Obituary for A. S. Buchanan (1819-1893)
Uncited clipping.
From the collection of June Groshong

DEATH OF A. S. BUCHANAN

An Old and Respected Citizen of Troy Passes Away Peacefully

BUCHANAN- Died, at his home in this city, Tuesday, July 4th 1893, at 2:30 a.m., of diabetes. Alexander S. Buchanan, aged 74 years 3 months and 22 days.

For about a year past, Mr. BUCHANAN had been in declining health, and for two weeks past his condition has been such as to convince his friends that the end of his life was approaching. A course of treatment at St. Luke's hospital in St. Louis had given him but little relief, and, tired and homesick, he returned to Troy to pass his remaining days among old friends and amid the familiar scenes of his youth. All the medical skill, loving kindred and sympathizing friends could do was done for his relief, but to no avail; and on the anniversary of his nation's birth, in the quiet early morn, surrounded by his family and friends, he entered into his long rest.

Mr. BUCHANAN was born in Lexington, Va., March 12,1819. He came to Troy in 1837 and engaged in work at the tailors trade. Sept. 4, 1838, he was married to Miss Ellen BARBER of Troy, the ceremony being performed by Rev. M. WADSWORTH, a Universalist minister. Going to Wisconsin in 1844, he remained about a year and then returned to this county, engaging in the mercantile business at Cap-au-Gris. After a few years he returned to Troy and engaged in similar business here, with the late Walton PERKINS as a partner, and later sold his interest to Mr. F. WING and went to St. Louis to accept a position as salesman and foreman in a large wholesale clothing house. He remained with this house about twenty years, and by economy and judicious investments in St. Louis real estate amassed a fortune which at this time probably amounts to $75,000.00. For the past fifteen years or more he has been living in Troy, but since the death of his wife about four years ago has spent a portion of his time with his daughters.

He was a man of genial, sunny disposition, and membered his friends among the young and old, rich and poor. He was -------with out-----and was ever ---- contribute liberally to a needy --------grew up one by one and left the parent nest, but when they turned their faces homeward again, no matter what changes occurred, Uncle Aleck was the first one to come forward with a warm and friendly welcome. Others might have forgotten, but he remembered.

If children did well, Uncle Aleck's approval was the crowning feature of their success. At church, at the school, in our homes or on the street, he was the same diffusing kindness like rays of sunlight.

But he is gone - forever. It was meet to toll the bells, to spread his grave with a carpet of smilax and sweet scented dewy blossoms, and to chant in solemn accents the songs of the early Christians who, in the same hope of a glorious resurrection, bade their dying friends, no, "Farewell," but "Good-night." :

Sleep on, beloved, sleep and take thy rest; Lay down thy head upon the Saviour's breast. We love thee well, but Jesus loves thee best- Good night!

Until the shadows from this earth are cast; Until He gathers His sheaves at last; Until the twilight gloom be overpast- Good night!

Only "Good night," beloved - Not "Farewell;" A little while and all His saints shall dwell In hallowed union, indivisible, Good night!"

Until we meet again before His throne, Clothed in the spotless robe He gives His own; Until we know even as we are known- Good night."

Resolutions of Respect

At a called meeting of the Board of Curators of Buchanan College, held in Troy, Mo., on the 5th day of July 1893, the following resolutions of respect were adopted: WHEREAS, An all-wise Providence, in His infinite wisdom, has removed, by death, our venerable and honored president, who was the father and chief benefactor of our institution, causing a vacancy in our council chamber which we realize can never be filled, and feeling that it is but just and fitting to testify to his many acts of benevolence and charity toward all mankind, we offer this tribute of respect to his memory. RESOLVED, That in the death of Alexander S. BUCHANAN the college which bears his name has lost her truest and noblest friend, his family and those associated with him an indulgent and affectionate father and friend, and the community in which one of god's noblemen whose charity knew no bounds, Be It Further Resolved, That a memorial page be set apart in our record, and that a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the bereaved family of our departed friend as a token of sympathy in this their sad hour of affliction, Sincerely B.W. Wheeler O.H. Avery J.J. Shaw

From the Elsberry Advance

A.S. BUCHANAN, one of the oldest and best-known citizens of Troy, and for whom Buchanan College was named, died Monday night, July 3rd, and was buried yesterday. No man in Troy or in Lincoln county has ever held in higher esteem by-------

At the time the college movement was put on foot he became interested in the project, and his liberal subscription of nearly $1,500 did much to assure the success of the institution. Only a few weeks before his death he bought and donated to the college a tract of several acres adjoining the grounds. At the organization of the association, with the unanimous consent of the subscribers, the college was christened, " Buchanan College" and Mr. BUCHANAN was chosen president of the Board of Curators. Had he been spared longer he would doubtless have been a great aid to the school. But in the college he leaves a monument which would, were such a thing necessary, perpetuate his memory in the hearts of the public.

The deceased left but two children - Mrs. Geo.S. MEYERS of St. Louis and Mrs. N.B. WEEKS of Oskaloosa, Iowa, who had recently taken up her residence in Troy to be near her father in his old age.

A short time before his death he gave one of his daughters simple instructions for his funeral, which he desired to be held at his residence, and asked that all our people - old and young, rich and poor, white and black - be invited to attend. The services were held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, and the remains were interred in the city cemetery beside the grave of his wife. Business generally was suspended, and as the long procession passed from the house to the grave all the bells of the city were tolled. There were sixteen pall-bearers-eight active and eight honorary, the latter including the curators of the college: T. W. Withrow, W.A. Woodson, Judge F. Wing, Jas. M. McLellan, J.H. Alexander, T.J. Hammlett, T. H. Harris, and P. G. Shelton; H.W. Perkins, Chas. Martin, Judge B. W. Wheeler, Jno. E. Richards, J. A. Jackson, O.H.Avery, J.J. Shaw and Henry Haverkamp. The burial service was brief, followed by a song, then the benediction; and one of Troy's best-loved citizens was left to sleep beneath a mass of flowers which hid the grave from view.

[Notes from Transcriber:

Troy City Cemetery BUCHANAN

Same Stone

Alexander S. His Wife -Eleanor Barber 1819-1893 1817-1889

Large Monument A.S. In Memory of- B. Lexington,Va. mar.12,1819 d. in Troy, Mo. July 4, 1893 aged 74 Years 3 months 22 days-( Ky. in lieu of Va.)

Eleanor-Wife of A.. Buchanan -In Memory of B. in Woodstock Vt. -----?--10,1817. D . in Troy, Mo. Jan.11,1889. aged 71 Ys. 8ms.11ds. ( By Mr. Giles correction list the missing month is May. also death date is 17, in lieu of 11th)

RUSSELL Lillie Cottle Jan.26,1863 Feb 16,1--- ?/ 1899(jg)

His wife was Eleanor Barbour d/o Drucilla & Jonathan Barbour. Drucilla was d/o Jabaz Cottle. My Grandmother 's name was Jessie Buchanan Russell d/o Lillie Frances Cottle & Wm. Randolph Russell. Grandmother always said she was named for Uncle Alex Buchanan. Gr- Grandmother, Lillie F. Cottle Russell is buried directly behind Alex Buchanan's grave in the Troy City Cemetery.

Gr-grandfather Russell md. Mrs Emma Gordon nee Giles, but they seperated and I have found no tombstone for him. I believe he may be buried by Gr-Grandmother Lille F. cottle.]

File submitted to HERITAGE PAGES of LINCOLN COUNTY, MISSOURI by June Groshong, 18 May, 2007.

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