The great-grandfather of the Buchans of Pulaski County was John Buchan, a Scotchman. He married Rachel McBride (Irish), and they were immigrants from Carolina in the early part of the eighteenth century. He was an extensive landholder in Pulaski and what is now Dodge, Bleckley, and Laurens Counties, and was Justice of the Peace in 1844 and tax collector in 1852-53. To this union seven children were born. Of these, David Augustus Buchan, a prominent farmer, cattle and slave owner, remained in Pulaski. He married Martha Simmons, and during the Confederate War served in Company J, Fifth Regiment, Georgia Reserves. Their children were John Beverly Allen (Bev), Margaret Elizabeth, David Augustus, Nancy Jane, James Hillary, Mary Frances, William Neal, and Catherine.
John Beverly Allen Buchan, born 1853, died 1927, married Ann Maria Gainer, born 1858, died 1932. Her father was Lieutenant Warren Gainer, Company K, Forty-ninth Georgia Regiment of the Confederate Army. He was killed in action at the second Battle of Manassas. He was a probable descendant of John (Ganor), a Primitive Baptist chaplain in the Revolutionary Army, who baptized George Washington. Washington was an Episcopalian, but on witnessing a baptismal service was impressed, and requested immersion. After giving the reason of his hope, this was done. Her mother was Ann Maria DeLamar, daughter of Selden Jasper and Elizabeth Cratch DeLamar, French immigrants from Carolina. She was a devout Christian (Methodist), a strong character whose influence did much in shaping the ideals of her community. She is buried in Powers Cemetery in Pulaski County.
Mr. and Mrs. J. B. A. Buchan reared thirteen children, viz.:
Clara Bell, born 1875, died 1925, a capable and energetic business woman.
Warren Gainer, born 1877, died 1921. Married Eulalia Haskins, 1909. One child, Martha Frances.
Leutia Pauline; born 1879. Married J. T. Sanders, 1898. Children: Edwin Leon, Clara Pauline, John Beverly, Lucious Tillman, Lizzie Cratch, Jessie R. (deceased).
Leila Alberta, born 1882. Married W. F. Chambers, 1905. Children : Kathleen Alberta, Ralph Franklin, Sarah Elizabeth, Alice Buchan, Jewel Jean.
Annie May, born 1884. Married E. C. Sparrow, 1906. Children John Franklin, Ernest Gainer, Clara May, and Warren Gene (deceased).
Mary Nancy, born 1886. Married R. B. Bembry, 1908. Children Mary Eunice, Sarah Maria, Dorothy Nell, Clara Bell, Alice Wilmer, Nancy Winnifred, and Robert Burnett.
Stella Orine, born 1888. Married C. C. Daniel, 1907. Children Anne Elizabeth, Stella Cornelia, Essa Mildred, and Carolyn.
Lizzie De Leon, born 1890. A graduate of the College of Education of the University of Georgia at Athens in 1911, and has since been a leading educator. At present is Home Demonstration Agent of Washington County.
Essa Lavenia, born 1892. A College of Education of the University of Georgia graduate of 1911. Taught in the public schools for several years, and since 1918 has held a responsible position in the post office in Hawkinsville.
Gena Jewel, born 1893. Married G. B. Lamar in 1912. Children Mary Louise, Gainer Buchan, and John Guedron.
Robert David, born 1896. Seaman, second class, Naval Reserves, May, 1918-February, 1919. A prominent farmer and connected with Farmers Union Warehouse. Married Blanche King of Washington County, in 1932.
Maria Theresa, born 1898. Married 1. J. Jessup, 1920. Children: Albert Ray, Ann Maria, Dorothy Jean.
Rachel Louise, born 1902. Married Henry Grady Nelson, 1928. Children : Henry Grady and Eugene Terrell.
These families all reside in Pulaski and Bleckley Counties, and contribute materially to the development of each.
