JOHN F. BUCHANAN is a worthy representative of one of the leading pioneer families of Buffalo township. His ancestors were of Irish birth, and his grandfather, John Buchanan, was married in Ireland to a Miss Foster, a native of the same country. The young couple remained in their native land several years, and then, in company with several others, embarked for America in a small sailing vessel. They had a long and tedious voyage of sixteen weeks, and finally landing in New York, remained a short time in eastern Pennsylvania, afterward moving to Washington county, same State. They made a permanent settlement as farmers in Chartiers township, and died there, leaving a family of children. Mr. Buchanan was an active member of the Seceder Church in Buffalo township for many years. He was a member of the Democratic party. He and his wife were buried in the cemetery at North Buffalo. Thomas Buchanan (father of subject) was born and reared in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., there receiving his early education. He was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of James Simley, of Cross Creek township, this county, who bore him the following children: James S., John F., Alexander and Samuel. Mr. Buchanan was a farmer, and passed his early married life in Peters township, this county, afterward purchasing a farm in Buffalo township, where he remained some years, finally settling in Cross Creek township. In early life he evinced an unusual strength of character, and ever exerted a beneficial influence upon the moral and religious sentiment of the community. Mr. Buchanan was also a warm friend of education, and served on the school board many years. He died July 16, 1869, and was followed by his wife in June, 1875. John F. Buchanan was born October 2, 1829, and passed his earlier years at home. He then learned the trade of a miller, which he has since followed, for a number of years operating a mill in Cross Creek township, and now owning one in Taylorstown, same county. He is known in the community as a man who never loses an opportunity of doing a good deed, and never allows it to be known. Mr. Buchanan has never married. In political life he is a Democrat.

Text taken from page 1174 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Julie Jolly of Knob Noster, MO as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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