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James Buchanan
1857 - 1861
Fifthteenth President
James was born in Cove Gap, Penn. on April 15, 1791.
He was one of six Presidents born in a log cabin.
Buchanan, the only bachelor president, almost married in 1819. His fiancée, Anne Caroline Coleman, broke off the engagement and died a week later, probably by suicide. Buchanan maintained an ironclad silence about the relationship throughout the rest of his life.
James Buchanan was one of three Presidents who didn't have any children.
James was the first President born in Pennsylvania.
President Buchanan was a Democrat.
James Buchanan's Vice President,.John Breckenridge (1857-1861), later served in the Confederate Army.
James Buchanan was the only President born in Pennsylvania.
James was a Presbyterian.
Buchannan served in the War of 1812.
Queen Victoria sent greetings to Buchanan over the first Atlantic cable.
President Buchanan only served one term.
When the Prince of Wales visited the White House, he brought so many people with him that Buchanan had to sleep in the hall.
James Buchanan suffered from an eye disorder that caused him to cock his head to the left and close an eye
He liked to give sauerkraut and mashed potato parties.
Queen Victoria sent greetings to Buchanan over the first Atlantic cable.
Americans were singing a new tune called Jingle Bells during his tenure.
PresidentBuchanan owned one of the biggist dogs ever to live in the White House. He had a Newfoundland named Lara. He was also sent a herd of elephants which he gave to the zoo.
Buchanan, the only bachelor president, almost married in 1819. His fiancée, Anne Caroline Coleman, broke off the engagement and died a week later, probably by suicide. Buchanan maintained an ironclad silence about the relationship throughout the rest of his life.
When President Buchanan left the White House he left a note for his successor, Abe Lincoln. "My dear sir, if you are as happy on entering the White House as I on leaving, you are a happy man indeed."
James Buchanan died on June 1, 1868 in Lancaster, Penn. He was 77 years and 39 days old.
Quotes from James Buchanan:
The ballot box is the surest arbiter of disputes among freemen. Fourth Message to Congress, Dec. 3, 1860
Sources:
The Presidents of the United States. 22 September 2004 <http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/>
Davis, Gibbs and Ilus. David A. Johnson. Wackiest White House Pets. New York: Scholastic Press, October 2004
James, Barber and Amy Pastan. Smithsonian Presidents and First Ladies. New York: DK Publishing, 2002
Kane, Joseph Natan. Facts about the Presidents from Washington to Johnson. New York: H.W. Wilson Company, 1964.
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