My Genealogy Hound

JOHN BUCHANAN, farmer, P.O. Ripley, was born in Balfron, Scotland, in the year 1823. His early life was passed in his native village, where he received the rudiments of his education in the common schools of the town. After becoming of proper age, he was apprenticed to a shoe-maker and, after he had acquired the trade, he commenced business on his own responsibility. On June 6, 1849, he emigrated from Glasgow to New York, which latter place he reached after a voyage of forty-nine days. From New York he came by way of Buffalo and Erie to the Ohio River, then to Ripley, Ohio, on the old Mayflower. The latter place he reached August 6, following. He made his home in Brown County, Ohio, and for nearly three years followed his trade in Maysville, Ky.; after which he engaged in farming, having purchased an interest in 198 acres of land, where Thomas Buchanan now lives. Here he carried on farming for several years, when he purchased his present farm of 184 acres, which is the result of different purchases. On this land he located in 1860, and it has since been his home. He has been successful in his business operations, and has a well-improved and highly cultivated farm. He has been Trustee of the township three terms and held some of the minor offices, such as School Director, etc. He has been a member of the School Board since 1861, and Superintendent of the Colored School Fund since its organization. He is a member of the Union Lodge No. 71, F. & A. M., Ripley Chapter, and Cincinnati Commandery No. 3. He and wife are members of the Huntington Presbyterian Church, of which he is a Trustee. He was married December 13, 1860, to Isabella, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Hiett, old settlers. To them have been born nine children, namely — Sadie J., Thomas S., Mary E., Swinton J., Anna Y., Margaret M., George H., Elisabeth S. and Samuel H., deceased. Mr. Buchanan returned to Scotland in 1854. and again in 1858, making five times he has crossed the ocean. Mrs. Buchanan was born in this township August 7, 1837.