HISTORY NEBRASKA MANUSCRIPT FINDING AID
RG0827.AM: William T. Buchanan, 1843-1927
Account book: 1867-1868
Camden, Seward County and Crete, Saline County, Nebraska: Businessman; politician
Size: One volume
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
William T. Buchanan, familiarly known as “Billy” Buchanan, died Thursday evening, January 20, 1927, being at the time of his death past 83 years of age. He was born in Lewisville County, Ohio, on the 13th day of March, 1843, and died January 20, 1927, being at the time of his death 83 years, 10 months, and 7 days of age.
As a young man 18 years of age, he came from Ohio to Nebraska and was for some time engaged in freighting across the plains from Nebraska City to Denver and made several trips further west. He is one of the few survivors living in this state who were engaged in the freighting business over land by ox teams. As far as can be ascertained there is only one other survivor of these early freighters living in Nebraska.
In 1866 he opened a store at Camden, Nebr. one of the first settlements in this vicinity and when it was learned that the main line of the Burlington railroad would miss Camden, and come through Crete, Mr. Buchanan moved his store, equipment and stock to Crete, where he operated a store for many years. While at Camden he engaged in trading with the Indians, exchanging merchandise for the furs and pelts brought in by them.
While residing at Camden he was married to Arminda Vore. His widow still survives him and on Christmas Day 1926, Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, and it is a fortunate fact that at the time all of their children were present, together with two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
For a great number of years, Mr. Buchanan was one of the best known auctioneers in the vicinity and he kept active in this business until about fifteen years ago, when he retired from active work. By reason of his occupation he was for many years one of the best known men in the section of the state.
He built one of the first homes in Crete, on East 13th Street, where he and his family lived for about fifty years. In his declining years he has lived in the upper story of his store building on East Thirteenth Street. He was always interested in public activities and served a term as mayor of this city and has also served as a councilman from the Third ward, and at one time was deputy sheriff of Saline County. He was a member of Crete Lodge No. 37 A.F. & A.M., and was one of the few surviving fifty year members in that organization. He also belonged to Mt. Zion Chapter No. 17 and served that organization as secretary for a great number of years.
So passes another of the few surviving pioneers of Eastern Nebraska and of Saline County. He will be remembered as a man who performed his duty whenever called upon and a man whose character and integrity was never questioned. He was a member of the Episcopal church of this city for many years. At the request of the deceased, funeral services were conducted under the auspice of the Masonic lodge, Saturday. The services were conducted by Rev. Harold Cooper, pastor of the First Congregational church. Interment was made at Riverside cemetery.*
*The Crete News, January 27, 1927, page 3.
SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE
This collection consists of one item, the account book of William T. Buchanan. It lists the 1867-1868 accounts for the store and freighting business he ran in Camden, Nebraska. It gives names, items purchased, and cost. Pasted in is additional information about Buchanan, as well as information on George H. Hastings, and Camden, Nebraska.
INVENTORY
Account book, 1867-1868
Subject headings:
Buchanan, William T., 1843-1927
Camden (Nebraska) — Businesses
Hastings, George H., 1848-1926
Seward County (Nebraska) — Businesses
Stores & shops
Revised TMM 01-16-2016
