In 1800, he became vice president under Thomas Jefferson. It wasn’t until the end of his term that his relationship with Alexander Hamilton came to a head. In July 1804, Burr and Hamilton agreed to a duel (which was illegal), which resulted in Hamilton’s death. This was the first and only time a U.S. vice president has killed someone while still holding office, states U.S. History. After Hamilton’s death, Burr’s political career never recovered because, well, it isn’t everyday you have a vice president killing people in the street.

Aaron Burr’s questionable reputation did him no favors. In 1803, he met Martin Van Buren, and the two became acquaintances who worked on some legal cases together, according to Mental Floss. The time that they worked together sparked rumors that Van Buren was Burr’s illegitimate son. They had a similar build, had an obsession with their appearance (especially their sideburns), and were wily politicians, per History News Network. Apparently this was enough evidence to throw the issue of Van Buren’s paternity into question.

While Burr’s reputation with the ladies was legendary, and they were far enough apart in age that it could be plausible, there is no actual evidence that supports this claim. It’s unclear what inspired this absurd rumor, though it could have something to do with their political careers. This particular falsehood followed Van Buren all the way to the White House, where he served as eighth president of the United States.