John Van Buren- Politician and Abolitionist A knees up standing view CDV of Can Buren, also known as "Prince John," was known for his eloquence and his opposition to the expansion of slavery. Van Buren was the son of Martin Van Buren. He struggled with excessive drinking and gambling, which sometimes left him in financial distress. He died at sea in 1866 while returning from a trip to Europe, reportedly from kidney failure. Back marked Charles D. Fredricks & Co., New York.