Robert H. Buchanan

Robert H. Buchanan was born Dec. 8th, 1807, in Augusta county, Virginia; died in the same county, February 15th, 1875, aged 67 years, 2 months and 7 days.  Not often is it permitted to mortals to live so long, to wander so far and yet to breathe their last almost upon the spot that gave them birth.  Like a child, wearied by a long journey of over sixty-seven years, he returns to his mother, lays his head upon her lap and rests in peace. 

Over forty years ago Mr. Buchanan left his native State and came to Monroe county, where he has ever since resided, with the exception of an absence of about one year during the war.  Nearly all the time above named he was a resident of the town of Florida, and was always regarded as one of the most public spirited and enterprising of its citizens.  About the year 1855 he was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary A. Sumner. His life was happy and prosperous.  Surrounded by an interesting family and a competency of this world's goods, the 'Village Blacksmith' was at length enabled to lay aside the hammer and become a partner in the well known firm of Quarles & Buchanan.

At the breaking out of the war, Mr. Buchanan's feelings were strongly in favor of the South, and at one time if it had not been for the earnest pleading of his little daughter with a Federal officer, he would have been one of the victims of the war.  The close of the war left him, like many others, stripped of property to a great extent, by the freeing of his slaves, of which he had many; and with old age coming on, strength impaired, a form no longer erect, he returned to his shop and again took up his hammer so long laid aside, and thus continued to labor when health and strength permitted.

Nominated by his friends in the Democratic convention for the office of Assessor, he canvassed the county and was elected by the people last November.  About a week after the election, Mr. Buchanan went to visit his relatives in Virginia, where he was soon taken sick and confined to his bed nearly all the time, until Monday morning, Feb. 15th, when, without a struggle, he passed away.  It will be a satisfaction to his many friends to know that he was well cared for during his long sickness - an affectionate wife and child were with him, and many others to whom he was near and dear.

In his intercourse with others, Mr. Buchanan was generous to a fault.  Too confiding in the integrity of others, he was often imposed upon to his own injury, and it was difficult to convince him of the dishonesty of those in whom he trusted.  Thus, one by one the old citizens of Monroe are passing away in quick succession. February, 1875!

How short the month, yet its records of death contain the names of Buchanan, Barker and Ragsdale - three of Monroe's oldest and best citizens.