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Aaron Burr Facts

Aaron Burr Facts
Aaron Burr was an American politician who served from 1801 to 1805 as Vice President of the United States under President Thomas Jefferson. He was born Aaron Burr Jr. on February 6, 1756, in Newark, New Jersey, to Reverend Aaron Burr Sr., and Esther Edwards Burr. His father was a Presbyterian minister and his mother was the daughter of Jonathon Edwards - a notable theologian. He had one older sister. Aaron's father died when he was one and his mother when he was two, leaving the two children orphaned. They went to live with their uncle Timothy Edwards and moved to New Jersey a year later. Aaron was admitted to Princeton at the age of 13 and received his Bachelor of Arts degree at the age of 16.
Interesting Aaron Burr Facts:
At Princeton Aaron Burr joined the Cliosophic Society and American Whig Society.
After receiving his bachelor's degree at Princeton Aaron Burr studied theology for an additional year at the school. He continued to follow theological training for two more years but at 19 changed his path and studied law in Connecticut.
In 1775 Aaron Burr put his law studies on hold to enlist in the Continental Army because of clashes in Lexington and Concord with the British.
Aaron Burr took part in the 300 mile expedition to Quebec led by Colonel Benedict Arnold, during the American Revolutionary War.
Benedict Arnold was impressed by Aaron Burr and sent him to escort General Richard Montgomery to Quebec. He then promoted Aaron to an aide-de-camp and captain.
During the Battle of Quebec Aaron Burr made a name for himself when he attempted to recover General Richard Montgomery's body after he had been shot.
Aaron Burr married Theodosia Bartow Prevost in 1782. She was a widow, and ten years older than him and had five children. Her first husband had been a British Army officer.
Aaron Burr's wife Theodosia died in 1794 of stomach cancer.
Aaron and Theodosia had a daughter also named Theodosia. She was the only one of their children together to live to adulthood.
Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson were both on the presidential ticket in the election in 1800. They tied for the presidency and the House of Representatives had to make the final choice.
Thomas Jefferson became the President of the United States and Aaron Burr became the Vice President, but Jefferson didn't trust Burr and shut him out of most matters of their party.
Aaron Burr ran for Governor of New York in 1804 but lost.
On July 11th, 1804, Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton met in Weehawken, New Jersey to duel as it was outlawed and punishable by death in New York.
Aaron Burr fatally shot Alexander Hamilton during the duel. Aaron was subsequently charged with murder but fled to California. He was never tired for the death of Hamilton.
Aaron Burr was charged with treason for a land deal and plans he made to secure his land if war broke out. In 1807 he went to court for the charge for the fourth or fifth time, but was acquitted once again.
Aaron Burr died in New York in 1833 at the age of 80.


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