University of Virginia Library

ROBERT A. BUCKNER

Robert A Buckner, Superintendent of the Eastern
Division of the Southern Express Company, with
headquarters in Roanoke, Virginia, is a native of
Louisa County, being a
son of Dr. B. M. and
Mary A. (Wilkinson)
Buckner. As a boy he
was reared on his
father's farm and received
his education in
the schools of his native
county. In 1872 he
entered the service of
the Adam's Express
Company, and in 1883
located in Roanoke as
agent. He later took
charge of the business of
the Southern Express
Company, acting in a
similar capacity, and
several years ago was
promoted to the position
of Superintendent of the Eastern Division, comprising
eight states. During his long career in the express
service, Mr. Buckner has filled practically every position
up to the important office of superintendent.

For a period of eighteen years he represented his
ward in the City Council of Roanoke and for nine
years was President of that body, and as such was acting
Mayor of the city in the absence of the Mayor. It
devolved upon him at times to take the reins of government
under the most strenuous and trying circumstances,
and for a period of ten months filled the office,
uninterruptedly to the satisfaction of the general public.

As a member of the council, Mr. Buckner at all times
stood for the best interests of the city at large. A
high compliment was once paid him by a colleague in
the council and by his admirers on the outside when he
was dubbed "The Watchdog of the Treasury." He
was largely instrumental in placing the affairs of the
city on a sound financial basis and when officers and
employees of the city were receiving their pay in scrip,
it was by his motion that the City Treasurer was required
to pay all warrants in cash.

He was one of the leading spirits in the building of
the Roanoke & Southern Railroad and for a period
of seven years was director of the road, filling the
position from the time of its organization, until its
purchase by the Norfolk & Western. During the
twenty-nine years of his residence in Roanoke he has
been identified with the upbuilding of the city in various
ways. Legislatively, it is doubtful if any other man
had so long a service in councilmanic affairs or did
more in shaping the policies of this growing young
city.

In 1883 Mr. Buckner married Belle O. Harris, daughter
of the late Dr. William A. Harris, President of the
Wesleyan Female Institute of Staunton, and was instrumental
in inducing Dr. Harris to establish Virginia
College for young ladies at Roanoke. To this union,
one daughter, Dorothy Buckner, was born.