On the roster of county officials of Latah county appears the name of William N. Buchanan, who is now serving as sheriff, and his fearless and prompt discharge of his public duties has gained him the commendation of all lawabiding citizens. For twenty-one years he has been a resident of the county, and has therefore witnessed the greater part of its growth and development. Throughout this period he has been connected with its agricultural interests, and is accounted one of the leading farmers of this section of the state.
Mr. Buchanan was born in Newton County, Missouri, April 2, 1857, and is descended from Scotch ancestors, who were pioneer settlers of Indiana. His great-grandfather removed to that state at a very early period in its history, and his grandfather and father, each of whom bore the name of Nathan Buchanan, were there born. The latter was a native of Putnam County, and was married there to Miss Diana Sutherland, a native of that locality. They were faithful members of the Christian church, and Nathan Buchanan, Jr., was a man of ability and influence, having served his fellow citizens in the position of county assessor. In the fall of 1878 he came to Idaho with his wife and six children, and he now resides in Moscow, at the age of sixty-four years. Three of their sons are still living.
The subject of this review is the eldest of the family, and was reared on his father’s farm in Missouri, the family having removed to that state in his early childhood. He attended the public schools there, and in 1878 came with his parents to Idaho. Latah county and this section of the state were just opening up to civilization, and he secured from the government a claim seven miles south of the city of Moscow. The following year he was married to Miss Mary McKensie, and then located upon his farm, which he has transformed into a richly improved and valuable property. The home has been blessed with four children, Etta, Hazel. William and Willard. Mr. Buchanan has been a practical farmer, has followed advanced methods, and through his industry has succeeded in raising large crops of wheat, barley, oats, flax and fruit, whereby he has added largely to his financial resources.
In politics he is a zealous Republican, and on that ticket was elected to the office of county sheriff. This public trust was well reposed in him, for he is most true to every duty and obligation and is a most capable official. His wife is a worthy member of the Christian church, but he has never affiliated with any organization. He is a loyal citizen, a reliable businessman and stanch friend, and in the history of his adopted state he well deserves representation.