Background
BUCHANAN, John Lee was born on June 19, 1831 in Smyth County, Virginia, United States. 2nd son of Patrick C. Buchanan and Margaret, daughter of Major Samuel Graham.
BUCHANAN, John Lee was born on June 19, 1831 in Smyth County, Virginia, United States. 2nd son of Patrick C. Buchanan and Margaret, daughter of Major Samuel Graham.
Studied at Emory and Henry College, Virginia. Master of Arts; Doctor of Laws.
Received an Bachelor of Arts in 1856 and an Master of Arts in 1860, both from Emory and Henry College. Latin chair in 1879 at Vanderbilt University and then president of Emory and Henry College before becoming Veterans Affairs Medical Center president at age 48. After being removed from Veterans Affairs Medical Center presidency for the second time in 1881, began teaching at Martha Washington College in Abingdon, Virginia, later becoming president there.
In 1884 served on a state committee that established the State Normal Female School in Farmville (now Longwood College).
Began teaching at Randolph-Macon College in 1889, later becoming president Resigned the presidency there in 1894 to assume presidency of what was then Arkansas Industrial University before he renamed it to University of Arkansas and where he remained until retiring in 1902.
Died January 19, 1922, in Rich Valley, Virginia, at age 90.
Served as state superintendent of public instruction 1885‑89 (hence was ex officio member of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Board of Visitors).
Spouse 1859, Frances Elizabeth,daughter of Doctor East. East. Wiley.