Jackson County IA Archives Biographies.....Buchner, R. H. December 20, 1852 - 
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Ken Wright wright@prestontel.com December 31, 2010, 3:50 pm

Source: History of Jackson County, Iowa
Author: J. W. Ellis

R. H. BUCHNER.
R. H. Buchner, successfully conducting a large and important mercantile 
establishment in Canton, is well known to his fellow citizens not only because 
of the success which he has attained along business lines but also by reason of 
his deep and active interest in all community affairs. One of Jackson county's 
native sons, he was born in Brandon township on the 20th of December, 1852, a 
son of Allen N. and Emily E. (Furnish) Buchner. The father, who was born in 
Ontario, Canada, came of German-Irish parentage, his father's birth having 
occurred in Germany and his mother's in Ireland. The latter crossed the 
Atlantic to Canada when a maiden of thirteen years. Allen N. Buchner continued 
his residence in his native country until eighteen years of age when, deciding 
to start out in the business world on his own account and believing that across 
the border he might find better opportunities for advancement, he came to the 
United States, locating first in New Buffalo, New York. For a time he followed 
sailing on the lakes, and then, in 1847, made his way to Iowa, locating in 
Farmers Creek township, Jackson county. Subsequently he came to Brandon 
township and here made his home until 1876, in which year he went to Kansas, 
where he remained for six or seven years. Returning to Jackson county, he spent 
his remaining days with his children, his death occurring in Maquoketa. After 
withdrawing from lake pursuits he had devoted his time to farming, in which 
occupation he was most successful. His political views were in accord with the 
principles of the democracy but, public-spirited in citizenship, he reserved 
the right to vote for the men and measures that in his estimation were best 
adapted to conserve the public welfare. He was married in Jackson county to 
Emily E. Furnish, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Thomas Furnish. The 
latter, who was also born in Kentucky, spent most of his life as a pioneer, at 
an early day going to Wisconsin, where he was employed in the lead mines. Later 
he came to Iowa and located near Hurstville, his family being one of the first 
to establish a home in that district. A few years before the outbreak of the 
Civil war he went to Kansas, settling on a farm about twenty-five miles west of 
the Missouri river, but after the beginning of hostilities he returned to 
Jackson county, Iowa, where he remained until the close of the war, when he 
again went to Kansas and located upon his farm there. During the gold craze he 
crossed the plains to Pike's Peak but did not remain long. He died in Brown 
county, Kansas, when he had reached the ripe old age of eighty years. His 
children were scattered about the country, and his wife continued to make her 
home with them until her demise, which occurred in Oklahoma at the very 
remarkable age of onehundred years. Mr. Furnish was a musician of considerable 
talent, being a member of the military band during the Black Hawk campaign. Two 
of his sons, John and William Furnish, were soldiers of the Civil war and were 
among the first detachment to enter Andersonville prison. Their term of 
incarceration extended over a period of fourteen months and twenty days, and 
they both came out alive. They now make their home in Coffeyville, Kansas.
R. H. Buchner, whose name introduces this review, was the fourth in order of 
birth in a family of ten children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Allen N. Buchner, the 
others being: Mary, who passed away in infancy; William, now deceased; Jacob, 
who has also passed away; John, residing in Kansas; James A., of Maquoketa; 
Susan, making her home in Spokane, Washington; Hiram and Emory, both deceased; 
and one who died in infancy. R. H. Buchner acquired his education in the little 
old log schoolhouse of that time, gaining a knowledge of the various branches 
of English learning therein taught. When not busy with his text-books he 
assisted in the work of the farm, early becoming familiar with the tasks that 
fall to the lot of the agriculturist, while with the other members of the 
family he shared in the experiences and many times in the hardships of pioneer 
life. He remained at home until twenty years of age, when, desiring to engage 
in business on his own account, he became identified with contracting and 
building interests, going upon the road as commercial traveler. Six years were 
thus passed, when, his health failing, he was compelled to withdraw from active 
business and two years were spent in recuperating. At the expiration of that 
period he again returned to contracting and building pursuits, with which he 
was connected until 1908, in which year he came to Canton and became identified 
with mercantile interests purchasing a business which was already established 
at this place. He is now the proprietor of one of the most extensive and 
important commercial enterprises of the town, carrying a large and well 
selected stock of general merchandise which is designed to meet the demands of 
the public. A portion of the store is reserved as the postoffice. Mr. Buchner 
owns the building in which he conducts his business, a fine stone structure 
erected in 1876, which, together with his residence, occupies a half block. He 
has conducted the enterprise with gratifying success, building up a large 
business which is the result of his reliable methods, his enterprise and the 
excellent line of goods which he carries. Recognizing the fact that pleased 
patrons are the best advertisement, he has done all in his power to satisfy 
popular demand, and the safe business policy of the house has inspired the 
confidence of the public, with the result that he now enjoys an extensive 
patronage which is constantly increasing in volume and importance.
It was in 1873 that Mr. Buchner was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth E. 
Doty, who was born and reared in southern Iowa. They became the parents of 
seven children. Alonzo D., the eldest, was born January 14. 1874, and died 
November 6, 1874. Frances, born on the 23d of July, 1875, was married to E. 
Harris. She passed away January 13, 1909, leaving two children: Dale and Fay, 
both of whom reside in Rockford, Illinois. Lemuel N., whose birth occurred May 
27, 1877, passed away February 10, 1879, when not yet two years of age. John E. 
was born August 18, 1879, and was also in his second
year when he passed away in 1881. Minnie D., who first opened her eyes to the 
light of day on the 5th of March, 1882, passed away on the 23d of April 
following. Lulu May, who was born on the 2Oth of October, 1883, is now the wife 
of John Leslie, who conducts a music store in Chicago, Illinois. She has two 
children, Luelle and Virten. Claud L., born August i, 1886, lives at home and 
assists his father in the conduct of the store.
Although not a church member, Mr. Buchner attends religious services in Canton 
and contributes liberally to the support of the church. Fraternally he holds 
membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Modern 
Brotherhood of America, of which he is now secretary, and in his life he has 
ever exemplified the spirit of mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness which 
forms the basic principles of those organizations. Early in life he became 
interested in the politics of the country and, forming his own opinions and 
rules of conduct, gives his allegiance to the democratic party where national 
issues are at stake. Locally, however, he casts an independent ballot, being 
governed in his choice by the character of the man or measure rather than by 
any feeling of partisanship. He has been called to several township offices, 
including that of trustee, is a notary public and is also the present 
postmaster of Canton. At all times he has made an efficient official, 
performing the duties devolving upon him in a prompt and highly satisfactory 
manner. An analyzation of his Irfe work shows that his success is not the 
result of favoring environment and influence but is due entirely to his own 
efforts, close application, unfaltering energy and firm purpose. He has 
recognized the fact that labor is the basis of all success and his well 
directed efforts have carried him forward on the road to prosperity.


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