Matherne will be presenting this evening. We'd love to have you there in person, but will also have a recorded video up for those who aren't able to make it!

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Dr. Max Matherne will be delivering the Cynthia Van Buren Lecture on Monday, Sept. 14, at 7:00 P.M. at Cumberland University's Alumni Hall. The title of his lecture is "Vox Populism: Presidential Appointments and the Jacksonian Theory of Power.”

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

On September 6, 1857, Eliza Eckford Van Buren was born to Smith and Henrietta Van Buren in Kinderhook, New York. Eliza moved to Europe for health reasons in 1902 and spent the majority of her time in the Italian Riviera. Attached is one of Eliza's passport applications from 1921.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Read more about Hooper and the saying here: vanburenpapers.org/it-easier-do...

vanburenpapers.org

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

It actually came from Van Buren Hooper Sr. (1897-1963), a Milwaukee sales manager and publisher, who often wrote under the pseudonym of "Martin Vanbee."

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

The quote “It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t” is often mistakenly attributed to Martin Van Buren.

Early appearance of misattributed quote in newspaper

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

You may be wondering why our project is highlighting Gibbs's death. He was Martin Van Buren's great-great-grandson.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

In his obituary of Gibbs, E.B. White (of Charlotte's Web fame) wrote, "Wolcott Gibbs was too high-strung to live at peace with the world; he exhausted himself fighting rear-guard actions in private, inescapable wars of the mind and spirit. He was a tortured man."👇

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Yesterday, in 1958, notable New York writer, editor, theater critic, and humorist Wolcott Gibbs died at the age of fifty-six. 👇

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Exciting things are coming up for our project! Stay tuned!

Bearded Irish man in a three-piece suit on camera viewfinder, with his image blurred in the background.

Bearded man in suit and tie on camera viewfinder, with camera equipment blurred in the background.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Exciting things are coming up for our project! Stay tuned!

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

In 1961, school children in Kinderhook discovered that Van Buren's grave had been poorly maintained for almost a century. With the help of the local community, the Reformed Church, and donors, Van Buren's grave was restored and made worthy of a president's final repose.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Despite these absent presidents, Van Buren's funeral was well attended. Attached is an article from The New York Evening Post from July 29, 1862 which gives great detail into the last days of Van Buren, as well as other newspaper articles announcing the death of the President. 👇

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Martin Van Buren's funeral, held in his hometown of Kinderhook, New York, took place on this date in 1862. A local newspaper regretted the absence of the former presidents Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, and James Buchanan, "men who have retired from active life, and 'have nothing to do.'" 👇

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Having spent his life in public service, Van Buren had spent his twilight years at home, surrounded by family and enjoying the quiet aspects of rural life. He is buried in the Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

On this date in 1862, Martin Van Buren died at his home, Lindenwald, in Kinderhook, New York. His death was not unexpected, as newspapers reported that the 79-year-old had been suffering from a "lingering illness." (con't below)

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Don't forget--next Wed., July 15, is the deadline to submit a proposal for next April's symposium! See the attached flyer or visit our website for more information. vanburenpapers.org/martin-van-b...

On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Papers of Martin Van Buren wants to reflect on Van Buren’s influence on the United States.
We invite paper proposals that address, either directly or indirectly, Van Buren in relation to the following themes: slavery, Indian removal, diplomacy, gender relations, political leadership, political partisanship, political culture, and democracy. Proposal abstracts should be 300-500 words and should clearly outline the ways in which Martin Van Buren will be connected to one of the symposium’s themes. The deadline for proposals is July 15, 2026. Accepted papers will be considered for an edited collection published by the University of Tennessee Press. Proposals should be submitted to vanburenpapers@cumberland.edu.
The symposium will be held Thursday, April 8, through Saturday, April 10, 2027, on the campus of Cumberland University, located thirty miles east of Nashville, Tennessee. Presenters will be provided with travel funds and an honorarium. Funding for the symposium is provided by Cumberland University and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
For more information, contact Mark Cheathem, project director, at mcheathem@cumberland.edu.
https://vanburenpapers.org/martin-van-buren-and-250th-anniversary-united-states-symposium-april-8-10-2027

Photo of Gerry Leonard, the keynote speaker

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

The June 2026 newsletter for the Papers of Martin Van Buren is out! In it you will find project updates, incl. news abt. next April's symposium! Visit our website or contact us if you want to be added to the subscription list. The newsletter comes out in June & December. mailchi.mp/0b03cd0bd353...

mailchi.mp

The Papers of Martin Van Buren: June 2026 Newsletter

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Attached is a newspaper article quoting Van Buren's speech and Article II of the Second New York Constitution. New York State Archives, New York (State). Secretary of State. Second constitution of the State of New York, 1821. Series A1804-78.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

The following year, Van Buren and other delegates at the 1821 New York constitutional convention voted to remove property restrictions for white voters while increasing those restrictions for black voters.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Prior to the 1820s, only male property owners had the right to vote in New York. When Martin Van Buren gave his toast at the meeting of the Albany Republicans on July 4, 1820, he was supporting the proposal to eliminate property requirements for the vote.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

The beginning of the American Experiment led to the expansion of suffrage as citizens came to terms with living under elected officials instead of a monarchy. Voting rights varied from state to state. (con’t)

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

A reminder that New York weddings between two crazy kids in love is not just a 21st-century phenomenon. #ItWasALoveStory

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

A reminder that New York weddings between two crazy kids in love is not just a 21st-century phenomenon. #ItWasALoveStory

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

The article, from Kinderhook NY Rough Notes, went on to state that "The Major...though somewhat surprised by the compliment, acknowledged the honor conferred in a neat little speech." He is buried in the Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

At an 1861 Bohemian Glass Blowers' demonstration, the 75-year-old Lawrence "was awarded a bird of paradise enclosed in a glass globe by a committee of young ladies [for] being the handsomest man present."

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Lawrence had served in the War of 1812 and held numerous local offices over the course of his long life, including that of Kinderhook postmaster from 1845 until his death.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

…They were a noticeable pair: they looked much alike with their whitened hair, fresh complexion and clear-cut features, they were sure to attract the eye and arouse one's admiration and respect."

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

According to the husband of Van Buren's granddaughter, the two brothers had shared "an intimacy of uncommon depth. Scarcely a day passed without them meeting and spending some time together…

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

On this day in 1868, Martin Van Buren's brother, Lawrence, died in Kinderhook. He and his older brother had been very close throughout their lives. (con’t reading below)

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Mark R. Cheathem @markcheathem.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

The June 2026 newsletter for @vanburenpapers.bsky.social is out! In it you will find project updates, incl. news about next April's symposium! Visit our website or contact us if you want to be added to the subscription list. The newsletter comes out in June and December. mailchi.mp/0b03cd0bd353...

mailchi.mp

The Papers of Martin Van Buren: June 2026 Newsletter

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

On this day in 1841, John Van Buren married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth Vanderpoel. Attached is their wedding announcement from the NYC Marriage & Death Notices 1836-1842 at the New York Society Library.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

devoted much of his time to similar occupations in anticipation of my wants and wishes." Van Buren's notes were ultimately published as his Autobiography in 1920.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Here is a comment from MVB on Martin Jr.'s notes "a complete analysis of the Political History of New York by Judge Hammond, made for me by my much beloved and lamented son Martin, who had, as I find from his papers, with the affectionate forethought that characterized him…

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Unfortunately, no cure was to be found for Martin Jr., who died in Paris in 1855. Van Buren never finished his memoirs, but he continued to show appreciation for his late son's contributions to both his memoirs and his history of political parties.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Martin Van Buren and his son, Martin Van Buren Jr., embarked for Europe in 1853, hoping to find some relief for the younger Martin's tuberculosis. While staying in Italy, they began to work on Martin Sr.'s memoirs.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Martin Van Buren became a father in 1807 when his wife, Hannah, gave birth to their first son, Abraham. He would go on to become a father four more times, with his sons Abraham, John, Martin Jr., and Smith living to adulthood. We wish all the dads out there a Happy Father's Day!

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Featured above are photographs of both Ellen and Smith, as well as their wedding announcement found in the "NYC Marriage & Death Notices 1836-1842" from The New York Society Library.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

On this date in 1842, Martin Van Buren's son Smith Thompson Van Buren married Ellen King James. Ellen was aunt to three famous Americans: the psychologist William James, the writer Alice James, and the author Henry James Jr.

Portrait printed on paper of Elle King James (first wife of Smith Thompson Van Buren)

Scrapbook of newspaper clippings of wedding and death announcements 1836-1842 from the archives of The New York Society Library.

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