Pictured is the group standing by the grave of Thomas Buchanan.

It was a warm afternoon on Saturday, Aug. 9, when several organizations joined together at South Napoli Cemetery to mark the grave and honor the life of War of 1812 veteran Thomas Buchanan.

SAR member and Jamestown resident Paul R. Johnson spoke about his fourth great-grandfather, Sgt. Thomas Buchanan, who completed two tours of duty during the War of 1812 serving in the 2nd Regiment NY Militia. He saw action around New York City, serving in Brooklyn and Fort Greene from September 15-November 30, 1812. His second tour Sept. 2 to Dec. 3, 1814 also in the 2nd Regiment, state Artillery where he was again stationed in New York City. In May 1852, just nine months before Thomas’s death, President Millard Fillmore signed a 160-acre land grant to Thomas Buchanan for his years of service.

Thomas Buchanan was born March 14, 1767, in County Donegal, Ireland, the fifth out of eight children to John and Jane Russell Buchanan. Both parents were of Scottish descent.

Thomas married Sarah Livingston in Oneida County before October 1790, moving to Washington County where most of their eight children were born. Two of their daughters, Sarah and Jane married brothers Ruben and Peleg Waite, moving in 1825 to Napoli, where father-in-law Stephen Waite had settled the year prior. Thomas and Sarah followed their daughters in 1830 where Sarah died in Napoli on Sept. 23, 1843.

Thomas then moved in with Ruben and Sarah Waite until his death on Sept. 25, 1853. All four of them are buried in South Napoli Cemetery. Paul R. Johnson concluded by expressing the pride that he and his other descendants take in Thomas Buchanan and his War of 1812 service in the defense of our nation during a time of peril.

Descendants of Thomas Buchanan present at the marking were Helen Burlett, Louise Freeman, Paul R. Johnson, Bonnie Kemp, Jeremy Luce, Kevin and Sally Powell and Sheila and Jim Wassink.

Organizations participating in the event included the Little Valley American Legion Post 53 who honored the veteran with a 21-gun salute. Taps were played by Richard E. Lundquist. The Sons of the American Revolution, Empire State (NY) Society, Chautauqua Chapter participated with the firing of their flint-lock muskets.

US Daughters of 1812, Celea Sampson Cole Chapter President Sandra Johnson led the ceremony, welcomed all and unveiled the marker. Secretary/Historian of the Chapter, Gail Dash gave the history of Celea Sampson Cole. Registrar Connie Pilato opened with prayer, led the singing of the National Anthem and gave the benediction. All present felt privileged to honor the life of War of 1812 veteran Buchanan.

Contact Sandra Johnson at 716-499-1965 for information about US Daughters of 1812, Celea Sampson Cole Chapter and Grave Marker information.