Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. II.djvu/44

24 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS after the ex-president s death. Shepard s biog raphy is written with adequate learning and in philosophical spirit, which may also be said of a brief and appreciative biography that appeared from the practised pen of the venerable historian of the United States, in his ninetieth year, entitled "Martin Van Buren to the End of his Public Career, by George Bancroft" (New York, 1889). His wife, HANNAH, born in Kinderhook, N. Y., in 1782; died in Albany, N. Y., February 5, 1819, was of Dutch descent, and her maiden name was Hoes. She was educated in the schools of her native village, and was the classmate of Mr. Van Buren, whom she married in 1807. She was de voted to her domestic cares and duties, and took little interest in social affairs, but was greatly be loved by the poor. When Mrs. Van Buren learned that she could live but a few days, she expressed a desire that her funeral be conducted with the utmost simplicity, and the money that would other wise have been devoted to mourning emblems be given to the poor and needy. Their son, ABRAHAM, soldier, born in Kinder- hook, N. Y., November 27, 1807; died in New York city, March 15, 1873, was graduated at the U. S. military academy in 1827, and attached to the 2d infantry as 2d lieutenant. He served for