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Part Taken by Women in American History


in-law, Angelica Singleton Van Buren, presided over the White House. Mrs. Van Buren, Jr., came from Sumter District, South Carolina. She was educated at Madame Grelaud's Seminary, Philadelphia. In November, 1838, she was married to Major Abram Van Buren, President Van Buren's eldest son, a graduate of West Point, and long an officer of the United States Army. Mrs. Van Buren was a lady of rare accomplishments and graceful manners, and very vivacious in conversation, and was, consequently, very popular in the White House. At the end of President Van Buren's administration Major and Mrs. Van Buren visited Europe. Her uncle, Mr. Stevenson, was then Minister to England, and she and her husband were the recipients of much attention, as London was unusually gay on account of the recent coronation of Queen Victoria. Returning, they resided throughout his retirement with ex-President Van Buren at Lindenwald, and subsequently removed to New York City, where Mrs. Van Buren remained for the rest of her life. Pier home was the resort of people of refinement and education. She was most unselfish and self-denying in the distribution of her wealth and influence for the benefit of others. She died December 29, 1878.

ANNA SYMMES HARRISON.

Anna Symmes Harrison, wife of William Henry Harrison, ninth President of the United States, was born the 25th of July, 1775, at Morristown, New Jersey, her mother dying soon after her birth. She was given into the care of her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Tuthill, at Southhold, Long Island, at the age of four years. The British were then in possession of- Long Island and, notwithstanding her tender years, she realized the danger of the journey. Her father, Hon. John Cleves Symmes, a colonel in the Continental Army, assumed