-
Birth
Aaron Burr Jr. was born to Esther Edwards Burr and Aaron Burr Sr. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, into a long line of English gentry who were very active in politics. Burr Sr. was a wealthy Presbyterian minister, and the president of the College of New Jersey. -
Period: to
Death of Parents
Burr Jr.'s parents died within a year of each other. Aaron Burr senior died on September 24, 1757 when Burr Jr. was only one year old, and Esther Burr died on April 7, 1758 when Burr Jr. was two years old. After their parents died, Burr Jr. and his sister moved in with their wealthy maternal uncle -
Period: to
College and Graduation
At age 13, Burr enrolled in the College of New Jersey, and graduated summa cum laude three years later. He was a member of the Cliosophic Society, and for his Commencement Oration chose the topic 'On Castle Building'. (exact month and days unknown) -
Becoming Major
After graduating, Burr attending Litchfield Law School in Connecticut. However, his studies were put on hold by the Revolutionary War. Burr joined Benedict Arnold's men in their journey to Quebec, but quickly climbed to the rank of Major, and was appointed to serve under George Washington in New York. -
Marriage and Child
In 1782, Burr married a widow named Theodosia Prevost. In 1783, they would have a daughter of the same name. Burr was said to have loved his daughter very much, and made sure she was very educated. Burr disapproved of the way women were taught, and took every opportunity to let Theodosia use her intelligence. -
Attorney Gen. of New York
Burr was put off commission in 1779, and returned to his studies right after. In 1782, he became a licensed attorney. Burr moved to Albany, New York after opening a successful private practice, where he spent the next six years practicing law. In 1789, he was appointed attorney general of New York. -
U.S. Senate
In 1791, Burr beat General Philip Schuyler, Alexander Hamilton's father-in-law, for a seat in the U.S. Senate. This marked the beginning of a rivalry between Burr and Hamilton. After six years in the Senate, Burr lost the re-election to Schuyler. Salty about his loss, Burr blamed Hamilton for ruining his reputation and turning voters against him. -
The Election of 1800
In around 1799, Burr began to help form the Democratic party of New York, a political powerhouse that could ensure the election of a democratic president. Running against Thomas Jefferson, the two men tied in electoral votes, but Burr ended up as the Vice President. Once again, Burr blamed Hamilton for his shortcomings. -
The Duel
Early in the morning of July 11, 1804, Burr and Hamilton met at Weehawken to end their rivalry, once and for all. Both supposedly shot, but Hamilton was fatally wounded. Burr still stayed in his position in Jefferson's administration. -
Suspected Treason
In 1807, Burr was charged with treason in a conspiracy regarding capitalization on a possible war with Spain. He eventually was acquitted after a trial. He sailed to England in 1808 hoping to gain support for a revolution in Mexico. -
Married and then Not Married Again
In 1833, Burr married again, this time to the widow of Stephen Jumel. When she realized her fortune was dwindling because of speculation about Burr, she divorced him after only four months. On the month of their first anniversary, the divorce was finalized on September 14, 1836, the day Burr died.
