Martin Van Buren

About

Eighth president of the United States and the first president not of British or Scots-Irish ancestry, as well as the first to be born a U.S. citizen.

Before Fame

He spoke English as a second language, with Dutch being his first.

Trivia

He presided over an economically difficult time in the nation's history, which was known as the Panic of 1837. Because of this, his political enemies nicknamed him Martin Van Ruin.

Family Life

He married his childhood sweetheart and first cousin once removed, Hannah Hoes, in February 1807.

Associated With

He was defeated in his bid for re-election by William Henry Harrison.