Hugh Buchanan (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hugh Buchanan
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 4th district |
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| In office March 4, 1881 – March 3, 1885 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | September 15, 1823 Argyll, Scotland |
| Died | June 11, 1890 (aged 66) Newnan, Georgia |
| Resting place | Oak Hill Cemetery Newnan, Georgia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Occupation | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit |  Phillips' Georgia Legion |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Hugh Buchanan (born September 15, 1823 – died June 11, 1890) was an important figure in American history. He was born in Scotland but became a U.S. citizen. He served as a brave Cavalry officer during the American Civil War. Later, he became a U.S. Representative for the state of Georgia.
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Hugh Buchanan's Early Life and Career
Hugh Buchanan was born on September 15, 1823, in Argyll, Scotland. When he was young, his family moved to the United States. They settled in the state of Vermont. He went to public schools there and studied hard.
After finishing school, he decided to become a lawyer. He studied law and passed his exams in 1845. The next year, in 1846, he started his law practice in Newnan, Georgia.
Starting in Politics
Buchanan soon became interested in politics. He was elected to the state senate in Georgia. He served two terms, in 1855 and 1857. He also attended important meetings called the Democratic National Conventions. These were held in 1856 and 1868.
In 1860, he was chosen as a presidential elector. This meant he voted for the Democratic candidates, Breckinridge and Lane, for president and vice president.
Serving in the Civil War
The American Civil War began in 1861. Hugh Buchanan joined the Confederate States Army in June of that year. He served as a soldier until the war ended in 1865.
He was a Captain in Company D. This company was part of a group called the Phillips Georgia Legion Cavalry Battalion. On June 11, 1864, he was fighting in the Battle of Trevilian Station. During this battle, he was wounded in his chest.
After the War: Judge and Congressman
After the Civil War, Buchanan continued his public service. He was elected to the Thirty-ninth Congress. However, Georgia had not yet been fully readmitted to the United States. Because of this, he was not allowed to take his seat in Congress at that time.
In August 1872, he became a judge. He was appointed to the superior court of the Coweta circuit. He served as a judge for many years, until September 1880. He also helped write the state's new constitution in 1877.
Return to Congress
Hugh Buchanan was later elected to the U.S. Congress again. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the Forty-seventh and Forty-eighth Congresses. His terms lasted from March 4, 1881, to March 3, 1885.
He decided not to run for re-election in 1884. Hugh Buchanan passed away in Newnan, Georgia, on June 11, 1890. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.
