Abraham Van Buren

Abraham Van Buren was born on February 17, 1737, in Albany, New York. He was the son of Marten Pieterse Van Buren (1701–1766) and Dirckje (Van Alstyne) Van Buren (1710–1798). He was the fifth of nine children in his family. Van Buren was a descendant of Cornelis Maessen, who was from Buurmalsen, Netherlands, and immigrated to North America in 1631.

Van Buren owned a farm in Kinderhook, New York, where he also operated a tavern and inn. His property included several enslaved people. The tavern was located on the main route between New York City and Albany, making it a significant stopping point for stagecoach travelers and a venue for local gatherings, political meetings, and as a polling location. Most residents of Kinderhook at the time were descendants of Dutch colonists from New Netherland, and Dutch was the primary language spoken in the community.

During the American Revolutionary War, Abraham Van Buren served as a captain in the Albany County Militia's 7th Regiment, aligning with the Patriot cause. After the war, he became involved in local politics as an Anti-Federalist and a Jeffersonian. He was a founding member of the Democratic-Republican Party. In 1787, Van Buren was elected as Kinderhook's town clerk, a position he held until 1797, succeeded by his stepson James I. Van Alen.

Details regarding Van Buren’s education are not documented. However, historical accounts from 1914 noted his neat penmanship and the clarity of the town records he prepared.

In 1776, Abraham Van Buren married Maria Hoes (or Goes) Van Alen (1747–1818), who was the widow of Johannes Van Alen. From his wife’s first marriage, Van Buren became the stepfather of Marytje (Maria) Van Alen, James I. Van Alen, and John I. Van Alen. His own children included Dirckie "Derike" Van Buren (1777–1865), who married Barent Hoes; Jannetje "Hannah" or "Jane" Van Buren (1780–1838), who never married; Martin Van Buren (1782–1862), who became the eighth president of the United States; Lawrence (or Laurence) Van Buren (1786–1868), a store owner and militia officer; and Abraham Van Buren (1788–1836), an attorney and county surrogate.

Abraham Van Buren died in Kinderhook on April 8, 1817, and was buried at the Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery. His family erected a marker with a detailed epitaph describing him as a man of kindness and virtue, emphasizing his mild temper, benevolence, and trust in divine grace.

Martin Van Buren rarely spoke or wrote extensively about his father. One of his few remarks characterized Abraham Van Buren as an amiable man without enemies and noted his lack of talent for accumulating wealth.