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Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1945.005.001
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
School Masters Desk. Turned legs, slantied hinged desk top, panel in center of interior, three drawers, three open pigeon holes, pigeon holes are topped by two small drawers on either side.
Provenance
Howland, Elizabeth
To Buchanan, James
To Un-named Domestic Maid
To Un-named Domestic Maid's Aunt
To Mrs. Gardner
To John Keller
To Roy D. Weaver
To Dr. J.H. Esbenshade
To James Buchanan Foundation
LancasterHistory
Year Range From
1800
Year Range To
1830
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Library
Storage Wall
West Wall
People
Buchanan, James
Subcategory
Furniture
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Desk
Material
Maple
Height (in)
33
Width (in)
37.5
Depth (in)
22.25
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2023-06-02
Object ID
W.1945.005.001
Notes
James Buchanan was the second owner of this desk; he gifted the desk to a domestic servant (name unknown) who was the third of eight owners not counting the museum.
Accession Number
W.1945.005
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1995.037.001
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Federal style desk with a slant top. Top of desk is leather. Shelves on two sides, four drawers.
Provenance
Eaby , Mrs. Carl R. (Emily C. Eaby)
In memory of Carl Reese Eaby, Jr.' (donor's husband)
Year Range From
1800
Year Range To
1830
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Center Attic West Room
Storage Wall
West Wall
People
Buchanan, James
Subcategory
Furniture
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Desk, Slant-Top
Material
Leather, Cherry
Height (in)
36.563
Width (in)
59.375
Depth (in)
25.75
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-01-07
Object ID
W.1995.037.001
Notes
At the time of the donation (1973), Mrs. Eaby resided in Brewster, Mass. By 1988, she resided in Stewart, Florida.
Credit
Given in memory of Carl Reese Eaby, Jr.
Accession Number
W.1995.037
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1940.013.002
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Bookcase composed of two sections. Cabinet with glass doors at top and cabinet with wooden doors at bottom. Two glass doors have square mullions holding the panes. Doors give access to moveable shelves inside. Two doors at bottom of each have simple rectangular recessed panels.
Thomas Potter - 2nd owner of Wheatland
Sold to William Morris Meredith 3rd owner of Wheatland
Sold to James Buchanan 4th owner of Wheatland
Inherited by Harriet Lane Johnston 5th owner of Wheatland
Bequeathed to John Newton Lane, Harriet Lane Johnston's nephew
Bequeathed to Mrs. Patty Lane Fay daughter of John N. Lane
Provenance
Thomas Potter
To - William Morris Meredith
To - James Buchanan
To - Harriet Lane Johnston
To - John Newton Lane
To - Mrs. Patty Lane Fay
To - James Buchanan Foundation
Year Range From
1828
Year Range To
1849
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Library
Storage Wall
Southeast Wall
People
Buchanan, James
Fay, Patty Lane
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Lane, John Newton
Meredith, William Morris
Potter, Thomas
Subcategory
Furniture
Search Terms
Bookcases
Buchanan Collections
James Buchanan
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Bookcase
Material
Mahogany veneer/Glass
Height (in)
107
Width (in)
60
Depth (in)
43
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2003-12-19
Object ID
W.1940.013.002
Notes
Bookcases sold to Meredith in 1845 by Potter then Meredith sold them to James Buchanan in 1848. Letter dated 9/27/1848 to Buchanan from Meredith: 'In addition to the $6750 which you mention, I paid Mr. Potter for the bookcases in the library, I think $75.00.'
Accession Number
W.1940.013
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1940.014.001
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Bookcase composed of two sections. The upper cabinet has two hinged doors that latch at center. The shelving is adjustable and both doors feature 12 oblong-shaped glass panes and mullions. The lower cabinet has two hinged wood doors that latch and lock at the center; each door features a square recessed panel.
Provenance
Thomas Potter
To - William Morris Meredith
To - James Buchanan
To - Harriet Lane Johnston
To - John Newton Lane
To - James Buchanan Lane II
To - Thomasina Thomas Lane
To - James Buchanan Foundation
Thomas Potter - 2nd owner of Wheatland
Sold to - William Morris Meredith for $75
Sold to - James Buchanan for $75
Bequeathed to - Harriet Lane Johnston
Bequeathed to - John Newton Lane, Harriet's nephew
Bequeathed to - James Buchanan Lane II, John N. Lane's son
Bequeathed to - Thomasina Thomas Lane, James B. Lane II's spouse
Year Range From
1836
Year Range To
1845
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Library
Storage Wall
Northeast Wall
People
Potter, Thomas
Search Terms
Bookcases
Buchanan Collections
Furniture
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Bookcase
Material
Pine, Mahogany veneer, Glass
Height (cm)
271.78
Height (ft)
8.9166666667
Height (in)
107
Width (cm)
152.4
Width (ft)
5
Width (in)
60
Depth (cm)
109.22
Depth (ft)
3.5833333333
Depth (in)
43
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-04-20
Object ID
W.1940.014.001
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Accession Number
W.1940.014
Images
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Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 Papers of James Buchanan, Series 3 Campaign and Inaugural Materials
Object ID
JBFP Part 1 Series 3
  1 document  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 Papers of James Buchanan, Series 3 Campaign and Inaugural Materials
Description
The James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1, Series 3 contains documents and ephemera from Buchanan's Presidential campaign, inauguration, and inaugural ball. The items date between 1833 and 1869.
Subseries 1 includes ephemera from the 1856 Presidential campaign and Subseries 2 has ephemera from Buchanan's inauguration and inaugural balls. The materials from James Buchanan's Presidential campaign include portraits of the candidates of the election of 1856, various political cartoons, a Democratic ticket from Virginia with engravings featuring Buchanan, a booklet, the results from the 1856 election, a handout promoting the Democratic ticket, and a song written about the life of James Buchanan set to the Democratic tune of "Poor Old Horse let him die." The inauguration materials include multiple invitations to the Grand National Inauguration Ball, Harper's Weekly and Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper articles and illustrations of certain Inauguration scenes.
Admin/Biographical History
James Buchanan was born on April 23, 1791 to James Buchanan and Elizabeth Speer. He was the second child born out of ten children, and he would go on to outlive all but one of his siblings. Most popularly remembered as Pennsylvania's only President and as a lifelong bachelor, Buchanan committed a lifetime to politics. In 1821, he left his law practice and embarked on his political career after having been voted into the U.S. House of Representatives. He would remain in the House for five consecutive terms before serving as the U.S. Minister to Russia, a Senator in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Secretary of State, the U.S. Minister to Great Britain, and finally, the 15th President of the United States. He died in his bedchamber at Wheatland at 8:30 AM on June 1, 1868. He was 77 years old. [https://www.lancasterhistory.org/about-wheatland, accessed 10/24/2019]
System of Arrangement
JBFP Part 1 Series 3 Campaign and Inaugural Materials
Subseries 1 Presidential Campaign
Subseries 2 Inauguration/Ball
Year Range From
1833
Year Range To
1869
Creator
James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland (Lancaster, Pa.)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
People
Buchanan, James
Other Creators
James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland (Lancaster, Pa.)
Subjects
Balls (Parties)
Elections
Inauguration
Invitation cards
Political campaigns
Political cartoons
Presidential candidates
Presidents--Election
Ephemera
Search Terms
Buchanan Collections
Elections
Finding aids
Inaugurations
James Buchanan
Manuscript groups
Political campaigns
Political cartoons
Presidential candidates
Presidential elections
Balls (Parties)
Invitations
Ephemera
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 box, 33 folders, .5 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Cartoon
Ballot
Language
English
Object ID
JBFP Part 1 Series 3
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries, https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
James Buchanan Collection, MG0096
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available.
Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Description Level
Series
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Documents
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1936.001.001a-e
Date Range
1828
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Oval top empire-style table with side skirt. Skirt has beaded top and bottom. Table divides to accomodate four leaves. Four-sided reeded central pillar with two turned feet underneath and four c-scrolled supports. Solid base with four radial, long legs w
Provenance
Possibly William Jenkins
To - Thomas Potter
To - William Morris Meredith
To - James Buchanan
To - Harriet Lane Johnston
To - Mary A. Willson
To - Mary E. & George B. Willson
To - Mary Willson Rettew
To - The James Buchanan Foundation
Date Range
1828
Year Range From
1815
Year Range To
1830
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Dining Room
Storage Wall
Room Center
People
Jenkins, William
Buchanan, James
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Subcategory
Furniture
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Table, Extension Dining
Material
Pine/Mahogany
Height (in)
28.375
Length (in)
66
Width (in)
53.387
Dimension Details
leaves each 19.875
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-02-17
Condition Notes
Casters missing, some veneer missing.
Object ID
W.1936.001.001a-e
Notes
Undocumented stories claim that this table was ordered by William Jenkins in 1828, the year he had the Wheatland mansion built, and that it has conveyed to each subsequent owner with the deed. The table dates from the first quarter of the nineteenth century and might attributed to the Bachman cabinetmakers.
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Accession Number
W.1936.001
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1989.097.001
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Sideboard. Heavy, lion-paw feet at front. Free pillars at side with ionic capitals. Bottom 2/3 rounded at front sides with two drawers each side, top one shallower than other with keyhole surround and cut-glass knobs. Two central doors with central panel
Provenance
Buchanan, James
To - Johnston, Harriet Lane
To - Willson, George B.
To - Rettew, Mary Willson
To - Rohrbaugh, Mr. and Mrs. Paul E.
To - James Buchanan Foundation
LancasterHistory
Year Range From
1825
Year Range To
1835
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Parlor
Storage Wall
Southwest Wall
People
Buchanan, James
Subcategory
Furniture
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Sideboard
Material
Pine/Cherry/Crotch Mahogany/Tulip Poplar
Height (in)
51.25
Length (in)
57.5
Width (in)
23.25
Object ID
W.1989.097.001
Notes
Purchased by Frederick Wolf at public sale at Wheatland at time of James Buchanan's death (exact date unknown). Passed to step-grandchild, Mabel Bair, on his death. Purchased by Rorhbaughs in 1974 from estate of Mabel Bair.
Place of Origin
Pennsylvania
Credit
Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Rohrbaugh
Accession Number
W.1989.097
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1989.126.001
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
American Empire chair; back top rail is a wide concave veneer with gilded decoration surmounting downward sloping arm rests and an urn shaped vertical splat back. The arms are supported by curved uprights surmounting a plain curved apron with an upholstered slip seat. The front legs are flat and shaped in reverse ogee curves with front edges rounded. The rear legs are square and have a backward saber curve.
Provenance
Buchanan, James
To - Buchanan, Edward Young
To - Ewing, Alice C. Buchanan
To - Ewing, Alice B.
To - Niece, Marshall, Cornelia Lausdale Brooke (Mrs. Donnel)
Year Range From
1820
Year Range To
1840
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Sitting Room
Storage Wall
East Wall
People
Buchanan, James
Subcategory
Furniture
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Chair, Side
Material
Rosewood
Height (in)
32.25
Width (in)
18.75
Depth (in)
17.188
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-01-31
Object ID
W.1989.126.001
Notes
James Buchanan to Edward Y. Buchanan to Alice Cunningham Buchanan to Alice Buchanan Ewing, her daughter. Alice B. Ewing her niece, Mrs. Donnell Marshall / Cornelia Lausdale Brooke, daughter to Cornelia Lausdale Ewing and Robert E. Brooke.
Credit
Mrs. Donnell Marshall
Accession Number
W.1989.126
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1989.126.002
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
American Empire chair; back top rail is a wide concave veneer with gilded decoration surmounting downward sloping arm rests and an urn shaped vertical splat back. The arms are supported by curved uprights surmounting a plain curved apron with an upholstered slip seat. The front legs are flat and shaped in reverse ogee curves with front edges rounded. The rear legs are square and have a backward saber curve.
Provenance
Buchanan, James
To - Buchanan, Edward Young
To - Ewing, Alice C. Buchanan
To - Ewing, Alice B.
To - Niece, Marshall, Cornelia Lausdale Brooke (Mrs. Donnel)
Year Range From
1820
Year Range To
1840
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
North Broad Hall
Storage Wall
Southwest Wall
People
Buchanan, James
Subcategory
Furniture
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Chair, Side
Material
Rosewood
Height (in)
32.25
Width (in)
18.75
Depth (in)
17.188
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-01-31
Object ID
W.1989.126.002
Notes
James Buchanan to Edward Y. Buchanan to Alice Cunningham Buchanan to Alice Buchanan Ewing, her daughter. Alice B. Ewing her niece, Mrs. Donnell Marshall / Cornelia Lausdale Brooke, daughter to Cornelia Lausdale Ewing and Robert E. Brooke.
Credit
Mrs. Donnell Marshall
Accession Number
W.1989.126
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1989.126.003
Date Range
1820-1840
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
American Empire chair; the back top rail is a wide concave veneer with gilded decoration surmounting downward sloping arm rests and an urn shaped vertical splat back. The arms are supported by curved uprights surmounting a plain curved apron with an upholstered slip seat. The front legs are flat and shaped in reverse ogee curves with front edges rounded. The rear legs are square and have a backward saber curve.
Provenance
Buchanan, James
To - Buchanan, Edward Young
To - Ewing, Alice C. Buchanan
To - Ewing, Alice B.
To - Niece, Marshall, Cornelia Lausdale Brooke (Mrs. Donnel)
Date Range
1820-1840
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
North Broad Hall
Storage Wall
Southwest Wall
People
Buchanan, James
Subcategory
Furniture
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Chair, Side
Material
Rosewood
Height (in)
32.25
Width (in)
18.75
Depth (in)
17.188
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-01-31
Object ID
W.1989.126.003
Notes
James Buchanan to Edward Y. Buchanan to Alice Cunningham Buchanan to Alice Buchanan Ewing, her daughter. Alice B. Ewing her niece, Mrs. Donnell Marshall / Cornelia Lausdale Brooke, daughter to Cornelia Lausdale Ewing and Robert E. Brooke.
Credit
Mrs. Donnell Marshall
Accession Number
W.1989.126
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1989.344.001
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Mahogany sleigh bed. Sleigh-shaped bed with a headboard higher than footboard. Outcurved top rails. Cyma curved footboard. Headboard has side pieces with cyma curves. Low to ground. Side rails have curved top edge. Feet are rounded blocks that are caster
Provenance
Buchanan, James
to Johnston, Harriet Lane (niece)
to Kennedy, May (cousin)
to Taylor, Mrs. Edmund R. (Julia) (May's sister)
to Taylor, Mr. Edmund R. Taylor Jr. (Julia's grandson)
to James Buchanan Foundation
LancasterHistory
Year Range From
1820
Year Range To
1835
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
North Middle Bedchamber
Storage Wall
North Wall
People
Buchanan, James
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Subcategory
Furniture
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Bed, Sleigh
Material
Mahogany
Height (in)
44
Length (in)
83.75
Width (in)
46.438
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2022-06-21
Condition Notes
Walnut bed finish bleached by sun exposure, especially on back & headboard and footboard. Minor scratches on the wood througout.
Object ID
W.1989.344.001
Notes
Belonged to James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston. According to letter from donor's wife, 'there is no written authentication of its origin, but my husband received the bed from his grandmother, Mrs. E.R. Taylor of Charles Town, Jefferson County, W. V
Mr. and Mrs. Edmund R. Taylor, Jr. donated a set of 8 linen handtowels marked with Harriet Lane Johnston's monogram and a letter from Francis Scott Key to James Buchanan at the same time of the bed donation. A campaign card was also donated at this time.
The matching sleigh bed is currently (2022) owned by Evelyn Byrd Hutton (evelynbyrdhutton@gmail.com), a sister of Betsy Henry Lehman & daughter to Reginald Buchanan Henry, Jr.
Credit
Mr. and Mrs. Edmund R. Taylor, Jr.
Accession Number
W.1989.344
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
2013.008.021
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
One of a pair of Empire side chairs (with 2013.008.22) with yellow upholstered seat and cherry wood frame. Elements of entire frame are flat with rounded fronts. Back uprights have slight cyma curve, surmounted by a long, wide concave tablet. Tablet has low relief foliate carved ends while most of face is covered with a panel of mahogany veneer. Tablet extends beyond back uprights. Horizontal splat at center of back is pierced carved with a central rectangle flanked by half-moon carved shells, and is then supported by paired, loosely scrolled lyre-like "legs" that attach to chair posts. Trapezoid slip seat upholstered in an ivory cotton brocade. Front legs have a slight cyma curve.
Provenance
James Buchanan
to James Buchanan Henry
to James Buchanan Henry III
to Eleanor N. Henry (Mrs. James B Henry III)
to Children of James B. & Eleanor N. Henry
to LancasterHistory
Year Range From
1830
Year Range To
1850
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
North Broad Hall
Storage Wall
Northeast Wall
People
Buchanan, James
Henry, James Buchanan
Subcategory
Furniture
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Chair
Material
Wood, Fabric
Height (in)
33.5
Width (in)
21.5
Depth (in)
21.5
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2016-06-23
Condition Notes
Good finish with moderate wear.
Object ID
2013.008.021
Credit
Gift of the Family of Eleanor N. Henry (John D. McNeill Jr., Mary Catherine Henry West, James Buchanan Henry IV, and Elizabeth Henry Richardson)
Accession Number
2013.008
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
2013.008.022
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
One of a pair of Empire side chairs (with 2013.008.21) with yellow upholstered seat and cherry wood frame. Elements of entire frame are flat with rounded fronts. Back uprights have slight cyma curve, surmounted by a long, wide concave tablet. Tablet has low relief foliate carved ends while most of face is covered with a panel of mahogany veneer. Tablet extends beyond back uprights. Horizontal splat at center of back is pierced carved with a central rectangle flanked by half-moon carved shells, and is then supported by paired, loosely scrolled lyre-like "legs" that attach to chair posts. Trapezoid seat. Front legs have a slight cyma curve.
Provenance
James Buchanan
to James Buchanan Henry
to James Buchanan Henry III
to Eleanor N. Henry (Mrs. James B Henry III)
to Children of James B. & Eleanor N. Henry
to LancasterHistory
Year Range From
1830
Year Range To
1850
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
North Broad Hall
Storage Wall
Northeast Wall
People
Buchanan, James
Henry, James Buchanan
Subcategory
Furniture
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Chair, Side
Material
Wood
Height (in)
33.5
Width (in)
21.5
Depth (in)
21.5
Dimension Details
Note: Appraised value of $4000 is for the pair.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2016-06-23
Condition Notes
Right end of splat has two mending plates screwed to back.
Object ID
2013.008.022
Credit
Gift of the Family of Eleanor N. Henry (John D. McNeill Jr., Mary Catherine Henry West, James Buchanan Henry IV, and Elizabeth Henry Richardson)
Accession Number
2013.008
Images
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1, Papers of James Buchanan, Series 1 Correspondence
Object ID
JBFP_Part01_Series01
Date Range
1819-1868
  1 document  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1, Papers of James Buchanan, Series 1 Correspondence
Description
The James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1, Papers of James Buchanan, Series 1 Correspondence, Subseries 1 contains letters to James Buchanan and Subseries 2 contains letters from James Buchanan. Within these subseries, the letters are arranged chronologically, dating from 1819-1868.
This collection contains letters, both to and from James Buchanan. The letters from Buchanan range from the different periods of his life-as a private citizen and lawyer, senator, and ambassador to Russia and Britain; his Presidential term from 1857 to 1861; and his later years until his death in 1868. The earlier letters include details of his travels, political matters and the military, social engagements and responsibilities, his responsibilities as a political figure, and accounts of family chatter and gossip. He also discusses at length, in his letters to and about Harriet Lane, his opinions of whom she should marry, his opinions about her social encounters and interactions, her living situations, and her livelihood. Buchanan also often wrote about his Christian beliefs, especially during the later years of his life. Letters from his later years detail the day-to-day life at home in Wheatland, including some of his guests, his servants, and his illnesses as the end of his life neared.
The letters that are addressed to James Buchanan range in different topics, concerning military affairs, political and legal information, and family chatter. Other letters include details of Buchanan's financial matters that are in reference to loans, Buchanan's investments and purchases, deeds and bonds. There are also a number of thank-you letters and notes of recommendation.
Many of the letters are to his niece, Harriet Lane and nephew, James Buchanan Henry. Other correspondents are H. B. Swarr, Henry A. Muhlenberg, family members, Francis Scott Key, Riggs & Co., James L. Reynolds, and many political colleagues.
Admin/Biographical History
James Buchanan was born on April 23, 1791 to James Buchanan and Elizabeth Speer. He was the second child born out of ten children, and he would go on to outlive all but one of his siblings. Most popularly remembered as Pennsylvania's only President and as a lifelong bachelor, Buchanan committed a lifetime to politics. In 1821, he left his law practice and embarked on his political career after having been voted into the U.S. House of Representatives. He would remain in the House for five consecutive terms before serving as the U.S. Minister to Russia, a Senator in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Secretary of State, the U.S. Minister to Great Britain, and finally, the 15th President of the United States. He died in his bedchamber at Wheatland at 8:30 AM on June 1, 1868. He was 77 years old. [https://www.lancasterhistory.org/about-wheatland, accessed 10/24/2019]
System of Arrangement
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 Papers of James Buchanan is arranged into six series.
Series 1 Correspondence
Subseries 1 Letters from James Buchanan
Subseries 2 Letters to James Buchanan
Series 2 Financial and Legal Documents
Series 3 Campaign and Inaugural Materials
Series 4 Speeches and Writings
Series 5 Ephemera
Series 6 Miscellaneous Materials
Date Range
1819-1868
Creation Date
1819-1868
Year Range From
1819
Year Range To
1868
Creator
Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
People
Buchanan, Edward Young
Buchanan, James
Foltz, Jonathan Messersmith
Henry, James Buchanan
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Swarr, Hiram Behm
Other Creators
James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland (Lancaster, Pa.)
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
Search Terms
Buchanan Collections
Correspondence, Personal
Harriet Lane Johnston
James Buchanan
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Letters
Extent
4 boxes, 365 folders, 2 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English, French
Object ID
JBFP_Part01_Series01
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries, https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
James Buchanan Collection (MG0096) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo3760
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph Collection
Curatorial Collection
Wheatland Collection
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Part #, Series #, Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Description Level
Series
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009.
Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Documents
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Collection
Title
Letter of introduction from James Buchanan for Michael G. Dale
Object ID
MG0096 F077
Date Range
1838/03/28
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Collection
Title
Letter of introduction from James Buchanan for Michael G. Dale
Description
Letter of introduction from James Buchanan for Michael G. Dale, Esq. of Lancaster City. Buchanan explains that he has known Mr. Dale since he was a boy, and that his father, the Honorable Samuel Dale, is “of the highest respectability and worth.” Mr. Dale has proposed to find residence in the western states and has recently been admitted to the bar to practice law. 28 March 1838.
Date Range
1838/03/28
Creator
Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 03
Storage Container
Box 0002
People
Buchanan, James
Dale, Michael G.
Dale, Samuel
Subjects
Letters
Search Terms
Correspondence
Letters
Letters of introduction
James Buchanan
Buchanan Collections
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Parent Object ID
MG0096
Object ID
MG0096 F077
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections,
http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress,
https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Collection (MG0096) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo3760
James Buchanan Family Papers
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph Collection
Curatorial Collection
Wheatland Collection
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
Other Number
MG-0096, Folder 077
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Digitization of the James Buchanan Collection was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1998.001.004
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Sterling silver cake server inscribed with initials J.B. (James Buchanan) on the handle's front near the top.
Provenance
Buchanan, James
To Johnston, Harriet Lane
To Lane, John Newton (son of James B. Lane) To Fay, Patty Lane (Daughter of JB Lane)
To Sebrell, Patty Lane Fay (Daughter of PL Fay)
To James Buchanan Foundation
LancasterHistory.
Year Range From
1820
Year Range To
1840
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Second Floor Hall
Storage Wall
West Wall
Storage Cabinet
Linen Closet
Storage Shelf
Shelf 2
People
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Buchanan, James
Lane, John Newton
Sebrell, Patty Lane Fay
Search Terms
Buchanan Collections
Cake servers
Harriet Lane Johnston
James Buchanan
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Silver
Inscription Position
Handle front near top
Inscription Technique
Etched
Inscription Text
JB (James Buchanan)
Inscription Type
Inscription
Object Name
Server, Cake
Material
Sterling Silver
Makers Mark
Silver marks not yet identified. P. Clarke 10/15/21
Length (cm)
33.02
Length (ft)
1.0833333333
Length (in)
13
Condition
Excellent
Condition Date
2021-10-15
Object ID
W.1998.001.004
Credit
Sebrell Family
Accession Number
W.1998.001
Images
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 7 Jonathan Messersmith Foltz
Title
Letter to James Buchanan from J. M. Foltz
Object ID
JBFP 7.1.1.001
Date Range
1831/03/09
  2 documents     4 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 7 Jonathan Messersmith Foltz
Title
Letter to James Buchanan from J. M. Foltz
Description
Letter to James Buchanan from J. M. Foltz describing Foltz’s examination to qualify as a Naval Surgeon. Philadelphia.
Date Range
1831/03/09
Creator
Foltz, Jonathan Messersmith, 1810-1877
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Container
JBFP Part 7, Box 1
People
Foltz, Jonathan Messersmith
Buchanan, James
Subjects
United States. Navy--Surgeons
Letters
Search Terms
Correspondence
Letters
United States Navy Surgeons
James Buchanan
Buchanan Collections
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan, 8 x 10 in.
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Parent Object ID
JBFP Part 7 Series 1
Object ID
JBFP 7.1.1.001
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections,
http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress,
https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
MG-96 James Buchanan Collection
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
JBMS1995.717
Other Number
JBFP Part 7, Series 1, Subseries 1, Folder 1
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Collection
Title
Presidential appointment of Buchanan as Minister to Russia
Object ID
MG0096 F001 In02
Date Range
1832/04/26
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Collection
Title
Presidential appointment of Buchanan as Minister to Russia
Description
Presidential appointment of Buchanan as Minister to Russia. Signed by Andrew Jackson.
Date Range
1832/04/26
Creator
Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 03
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Buchanan, James
Jackson, Andrew
Subjects
Ambassadors
Appointment to office
Russia
Search Terms
James Buchanan
Buchanan Collections
Political appointments
Ambassadors
Russia
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan, 38.5 x 25 cm
Object Name
Record, Executive
Language
English
Parent Object ID
MG0096
Object ID
MG0096 F001 In02
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections,
http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress,
https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Collection (MG0096) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo3760
James Buchanan Family Papers
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph Collection
Curatorial Collection
Wheatland Collection
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
Other Number
MG-0096, Folder 001, Insert 02
Classification
MG0096
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Digitization of the James Buchanan Collection was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Collection
Title
Letter from Henry Buehler to James Buchanan
Object ID
MG0096 F001 In03
Date Range
1833/06/20
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Collection
Title
Letter from Henry Buehler to James Buchanan
Description
Letter from Henry Buehler to James Buchanan (9th U.S. Minister to Russia) in St. Petersburg, Russia. Buehler writes his opinion on Europe. Harrisburg, PA.
Date Range
1833/06/20
Creator
Buehler, Henry
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 03
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Buehler, Henry
Buchanan, James
Subjects
Letters
Ambassadors
Russia
Search Terms
Correspondence
Letters
James Buchanan
Buchanan Collections
Ambassadors
Russia
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan, 25 x 20 cm
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Parent Object ID
MG0096
Object ID
MG0096 F001 In03
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections,
http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress,
https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Collection (MG0096) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo3760
James Buchanan Family Papers
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph Collection
Curatorial Collection
Wheatland Collection
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
Other Number
MG-0096, Folder 001, Insert 03
Classification
MG0096
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Digitization of the James Buchanan Collection was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Collection
Title
Letter of certification declaring James Buchanan a Senator from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Object ID
MG0096 F002 It01
Date Range
1836/12/14
  1 document     4 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Collection
Title
Letter of certification declaring James Buchanan a Senator from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Description
A letter of certification declaring James Buchanan a Senator from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Date Range
1836/12/14
Creator
Pennsylvania. General Assembly. Senate
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 03
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Buchanan, James
Subjects
Legislators--United States
United States. Congress. Senate
Search Terms
James Buchanan
Buchanan Collections
Senators, United States
Legislators, United States
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan, 25 x 20 cm
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Parent Object ID
MG0096
Object ID
MG0096 F002 It01
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections,
http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress,
https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Collection (MG0096) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo3760
James Buchanan Family Papers
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph Collection
Curatorial Collection
Wheatland Collection
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
Other Number
MG-0096, Folder 002, Item 01
Classification
MG0096
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Digitization of the James Buchanan Collection was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Images
Documents
Less detail

20 records – page 1 of 1.