John Preston Buchanan Explained

Birthname:John Preston Buchanan
Birth Date:January 30, 1888
Birth Place:Marion, Virginia, U.S.
Death Place:Marion, Virginia, U.S.
State Senate:Virginia
District:1st
Term Start:January 12, 1916
Term End:January 14, 1920
Preceded:Benjamin F. Buchanan
Succeeded:John H. Hassinger
Party:Democratic
Alma Mater:Virginia Military Institute
Washington & Lee University
University of Virginia
Spouse:Annabel Morris

John Preston Buchanan (January 30, 1888 – September 15, 1937) was an American politician who served as a member of the Virginia Senate, representing the state's 1st district.[1] [2]

Buchanan succeeded his father, Benjamin Franklin Buchanan, who would go on to become Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. After one term in office, he was defeated for reelection.

Early life and education

Buchanan was born in the town of Marion in Smyth County, Virginia on January 30, 1888. He was the first of seven children for Benjamin Franklin Buchanan, a politically active local attorney, and his wife, Eleanor Fairman Buchanan (née Sheffey).

After high school, Buchanan attended Washington and Lee University. He received his law degree from the University of Virginia.

Political career

A Democrat, Buchanan defeated Republican Robert A. Anderson in 1915 to serve as a senator during the 1916 General Assembly; the seat was occupied by his father in the previous session. His constituency was composed of Washington County, Smyth County, and the City of Bristol.

Personal life

Buchanan married Annabel Morris on August 14, 1912 in Salem, Virginia. The couple had four children, Eleanor, John, Jr., Annabel and Patrick.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Swem, Earl G.. Earl Gregg Swem. Register of the General Assembly of Virginia, 1776–1918. July 12, 2013. 1918. Virginia State Library. Richmond.
  2. Book: Dodson, E. Griffith. E. Griffith Dodson . The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 1919-1939: Register. January 27, 2016. 1939. Virginia State Library. Richmond.