He was graduated from Beloit College, in Wisconsin, in 1860 and from the Union Theological Seminary in New York City three years later.

After the war, Buckley became Alabama superintendent of education for the Bureau of Refugees and Freed Men in 1866 and 1867.

At the same time, Buckley engaged in agricultural pursuits, banking, the fire insurance business and mining.

After his political career, Buckley served as probate judge of Montgomery County (1874–1878), while resuming banking and the fire insurance business.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress