Mr. Buchanan is of Pennsylvania birth and antecedents, belonging to a family of whom further fact may be learned by perusal of the sketch of his father, Alexander Buchanan, which is included in this ALBUM. He was born near Congruity, Westmoreland County, March 9, 1856, his father at that time being a merchant in the town where our subject remained until nine years old. He then went to Murrysville with his parents, living there about five years. He attended the common schools and finally entered the Turtle Creek Academy, afterward the Laird Institute, pursuing his studies there one term before removing from the State. His boyish games were frequently enjoyed over the ground now occupied by the Murrysville gas wells.

In 1867 the family came to Illinois, traveling by rail to Farmington and locating on a farm in this county. There our subject bore a part in farm work during the summers, spending the winters in school until he was seventeen years old, when he entered the High School of Farmington, studying there six months. The following winter he engaged in teaching in Timber Township, but one term was sufficient, and determining that pedagogical labor was not his forte, he returned to his father’s farm. From that time until the spring of 1881 he stayed there, helping to pay for the place and develop its resources to the fullest extent.

An important step in the life of Mr. Buchanan was taken September 1, 1880, when he became the husband of Miss Elizabeth J. Shofe, their marriage rites taking place in Peoria. The bride was born on Delevan Prairie, Tazewell County, November 7, 1856, has spent her time in that and Peoria Counties, much of the time in Pekin and Peoria, having the advantage of the excellent common schools until twelve years old when she began to make her own way. She learned the trade of a dressmaker in Pekin and worked at it in that place until the confinement proved injurious and she was recommended to undertake the more healthful occupation of housekeeping. She is refined in manner, displays a decided taste for the beautiful in nature and art, and is as highly esteemed for her virtues as any lady in the neighborhood.

In 1881 Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan located on their present estate, where they now have so attractive a home. The husband is busied with general farming, his principal crop being corn, and feeds much of the produce to hogs, of which he raises full-blooded Short-horn cattle, draft horses and roadsters of excellent quality. The equines are of Fairy Grit and graded Clydesdale stock. The dwelling is brightened by the presence of two interesting children: Harry D. and Russell S.

Mrs. Buchanan belongs to the Presbyterian Church, which her husband attends and supports. He is a Republican, stanch and true. He has served as School Director and in other ways assisted in the better civilization and material advancement of this section. His intellect is naturally keen, his manners pleasing, and his character is such as to win respect. No man takes greater interest in the public welfare than he, and none enjoy more of the friendship of those who know them. At one time he was the candidate for Township Clerk on the ticket of the party that is in the minority here, yet he came within fifteen votes of securing the election.

The father of Mrs. Buchanan was born in the Buckeye State and learned the trade of a cooper, following it there for a number of years. In the ‘40s he came to Illinois, first locating in Tazewell County, then coming to Peoria County, and working at his trade in Pekin and Peoria alternately. He now owns a home in the county seat, which has been his chief residence for years. For a time he was engaged in farming in Timber Township. He was a soldier throughout the Mexican War, and in 1861 enlisted in Company G, Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, serving three years in the Union army. He had the rank of Sergeant, participating with the regiment in various battles until taken sick, after which he was placed in the Invalid Corps at St. Louis as an officer. He belongs to the Society of Mexican War Veterans, to the Republican party, and to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The mother of Mrs. Buchanan was Lucinda Staples, a daughter of Josiah Staples, and Indiana farmer, that State having been her birthplace. Her father made an early settlement in Washington, Tazewell County, this State, finally dying there. Mrs. Lucinda Shofe died in Timber Township, this county, in 1865, and her husband afterward married Rohema Robbins. Mrs. Buchanan is one of four children. Her elder brother, John, left Peoria in 1886 and has not since been heard from; Josiah S. lives in Trivoli Township; Mrs. Mary E. Cole lives in Peoria.

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