Woman of the Century/Angelica Singleton Van Buren

VAN BUREN, Mrs. Angelica Singleton, daughter-in-law of Martin Van Buren, the eighth President of the United States, and mistress of the White House during his term of office, was born in Sumter District, S. C., in 1820, and died in New York, N. Y., 29th December, 1878. She was the daughter of Richard Singleton, a planter, and a cousin to President Madison's wife. Her grandfather Singleton and her great-grandfather, General Richardson, Served in the Revolutionary War. Miss Singleton received a literal education, and finished her school course with several years of training in Madame Greland's seminary in Philadelphia, Pa. In 1837 she spent the winter season in Washington, D. C. There she was presented to President Van Buren by her cousin, Mrs. Madison. In November, 1838, she became the wife of the President's son. Major Abraham Van Buren, and on New Year's Day. 1839, she made her appearance as mistress of the White House. President Van Buren was a widower, and his brilliant and beautiful daughter-in-law rendered him no small service in presiding over the White House during his eventful term of office. In the spring of 1839 Mrs. Van Buren and her husband visited Europe, where they were pleasantly received, especially in England. She showed great tact in her management of social affairs in the President's home. After leaving the White House, she and her husband made their home with the ex- President on his beautiful "Lindenwald " estate. In 1848 they settled in New York City, where she spent the remainder of her life. She was a devoted mother to her children, two of whom died in infancy. During her last years the family spent the winters in South Carolina, on a plantation inherited by Mrs. Van Buren. Her life was singularly pure and sweet, and in her last years she did much charitable work.