Robert Buchanan1

b. 10 May 1793, d. 6 November 1873
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 May 1793 Robert Buchanan was born on 10 May 1793.3 
 Robert remained single.4 
Residence  He lived in the home built by his father, on the farm left to he and his brothers William, James and Ryburn in their father's will.2 
Cens-Sum  William and Ryburn married and established their own homes, but Robert and James, along with their older brother Mathew, remained on the family farm. As they grew older several nieces cared for them and helped run their household.5,6 
Death6 Nov 1873 Robert died on 6 Nov 1873 at age 80.3 
Burial He was buried in Buchanan Cemetery, Washington County, Virginia, next to his brothers Mathew and James.3 
Will-Recd24 Nov 1873 The three men wrote identical wills, each leaving his estate to the surviving brother(s). Following the death of the last brother specific legacies were to be paid to the three nieces who had cared for them. The balance of the estate was to then divided among their legal heirs which ultimately included a large number of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. Robert's version of the will was recorded in Washington County court on November 24th, 1873.7 
  The Rev. Henry M. White, pastor of Old Glade Spring Church from 1866 to 1875, wrote a memorial article about Robert after his death. It described how Robert and his brothers lived a secluded life but yet were known far and wide for their hospitality, love of lively company and for the pleasure they took in their circle of family and friends. They held a fierce regard for their Scotch-Irish forefathers and loved to discuss that heritage.

Robert was described as a man of very lively disposition who was devoted to his brothers. His last thoughts were for the welfare of his surviving brother, James, whose total blindness caused him to be dependent on the care of others.8 

Related Links and Images:

Memorial article written after Robert's death
Robert's will
Robert's headstone (2002 and 2010)
Other interments in Buchanan Cemetery
Mary Jane B. (Davis) Moffett (Robert's first cousin, once removed) left behind a journal in which she recorded a few recollections about the Buchanon family. Visit Mary Jane's Journal and in particular read pages 2 and 3
The 1850 Washington Co., Virginia census listed Robert as a member of household number 234. Follow the link to see who lived nearby.
ChartsDescendants of John Buchanan and Ann Ryburn
Last Edited3 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. Robert Buchanan, 10 May 1793-6 Nov. 1873, age 80y 5m 26d.
  4. [S10] "Journal of Mary Jane Beaty (Davis) Moffett", p. 3.
  5. [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.
  6. [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."
  7. [S705] Robert Buchanan will (recorded 1873), Washington Co., Virginia Will Book 18: 159. Robert wrote his will on 12 Jan. 1871, naming his friend Benjamin K. Buchanan as his executor. The will was witnessed by Isaac Miller and David B. Clark. It was recorded in court 24 Nov. 1873.
  8. [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.