Mathew Buchanan1

b. 10 January 1783, d. 20 September 1872
FatherJohn Buchanan1,2 b. 21 Aug 1745 or 22 Aug 1745, d. 19 Nov 1824
MotherAnn Ryburn1 b. 25 Apr 1756, d. 24 Aug 1829
Birth10 Jan 1783 Mathew Buchanan was born on 10 Jan 1783.3 
 Mathew never married.4 
  Mathew and his brothers were proud of their Scotch-Irish heritage. Although they lived somewhat to themselves, they were known for their hospitality and their affection for family and friends. Mathew was remembered as a man of strong head and decided character.5 
Anecdote13 Apr 1871  Mary Jane Beaty Davis Moffett, writing in her journal on April 13, 1871, stated that Mathew was over 90 years old and that he and James and Robert were still living in the same house that their father built. She continued that they were"good farmers and lived well, until there mother died and two sisters (that never married[.] the sisters died and left the boys alone, but they have had some of their neices to keep house for them."4 
Cens-Sum The census records of Washington County Virginia support these comments. By the 1860 enumeration each brother claimed to own real estate valued at $10,000 and personal property worth $6,000. The 1870 census showed their nieces Sally Page, and Susan and Jane Buchanan living with them and working as "housekeepers."6,7,8 
Cens-1860- Slave16 Jul 1860  The 1860 slave schedule lists Mathew as the owner of 8 slaves.9 
Death20 Sep 1872 Mathew died on 20 Sep 1872 at age 89.3 
Will-RecdOct 1872 On January 12th 1871, Mathew and his brothers Robert and James wrote identical wills, each leaving their estate to whichever brother(s) survived. At the death of the last brother the three nieces mentioned above were to receive $1,000 from each brother. Another $200 from each brother was to be paid to John Reddick. The balance was to be distributed among all their legal heirs. Mathew was the first of the three to die and his will was recorded in Washington County court in October 1872.10 
Burial He was buried in Buchanan Cemetery, Washington County, Virginia, next to his brothers Robert and James.3 

Related Links and Images:

Article written following the death of Mathew's brother Robert (describes brothers)
Mathew's will
To read Mary Jane B. (Davis) Moffett's journal see Mary Jane's Journal. In particular read pages 2 and 3
Mathew's headstone
Other interments in Buchanan Cemetery
The 1850 Washington Co., Virginia census listed Mathew as the head of household number 234. Follow the link to see who lived nearby.
ChartsDescendants of John Buchanan and Ann Ryburn
Last Edited1 Dec 2013

Citations

  1. [S10] "Journal of Mary Jane Beaty (Davis) Moffett", p. 2. Mary Jane Beaty Davis Moffett stated in her journal that Ann and John Buchanan "had a large family of children, 11 in number." She provided the following names: Mathew, Margaret, John, Mary, William, James, Ann, Robert, Jane, Rosanna, and Ryburn.
  2. [S618] John Buchanan will (recorded 1825), Washington Co., Virginia, Will Book 5: 219. John's will, dated 29 Aug. 1817 with Joseph Miller, James Henderson, Alexander Buchanan and Rosy G. Buchanan as witnesses, was recorded on 15 March 1825 on the oath of Joseph Miller. James Henderson was deceased; Sons John and Mathew Buchanan took oath of executors.
  3. [S2] Catherine McConnell, High On A Windy Hill, p. 150. Mathew Buchanan 10 Jan 1783-20 Sept 1872, age 89y 8m 10d.
  4. [S10] "Journal of Mary Jane Beaty (Davis) Moffett", p. 3.
  5. [S2280] "Robert Buchanan", undated memorial article written by H[enry] M. W[hite] [pastor of Glade Spring Presbyterian Church from 1866-1875] and published in an unidentified newspaper.
  6. [S367] Mathew Buchanan household, 1850 U.S. Census, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., 67th District, p. 83b (stamped), dwelling 234, family 234, viewed online at Ancestry.com, July 2004, image 32 of 289. Enumeration reads: Mathew Buchanan, 67, farmer, owns real estate valued at $1,200; James, 50; Rbt. 47; both farmers; all b. VA (the ages from James and Robert are not correct).
  7. [S234] Mathew Buchanan household, 1860 U.S. cens, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., Saltville Post Office, p. 451 (added script), dwelling 622, family 608, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Jul 2004, image 89 of 361. Enumeration reads: Mathew Buchanan, 77; James Buchanan, 71; Robert Buchanan 67; all farmers, all b. VA, each claims $10,000 real estate and $6,000 personal property; cont. p. 452: Jane P.B. Buchanan, 39, housekeeper, personal property of $1,600, b. VA.
  8. [S635] Mathew Buckhanon household, 1870 U.S. cens, Washington Co., Virginia, pop. sched., District 1, Abingdon post office, p. 184b (stamped), dwelling 27, family 29, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Jul 2004, image 4 of 44. Enumeration reads Mathew Buckhanon (?), 88, retired farmer, owns land valued at $13,800; James, 81, retired farmer; Robert, 78, retired farmer; Jane B., 44, keeping house; Sallie P. Page, 42, asst housekeeper; Susan R (middle initial not clear and last name not stipulated), 35, asst housekeeper; all b. VA; Note: James is described as "blind."
  9. [S1308] Mathew Buchanan, owner, 1860 U.S. census, Washington Co., Virginia, slave schedule, p. 7 (original script), line 32, viewed online at Ancestry.com. 8 slaves incl 6 males (29, 23, 20, 19, 17, and 15y) and 2 females (55, and 4y); also 2 slave houses.
  10. [S705] Mathew Buchanan will (recorded 1872), Washington Co., Virginia Will Book 18: 80. The will was dated 12 Jan. 1871 and recorded in court in Oct. 1872.