Buchanan Log House

The beautiful and historical James Buchanan Cemetery is located in the heart of Donelson on a small rise across from the Buchanan Log House. It is one of the oldest private cemeteries in the area.

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Just before the death of James Buchanan's wife, Lucinda, the larger family reserved this plot for a family graveyard by deed in 1867. Eleven of the 16 children of James and Lucinda are here in this cemetery.

 

The James Buchanan Cemetery is located at Nashville East, Tennessee U.S. Geological Survey Quadrangle Map #311NW, on Elm Hill Pike at a point about 600 feet west of its intersection with McCrory Creek Road.  It is on the original North Carolina Land Grant to Thomas Gillespie, a cousin of Archibald (1728-1806) and James Buchanan (1763-1841).  

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As of 2019, this is the resting place for more than five generations (158) of their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Eighty-one unmarked grave sites remain unidentified.

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Epitaph, James Buchanan 

Farewell my friends, as you pass by 
As you are now, so once was I 
As I am now, so you must be 
Prepare to die and follow me.

 

Epitaph, Lucinda Buchanan

As thou hast said, I follow you 
As all the rest must shortly do 
Then be not guilty of any crime 
So you may live in heaven sublime

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This cemetery is cared for by the Buchanan Memorial Foundation (a separate organization from the Buchanan Log House Chapter, APTA). It is part of the Historical Overlay put into place in 2023 by the Metro Historic Zoning Commission and Nashville Metro Council.

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Financial contributions for the upkeep of the James Buchanan Cemetery may be sent to the Buchanan Memorial Association, 3024 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214.

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For more information regarding the Buchanan Memorial Association, please contact Robert Dabbs Whitworth, President 615-883-6658.

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