Angelica Singleton Van Buren

Angelica Singleton Van Buren (1817-1877), daughter of prominent South Carolina planter Richard Singleton and his wife, Rebecca Travis Coles Singleton, was born in Sumter.

She was educated at Madame Grelaud’s Seminary in Philadelphia where she learned grammar, languages, deportment, history and music. After she completed her studies she lived with relatives in Washington, D.C. A cousin, Dolly Madison, widow of President James Madison, introduced her to Washington society. In 1838 she met, and later that year married, Abraham (Abram) Van Buren, eldest son of President Martin Van Buren.

Between 1839 and 1841 Van Buren served as White House hostess for her father-in-law, who was widowed.