Burr, Aaron was a brilliant lawyer, a hero of the Revolutionary War, and vice-president of the United States. He was also one of the greatest failures in American history. His career was marred by poor judgement, uncontrolled ambition, and wasted opportunities. Most Americans remember Burr only as the man who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel.
Aaron Burr was born in Newark, New Jersey. on February 6, 1756. His father was president of Princeton University in the days when it was called the College of New Jersey.
Burr was ready to enter college when he was 11 years old. But he had to wait until he was 13 before Princeton would admit him. He was graduated with honors when he was 16. Later, he studied law. Burr was a handsome young man with dark, flashing eyes. He had a ready smile and made friends easily.
Revolutionary Soldier
At the outbreak of the Revolution, the 19-year-old Burr joined the Continental Army. He served as an officer in the ill-fated American march on Quebec in 1775. When General Richard Montgomery led an attack on the Quebec fortress, Aaron Burr was at his side. The Americans were defeated, and Montgomery was killed. Burr was the last man to leave the battlefield. He tried, unsuccessfully, to carry the body of his fallen commander through the knee-deep snow under a hail of British bullets.
Later, Burr served as a staff officer with George Washington. Once, by disobeying orders, he saved an entire army brigade from capture by the British. But poor health cut short a military career, and Burr resigned from the army in 1779.
Marriage and a Law Career
In 1782 Burr married Mrs. Theodosia Prevost, the widow of a British officer. She was 10 years older than Aaron Burr. They had one child, a girl, named Theodosia after her mother. Burr carefully educated his daughter since he believed girls should be as well educated as boys. His wife adored him, and he in turn was a model husband and father. Although Burr's ambitions made him ruthless in public affairs, he was a man with a warm heart who loved and helped young people throughout his long life. Burr's wife lived only 12 years after their marriage, but she was a steadying influence on her husband, whom Washington once called impetuous and reckless.
For 20 years Burr was a leading figure in the legal, social, and political life of New York. He served in the United States Senate and in the New York State Assembly. In his early years in New York, Burr had become friendly with another prominent young lawyer, Alexander Hamilton. But political rivalry soon turned the two men into bitter enemies.
Vice-President And Tragedy
In the presidential election of 1800, Burr and Thomas Jefferson both received the same number of votes. So the election was decided by the House of Representatives. After 36 ballots Jefferson was elected president, and Burr became vice-president.
Aaron Burr was born in Newark, New Jersey. on February 6, 1756. His father was president of Princeton University in the days when it was called the College of New Jersey.
Burr was ready to enter college when he was 11 years old. But he had to wait until he was 13 before Princeton would admit him. He was graduated with honors when he was 16. Later, he studied law. Burr was a handsome young man with dark, flashing eyes. He had a ready smile and made friends easily.
Revolutionary Soldier
At the outbreak of the Revolution, the 19-year-old Burr joined the Continental Army. He served as an officer in the ill-fated American march on Quebec in 1775. When General Richard Montgomery led an attack on the Quebec fortress, Aaron Burr was at his side. The Americans were defeated, and Montgomery was killed. Burr was the last man to leave the battlefield. He tried, unsuccessfully, to carry the body of his fallen commander through the knee-deep snow under a hail of British bullets.
Later, Burr served as a staff officer with George Washington. Once, by disobeying orders, he saved an entire army brigade from capture by the British. But poor health cut short a military career, and Burr resigned from the army in 1779.
Marriage and a Law Career
In 1782 Burr married Mrs. Theodosia Prevost, the widow of a British officer. She was 10 years older than Aaron Burr. They had one child, a girl, named Theodosia after her mother. Burr carefully educated his daughter since he believed girls should be as well educated as boys. His wife adored him, and he in turn was a model husband and father. Although Burr's ambitions made him ruthless in public affairs, he was a man with a warm heart who loved and helped young people throughout his long life. Burr's wife lived only 12 years after their marriage, but she was a steadying influence on her husband, whom Washington once called impetuous and reckless.
For 20 years Burr was a leading figure in the legal, social, and political life of New York. He served in the United States Senate and in the New York State Assembly. In his early years in New York, Burr had become friendly with another prominent young lawyer, Alexander Hamilton. But political rivalry soon turned the two men into bitter enemies.
Vice-President And Tragedy
In the presidential election of 1800, Burr and Thomas Jefferson both received the same number of votes. So the election was decided by the House of Representatives. After 36 ballots Jefferson was elected president, and Burr became vice-president.
