Buchanan, Alexander, M.D.

BUCHANAN, BRAGG, MILES, WADE, HUNTER

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/11/2009 at 19:47:46

Alexander H. Buchanan, M. D., is prominent among the physicians of Jasper County, and is the owner of valuable property in Independence Township, where he resides. His father, George Buchanan, was a native of Pennsylvania, and at the age of nineteen was graduated from the Jefferson (Pa.) College. Proceeding to the sunny south, he arrived in Alabama with fifty cents in his pocket, but with an abundance of hopefulness, energy and determination. In that state he secured a position as tutor in a prominent southern family, and spent the following sixteen years in Alabama engaged in teaching. He married Miss Elizabeth Bragg, a native of France and a relative of tile famous Captain Bragg. She died when our subject was quite young.

Many years before the opening of the Civil War, the Buchanan family left Alabama, and, proceeding to Ohio, settled upon a farm in Ashland County, where the senior Mr. Buchanan engaged in farming and stock raising. While still living in Alabama, he conducted a plantation in connection with his professional work. Politically a Democrat, he was, however, opposed to slavery. He was a second time married, choosing as his wife Miss Rosena Miles, a native of New York, who bore him nine children. Of his first union there was only one child, Alexander H., of this sketch.

Born in Alabama, near the city of Montgomery, January 1, 1830, our subject was brought north by his parents at the age of five years, remaining in Ohio until he attained his majority. After conducting his literary studies in the Haysville School, he engaged in teaching school for two successive winter seasons. He then entered the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, and in 1858 was graduated from that institution. Opening an office at Haysville, he conducted his practice there for a short time, after which he was located successively at Newville, Lucas and Mifflin. In 1876 he removed to Newton, where be became identified with various important real estate interests.

In 1854 the Doctor purchased from the Government three hundred and ten acres, which, however, he did not commence to clear and improve until 1877. In 1883 he removed to this place, upon which he conducted extensive farming operations, adding to his landed possessions from time to time, until he is now the owner of seven hundred and two acres in Independence Township. His success is the result of his energy and perseverance, and in all his undertakings he has displayed excellent judgment and sound common sense. He was deeply bereaved when, in 1876, his devoted wife passed from earth. This estimable lady bore the maiden name of Irene I. Wade, and was born in Ohio, being a daughter of Thomas and Priscilla Wade. She was a lady of nobility of character and amiability of disposition, and was very popular among her acquaintances. They have had two children. Wade, died aged one year. Estella Virginia was educated at the Immaculate Conception College, of Davenport, Iowa. She married George M. Hunter, and they make their home in Omaha.

So far has Doctor Buchanan been removed from the ordinary seeker after office that he has put it away from him when tendered. However, he has been active in his efforts to secure the service of able and honorable men for places of usefulness and trust. In his opinions he is a Democrat, and always supports the men and measures of that party. In business, political and social circles he is everywhere esteemed for his admirable qualities. Portrait and Biographical Record, Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, IA
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