Angelica Singleton Van Buren

Who was Angelica Singleton Van Buren?

Sarah Angelica Singleton Van Buren, née Singleton, was the daughter-in-law of the 8th United States President Martin Van Buren. She was married to the President's son, Abraham Van Buren. She assumed the post of First Lady because the president's wife, Hannah Van Buren had died 17 years earlier and he remained unwed throughout the rest of his life. She is the youngest woman ever to hold the title of First Lady.

Sarah Angelica Singleton was born in Wedgefield, South Carolina, the daughter of Richard Singleton and his wife, Rebecca Travis Coles. She was a cousin of William C. Preston and of Dolley Madison.

Raised in high society, Angelica brought an air of sophistication to her role as first lady. She married Abraham Van Buren on November 27, 1838, in Wedgefield, and the following New Year's Day, she assumed the duties of hostess at the White House. In the spring of 1839, the couple took an extended trip through England and other European countries. When they returned that autumn, she resumed the duties of White House hostess for the rest of her father-in-law's presidency.