Alex Buchanan owns and operates in connection with his sons a farm of five hundred and sixty acres lying on sections 13 and 28, Linn township, not far from Mechanicsville. This is a valuable property improved with two sets of buildings and the methods employed in its cultivation add continually to its productiveness and its value. Mr. Buchanan is one of the native sons of Cedar county, his birth having occurred in Cass township, July 30, 1841. Pioneer conditions still existed here through the period of his boyhood and he shared with his family in the hardships and privations of life on the frontier. The schools were primitive and he was largely self-educated but his training at farm labor was not meager. He early learned the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and thus came to manhood well equipped for the duties that have since devolved upon him as a representative farmer of the county.
Mr. Buchanan was married in this county on the 22d of February, 1872, to Miss Sarah C. Downing, who was born and reared in this county and is a daughter of Joseph Downing, one of the pioneer settlers of the district. They began their domestic life on the farm which is still their home, although the changes which have been wrought here have produced a marked transformation in the appearance of the place. The present home was erected by Mr. Buchanan and is a two-story brick residence large and commodious and of an attractive style of architecture. It is well supplied with all modern conveniences, including furnace heat, hot and cold water and bath. In fact, it is one of the finest farm homes of Cedar county and would be a credit to a city of large proportions. There are two complete sets of buildings upon the place. These include several large barns and ample outbuildings for grain and stock. A fine grove of evergreen trees has also been set out. There is also a grove of native timber to the northwest of the house and altogether the place is one of the elegant country homes, such as are the envy of many people whom circumstances have forced in to the crowded life of the city. Mr. Buchanan and his sons make a business of raising, feeding and fattening stock for the market and sell several carloads each year. Their fields are carefully tilled according to the most modern methods and the judicious use of fertilizers and the rotation of crops keeps the land in excellent condition.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan have been born six children: Bert and Alex, both of whom are married and reside upon the home farm, which they are now operating; Mary, the wife of George D. Herring of South Dakota; Minnie, the wife of Mont Herring of Red Oak township; and Cora, the wife of Curtis Herring of Red Oak township, the three sisters marrying three brothers; and one child who died in infancy.
Mrs. Buchanan is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Buchanan has never taken an active part in politics but his son and namesake was elected and served for two years as county recorder. The father is one of the well known and highly honored business men of Cedar and adjoining counties. He takes pride in all that is progressive and “onward” has been emblazoned on his banner from his youthful days. He steadily pushes forward along lines of improvement, and what he has undertaken and accomplished has made him a successful business man. The public recognizes the fact that his prosperity is well merited, for in all his transactions he has been straightforward, and his honesty in business affairs is above question.
