MATHEW HAY BUCHANAN
Is a life-long resident of Washington county, where his ancestors settled
more than one hundred years ago, coming from Augusta county, Virginia.
He was born on March 9, 1817, on the family estate, about
twelve miles east of Abingdon, the son of William Buchanan, who was
the son of Mathew Buchanan (whose wife was Miss Elizabeth Edmondson),
who was the son of Andrew Buchanan (who married Joanna Hay).
His mother was Jean, daughter of Benjamin Keys, of this county, who
married Elizabeth Stuart.
At Saltville, October 31, 1851, M. H. Buchanan was married by Rev.
Joseph Haskew to Miss Elizabeth Goode, who was born in this county,
near the old Iron Works, December 1, 1824. The issue of this marriage
is two sons, Robert G., Thomas F., and three daughters, Bettie H.,
Margaret K., Rachel B. Mrs. Buchanan is the daughter of John Goode,
who was a son of William Goode, of Chesterfield county, Virginia. Her
mother was Ann, daughter of Conley Finley of Abingdon, who came to
Virginia from Ireland, about 1797.
Mr. Buchanan was exempted, on account of age, from field service in
the late war, but was an active member of the County Advisory Board.
He had one brother in service in the Reserve Troops, and one who served
in the 37th Virginia Regiment, and was severely wounded. Mr. Buchanan
has always followed farming as an occupation, and has ably
filled the office of sheriff four years, deputy sheriff twelve years.
