Benjamin Franklin Buchanan1

b. 4 October 1857, d. 1932
FatherPatrick Campbell Buchanan1 b. 11 Dec 1822, d. Aug 1877
MotherAmerica Virginia Copenhaver2,3,1 b. 21 May 1830, d. 2 Jul 1871
Birth4 Oct 1857 Benjamin Franklin Buchanan was born on 4 Oct 1857 in Smyth County, Virginia, according to the Smyth County birth register. However, his 1900 census entry lists his year of birth as 1859. The late 1857 date is consistent with his age in 1860 (2) and 1870 (12).4 
Childhood  Benjamin grew up on his parent's farm in Smyth County. He was the oldest child in a family of 4 boys.2,3 
ParentsDcd  Benjamin's mother died in July, 1871. His father remarried in 1875 but died 2 years later. 
Education Benjamin attended the University of Virginia where he first received a bachelor of arts degree and later a law degree. He then returned to Smyth County, opening a law office on Main Street in Marion.1 
Marriage2 Mar 1887 He married Elenor F. Sheffey, daughter of Judge John Preston Sheffey and Josephine Spiller, on 2 Mar 1887 in Marion, Smyth County, Virginia.5,1 
Cens-Sum  Benjamin and Elenor lived in Marion where Benjamin practiced law and the couple raised their family. Eleanor gave birth to 7 children, 2 of whom died in infancy or very early childhood.6,7 
Public Serv Benjamin served as lieutenant governor of Virginia from 1917 to 1921. He also served several terms as a Virginia state senator, representing both Washington and Smyth Counties.1 
Death1932 Benjamin died in 1932.8 
Burial He was buried at Round Hill Cemetery in Marion.8 
  Volume 4 of History of Virginia, published in 1924 by the American Historical Society, includes a detailed biography of the Hon. B.F. Franklin as well as a black and white sketch.1 

Family

Elenor F. Sheffey b. Jul 1866, d. 1952
Children
Last Edited8 Oct 2012

Citations

  1. [S1915] History of Virginia - Virginia Biography, Vol. 4: 529.
  2. [S60] Thomas Hockett and Shelia Steele Hunt, Smyth Co. VA Marriages 1851-1891 & 1860 Census, p. 22. Transcript reads: Patrick C. Buchanan, 36, farmer, $8,000/$2,000; America V., 30; Benjamin F., 2.
  3. [S1006] P. Cam Buchanan household, 1870 U.S. cens, Smyth Co., Virginia, pop. sched., Rich Valley District, p. 65 (stamped), dwelling 214, family 214, viewed online at Ancestry.com, March 2004, image 33 of 90. P. Cam Buchanan, 47, farmer, $5,600, $1,000; America V., 40; Benjamin F. 12; Edward W., 10; William A.B., 6; James D., 4; all b. VA.
  4. [S2927] Benjamin Buchanan entry, Smyth Co., Virginia Birth Register Vol. 1: 4 (1857). Line 22: Benjamin Buchanan born 4 Oct. 1857 to P.C. and America Buchanan, reported by father. [year on page had originally been written 1858 but had been overwritten as 1857]
  5. [S60] Thomas Hockett and Shelia Steele Hunt, Smyth Co. VA Marriages 1851-1891 & 1860 Census, p. 22. Transcript reads: B.F. Buchanan, 27, s/o P.C. & Virginia, lawyer and Elenor Sheffey, 20, d/o John P. & Josephine; marr: 2 March 1887.
  6. [S682] Benj. F. Buchanan household, 1900 U.S. cens., Smyth Co., Virginia, pop. sched., Marion, ED 82, sheet 13A (p. 74 stamped), dwelling 230, family 240, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Feb. 2008, image 25 of 32. Household includes: Benj. F. Buchanan, 40, b. Oct. 1859, marr 13 yrs, lawyer, owns home, no mortgage; Eleanor F., wife, 33, b. Jul 1866, marr 13 yrs, mother of 5 children, 3 living; John P., son, 12, b. Jan. 1888; Josephine, dau, 8, b. Aug. 1891; Virginia, dau, 5, [date of birth not clear]; all b. VA; all parents b. VA.
  7. [S1138] Benjamin F. Buchanan household, 1910 U.S. cens., Smyth Co., Virginia, pop. sched., Marion, ED 79, sheet 10B, dwelling 174, family 175, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Feb. 2008, image 20 of 43. Household includes: Benjamin F. Buchanan, 49, marr #1, marr at 23, lawyer; Eleanor S., wife, 43, marr #1, marr at 23, mother of 7 children, 5 are living; John P., son, 22; Josephine, dau, 18; Virginia C., dau, 15; Nellie F., dau, 9; David H., son, 3; all b. VA.
  8. [S1037] Mack Sturgill and Kenneth Sturgill, Smyth Co., Virginia Cemeteries, Vol. 3, p. 115.
  9. [S1915] History of Virginia - Virginia Biography, Vol. 4: 530.
  10. [S1036] Mack Sturgill and Kenneth Sturgill, Smyth Co., Virginia Cemeteries, Vol. 1, p. 143.
  11. [S1036] Mack Sturgill and Kenneth Sturgill, Smyth Co., Virginia Cemeteries, Vol. 1, p. 143.