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]

John Preston Buchanan
Portrait of Buchanan, circa 1916
Member of the Virginia Senate
from the 1st district
In office
January 12, 1916 – January 14, 1920
Preceded byBenjamin F. Buchanan
Succeeded byJohn H. Hassinger
Personal details
Born
John Preston Buchanan

(1888-01-30)January 30, 1888
Marion, Virginia, U.S.
DiedSeptember 15, 1937(1937-09-15) (aged 49)
Marion, Virginia, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseAnnabel Morris
Alma materVirginia Military Institute
Washington & Lee University
University of Virginia

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

edit

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

edit

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

edit

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

References

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