76 Cincinnati Society of Natural History. 



He Was one of the first of the early settlers to recognize the possibilities of 

 fifrowth possessed by Cincinnati, and was always among the foremost 

 in public enterprise. 



In 1825, in company with his business partners, he established a viiole- 

 sale grocery at Louisville, and a commission house in New Orleans, which 

 were carried on with varying fortune till finally closed bj^ the death or re- 

 moval of his partners. From 1823 to 1831 he was engaged in pork packing. 

 At diff'erent times he was part owner of steamboats, and, with his partners, 

 built several dwelling houses and stores. He built and conducted, with 

 others, the Phoenix Cotton Factory of Cincinnati, and the Covington fac- 

 tory. He was also one of the firm that operated the Cooper Cotton Mill, in 

 Dayton. In company with William Mansar, he leased the Covington Eoll- 

 ing Mill, and operated it successfully for ten years. In 1837 he was engaged 

 by the United States Bank to purchase gold and silver, and in this transac- 

 tion no security was required, as his well-known integrity was considered 

 a suflScient guaranty. 



In 1843, having acquired an extensive knowledge of botany, and anxious 

 to cultivate the native grape and other fruits, he purchased his country seat 

 in Clifton, which he ornamented with choice fruits and flowers, setting an 

 example at that early day of landscape gardening, which has made Clifton 

 the beauty and pride of the people of Cincinnati. His country residence 

 being near Spring Gr we Cemetery, he was enabled to devote his leisure 

 hours in attending to the delightful pursuits of horticulture, and with the 

 able supervision, of Mr. Strauch, Spring Grove is placed at the head in 

 beauty and extent of any other cemetery in this country or in Europe. 



The great exigencies of times call forth the services of men who seem formed 

 for the difficulties and dangers with which they are surrounded. They 

 achieve the object of their mission and depart. But not alone to those the 

 world calls great Is society to look for its valuable members. At all times 

 there are men of strong minds, and well directed views, who are pursuing 

 the even tenor of their way adding to public prosperity and social blessings 

 who do not seem to understand their own importance. They are fulfilling 

 the great objects of life, but the quietness of their course seems to admit 

 of no special distinction, though they leave the world with the vestiges of 

 their labor, in the place where they stood. Wherever they have been are 

 found the tokens of their being. They leave an indelible mark upon the 

 age in which they flourished. In this class the name of Robert Buchanan 

 will be found. 



Robert Buchanan commenced a business life in the early part of the 



