James Buchanan Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Obituary, Children

James Buchanan Jr., more commonly known as James Buchanan, served as the 15th President of the United States from 1857 to 1861.

A Democrat from Pennsylvania, Buchanan won the 1856 presidential election, defeating John C. Frémont and Millard Fillmore.

Notably, he was the only U.S. president to remain a lifelong bachelor.

Before ascending to the presidency, Buchanan served as Secretary of State from 1845 to 1849 and represented Pennsylvania in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Profile

• Full Name: James Buchanan Jr
• Stage Name: James Buchanan
• Born: 23, April 1791
• Date of death: June 1, 1868 (Aged: 77 years),
• Birthplace: Cove Gap, Pennsylvania, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Politician and 15th President
• Height: unknown
• Parent: James Buchanan and Elizabeth Speer
• Siblings: 10
• Spouse: None
• Partner: Anne C. Coleman (ex)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Unmarried
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life And Education

James Buchanan Jr. was born on April 23, 1791, in Cove Gap, Pennsylvania, United States. He was raised by his parents, James Buchanan and Elizabeth Speer, who immigrated to the U.S. from Northern Ireland.

Buchanan was one of eleven children, with six sisters and four brothers.

He attended the Old Stone Academy and Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honors in 1809.

Afterward, he studied law in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1812. Buchanan had English ancestry and practiced the Scottish Presbyterian faith, following his parents’ traditions.

Career

James Buchanan Jr. had a long and distinguished career in law and politics before becoming the 15th President of the United States from 1857 to 1861.

Starting his career as a lawyer in Pennsylvania, Buchanan first entered politics by winning a seat in the state’s House of Representatives as a Federalist. His national political career began in 1820 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Over five terms, Buchanan shifted his allegiance to Andrew Jackson’s Democratic Party. He supported Jackson’s policies and served as his minister to Russia in 1832, which marked his first significant diplomatic role.

Buchanan’s political influence grew further when he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1834, representing Pennsylvania for 11 years. His career continued to expand as he was appointed Secretary of State under President James K. Polk in 1845.

In 1853, he became minister to the United Kingdom under President Franklin Pierce, gaining significant experience in international diplomacy and solidifying his reputation in foreign and domestic affairs. These roles equipped Buchanan with the skills and knowledge necessary for a presidential run.

In 1856, Buchanan secured the Democratic presidential nomination and won the election. During his presidency, Buchanan advocated for protecting states’ rights, especially concerning slavery, and aimed to limit the federal government’s reach.

However, his efforts to maintain peace and avoid conflict proved unsuccessful, and his administration became increasingly embroiled in the tensions leading up to the Civil War.

His presidency is often criticized for failing to address the divisions in the country, which ultimately resulted in the secession of Southern states and the onset of the Civil War.

Social Media

James Buchanan does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

James Buchanan was the only U.S. president who remained unmarried throughout his life. He was once engaged to Anne C. Coleman in 1819, but their engagement was called off, and shortly after, Coleman passed away. Buchanan never had any children.

During his presidency, his niece, Harriet Lane, assumed the role of First Lady, serving as his hostess and representing the family in social and public affairs.

Net Worth

James Buchanan’s estimated peak net Worth was below $1 million, reflecting his relatively modest personal wealth compared to other presidents.

His family’s estate and personal investments mainly influenced his financial standing, but it remained relatively restrained throughout his lifetime.