EDITOR DEMOCRAT: You have already given a brief appreciating notice of the death of W. C. Buchanan. Will you permit me, as a personal friend of the deceased, and in behalf of those nearest him and of friends far away, to extend this notice, somewhat, through your columns.
W. C. Buchanan was the son of Rev. James Buchanan, an honored Presbyterian clergyman, long since deceased. He was born June 24, 1817, and was, therefore, at his death, aged 57 years.
He first came to Sedalia in the year 1865. He was appointed by President Lincoln, United States Consul to Guatemala, Central America, and soon voluntarily relinquished his position, and with the exception of short intervals, has ever since resided in this city. By prudence and sagacity he had accumulated a sufficiency of the world's goods to enable him to live at ease which estate he leaves entirely to his widow.
In consequence of the delicate state of his health, he, in company with his wife, left here last fall to spend the winter in the sunny South. He died at Greencove Springs, Florida, February 22d. His health, for a number of days before his death, seemed to be improving, and he was anticipating returning North with a great deal of pleasure, and yet he remarked to his companion some little time before: "My heart is wearing out; I cannot last much longer and if I die in the South, bury me at Jacksonville, rather than Sedalia." His request was carried out, and in the beautiful cemetery at Jacksonville, Florida, he sleeps his last sleep; and although a marble shaft already marks the spot, but few that knew him can visit his far away grave.
"His cold remains in solitude Will sleep the years away."
In a meeting held at the Congregational church in this place some years ago, he was greatly exercised and then resolved to lead a christian life, but he never united with any church. Some two years since he had about decided to make a public profession of religion, but then there occurred a series of events, not proper here to speak of, which disuaded him from this step forever, and which separated very warm friends and somewhat embittered life itself.
It is pleasant, however, to learn that he clung to his father's God and Savior, and died in the hope, though he never spoke after his last attack of heart disease, of which he had long been troubled.
Mr. Buchanan was a genial, warm hearted friend, and I cannot come to the conclusion that he was an implacable enemy. Had he been, other lives might have paid the forfeit.
Let us be thankful that his life terminated so peacefully, and that he is gone "Where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest."
SEDALIA, March 16, 1875 -- J.M.V.W.
[J.M.V.W. is Rev. J. M. Van Wagner]
Source: Sedalia Daily Democrat, 18 Mar 1875
Submitter: Cathy Warbritton