The Daily Register
Hudson, Columbia County, New York
Friday, July 3, 1868

DEATH OF MAJOR LAWRENCE VAN BUREN

Major Lawrence Van Buren brother of the late Ex-President Martin Van Buren, expired at his residence at Kinderhook, suddenly last evening, aged eighty-five years. As the surviving member of the family of the same generation as the distinguished Statesman to whom he was so closely allied, his decease is worthy of more than a passing notice.

But aside from any such consideration, the deceased, identified as he was with the distinguished men of the past generation, who are fast passing away, possessed remarkable qualities and traits of character which ranked him among the strong and vigorous minded men of his day. Although overshadowed by the splendid talents and transcendent abilities of his eminent brother, few men have filled higher positions or commanded more universal respect and confidence from his friends and fellow citizens.

Major Van Buren was for many years Supervisor of his native town, discharging the duties with a fidelity which commanded tho confidence and respect oi his neighbors and townsmen and on numerous occasions was President of the Board of Supervisors of the County. For almost an unlimited period, and under administrations of adverse politics, with the exception of a very brief interval, he filled the office of Postmaster of his native village, up to the very time of his death. In 1852 he was one of the electors for president and Vice President, and at different periods during his life he occupied other civil offices, with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public.

Major Van Buren was a true patriot, and an ardent lover of his country. In the war of 1812 he took up arms in defense of the country and derived his military title from services then rendered, He was a man of sound good sense and of excellent judgment, and had a perfect comprehension of public affairs in which he always took an active interest, being strongly attached to the principles of the Democratic party with which he was identified for his whole life. Possessed of strict and unbending integrity, and scrupulously honest in all his dealings, he has passed through a long and useful life, without a spot or blemish upon his reputation and fair fame. Educated in a school which regarded honesty of purpose and integrity in private and public life as of inestimable value, and as an indispensable element of success and of character, evidenced by a lifelong example, his appreciation of those high qualities, and has left behind him a name which all who properly estimate such excellent traits of character, will delight to honor and point at with truest pride.

He was a man of warm sympathies, strongly attached to his friends full of the "milk of human kindness," and felt deeply and heartily for the woes and sorrows of others. He was amiable and kind, devoted and faithful in all the relations of life. He enjoyed a great degree of popularity among his neighbors and fellow citizens, and possessed the high spirit of a man when occasion demanded its exercise.

No one ever suspected him of ingratitude or want of appreciation of the rights and feelings of others. In private and public intercourse he always manifested that kindness of heart and sincerity of manner which so eminently characterized the Ex-President, and which made both him an the deceased the charm and the delight of the
social circle.

Bearing a striking resemblance to the Ex-President, and having much of his manner and many of his traits of character as a gentleman of the old school, he will be missed by those who were accustomed to meet him and to enjoy the pleasure of his society. To his immediate family, to whom he was strongly devoted, his loss will be irreparable.

The funeral of Major Van Buren will take place from his residence in tho village of Kinderhook on Sunday afternoon next, at 3 o'clock, and his remains will be deposited in the same cemetery where reposes the body of the Sage of Lindenwald.