Born: December 5, 1782, in Kinderhook, New York... Martin Van Buren allied himself with President Andrew Jackson, who in turn rewarded Van Buren with cabinet positions and the vice presidency.

Ranger Zach has since become an expert on the man nicknamed "Old Kinderhook ... Widmer wrote a biography of Martin Van Buren: "I was attracted to the idea of trying to make an obscure president ...

Martin Van Buren entered the White House on the coattails of his illustrious predecessor, Andrew Jackson, making him the second vice president to succeed his immediate forerunner. Challenges: Three ...