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Author: HuntingtonV
Surnames: Buckingham, Beaver
Classification: biography
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Message Board Post:
From Biographical Memoirs of Huntington County, 1901, pages 658-659
James H. Buckingham was born near the city of Mt. Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, on the 16th
of February, 1831. Reared on a farm, his early experiences included the routine of labor
incident to life in the country, and the schools taught in an insignificant log cabin not
far from the father's place afforded him the means of obtaining a limited education.
When in his seventeenth year he began learning the carpenter's trade, at which he
served a three-years' apprenticeship. After becoming a proficient workman he followed
his trade with varied success in his native state until 1853, when he came to Huntington
county, Indiana, and for several years thereafter engaged more or less in the business.
Desiring to become a farmer, Mr. Buckingham, about the year 1856, discontinued his trade
and moved to a place in Union township, which he had purchased some time previously, and
at once entered upon the duties of a tiller of the soil. His land at that time,
consisting of eighty acres situated in section twenty-eight, was in a wild condition, with
no improvements worthy of mention, and the first thing Mr. Buckingham did was to prepare a
shelter for his family in the shape of a small round-log cabin with one room, which served
well its purpose until a more pretentious residence could be erected later on. The work
required to fell the gigantic trees with which the land was covered and remove the dense
undergrowth which everywhere prevaded (sic) the forests, was a task requiring strength of
muscle and power of will, both of which were combined in our subject in a remarkable
degree. His long and arduous toil was at last rewarded by a nicely improved farm,
furnished with substa!
ntial buildings and other conveniences essential to comfort in the rural district, while
a surplus has been laid aside for the proverbial rainy day, which soon or late (sic) comes
to the majority of people who depend entirely upon their own exertions for a livelihood
for themselves and families.
Mr. Buckingham, while an excellent farmer and up-to-date in all matters relating to the
honorable calling to which the greater part of his life has been devoted, is nevertheless
a conservative man in his business methods, calculating well the costs before engaging in
any enterprise, and being sure of successful issue prior to making investments of any
nature whatever. Directed thus, his mistakes have been remarkably few, and success, such
as few attain under similar circumstances, has been his to a remarkable degree. His
inclinations have never led him into the domain of partisan politics, nevertheless he is a
potent factor in the Democratic party of his township, and as such has been called to
different official positions, including those of school director and assessor, filling the
latter by successive re-elections for a period of about twelve years.
Mr. Buckingham possesses fine business tact and ranks with the progressive men of the
township in everything pertaining to good citizenship. His record for veracity stands
above criticism and his character has never been made the target for adverse comment of
any kind. He is indeed an all-around man, possessing the confidence and esteem of his
neighbors and friends and living a life that may with safety be imitated by the young and
rising generation.
Mr. Buckingham was united in marriage, in the year 1856, to Miss Sarah Beaver, who has
borne him seven children: William M., Robert, Albert, Clarissa H. (deceased), Ida A.,
John and Florence.
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