Susan F. Buchanan1

b. circa 1832, d. before January 1879
FatherWilliam Buchanan1,2 b. 19 Oct 1787, d. 9 Aug 1865
MotherMargaret Ryburn2 b. 22 Mar 1802, d. 15 May 1862
BirthCircacirca 1832 Susan F. Buchanan was born in Washington County, Virginia, circa 1832.3 
Migration Susan was born in Southwest Virginia and spent the early years of her childhood there. In the early 1840s the family moved to Missouri. 
Cens-186013 Jun 1860  In 1860 Susan was enumerated living with her aging parents in Scotland County, Missouri.3 
Migration  However sometime between 1860 and 1870, possibly after her father's death in 1865 (her mother died in 1862), Susan returned to Virginia to live. 
Residence  There she became a housekeeper to her elderly Buchanan uncles: Robert, James and Mathew.4 
Marriage29 Mar 1875 She married her distant cousin Thomas Madison Buchanan, son of James Buchanan and Sarah Buchanan, on 29 Mar 1875 in Washington County, Virginia.1 
Heirbetween 1878 and 1886 Susan's three Buchanan uncles each left her $1,000 in their will in appreciation of her care. She was also an heir to a portion of her deceased father's share of the estate. Thomas Buchanan, as Susan's administrator, was paid over $3,600 before the estate was fully settled in 1886.5,6 
Deathbefore Jan 1879 Susan died before Jan 1879 as Thomas married for a second time on that date. 
ChartsDescendants of John Buchanan and Ann Ryburn
Descendants of William Ryburn and Mary (?)
Last Edited30 Nov 2013

Citations

  1. [S6] Thomas Colley, Washington Co. VA Marriages 1853-1880, p. 41. Thomas M. Buchanan 45y, sgl, b. Smyth Co. VA; res Smyth Co., farmer, s/o James Buchanan AND Susan F. Buchanan 38y, sgl, b. & resid Washington Co. VA, d/o Wm Buchanan; 29 Mar 1875.
  2. [S124] David Trimble, Buchanan and Gillespie, p. 210-211. Trimble cites records belonging to Mrs. Betty Bridges Bower as his source for information on the family of William Buchanan and Margret Ryburn.
  3. [S866] William Buchanan household, 1860 U.S. cens, Scotland Co., MO, pop. sched., Jefferson township, p. 839 (script), dwelling 346, family 339, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Jul 2004, image 11 of 60. Enumeration recorded: Wm Buchanan, 75, Farmer, b. VA; Margaret, 58, b. VA; Susan F., 28, b. VA; Eliza V., 16, b. MO.
  4. [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."
  5. [S1015] Washington Co., Virginia probate records for James, Mathew and Robert Buchanan.
  6. [S7] Conclusions based on analysis of James Buchanan probate papers.