Volcano weekly ledger., 1856-03-15
McKean Buchanan.

mcheaB 6ucnaudu.
Mr.. Buchanan was born in the city Of
Philadelphia, on the 2sth of February, 1928.
His genealogy tracing it back for consid-
cradle period, belong to a clan of bonnie
Scotchmen, and his grandfather, Thomas
Mex can, was one Of the signers Of the De
claration of Independence. The subject OF
the present sketch was educated for the navy
and for four years served as midshipman on
the West India station: but the monotony
of a home naval life not being adapted to
his active habits, he resigned his commission,
and engaged in the pursuits of shipping
merchantin the city of New Orleans. While
in this capacity, he bestowed his leisure in
the cultivation of the fine arts; and especially
the histrionic; for which from boy-hood, he
had strong and decided affection. About
this time he caused to be erected magnll-
cent edifce in New Orleans, for the perior-
nance of select theatricals, called the Louis
lana Histrionic Association, probably the
largest private theatre in the world-and
shortly after was elected President OF the
association numbering some five hundred
active and honorary members among whom
were the wealthiest and most respectable
citizens of the Crescent City.
1t was here, while serving as director Of
these fashionable winter theatricals, that Mr.
Buchanan displayed those important requisites
and splendid talents for an actor, which in
duced his friends to pursuade him to adopt
the stage as profession. But the aspirant
was not so easily forced upon new scene Of
action, knowing full well the indomitable en-
ergy and genius required to ascend the temple
of dramatic fame. He diligently pursued his
studies in the art, essaied new parts at the
Association, and in short exhibited SO much
versatile taste and talent in bis impersona-
tons, that destiny at length claimed his name
and enrolled it on the scroll of the regular
drama His friends hailed this determine
ton with unfeigned delight, and in token Of
their concurrence, proffered him grand
complimentary benefit at the St. Charles
Theatre, on the 7th of January, 1850
when he made his professional debut as Shy
lock, and achieved triumph of the most sat
isfactory character. Soon after this. he yisi-
ted the principal cities of the United States.
and everywhere received approval and en-
couragement of the press and public.
Mr.. Buchanan has labored diligently in
his profession, and is still midnight stu
dent over the mighty bard. He claims to
be Shakspearian actor, and the correctness
oil his readings, and the learning he mani
tests, are just endorsement to his preten-
tions in this respect. He has given his whole
soul-so to speak--to this art, and labors
unremttingly in those glorious mines Of
knowledge that open to the devoted student
His acting is always scholarlikc, massive and
truthful. lie elaborates with great skill, and
refines by taste the most acute. On the
boards he is selfpossessed, elegant, and i'm
pressive, though a certain fitful uneveness is
occasionally apparent, which the refining pro
cess of time may correct. He also lacks in
the subtlety of bye-play-another requisite
which experience teaches the dramatic yotary
and with desire for "point making" he
sometimes oversteps the modesty of nature
in the earnestness Of his intention. These
seem minor faults for aftertime to overcome
in the grand qualifications Mr.. Buchanan i:
eminently gifted His voice, manner, bear
ing, form, and carriage, are oil in his favor
He can look hero, and talk like one--ar
argument which Schiegel deems strong
basis