Sir James Buchannan, Bt: Baronet of Where?

Question

I've found a reference in the D'Arcy Registered Pedigree (Vol. 14, image 176) at the National Library of Ireland to "Sir James Buchannan, Bart." Since his granddaughter was born in the late 1700s, he was probably a baronet in the early- to mid-1700s. But Baronet of what, or where, is proving to be difficult. I did come across a news clipping in the 23 April 1777 Saunders's News-Letter in Dublin (p.1) mentioning Sir James Buchannan, bart. who sailed in the Hillsborough Packet for Holyhead. (So I at least know he exists!)

I've been working my way through lineage books all morning, but am not having much luck. He may have been born in Scotland, but he was certainly in Ireland, and probably Dublin, by the late 1700s.

I've attached this to his granddaughter's profile, since his own information is still so tenuous. If anyone has any idea who he might be, I'd love a clue or two.

Comments

There's a direct link to the pedigree I mentioned on Elizabeth's profile.

Answer 1

Hi Katrina
It is a bit of a mystery.  Page 9 of the index (vol. 6) of The Compete Baronetage, Baronets created 1611-1800 only has Baronets Leith-Buchanan and they only adopted the Buchanan name in the 1800s.  There are some more recent Buchanan baronets but again these are much later.

Maybe he adopted the title but was never formally created a Baronet?

Comments

Yes, those are the ones I found in my initial search. It seems pretty clear that he existed, and I’m tempted to think it must be an Irish baronetcy. But I’m not finding anything in extinct pedigrees, either.

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More puzzling, here Cokayne mentions a Sir George Buchanan of Buchanan in the late 1600s.

(Edited to add:) I assume he’s referring to the Clan Buchanan, but he doesn’t say.

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I was looking for what else I could find and came across Musgrave's Obituary which has a Sir James Buchanan Knt, who is a Major in the Royal Regiment of Artillery, died 15 Feb 1787 and also a Miss Buchannan, dau of Sir Jas Buchannan, died 28 June 1780.

Unfortunately the references don't give much more detail.  The Gentleman's Magazine, vol 57 (2) p. 186 just has "15. At Bath, Colonel Sir James Buchanan, major of the royal regiment of artillery"

The London Magazine or Gentleman's monthly intelligencer, vol. 47 1780, p. 340 just has "Miss Buchannan, eldest daughter of Sir James Buchannan" (no mention of any military association).

Neither are referred to as Baronet, and they may not even be the same person, but could provide a few extra clues to follow up?

Answer 2

Have you checked tbere is not a Buchanan name research project?

Comments

I did check, and nearly posted my original question on their page, but thought it was more appropriate to use G2G and tag the surname.

I worked my way through the Clan Buchanan official website, looking for clues, but you have to be a member to access their genealogical records.

Answer 3

I just Googled him, Sir James Buchannan, 8/10/1849-8//1935, 1st Baron Woolovington. Is this not accurate? Be well, Jack

Comments

No. That's one of the "new creations." His granddaughter was born around 1780, so he would have lived in the 1700s. Maybe even 1600s.

But thanks for trying, Jack. It is indeed a puzzler.