Oregon Pioneer of 1847.
Unmarked grave is marked by red flowers, courtesy of B.J. Waters.

John Baltzell Burkhart was one of twelve children of John Burkhart (1787-1856) and Rebecca (Baltzell) Burkhart (1800-1884), who started out from Knoxville, Tennessee after 1826, arriving in Kentucky by 1829, moving to Greene County, Illinois to live between 1832-1835, and then once more relocating to Burlington, Des Moines Co., Iowa between 1838-1847. It was during this time that John Baltzell Burkhart was born, on Feb 3, 1838, the 9th child, the 4th of seven sons. He was only nine years old when his parents decided to move one last time. In early 1847, his parents, siblings and their spouses, children and good friends, the Davidsons, set out on the Oregon Trail, arriving in the town of Albany, in Oregon Territory on Oct 16, 1847. John's parents and most of his brothers & sisters would remain in Oregon, settling throughout the Willamette Valley. John was 9 yrs. old when he arrived in Oregon.
On May 15, 1889, John Baltzell Burkhart married Sarah E. Wallen in Los Angeles, L.A.County, CA. They next appear in the 1900 U S Census with John listed as the head of the household, Sarah listed as his wife and two children, Josephine "Wallin", his stepdaughter, and George Davidson(?) Burkhart, his son. Their residence remained Los Angeles. Some time during this period his wife gave birth to two more sons, Fred & Glenn. The only reason we are aware of this is because a picture of the two boys appears in Fannie Burkhart's photo album. John and his family also appeared in the 1910 U S Census with their residence listed as Los Angeles Assembly District 75, Los Angeles, California. John was now 72 yrs. as stated on the census and Sarah was 53 yrs. Josephine, his stepdaughter, was still in the home & was now age 28 yrs, listing her state of birth as California, and John & Sarah's common child, George "D" (which is different than the 1900 census)Burkhart also listed his state of birth as California, and year of birth, 1891. The final piece of information on John Baltzell Burkhart was found, courtesy of another Find A Grave contributor, in the Nov 8, 1914 issue of the L A Times. It states that John Baltzell Burkhart of 632 West 45th St., Los Angeles, CA died on Nov 7, 1914. A Masonic Service was held for him at Inglewood Park Cemetery and he was buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, CA. in Lot 726, Plot A.
His wife, Sarah Elizabeth Burkhart, whose final address was 158 1/2 Ocean Park Blvd., Ocean Park, L.A.County, CA, died on Mar 27, 1929. Her funeral was at Pierce Brothers Chapel and she was buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, CA at Lot 201, Crescent Plot. This information, also from the L A Times, is also courtesy of another Find A Grave contributor.
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I have been neglectful and haven't been to John's memorial in the past year, looking for other Burkharts & their offspring. To my chagrin, I've now learned that my great grandmother's uncle had been married previously but, somehow, that information had never been passed along although he had been blessed with four children. John married Malinda Burdick, b.1848 in Pottawattamie Co., Iowa and they were blessed with three daughters and one son:
Annie Rebecca, b.1869, Frank William, b.1870, Kate Maud, b.1873, and Helen Clara, b.1876.
However, tragedy struck their home not once but twice. Little Frank William, who was b.Dec 5, 1870, d.Feb 16, 1875 and was buried by his grieving parents at Spadra Cemetery in Pomona, Los Angeles Co., CA, where the family was living at the time. The other tragedy occurred when Helen was almost 12 years old, Kate was almost 15, Annie was married and a wife of John William Foley, aged about 19, and his beloved wife was about 40. I don't know what happened, but Malinda died on March 22, 1888. She was buried at Pioneer Memorial Gardens in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. & it must have broken John's heart. He did remarry in May, 1889 which makes me wonder where Helen & Kate lived until they reached adulthood as they aren't mentioned in any of the California Censuses I found for him, which began with 1900 and his new wife.
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I need to do more research, but not at 6am. I've been up working on this all nite, but anyone who knows me knows that's how I am [and yes, my sister is upset with me again for being up all night!]. If anyone knows anything more about my newly found relatives, please hit the "edit" key & let me know. This has just about broken my heart. I'd have thought that if my family knew of his 1st family and of the tragedy that had occurred, they would have gladly taken the children in to care for them, although maybe John didn't want that. I don't know what terms he was on with his father before he left, or any other members of the family, for that matter, although he had sent his niece, Fanny, pictures of his twin boys, which is something. Hmmmmm......
With All Sincerity, Kathie L.Webb Blair, Portland, OR Mar 19, 2013


Thanks to B.J. Waters for taking the time and effort to locate my great, great uncle's unmarked grave.
But red silk flowers were placed where he is buried, so I know where his remains are, such a very thoughtful gesture.
Aug 16, 2015

Barbara LeClaire, Find A Grave member who has the memorial for John's 1st wife, Malinda, referred me to the library's Arda Haenszel California Room, [909-381-8208]; the gentleman I spoke with was unable to tell me the cause of death for either Malinda or their son, Frank William, who lived from 1870-1875. He advised me that many records had been burned and that it is difficult to find information for the late 1800's. Most of them are on microfilm and barely legible. He was able to tell me that Malinda was one of nine children born to Thomas Burdick and Ann Higley Burdick. He also advised me that John's 2nd wife, Sarah E. Wallen's maiden name is Cable. He referred me to San Bernadino County Archives; he said they would have death certificate information, if it was still available. Due to excessively hot weather here in Portland, Oregon (our 25th day of over 90` this summer, a new record!), I will be contacting them when I'm able, as weather and my health permit. Thank you to Barbara for the work she has done researching Malinda and for her help in finding out more about my great, great uncle's family.
August 18, 2015