The Buchanan Family in Indianapolis Since 1826
This memorial is a tribute to the 6 generations of Buchanan's that began when David and Sarah Buchanan came to Indianapolis from Virginia in 1826. The family burial estate is in Washington Park East Cemetery in Indianapolis, land that was the Buchanan family farm from 1833-1900. This story and pictures can be seen on granite tablets in the estate.
Our Scottish Forefathers
The Buchanans originated from Stirlingshire near Loch Lomond – where the Lowlands meet the Highlands. When the clan dissolved in the 1600s, our descendants dispersed to Ireland.
Images: Loch Lomond by Shawn Spence, Buchanan Castle in Dryman, Scotland (demolished)
Coming to America
Samuel and Martha Buchanan came to America in the mid-18th Century, settling on a farm in Virginia. Samuel was a hero in the War of Independence at the Battle of Kings Mountain. Their son Andrew Buchanan also fought and was wounded during this battle.
Image: The Battle of Kings Mountain
Proud Hoosier Pioneers
Andrew’s son David and his wife Sarah traveled to Indiana from Virginia in 1826. They established a tavern in the heart of Indianapolis called the Buchanan Tavern. They bought land along the National Road near Cumberland in 1833. This farm was located where you are now standing.
John and Jane Buchanan lived on the family farm until his death in 1900. In 1926 the land became Washington Park East Cemetery. The Buchanan family purchased the cemetery in 1956.
Images: A covered wagon with horses, A representative photo of a two-story log tavern, The Buchanan Farm on The National Road near Cumberland, Indiana, Second generation Hoosiers John and Jane Buchanan
Quiet Civic Leaders
Charles John Buchanan
Educator, Mortician, Politician, Conservationist, Farmer
Images: Charles John Buchanan (in senate chamber), Dunes State Park,
Anna Flanner Buchanan
Family Matriarch, Volunteer, Sunday School Teacher
Images: Anna Flanner Buchanan (at spinning wheel), Flanner House
Paul H. Buchanan, Sr.
First President of Goodwill Industries, Mortician, Fisherman, Businessman
Images: PHB portrait, Founder, Buchanan Counseling Center at Methodist Hospital, building supervisor and member of Meridian Street United Methodist Church
Paul H. Buchanan, Jr.
Chief Judge - Indiana Court of Appeals, Lawyer, Innovator and Mentor, Civic Leader, Public Speaker, Arts Benefactor, Patriot
Image: PHB Jr. portrait
Serving at Life’s Final Passage
Francis W. Flanner started a funeral establishment in 1881 and his brother-in-law Charles J. Buchanan joined as a partner in 1887.
Images, newspaper clipping of partnership, Illinois Street funeral home with horse team, Fall Creek Mortuary, Early logo for Flanner & Buchanan
Founders of National Selected Morticians
One of First Crematories in the Country
Indianapolis Crematory
Founders of Cremation Association of North America group photograph
Never just the “Traditional” Funeral Home
The Broad Ripple Funeral Center opened in 1955
The Community Life Center at Washington Park Cemetery
Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (interior)
Our Values: Community Commitment Compassion