James Buchanan was the president just before Lincoln. They say he was one of the worst presidents ever. Basically, he just didn't do anything, he let the country go to pot, as they say. He didn't even try to do anything about the slavery disagreement... or anything else for that matter. He was a career politician. We toured his house, just outside Lancaster. Since politicians salaries are usually relatively meager, the question arises, how could he afford such a luxurious mansion and estate? The answer is, he was a career politician... there were plenty of rich and powerful people around to make sure he was properly rewarded for taking official action to make them happy.