Skip header and navigation

Revise Search

10 records – page 1 of 1.

Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers
Object ID
JBFP
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers
Description
The James Buchanan Family Papers collection is organized into eight parts: Part 1 Papers of James Buchanan, Part 2 Papers of Harriet Lane Johnston, Part 3 Papers of James Buchanan Henry, Part 4 Papers of Edward Young Buchanan, Part 5 Papers of Other members of the Buchanan Family, Part 6 Papers of Hiram B. Swarr, Part 7 Papers of Jonathan Messersmith Foltz, and Part 8 Papers of Others (Not Part of the Family). The papers are arranged by category within each part.
The correspondence is both professional and personal. The letters provide information about family and social events, business and military affairs, social and political history, health and illnesses, religious beliefs, education, friendships, domestic staff, and Wheatland. Political letters specifically highlight the Democratic Party in the United States in the early to mid-nineteenth century, as well as foreign policy and politics while Buchanan was the ambassador to Russia and England. Personal letters share family, local, regional, and international news between family members and friends.
Financial and legal documents include business papers, property records, estate papers, plans for James Buchanan's tomb, and investments. James Buchanan's 1856 presidential campaign and 1857 inauguration are captured in campaign ephemera, political cartoons, Democratic tickets, invitations to the inaugural ball, newspaper articles, and a political song. Other items in the collection include speeches, ephemera, genealogy, diplomas and certificates, account books, scrapbooks, newspaper articles, invitations, programs, pastoral records, and poetry.
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
The James Buchanan Family Papers collection is arranged in eight parts:
Part 1 James Buchanan
Part 2 Harriet Lane Johnston
Part 3 James Buchanan Henry
Part 4 Edward Young Buchanan
Part 5 Other members of the Buchanan Family
Part 6 Hiram B. Swarr
Part 7 Jonathan Messersmith Foltz
Part 8 Papers of Others (Not Part of the Family)
Creator
Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 18
People
Buchanan, James
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Henry, James Buchanan
Swarr, Hiram Behm
Buchanan, Edward Young
Foltz, Jonathan Messersmith
Other Creators
James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland (Lancaster, Pa.)
Search Terms
James Buchanan
Harriet Lane Johnston
Buchanan Collections
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
20 cubic ft.
Object Name
Fonds
Language
English, French, German, Spanish, Swedish, Latin, Italian
Object ID
JBFP
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
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
Fonds
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.
Less detail

Sidelights on an early political campaign

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo994
Author
Hensel, W. U.
Date of Publication
1914
Call Number
974.9 L245 v.18
  1 website  
Responsibility
by W. U. Hensel, Esq.
Author
Hensel, W. U.
Place of Publication
Lancaster, Pa
Publisher
Lancaster County Historical Society,
Date of Publication
1914
Physical Description
90-95 p. ; 23 cm.
Series
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society ; v. 18, no. 4
Summary
This article features letters from James Buchanan to Henry A. Muhlenberg and letters from Simon Cameron to Muhlenberg indicating their support for him in the upcoming election for governor of Pennsylvania in 1844. Muhlenberg was nominated by the Democratic party for that position, but he died prior to the election.
Subjects
Muhlenberg, Henry Augustus Philip, - 1782-1844.
Buchanan, James, - 1791-1868 - Correspondence.
Cameron, Simon, - 1799-1889 - Correspondence.
Electioneering - Pennsylvania
Location
Lancaster History Library - Journal
Call Number
974.9 L245 v.18
Websites
Less detail
Author
Diffenderffer, Frank Ried,
Date of Publication
1905
Buchanan letters / by F. R. Diffenderffer, Litt.D. Primary Material: Book Subject(s): Buchanan, James, 1791-1868 --Correspondence. Caldwell, James A. Barton, George W., 1807-1851. Lancaster County (Pa.)--Biography. Publisher: Lancaster, Pa. : Lancaster County Historical Society, 1904/1905 Description: [37
  1 document  
Responsibility
by F. R. Diffenderffer, Litt.D.
Author
Diffenderffer, Frank Ried,
Place of Publication
Lancaster, Pa
Publisher
Lancaster County Historical Society,
Date of Publication
1905
Physical Description
[37]-42 p. ; 23 cm.
Series
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society ; v. 9, no. 2
Subjects
Buchanan, James, - 1791-1868 - Correspondence.
Caldwell, James A.
Barton, George W., - 1807-1851.
Lancaster County (Pa.) - Biography.
Contained In
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society. Volume 9, number 2 (1905), p. 37-42Lancaster History Library - Journal974.9 L245 v.9
Documents

vol9no2pp37_42_166279.pdf

Read PDF Download PDF
Less detail

An early letter by Thaddeus Stevens

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo910
Author
Hensel, W. U.
Date of Publication
1906
the way, like many small to wns in New England, had a famous academy, which figures largely in its several copious histories, and the town library has a bust os Stevens to com- memorate his many gifts to it. It remains to notice the persons to whom in this letter he sends his re- gards—"Your brother
  1 document  
Responsibility
by Hon. W. U. Hensel.
Author
Hensel, W. U.
Place of Publication
Lancaster, Pa
Publisher
Lancaster County Historical Society,
Date of Publication
1906
Physical Description
396-401 p. ; 23 cm.
Series
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society ; v. 10, no. 10
Subjects
Stevens, Thaddeus, - 1792-1868 - Correspondence.
Merrill, James, - 1790-1841.
Merrill, Samuel.
Contained In
Lancaster History Library - Journal974.9 L245 v.10
Documents

vol10no10pp396_401_164345.pdf

Read PDF Download PDF
Less detail

Dear Catharine, dear Taylor : the Civil War letters of a Union soldier and his wife

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo14326
Author
Peirce, Taylor,
Date of Publication
2002.
Call Number
973.781 P378
Responsibility
edited by Richard L. Kiper ; letters transcribed by Donna B. Vaughn.
ISBN
070061205X (alk. paper)
Author
Peirce, Taylor,
Place of Publication
Lawrence
Publisher
University Press of Kansas,
Date of Publication
2002.
Physical Description
xii, 448 p. : ill., maps ; 25 cm.
Series
Modern war studies
Notes
Includes bibliographical references (p. [431]-438) and index.
Contents
August 20, 1862 to March 22, 1863, Missouri -- March 28 to September 24, 1863, the Vicksburg Campaign -- October 4, 1863 to July 24, 1864, Texas and Louisiana -- July 26, 1864 to December 25, 1864, Virginia -- January 9, 1865 to August 2, 1865, South Carolina, North Carolina, Iowa.
Summary
"While there are many collections of letters from Civil War soldiers to their wives, very few include such a rich trove of letters from the homefront. Together they paint an engrossing portrait of a soldier and husband who was trying to do his patriotic and familial duty, and of a wife trying to cope with loneliness and responsibility while longing for her husband's safe return. Beautifully edited and annotated...they bring to life a nation under siege and provide a rare look at the war's impact on both the common soldier and his family." [from the book jacket]
Subjects
Peirce, Taylor, - 1822-1901
Peirce, Catherine L., - d. 1867
United States. - Army. - Iowa Infantry Regiment, 22nd (1862-1865)
Soldiers - United States - Correspondence.
Army spouses - Iowa - Des Moines - Correspondence.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Personal narratives.
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Social aspects.
Iowa - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Personal narratives.
Iowa - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Social aspects.
Des Moines (Iowa) - Biography.
Additional Author
Peirce, Catherine L.,
Kiper, Richard L.,
Vaughn, Donna B.
Location
Lancaster History Library - Book
Call Number
973.781 P378
Less detail

James Buchanan and his family at Wheatland

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo3409
Author
Cahalan, Sally Smith.
Date of Publication
c1988.
Call Number
728.37 C132j
Alternate Title
James Buchanan's Wheatland
Responsibility
by Sally Smith Cahalan ; [photography by John P. Herr].
Author
Cahalan, Sally Smith.
Place of Publication
Lancaster, Pa
Publisher
James Buchanan Foundation,
Date of Publication
c1988.
Physical Description
100 p. : ill. (some col.), ports. (some col.) ; 26 cm.
Notes
Cover title: James Buchanan's Wheatland.
Subjects
Buchanan, James, - 1791-1868 - Homes and haunts - Pennsylvania - Lancaster.
Buchanan, James, - 1791-1868 - Family.
Buchanan family.
Johnston, Harriet Lane, - 1830-1903.
Buchanan, James, - 1791-1868.
Wheatland (Lancaster, Pa.)
Presidents - United States
Lancaster (Pa.) - Buildings, structures, etc.
Location
Lancaster History Library - Lancaster County
Call Number
728.37 C132j
Less detail

Letters of James Buchanan

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo1179
Author
Worner, William Frederic.
Date of Publication
1931.
graphed and sent me a copy. By this kindly act, for which we are grateful, he has rendered most valuable service, for he has rescued the drawing from its obscurity, and has given to us the only out- line, so far as known, of the original building of St. James's church. LETTERS OF JAMES BUCHANAN By
  1 document  
Responsibility
by William Frederic Worner.
Author
Worner, William Frederic.
Place of Publication
Lancaster, Pa
Publisher
Lancaster County Historical Society,
Date of Publication
1931.
Physical Description
189-194 p. ; 23 cm.
Series
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society ; v. 35, no. 8
Summary
"In 1908, the J.B. Lippincott Company...published, in twelve volumes, "The Works of James Buchanan"...Since this excellent publication was issued, I have discovered letters from Mr. Buchanan in the files of local newspapers which do not appear in this work. As these letters throw additional light on the noble character of Pennsylvania's only President, and as they correct some false impressions about him, it seems but just ththat they should be given wider publicity."
Subjects
Buchanan, James, - 1791-1868 - Correspondence.
Contained In
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society. Volume 35, number 8 (1931), p. 189-194Lancaster History Library - Journal974.9 L245 v.35
Documents

edit_vol35pp189_194.pdf

Read PDF Download PDF
Less detail

Letters of James Buchanan

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo2693
Author
Buchanan, James,
Date of Publication
1932
  6 documents  
Author
Buchanan, James,
Place of Publication
Lancaster, Pa
Publisher
Lancaster County Historical Society,
Date of Publication
1932
Physical Description
various pagings ; 23 cm.
Series
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society ; v. 36, no. 5/6
Subjects
Buchanan, James, - 1791-1868 - Correspondence.
Additional Author
Worner, William Frederic.
Contained In
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society. Volume 36, number 5 (1932), p. 145-153Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society. Volume 36, number 6 (1932), p. 166-172Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society. Volume 36, number 7 (1932), p. 188-196Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society. Volume 36, number 8 (1932), p. 197-219Contained in: Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society. Volume 36, number 9 (1932), p. 223-240Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society. Volume 36, number 12 (1932), p. 297-321Lancaster History Library - Journal974.9 L245 v36 no5/6/7/8/9/12
Documents

edit_vol36no5pp143_153.pdf

Read PDF Download PDF

edit_vol36no6pp166_172.pdf

Read PDF Download PDF

edit_vol36no7pp188_196.pdf

Read PDF Download PDF

edit_vol36no8pp197_219.pdf

Read PDF Download PDF

edit_vol36no9pp223_240.pdf

Read PDF Download PDF

edit_vol36no12pp297_321.pdf

Read PDF Download PDF
Less detail

Harriet Lane : (Later Harriet Lane Johnston)

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo2734
Author
Hostetter, Ida L. K.
Date of Publication
1929
rely confidently that she will not deceive, I shall most heartily rejoice should her account of you be favor- able. In that event, God willing, I intend to pay you a visit. Most affectionately, James Buchanan." In a postscript Buchanan says "your letter is without date, and does not purport to come
  1 document  
Responsibility
by (Mrs. A.K.) Ida L. K. Hostetter.
Author
Hostetter, Ida L. K.
Place of Publication
Lancaster, Pa
Publisher
Lancaster County Historical Society,
Date of Publication
1929
Physical Description
97-112 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.
Series
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society ; v. 33, no. 6
Subjects
Johnston, Harriet Lane, - 1830-1903.
Buchanan, James, - 1791-1868 - Correspondence.
Women - Pennsylvania - Lancaster County.
Contained In
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society. Volume 33, number 6 (1929), p. 97-113Lancaster History Library - Journal974.9 L245 v.33
Documents

vol33no1pp97_113.pdf

Read PDF Download PDF
Less detail

Public dinner declined by James Buchanan

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo2998
Author
Worner, William Frederic.
Date of Publication
1930
Public Dinner Declined by James Buchanan By WILLIAM FREDERIC WORNER O N Monday evening, March 3rd, 1828, the Hon. James Buchanan, who represented this district in the Congress of the United States, arrived in Lancaster for a short stay. A number of his friends met at Stehman's tavern on the day
  1 document  
Responsibility
by William Frederic Worner.
Author
Worner, William Frederic.
Place of Publication
Lancaster, Pa
Publisher
Lancaster County Historical Society,
Date of Publication
1930
Physical Description
260-261 p. ; 23 cm.
Series
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society ; v. 34, no. 11
Subjects
Buchanan, James, - 1791-1868 - Correspondence.
Contained In
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society. Volume 34, number 11 (1930), p. 260-261Lancaster History Library - Journal974.9 L245 v.34
Documents

vol34no11pp260_261.pdf

Read PDF Download PDF
Less detail

10 records – page 1 of 1.