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Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 3 Papers of James Buchanan Henry,
Series 2 Financial and Legal Documents
Object ID
JBFP Part 3 Series 2
  1 document  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 3 Papers of James Buchanan Henry,
Series 2 Financial and Legal Documents
Description
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 3 Papers of James Buchanan Henry, Series 2 contains the financial and legal documents of James Buchanan Henry.
Subseries 1 includes bills, receipts, ledgers, and accounts with F. P. Freeman & Co., New York, Joseph Schell for footwear, and Lehigh University.
Subseries 2 contains the legal papers including a summons, deeds, and the marriage license of James Buchanan Henry and Mary Hagner Nicholson. The dates on these documents range from 1794 to 1905.
Admin/Biographical History
James Buchanan Henry, also known as Buck, was born on March 1, 1833. Just like his cousin, Harriet, Buck lost both of his parents and was taken in as James Buchanan's ward in 1840. During his early years, he attended several boarding schools and eventually graduated from the College of New Jersey. Though his interests remained with the arts, Buck went on to read law under an attorney named John Cadwalader. When James Buchanan assumed the presidency, he called for Buck to join him as his private secretary, a position known today as the Chief of Staff. While Buck worked at Washington, he found himself in frequent conflict with his Uncle. This conflict came to a head in 1858 when Buck proposed to his sweetheart, Mary Nicholson. Upset that Buck hadn't consulted him on the proposal, James Buchanan disapproved of the match. Buck left his position as private secretary and went on to marry Miss Nicholson. The couple would have two children, one of whom would survive into adulthood.
Soon after the birth of their second child, Mary Nicholson died of consumption, leaving Buck a widower. Later on, he married Louisa Anderson, and the two had six sons. After fourteen years of marriage, Louisa died. Buck would marry for a third time much later in his life to a woman named Margaret Grote Elliman. Buck was 71 and Margaret was 24. The two had no children and enjoyed 11 years of marriage before Buck died on February 17, 1915. [https://www.lancasterhistory.org/about-wheatland/, accessed 10/24/2019]
System of Arrangement
JBFP Part 3, Series 2 Financial and Legal Documents
Subseries 1 Bills, Receipts, Ledgers, Accounts
Subseries 2 Legal Papers
Year Range From
1794
Year Range To
1905
Creator
Henry, James Buchanan, 1833-1915
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
People
Henry, James Buchanan
Other Creators
James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland (Lancaster, Pa.)
Subjects
Finance, Personal
Legal documents
Search Terms
James Buchanan
Buchanan Collections
Finding aids
Manuscript groups
Finance, Personal
Legal documents
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 box, 8 folders, 19 items, .2 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
JBFP Part 3 Series 2
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
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 3 Papers of James Buchanan Henry, Series 3 Ephemera
Object ID
JBFP Part 3 Series 3
  1 document  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 3 Papers of James Buchanan Henry, Series 3 Ephemera
Description
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 3 Papers of James Buchanan Henry, Series 3 contains ephemera. The materials include a complementary ticket from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, calling cards, newspaper clippings, invitations to various events and weddings, a handwritten note from James Buchanan Henry, a business card of John Book, and a dinner menu of the Watch Hill House. The dates range from 1855 to 1907.
Admin/Biographical History
James Buchanan Henry, also known as Buck, was born on March 1, 1833. Just like his cousin, Harriet, Buck lost both of his parents and was taken in as James Buchanan's ward in 1840. During his early years, he attended several boarding schools and eventually graduated from the College of New Jersey. Though his interests remained with the arts, Buck went on to read law under an attorney named John Cadwalader. When James Buchanan assumed the presidency, he called for Buck to join him as his private secretary, a position known today as the Chief of Staff. While Buck worked at Washington, he found himself in frequent conflict with his Uncle. This conflict came to a head in 1858 when Buck proposed to his sweetheart, Mary Nicholson. Upset that Buck hadn't consulted him on the proposal, James Buchanan disapproved of the match. Buck left his position as private secretary and went on to marry Miss Nicholson. The couple would have two children, one of whom would survive into adulthood.
Soon after the birth of their second child, Mary Nicholson died of consumption, leaving Buck a widower. Later on, he married Louisa Anderson, and the two had six sons. After fourteen years of marriage, Louisa died. Buck would marry for a third time much later in his life to a woman named Margaret Grote Elliman. Buck was 71 and Margaret was 24. The two had no children and enjoyed 11 years of marriage before Buck died on February 17, 1915. [https://www.lancasterhistory.org/about-wheatland/, accessed 10/24/2019]
System of Arrangement
JBFP Part 3, Series 3 Ephemera
Subseries 1 Invitations, Broadsides, Visiting Cards
Year Range From
1855
Year Range To
1907
Creator
Henry, James Buchanan, 1833-1915
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
People
Henry, James Buchanan
Other Creators
James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland (Lancaster, Pa.)
Subjects
Ephemera
Visiting cards
Invitation cards
Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
Search Terms
Buchanan Collections
Ephemera
Visiting cards
Calling cards
Invitations
Newspaper clippings
Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
Finding aids
Manuscript groups
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 box, 24 folders, 32 items, .25 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
JBFP Part 3 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
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
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1960.006.001
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
One of two white marble busts (chest up) of James Buchanan. Letter larger than life. Slight smile, hair behind ears with bald patch at back of head.
Provenance
James Buchanan
To - James Buchanan Henry
To - Frank Anderson Henry
To - James Buchanan Foundation
Year Range From
1857
Year Range To
1861
Creator
Dexter, Henry
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
South Broad Hall
Storage Wall
Southeast Wall
Storage Cabinet
Wall Niche
People
Buchanan, James
Dexter, Henry
Henry, Frank Anderson
Henry, James Buchanan
Subcategory
Art
Search Terms
Buchanan Collections
James Buchanan
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Bust
Material
marble
Medium
Bust
Height (in)
24.25
Dimension Details
base: 10.875 x 10.875 x 11.875x 12.875
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2003-01-04
Condition Notes
Left earlobe has broken off. Base is chipped. Various smudge marks all over.
Object ID
W.1960.006.001
Notes
James Buchanan Henry inherited this bust when his Uncle James Buchanan died; his cousin, Harriet Lane Johnston inherited the matching bust, which she later donated to the Corcoran Gallery of Art.
James Buchanan Henry bequeathed this bust to his son, Frank Anderson Henry, who donated it to the James Buchanan Foundation in 1960.
Place of Origin
Boston, Massachusetts
Role
Sculptor
Accession Number
W.1960.006
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
2013.008.024
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Walnut rocking chair has caned back and seat. Frame of oval back is finger-molded and is connected to seat frame by two curving legs. Cyma-curve short, low arms connect oval back to seat, with foliate carving at top end. Seat frame is a rounded "D" shape with round outside edge. Ring-turned legs are all connected by a baluster-turned stretcher and sit on rockers with front ends barely extending beyond the front legs.
Provenance
James Buchanan
To - James B. Henry
To - James B. Henry I
To James B. Henry II
To James B. Henry III
To Eleanor Henry
To LancasterHistory.
Year Range From
1855
Year Range To
1865
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Sitting Room
Storage Wall
East Wall
People
Buchanan, James
Henry, James Buchanan
Subcategory
Furniture
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Chair, Rocking
Material
Wood
Height (in)
32
Width (in)
20
Depth (in)
28
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2016-06-23
Condition Notes
2015 new caning. Expected wear to wood.
Object ID
2013.008.024
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, Part 1 James Buchanan
Title
Land grants for land in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Albert A. Overton, who assigned it to Henry S. Harris, and for land in Clarksville, Arkansas to Leroy Jeffres
Object ID
JBFP 1.6.3.026
Date Range
1860/04/10; 1860/05/01
  1 document     5 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 James Buchanan
Title
Land grants for land in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Albert A. Overton, who assigned it to Henry S. Harris, and for land in Clarksville, Arkansas to Leroy Jeffres
Description
Land grant of 120 acres in Fort Dodge, Iowa under Warrant No. 60,539 to Albert A. Overton, who assigned it to Henry S. Harris. With seal and signatures of James Buchanan and J. B. Leonard, Secretary. Washington, D.C.
Land grant to Leroy Jeffres of 40 acres of land in Clarksville, Arkansas. Seal and signatures of James Buchanan (by J. B. Henry) and J. B. Leonard, Secretary. Washington, D.C.
Date Range
1860/04/10; 1860/05/01
Creator
United States. General Land Office
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives North
Storage Container
JBFP Oversized Box 2
People
Overton, Albert A.
Harris, Henry S.
Buchanan, James
Leonard, John A. B.
Henry, James Buchanan
Subjects
Land grants
Search Terms
Land grants
Buchanan Collections
James Buchanan
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
2 items, 5 pages to scan, 10.25 x 16 in. and 10 x 16.25 in.
Object Name
Conveyance
Language
English
Parent Object ID
JBFP Part 1 Series 6
Object ID
JBFP 1.6.3.026
Location of Originals
Housed in JBFP Oversized Box 2.
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, Pa.
Other Number
JBFP Part 1, Series 6, Subseries 3, Folder 26
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 Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 Papers of James Buchanan, Series 1 Correspondence
Object ID
JBFP Part 1 Series 1
  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
JBFP Part 1 Series 1 Correspondence
Subseries 1 Letters from James Buchanan
Subseries 2 Letters to James Buchanan
Year Range From
1819
Year Range To
1868
Creator
Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
People
Buchanan, James
Johnston, Harriet Lane
Henry, James Buchanan
Swarr, Hiram Behm
Other Creators
James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland (Lancaster, Pa.)
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
Search Terms
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
James Buchanan
Harriet Lane Johnston
Buchanan Collections
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
4 boxes, 365 folders, 2 cubic ft.
Object Name
Correspondence
Language
English, French
Object ID
JBFP Part 1 Series 1
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 in the LancasterHistory Research Library
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
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 3 Papers of James Buchanan Henry, Series 1 Correspondence
Object ID
JBFP Part 3 Series 1
  1 document  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 3 Papers of James Buchanan Henry, Series 1 Correspondence
Description
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 3 Papers of James Buchanan Henry, Series 1 contains the correspondence of James Buchanan Henry. Subseries 1 is letters written by James Buchanan Henry and Subseries 2 is letters received by James Buchanan Henry. The letters are primarily to and from family members and friends with family news, details of his travels, political and business matters, social engagements and responsibilities, and information about friends. Correspondents include Mary Hagner Nicholson Henry, Louisa Anderson Henry, his children, extended family members, William Uhler Hensel, Hiram B. Swarr, classmates, and friends. The dates range from 1850 to 1909.
Admin/Biographical History
James Buchanan Henry, also known as Buck, was born on March 1, 1833. Just like his cousin, Harriet, Buck lost both of his parents and was taken in as James Buchanan's ward in 1840. During his early years, he attended several boarding schools and eventually graduated from the College of New Jersey. Though his interests remained with the arts, Buck went on to read law under an attorney named John Cadwalader. When James Buchanan assumed the presidency, he called for Buck to join him as his private secretary, a position known today as the Chief of Staff. While Buck worked at Washington, he found himself in frequent conflict with his Uncle. This conflict came to a head in 1858 when Buck proposed to his sweetheart, Mary Nicholson. Upset that Buck hadn't consulted him on the proposal, James Buchanan disapproved of the match. Buck left his position as private secretary and went on to marry Miss Nicholson. The couple would have two children, one of whom would survive into adulthood.
Soon after the birth of their second child, Mary Nicholson died of consumption, leaving Buck a widower. Later on, he married Louisa Anderson, and the two had six sons. After fourteen years of marriage, Louisa died. Buck would marry for a third time much later in his life to a woman named Margaret Grote Elliman. Buck was 71 and Margaret was 24. The two had no children and enjoyed 11 years of marriage before Buck died on February 17, 1915. [https://www.lancasterhistory.org/about-wheatland/, accessed 10/24/2019]
System of Arrangement
JBFP Part 3, Series 1 Correspondence
Subseries 1 Letters from James Buchanan Henry
Subseries 2 Letters to James Buchanan Henry
Year Range From
1850
Year Range To
1909
Creator
Henry, James Buchanan, 1833-1915
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
People
Buchanan, James
Henry, James Buchanan
Henry, Mary Hagner Nicholson
Henry, Louisa Anderson
Other Creators
James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland (Lancaster, Pa.)
Subjects
Letters
Personal correspondence
Search Terms
James Buchanan
Harriet Lane Johnston
Buchanan Collections
Letters
Correspondence, Personal
Manuscript groups
Finding aids
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
4 boxes, 331 folders, 667 items, 1.5 cubic ft.
Object Name
Correspondence
Language
English, French, Spanish, Italian
Object ID
JBFP Part 3 Series 1
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
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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.1965.001.001
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
One of four delicate net-like lace curtains with scalloped inner and bottom edges. Pattern of leaf vines with flowers and ribbon-like design.
Provenance
James Buchanan
To - James B. Henry
To - Reginal B. Henry (James B. Henry's son)
To James Buchanan Foundation
LancasterHistory
Year Range From
1860
Year Range To
1868
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Second Floor Hall
Storage Wall
West Wall
Storage Cabinet
Linen Closet
Storage Shelf
Bottom Shelf
Storage Container
Acid-free storage box 8
People
Buchanan, James
Henry, James Buchanan
Henry, Reginald Buchanan
Subcategory
Window or Door Covering
Search Terms
Buchanan Collections
Curtains
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Curtain, Window
Material
Silk
Height (in)
155.5
Width (in)
57
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2022-12-01
Condition Notes
Condition: dirty with rips and tears.
Object ID
W.1965.001.001
Place of Origin
France
Accession Number
W.1965.001
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1965.001.002
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
One of four delicate net-like lace curtains with scalloped inner and bottom edges. Pattern of leaf vines with flowers and ribbon-like design.
Provenance
James Buchanan
To - James B. Henry
To - Reginal B. Henry (James B. Henry's son)
To James Buchanan Foundation
LancasterHistory
Year Range From
1860
Year Range To
1868
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Center Attic East Room
Storage Wall
West Wall
Storage Shelf
Top Shelf
Storage Container
Acid-free storage box
People
Buchanan, James
Henry, James Buchanan
Henry, Reginald Buchanan
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Curtains
Buchanan Collections
Object Name
Curtain, Window
Material
Silk
Height (cm)
394.97
Height (ft)
12.9583333333
Height (in)
155.5
Width (cm)
144.78
Width (ft)
4.75
Width (in)
57
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2022-12-01
Condition Notes
Condition: dirty with rips and tears.
Object ID
W.1965.001.002
Place of Origin
France
Accession Number
W.1965.001
Images
Less detail

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