Summaries of three cases argued by Buchanan and ultimately decided by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvana
Description
Summaries of three cases argued by Buchanan and ultimately decided by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvana:
1. Commonwealth v. Hambright in which a freed Black man named Tom was imprisoned in Pennsylvania until Tom agreed to go to New Jersey by Isaac Law, to whom he was indentured until age 28. Mr. Hopkins, representing Tom, argued that he could not be imprisoned by his master after age 21. Mr. Buchanan represented the master and argued that the master could take Tom to New Jersey. The Surpreme Court ruled in Tom’s favor.
2. Eckart v. Wilson (represented by Slaymaker and Hopkins), a case claiming slander. The defendant accused the plaintiff (represented by Frazer and Buchanan) of poisoning Bob Waters, even though Waters was alive in Western Pennsylvania. The Court of Common Pleas ruled in favor of the plaintiff since Waters was alive. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the defendant and awarded a venire facias de novo.
3. Rohrer (represented by Buchanan and Rogers) v. Stehman (represented by Frazer and Hoplins), a case involving the will of Stehman, who dictated a will to John Hubley, a scrivener. After the will was dictated and written down Hubley read it back and Stehman approved. The case hung on the fact that the memorandum taken at the time was read to Stehman, but the formal will was not. The plaintiff argued that the will was invalid. The lower court ruled for the plaintiff and the Supreme Court agreed.
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 transcription 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
JBMS1995.451abc
Other Number
JBFP Part 1, Series 2, Subseries 3, Folder 13
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.
Appraisements of real estate for inheritance tax. Some personal property appraisals are also included. Appraisals include: name of decedent; location and description of real estate; description of personal property; valuation of real estate and personal property; and assessed tax. May also include names of heirs. Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name. Handwritten; from 1886, handwritten on printed forms.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name.
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners. In the case of "poor children," teachers were reimbursed by the county for tuition and/or the supplies purchased for students whose parents were unable to pay. Orders include: Poor Children, Almshouse, Bridges, Coroners Inquests, Prisons, Roads, Court House, and Tax Exonerations.
System of Arrangement
The record group is organized chronologically, then arranged by order number within each year.
Oval picture in rectangular frame with velvet backing. Buchanan facing almost front, dark suite, white tie. Back of frame 'Daguerreotype presented to President Buchanan by J. Henry Brown-1851'
Metal plate, brass colored on reverse, tarnished silver on front corners cut on diagonal. Two 1/16-inch holes, 1/4" from side edges. Between these holes, engraved in 1/4-inch high block shadowed letters, all capitals: "Buchanan"
Nameplate had been placed on pew at First Presbyterian Church. (L. Flick 3/12/1991)
Provenance
James Buchanan- Dr. Samuel Welchen [friend of JB's]- Miss Frances Welchen- Foundation
Commemorative plate. Large round plate, painted black top and bottom, deep foot. c. 1' rim with raised scene at center. Circa 15th or 16th Century German (?) scene with central male figure standing on dais with raised left arm, two fingers pointed; surro
James Buchanan's inaugural address speech printed on silk. Rectangular white silk with cobalt blue printing. Border c. 1' wide of morning glory vines. Heading: 'The Inaugural Address March 4, 1857. President Buchanan.' A round medallion and pictue medal
Deed to Wheatland on parchment. Indenture for purchase of Wheatland by James Buchanan from William Meredith and Catherine Meredith. Dated December 2, 1848 with seal of William Meredith and of Catherine Meredith. Not signed by James Buchanan. Some fold marks and stain
Conservation proposal by Lancaster Galleries (Fine Art, Custom Framing, Restoration) June and July 2001. Quote to suface clean, mount, glaze to prevent fading, and seal.
