James Buchanan's Vice President, John Breckenridge (1857-1861), later served in the Confederate Army. James Buchanan was the only President born in Pennsylvania. James was a Presbyterian. Buchanan served in the War of 1812. James Buchanan knew a lot about being president.He had had contact with every president from James Monroe to Franklin Pierce. He had served as a congress man, senator, cabinet officer, ambassador, and party leader before becoming president.ames Buchanan's Vice President, John Breckenridge (1857-1861), later served in the Confederate Army. James Buchanan was the only President born in Pennsylvania. James was a Presbyterian. Buchanan served in the War of 1812. James Buchanan knew a lot about being president.