JAMES S. BUCHANAN. Of the many countries represented in America, none have bequeathed to the New World a better or more intelligent class than has "bonnie Scotland." She has given us the noblest and best blood of a nation eminent in the history of the world as patriots, citizens and statesmen. James Buchanan, grandfather of subject, was born in Scotland, and in early manhood came to America, settling on a farm in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., where he died many years ago. He and his wife were members of the Seceder Church. Thomas Buchanan, father of our subject, was born in 1800, in Chartiers township, this county, and in 1824 was united in marriage with Jane Smiley, who was born in 1804, in Cross Creek township, this county. After their marriage the young people settled on the farm now owned by their son James S., and followed farming and wool growing. He was extensively engaged in raising sheep, making a large profit from the business. In politics he opposed slavery, voted the Democratic ticket, and served the county as supervisor of the poor. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan were formerly members of the Seceder (now U. P.) Church at Hickory, afterward uniting with the North Buffalo U. P. Church. He died May 7, 1871, followed by his widow in March, 1885. They were the parents of the following children: Nancy Jane (deceased in 1883), Mary Ann (who married Rev. Samuel Alexander, of Abilene, Kans., and died in 1862), Sarah Martha (who married Rev. Josiah Alexander, of Belmont, Ohio, and died in 1854 while visiting her parents), Hester (Mrs. Robert Flanigan. of Mt. Pleasant township), Elizabeth E. (wife of J. D. Smith, in Lawrence county, Penn.), Rebecca Margaret (deceased in 1854), James S. (our subject), Harriet (deceased in 1853), Maria Miller (Mrs. James Herriot, living in Lawrence, Kans.), Caroline (deceased in youth) and Ella S. (wife of William Smith, of Douglas county, Kans.). James S. Buchanan was born April 1, 1838, on the present home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, receiving his elementary education in the district schools. He then took a course at Duff's Commercial College, graduating with the class of '58. After leaving school he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. In 1878 he was one of the first to introduce Holstein cattle into Washington county, since which time he has made a specialty of raising that breed, also the Dorset horned and Merino sheep. (H. S. Buchanan, the son, in company with J. B. Henderson, imported the first lot of Dorset horned sheep into Washington county, and it is believed the first importation ever made of sheep direct to said county). In 1861 Mr. Buchanan was united in marriage with Martha L. Mc-Carrel. Her grandfather, Lodowyck McCarrel, was born in Ireland about the close of the last century, came to Washington county and married Martha Leman. They settled in Mt. Pleasant township, and reared a family. Andrew McCarrel, father of Mrs. Buchanan, was born in Mt. Pleasant township, and in early life was married to Elizabeth, daughter of William Wilson, pastor of the U. P. Church at Clinton, Penn. After their marriage they settled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, where Mr. McCarrel died December 29,1883, having been preceded by his wife in July, 1874. They were members of the U. P. Church at Hickory, afterward uniting with the Chartiers Cross Roads Church. James S. Buchanan and his wife began wedded life on the home farm, where they have continued to remain. Three children have been born to their union, viz.: Beulah W. (wife of Dr. C. L. Campbell, Hickory), Herbert S. (married in 1889 to Lena, daughter of J. B. Lyle, of Mt. Pleasant township) and Lulu F. married November 30, 1892, to J. B. Henderson, of Washington, Penn.). Mr. Buchanan's farm contains 400 acres of well-cultivated land. In politics he is a Democrat, and is much interested in the recent organization of farmers for mutual protection and co-operation. He is now serving his twenty-second year as justice of the peace, having entered on his fifth term of five years each. He was a strong candidate for the State Legislature in 1886, and has taken an active interest in securing railroads in the community. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan are members of the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect. Squire Buchanan was the first man to take an interest in the leasing of land in his part of the county for oil and gas, and was one of the first to call a meeting of the citizens of Mt. Pleasant township; he took an active part in the leasing of 10,000 acres, spending one winter. The first gas well was found on a farm adjoining Mr. Buchanan's, and this led to drilling for gas in Washington county, resulting in oil. Mr. Buchanan has settled many estates, and in many instances acted as administrator. His home is about nine miles from Washington borough, and about two and a half miles from Hickory.

Text taken from page 532 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed August 1997 by Jean Suplick Matuson of Plano, TX as part of the Beers Project. Published August 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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