James Buchanan: Lizbeth Ortiz By hhims06 Apr 1, 1791 The day James Buchanan was born Jan 1, 1812 James lost his middle finger on his right hand during the Battle of Raisin River in the War of 1812. Jan 1, 1857 John C. Breckinridge was vice-president for James Buchanan Mar 4, 1857 when James Buchanan first became president May 4, 1858 English Bill Passed Feb 27, 1860 cooper union address Dec 20, 1860 South Carolina Secedes Mar 4, 1861 Wasn't in office Mar 4, 1861 vice-president John C. Breckinridge left office vice-president? John C. Breckinridge (1857–1861) Jun 1, 1868 James Buchanan died