Per "HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY, OHIO 1740 - 1881," by Norman Newell Hill Jr., Page3 825, 826, and 827
BURNS SAMUEL, the progenitor of the present Burns family; was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1770. Of his parents, nothing is known more than they were of Scotch-Irish origin, and come to this country at an early date, and he made his home with them until his seventeenth year. He had three brothers, James, John and William, all of whom served in the war of the revolution. William died in the service, of camp-fever. John was taken prisoner at Quebec, and he and two others made their escape by approaching one of the sentinels, on the walls, to whom they offered an empty bottle to take a drink. As he tipped the bottle up John Burns struck him under the chin, and knocked him off the walls. They then made their escape across the frozen river, enduring terrible sufferings from hunger and exposure,. before reaching the American army.
Samuel Burns, when fourteen years of age, came to Wheeling Creek, West Virginia, and from thence to Pittsburgh, where he took passage on a boat to New Orleans He related that on his passage down the river there were but two river settlements on the Ohio, one at Marietta. and one at a place called Limestone. Arriving at New Orleans, he took passage on an ocean ship and sailed for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Arriving there he went to Pine Grove Iron Furnace, near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he remained until married in the year 1792 to Mrs. Jane Lambertson, and moved to Millerstown, Shenandoah county Virginia. He then worked for four years learning the hatter's trade. He then moved to Waynesburg, Augusta county, Virginia, where he lived for a period of seventeen years. He then came to New Philadelphia, Ohio, in the fall of 1815, where he remained until April, 1816, when he came to Coshocton, coming down the Tuscarawas river in a canoe with his family, where he followed his trade until old age rendered him unable to endure the hardships of that trade. He also served as Justice of the Peace for many years, and was familiarly known as "Squire Burns." He died September 21,1852.
Jane Burns, his wife, whose maiden name was Jane Leggett, was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in the year 1767; was first married to Richard Lambertson, grandfather of Samuel Lambertson, of this city. He being killed at a raising near Bedford, Pennsylvania, she returned to her father's, where she remained until she was married to Samuel Burns, as before stated. Her father was born in Ireland and sold for his passage to this country. Her mother was born near Little York, Pennsylvania, and was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent, her maiden name being Sarah Yost, Jane Burns died November 29, 1845, being 78 years old. She was the mother of ten children, three of whom died at an early age. The eldest of the family was Mary Burns Crowley, horn February 5, 1796. She married John Crawley, Sr., of this place, and was the mother of four children, one of whom is one of our prominent grocerymen, John Burns Crawley. She died February 24, 1834.
Joseph Burns, Sr., was born March 11, 1800, in Waynesburgh, Augusta county, Virginia. He was sixteen years of age when he came to this county. He, and the rest of the family, with the exception of his mother and youngest sister, walked the whole distance from Waynesboro' to New Philadelphia. He early showed a dislike for his father's trade, and, when eighteen years of age, wrote for General Adam Johnson, then clerk and auditor of this county. In 1821 he was elected county auditor, which office he held until 1833, when he resigned, haying been elected a member of the State Legislature, serving in that capacity from 1838-40. In 1843 he was elected county clerk, which office he filled a term of eight years. In 1857 he was elected congressman from this district, where he served his country for two years. He then engaged in the drug business in the town of Roscoe, where he remained in business until elected probate judge in the year 1869. He remained in said office until his death which occurred May 9, 1875. When the old State militia was in order he was a prominent officer, having been elected to the rank of is major general, and was known by all as General Burns. At the close of the war he war made a pension agent, and was, perhaps, the most successful person Bolding that office here. Never exacting as to fees, and always free with his purse among his friends and fellow-citizens, he left at the end of his days only a moderate portion. Many men, with more greed, or less honest or frugal, would have amassed fortunes with his opportunities. He was twice married, his first wife was Rebecca Lewis, and his second wife was Mrs. Alexander Hay. His oldest, son, William, was educated at West Point, and was, during the late war, a brigadier general. He had, in all, six sons and two daughters, five of those and his widow survive him.
Per "HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY, OHIO 1740 - 1881," by Norman Newell Hill Jr., Page 825
William Burns, the only surviving one of the Burns brothers, was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, December 20,1802, and came to this county with his father's family. In the fall of 1576, December 4, he commenced carrying the United States mail to Zanesville, Freeport, Harrison county, and Mt. Vernon, for his father. On the road to Freeport (at the head of White Eyes plains), there was but one house to the distance of twenty-one miles. On the ridge road to Mt. Vernon, after leaving lower Roscoe, there was a distance of fifteen miles without one house, He served at this for about one year. When his brother Joseph left, he took his place in the hatter shop, and followed the trade until 1843, when, owing to large importations of hats on the canal, brought from eastern cities, and sold at lower prices than they could be made here, he quit the trade and engaged in farming. He followed this occupation until the year 1856. Being desirous of living an easier life, he quit farming, and has since been living a retired life in this city. He was married twice. His first wife was Mary McGuire, who died in 1844, two years after marriage. He was again married December 17,1856, to Eleanor M. Ferguson, of Roscoe, daughter of Mathew Ferguson, of that place. He had, in all, two children, one of which died. William Burns, Jr., his only son, is now engaged in the business of a watchmaker and jeweler. Was born June 29, 1859, in Coshocton, Ohio. William Burns, Sr., is now in his seventy-eighth year, and enjoying good health. He is regarded as one of the most prominent pioneers of the county.
Sarah Burns, fifth child of Samuel and Jane Burns. was born September 28,1804. She was never married, making her home with her brother, William Burns, and at time of death, and some time prior, with her younger sister, Mrs. James Hay. She died in the year 1867, July 27, of cancer of the breast, of which disease she suffered many years.
John Burns was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, September 18, 1800, He came to this county with his father's family, and worked at the hatter's trade until twenty-four years of age, when he went to Chillicothe with his brother-in-law, John Smeltzer, where he remained one ,year, he then came to Roscoe, and clerked with Smeltzer and his successors, (Medberry & Ransom) until 1838, when he was made a partner, under the name of Medberry, Burns & Co. In 1840 he retired from the firm and entered into partnership with Samuel Moffatt, for the sale of dry goods. In 1845, Moffatt retired and the firm was changed to Burns & Le Retilley, and remained so until 1860, when he bought Le Retilley out and continued to do business in his own name until his death. He was married in 1837, to Rachel Retilley, by whom he had four children, one son and three daughters, the eldest daughter being the wife of one of our prominent attorneys, J. M. Compton. All his children and his widow still sur-vive him. He died July 30, 1871. His good sense and his integrity were marked qualities. Thoroughly interested in public affairs, and always a zealous partizan, and ready to help his friends to public office, he never had any desire in that direction for himself, and, it is believed, never held any official position. He was a pains-taking and successful business man.
Nancy Burns (Smeltzer) was born August 20, 1807, in Waynesboro', Virginia. In 1826 she was married to John Smeltzer, afterward of Troy, Ohio. Her husband was elected a member of the legislature of 1827-8, afterward engaging in the firm of Medberry R Ransom She removed to Roscoe and lived there a few years. She then moved to Troy, Ohio, where her husband died. She then moved to Lima, Ohio, where she now resides. She was the mother of four children, only one, a daughter, now living, and with whom she makes her home.
Jane Burns (Hay) was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, August 25, 1811. She was married to James Hay ,in 183, and is the mother of six children, two of whom are now living, her daughter Sarah being married to the late James Wilson, a prominent business man. She has been lately bereaved of her husband, who died September 24, 1881. A noteworthy fact of the Burns family is, they all reached a ripe old age, and are all highly respected for their integrity and good sense.
Nancy Burns (Smeltzer) was born August 20, 1807, in Waynesboro', Virginia. In 1826 she was married to John Smeltzer, afterward of Troy, Ohio. Her husband was elected a member of the legislature of 1827-8, afterward engaging in the firm of Medberry R Ransom She removed to Roscoe and lived there a few years. She then moved to Troy, Ohio, where her husband died. She then moved to Lima, Ohio, where she now resides. She was the mother of four children, only one, a daughter, now living, and with whom she makes her home.
Jane Burns (Hay) was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, August 25, 1811. She was married to James Hay ,in 183, and is the mother of six children, two of whom are now living, her daughter Sarah being married to the late James Wilson, a prominent business man. She has been lately bereaved of her husband, who died September 24, 1881. A noteworthy fact of the Burns family is, they all reached a ripe old age, and are all highly respected for their integrity and good sense.
BURNS SAMUEL, the progenitor of the present Burns family; was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1770. Of his parents, nothing is known more than they were of Scotch-Irish origin, and come to this country at an early date, and he made his home with them until his seventeenth year. He had three brothers, James, John and William, all of whom served in the war of the revolution. William died in the service, of camp-fever. John was taken prisoner at Quebec, and he and two others made their escape by approaching one of the sentinels, on the walls, to whom they offered an empty bottle to take a drink. As he tipped the bottle up John Burns struck him under the chin, and knocked him off the walls. They then made their escape across the frozen river, enduring terrible sufferings from hunger and exposure,. before reaching the American army.
Samuel Burns, when fourteen years of age, came to Wheeling Creek, West Virginia, and from thence to Pittsburgh, where he took passage on a boat to New Orleans He related that on his passage down the river there were but two river settlements on the Ohio, one at Marietta. and one at a place called Limestone. Arriving at New Orleans, he took passage on an ocean ship and sailed for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Arriving there he went to Pine Grove Iron Furnace, near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he remained until married in the year 1792 to Mrs. Jane Lambertson, and moved to Millerstown, Shenandoah county Virginia. He then worked for four years learning the hatter's trade. He then moved to Waynesburg, Augusta county, Virginia, where he lived for a period of seventeen years. He then came to New Philadelphia, Ohio, in the fall of 1815, where he remained until April, 1816, when he came to Coshocton, coming down the Tuscarawas river in a canoe with his family, where he followed his trade until old age rendered him unable to endure the hardships of that trade. He also served as Justice of the Peace for many years, and was familiarly known as "Squire Burns." He died September 21,1852.
Jane Burns, his wife, whose maiden name was Jane Leggett, was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in the year 1767; was first married to Richard Lambertson, grandfather of Samuel Lambertson, of this city. He being killed at a raising near Bedford, Pennsylvania, she returned to her father's, where she remained until she was married to Samuel Burns, as before stated. Her father was born in Ireland and sold for his passage to this country. Her mother was born near Little York, Pennsylvania, and was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent, her maiden name being Sarah Yost, Jane Burns died November 29, 1845, being 78 years old. She was the mother of ten children, three of whom died at an early age. The eldest of the family was Mary Burns Crowley, horn February 5, 1796. She married John Crawley, Sr., of this place, and was the mother of four children, one of whom is one of our prominent grocerymen, John Burns Crawley. She died February 24, 1834.
Joseph Burns, Sr., was born March 11, 1800, in Waynesburgh, Augusta county, Virginia. He was sixteen years of age when he came to this county. He, and the rest of the family, with the exception of his mother and youngest sister, walked the whole distance from Waynesboro' to New Philadelphia. He early showed a dislike for his father's trade, and, when eighteen years of age, wrote for General Adam Johnson, then clerk and auditor of this county. In 1821 he was elected county auditor, which office he held until 1833, when he resigned, haying been elected a member of the State Legislature, serving in that capacity from 1838-40. In 1843 he was elected county clerk, which office he filled a term of eight years. In 1857 he was elected congressman from this district, where he served his country for two years. He then engaged in the drug business in the town of Roscoe, where he remained in business until elected probate judge in the year 1869. He remained in said office until his death which occurred May 9, 1875. When the old State militia was in order he was a prominent officer, having been elected to the rank of is major general, and was known by all as General Burns. At the close of the war he war made a pension agent, and was, perhaps, the most successful person Bolding that office here. Never exacting as to fees, and always free with his purse among his friends and fellow-citizens, he left at the end of his days only a moderate portion. Many men, with more greed, or less honest or frugal, would have amassed fortunes with his opportunities. He was twice married, his first wife was Rebecca Lewis, and his second wife was Mrs. Alexander Hay. His oldest, son, William, was educated at West Point, and was, during the late war, a brigadier general. He had, in all, six sons and two daughters, five of those and his widow survive him.
Per "HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY, OHIO 1740 - 1881," by Norman Newell Hill Jr., Page 825
William Burns, the only surviving one of the Burns brothers, was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, December 20,1802, and came to this county with his father's family. In the fall of 1576, December 4, he commenced carrying the United States mail to Zanesville, Freeport, Harrison county, and Mt. Vernon, for his father. On the road to Freeport (at the head of White Eyes plains), there was but one house to the distance of twenty-one miles. On the ridge road to Mt. Vernon, after leaving lower Roscoe, there was a distance of fifteen miles without one house, He served at this for about one year. When his brother Joseph left, he took his place in the hatter shop, and followed the trade until 1843, when, owing to large importations of hats on the canal, brought from eastern cities, and sold at lower prices than they could be made here, he quit the trade and engaged in farming. He followed this occupation until the year 1856. Being desirous of living an easier life, he quit farming, and has since been living a retired life in this city. He was married twice. His first wife was Mary McGuire, who died in 1844, two years after marriage. He was again married December 17,1856, to Eleanor M. Ferguson, of Roscoe, daughter of Mathew Ferguson, of that place. He had, in all, two children, one of which died. William Burns, Jr., his only son, is now engaged in the business of a watchmaker and jeweler. Was born June 29, 1859, in Coshocton, Ohio. William Burns, Sr., is now in his seventy-eighth year, and enjoying good health. He is regarded as one of the most prominent pioneers of the county.
Sarah Burns, fifth child of Samuel and Jane Burns. was born September 28,1804. She was never married, making her home with her brother, William Burns, and at time of death, and some time prior, with her younger sister, Mrs. James Hay. She died in the year 1867, July 27, of cancer of the breast, of which disease she suffered many years.
John Burns was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, September 18, 1800, He came to this county with his father's family, and worked at the hatter's trade until twenty-four years of age, when he went to Chillicothe with his brother-in-law, John Smeltzer, where he remained one ,year, he then came to Roscoe, and clerked with Smeltzer and his successors, (Medberry & Ransom) until 1838, when he was made a partner, under the name of Medberry, Burns & Co. In 1840 he retired from the firm and entered into partnership with Samuel Moffatt, for the sale of dry goods. In 1845, Moffatt retired and the firm was changed to Burns & Le Retilley, and remained so until 1860, when he bought Le Retilley out and continued to do business in his own name until his death. He was married in 1837, to Rachel Retilley, by whom he had four children, one son and three daughters, the eldest daughter being the wife of one of our prominent attorneys, J. M. Compton. All his children and his widow still sur-vive him. He died July 30, 1871. His good sense and his integrity were marked qualities. Thoroughly interested in public affairs, and always a zealous partizan, and ready to help his friends to public office, he never had any desire in that direction for himself, and, it is believed, never held any official position. He was a pains-taking and successful business man.
Nancy Burns (Smeltzer) was born August 20, 1807, in Waynesboro', Virginia. In 1826 she was married to John Smeltzer, afterward of Troy, Ohio. Her husband was elected a member of the legislature of 1827-8, afterward engaging in the firm of Medberry R Ransom She removed to Roscoe and lived there a few years. She then moved to Troy, Ohio, where her husband died. She then moved to Lima, Ohio, where she now resides. She was the mother of four children, only one, a daughter, now living, and with whom she makes her home.
Jane Burns (Hay) was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, August 25, 1811. She was married to James Hay ,in 183, and is the mother of six children, two of whom are now living, her daughter Sarah being married to the late James Wilson, a prominent business man. She has been lately bereaved of her husband, who died September 24, 1881. A noteworthy fact of the Burns family is, they all reached a ripe old age, and are all highly respected for their integrity and good sense.
Nancy Burns (Smeltzer) was born August 20, 1807, in Waynesboro', Virginia. In 1826 she was married to John Smeltzer, afterward of Troy, Ohio. Her husband was elected a member of the legislature of 1827-8, afterward engaging in the firm of Medberry R Ransom She removed to Roscoe and lived there a few years. She then moved to Troy, Ohio, where her husband died. She then moved to Lima, Ohio, where she now resides. She was the mother of four children, only one, a daughter, now living, and with whom she makes her home.
Jane Burns (Hay) was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, August 25, 1811. She was married to James Hay ,in 183, and is the mother of six children, two of whom are now living, her daughter Sarah being married to the late James Wilson, a prominent business man. She has been lately bereaved of her husband, who died September 24, 1881. A noteworthy fact of the Burns family is, they all reached a ripe old age, and are all highly respected for their integrity and good sense.
Per "HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY, OHIO 1740 - 1881," by Norman Newell Hill Jr., Page3 825, 826, and 827
BURNS SAMUEL, the progenitor of the present Burns family; was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1770. Of his parents, nothing is known more than they were of Scotch-Irish origin, and come to this country at an early date, and he made his home with them until his seventeenth year. He had three brothers, James, John and William, all of whom served in the war of the revolution. William died in the service, of camp-fever. John was taken prisoner at Quebec, and he and two others made their escape by approaching one of the sentinels, on the walls, to whom they offered an empty bottle to take a drink. As he tipped the bottle up John Burns struck him under the chin, and knocked him off the walls. They then made their escape across the frozen river, enduring terrible sufferings from hunger and exposure,. before reaching the American army.
Samuel Burns, when fourteen years of age, came to Wheeling Creek, West Virginia, and from thence to Pittsburgh, where he took passage on a boat to New Orleans He related that on his passage down the river there were but two river settlements on the Ohio, one at Marietta. and one at a place called Limestone. Arriving at New Orleans, he took passage on an ocean ship and sailed for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Arriving there he went to Pine Grove Iron Furnace, near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he remained until married in the year 1792 to Mrs. Jane Lambertson, and moved to Millerstown, Shenandoah county Virginia. He then worked for four years learning the hatter's trade. He then moved to Waynesburg, Augusta county, Virginia, where he lived for a period of seventeen years. He then came to New Philadelphia, Ohio, in the fall of 1815, where he remained until April, 1816, when he came to Coshocton, coming down the Tuscarawas river in a canoe with his family, where he followed his trade until old age rendered him unable to endure the hardships of that trade. He also served as Justice of the Peace for many years, and was familiarly known as "Squire Burns." He died September 21,1852.
Jane Burns, his wife, whose maiden name was Jane Leggett, was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in the year 1767; was first married to Richard Lambertson, grandfather of Samuel Lambertson, of this city. He being killed at a raising near Bedford, Pennsylvania, she returned to her father's, where she remained until she was married to Samuel Burns, as before stated. Her father was born in Ireland and sold for his passage to this country. Her mother was born near Little York, Pennsylvania, and was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent, her maiden name being Sarah Yost, Jane Burns died November 29, 1845, being 78 years old. She was the mother of ten children, three of whom died at an early age. The eldest of the family was Mary Burns Crowley, horn February 5, 1796. She married John Crawley, Sr., of this place, and was the mother of four children, one of whom is one of our prominent grocerymen, John Burns Crawley. She died February 24, 1834.
Joseph Burns, Sr., was born March 11, 1800, in Waynesburgh, Augusta county, Virginia. He was sixteen years of age when he came to this county. He, and the rest of the family, with the exception of his mother and youngest sister, walked the whole distance from Waynesboro' to New Philadelphia. He early showed a dislike for his father's trade, and, when eighteen years of age, wrote for General Adam Johnson, then clerk and auditor of this county. In 1821 he was elected county auditor, which office he held until 1833, when he resigned, haying been elected a member of the State Legislature, serving in that capacity from 1838-40. In 1843 he was elected county clerk, which office he filled a term of eight years. In 1857 he was elected congressman from this district, where he served his country for two years. He then engaged in the drug business in the town of Roscoe, where he remained in business until elected probate judge in the year 1869. He remained in said office until his death which occurred May 9, 1875. When the old State militia was in order he was a prominent officer, having been elected to the rank of is major general, and was known by all as General Burns. At the close of the war he war made a pension agent, and was, perhaps, the most successful person Bolding that office here. Never exacting as to fees, and always free with his purse among his friends and fellow-citizens, he left at the end of his days only a moderate portion. Many men, with more greed, or less honest or frugal, would have amassed fortunes with his opportunities. He was twice married, his first wife was Rebecca Lewis, and his second wife was Mrs. Alexander Hay. His oldest, son, William, was educated at West Point, and was, during the late war, a brigadier general. He had, in all, six sons and two daughters, five of those and his widow survive him.
Per "HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY, OHIO 1740 - 1881," by Norman Newell Hill Jr., Page 825
William Burns, the only surviving one of the Burns brothers, was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, December 20,1802, and came to this county with his father's family. In the fall of 1576, December 4, he commenced carrying the United States mail to Zanesville, Freeport, Harrison county, and Mt. Vernon, for his father. On the road to Freeport (at the head of White Eyes plains), there was but one house to the distance of twenty-one miles. On the ridge road to Mt. Vernon, after leaving lower Roscoe, there was a distance of fifteen miles without one house, He served at this for about one year. When his brother Joseph left, he took his place in the hatter shop, and followed the trade until 1843, when, owing to large importations of hats on the canal, brought from eastern cities, and sold at lower prices than they could be made here, he quit the trade and engaged in farming. He followed this occupation until the year 1856. Being desirous of living an easier life, he quit farming, and has since been living a retired life in this city. He was married twice. His first wife was Mary McGuire, who died in 1844, two years after marriage. He was again married December 17,1856, to Eleanor M. Ferguson, of Roscoe, daughter of Mathew Ferguson, of that place. He had, in all, two children, one of which died. William Burns, Jr., his only son, is now engaged in the business of a watchmaker and jeweler. Was born June 29, 1859, in Coshocton, Ohio. William Burns, Sr., is now in his seventy-eighth year, and enjoying good health. He is regarded as one of the most prominent pioneers of the county.
Sarah Burns, fifth child of Samuel and Jane Burns. was born September 28,1804. She was never married, making her home with her brother, William Burns, and at time of death, and some time prior, with her younger sister, Mrs. James Hay. She died in the year 1867, July 27, of cancer of the breast, of which disease she suffered many years.
John Burns was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, September 18, 1800, He came to this county with his father's family, and worked at the hatter's trade until twenty-four years of age, when he went to Chillicothe with his brother-in-law, John Smeltzer, where he remained one ,year, he then came to Roscoe, and clerked with Smeltzer and his successors, (Medberry & Ransom) until 1838, when he was made a partner, under the name of Medberry, Burns & Co. In 1840 he retired from the firm and entered into partnership with Samuel Moffatt, for the sale of dry goods. In 1845, Moffatt retired and the firm was changed to Burns & Le Retilley, and remained so until 1860, when he bought Le Retilley out and continued to do business in his own name until his death. He was married in 1837, to Rachel Retilley, by whom he had four children, one son and three daughters, the eldest daughter being the wife of one of our prominent attorneys, J. M. Compton. All his children and his widow still sur-vive him. He died July 30, 1871. His good sense and his integrity were marked qualities. Thoroughly interested in public affairs, and always a zealous partizan, and ready to help his friends to public office, he never had any desire in that direction for himself, and, it is believed, never held any official position. He was a pains-taking and successful business man.
Nancy Burns (Smeltzer) was born August 20, 1807, in Waynesboro', Virginia. In 1826 she was married to John Smeltzer, afterward of Troy, Ohio. Her husband was elected a member of the legislature of 1827-8, afterward engaging in the firm of Medberry R Ransom She removed to Roscoe and lived there a few years. She then moved to Troy, Ohio, where her husband died. She then moved to Lima, Ohio, where she now resides. She was the mother of four children, only one, a daughter, now living, and with whom she makes her home.
Jane Burns (Hay) was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, August 25, 1811. She was married to James Hay ,in 183, and is the mother of six children, two of whom are now living, her daughter Sarah being married to the late James Wilson, a prominent business man. She has been lately bereaved of her husband, who died September 24, 1881. A noteworthy fact of the Burns family is, they all reached a ripe old age, and are all highly respected for their integrity and good sense.
Nancy Burns (Smeltzer) was born August 20, 1807, in Waynesboro', Virginia. In 1826 she was married to John Smeltzer, afterward of Troy, Ohio. Her husband was elected a member of the legislature of 1827-8, afterward engaging in the firm of Medberry R Ransom She removed to Roscoe and lived there a few years. She then moved to Troy, Ohio, where her husband died. She then moved to Lima, Ohio, where she now resides. She was the mother of four children, only one, a daughter, now living, and with whom she makes her home.
Jane Burns (Hay) was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, August 25, 1811. She was married to James Hay ,in 183, and is the mother of six children, two of whom are now living, her daughter Sarah being married to the late James Wilson, a prominent business man. She has been lately bereaved of her husband, who died September 24, 1881. A noteworthy fact of the Burns family is, they all reached a ripe old age, and are all highly respected for their integrity and good sense.
BURNS SAMUEL, the progenitor of the present Burns family; was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1770. Of his parents, nothing is known more than they were of Scotch-Irish origin, and come to this country at an early date, and he made his home with them until his seventeenth year. He had three brothers, James, John and William, all of whom served in the war of the revolution. William died in the service, of camp-fever. John was taken prisoner at Quebec, and he and two others made their escape by approaching one of the sentinels, on the walls, to whom they offered an empty bottle to take a drink. As he tipped the bottle up John Burns struck him under the chin, and knocked him off the walls. They then made their escape across the frozen river, enduring terrible sufferings from hunger and exposure,. before reaching the American army.
Samuel Burns, when fourteen years of age, came to Wheeling Creek, West Virginia, and from thence to Pittsburgh, where he took passage on a boat to New Orleans He related that on his passage down the river there were but two river settlements on the Ohio, one at Marietta. and one at a place called Limestone. Arriving at New Orleans, he took passage on an ocean ship and sailed for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Arriving there he went to Pine Grove Iron Furnace, near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he remained until married in the year 1792 to Mrs. Jane Lambertson, and moved to Millerstown, Shenandoah county Virginia. He then worked for four years learning the hatter's trade. He then moved to Waynesburg, Augusta county, Virginia, where he lived for a period of seventeen years. He then came to New Philadelphia, Ohio, in the fall of 1815, where he remained until April, 1816, when he came to Coshocton, coming down the Tuscarawas river in a canoe with his family, where he followed his trade until old age rendered him unable to endure the hardships of that trade. He also served as Justice of the Peace for many years, and was familiarly known as "Squire Burns." He died September 21,1852.
Jane Burns, his wife, whose maiden name was Jane Leggett, was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in the year 1767; was first married to Richard Lambertson, grandfather of Samuel Lambertson, of this city. He being killed at a raising near Bedford, Pennsylvania, she returned to her father's, where she remained until she was married to Samuel Burns, as before stated. Her father was born in Ireland and sold for his passage to this country. Her mother was born near Little York, Pennsylvania, and was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent, her maiden name being Sarah Yost, Jane Burns died November 29, 1845, being 78 years old. She was the mother of ten children, three of whom died at an early age. The eldest of the family was Mary Burns Crowley, horn February 5, 1796. She married John Crawley, Sr., of this place, and was the mother of four children, one of whom is one of our prominent grocerymen, John Burns Crawley. She died February 24, 1834.
Joseph Burns, Sr., was born March 11, 1800, in Waynesburgh, Augusta county, Virginia. He was sixteen years of age when he came to this county. He, and the rest of the family, with the exception of his mother and youngest sister, walked the whole distance from Waynesboro' to New Philadelphia. He early showed a dislike for his father's trade, and, when eighteen years of age, wrote for General Adam Johnson, then clerk and auditor of this county. In 1821 he was elected county auditor, which office he held until 1833, when he resigned, haying been elected a member of the State Legislature, serving in that capacity from 1838-40. In 1843 he was elected county clerk, which office he filled a term of eight years. In 1857 he was elected congressman from this district, where he served his country for two years. He then engaged in the drug business in the town of Roscoe, where he remained in business until elected probate judge in the year 1869. He remained in said office until his death which occurred May 9, 1875. When the old State militia was in order he was a prominent officer, having been elected to the rank of is major general, and was known by all as General Burns. At the close of the war he war made a pension agent, and was, perhaps, the most successful person Bolding that office here. Never exacting as to fees, and always free with his purse among his friends and fellow-citizens, he left at the end of his days only a moderate portion. Many men, with more greed, or less honest or frugal, would have amassed fortunes with his opportunities. He was twice married, his first wife was Rebecca Lewis, and his second wife was Mrs. Alexander Hay. His oldest, son, William, was educated at West Point, and was, during the late war, a brigadier general. He had, in all, six sons and two daughters, five of those and his widow survive him.
Per "HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY, OHIO 1740 - 1881," by Norman Newell Hill Jr., Page 825
William Burns, the only surviving one of the Burns brothers, was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, December 20,1802, and came to this county with his father's family. In the fall of 1576, December 4, he commenced carrying the United States mail to Zanesville, Freeport, Harrison county, and Mt. Vernon, for his father. On the road to Freeport (at the head of White Eyes plains), there was but one house to the distance of twenty-one miles. On the ridge road to Mt. Vernon, after leaving lower Roscoe, there was a distance of fifteen miles without one house, He served at this for about one year. When his brother Joseph left, he took his place in the hatter shop, and followed the trade until 1843, when, owing to large importations of hats on the canal, brought from eastern cities, and sold at lower prices than they could be made here, he quit the trade and engaged in farming. He followed this occupation until the year 1856. Being desirous of living an easier life, he quit farming, and has since been living a retired life in this city. He was married twice. His first wife was Mary McGuire, who died in 1844, two years after marriage. He was again married December 17,1856, to Eleanor M. Ferguson, of Roscoe, daughter of Mathew Ferguson, of that place. He had, in all, two children, one of which died. William Burns, Jr., his only son, is now engaged in the business of a watchmaker and jeweler. Was born June 29, 1859, in Coshocton, Ohio. William Burns, Sr., is now in his seventy-eighth year, and enjoying good health. He is regarded as one of the most prominent pioneers of the county.
Sarah Burns, fifth child of Samuel and Jane Burns. was born September 28,1804. She was never married, making her home with her brother, William Burns, and at time of death, and some time prior, with her younger sister, Mrs. James Hay. She died in the year 1867, July 27, of cancer of the breast, of which disease she suffered many years.
John Burns was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, September 18, 1800, He came to this county with his father's family, and worked at the hatter's trade until twenty-four years of age, when he went to Chillicothe with his brother-in-law, John Smeltzer, where he remained one ,year, he then came to Roscoe, and clerked with Smeltzer and his successors, (Medberry & Ransom) until 1838, when he was made a partner, under the name of Medberry, Burns & Co. In 1840 he retired from the firm and entered into partnership with Samuel Moffatt, for the sale of dry goods. In 1845, Moffatt retired and the firm was changed to Burns & Le Retilley, and remained so until 1860, when he bought Le Retilley out and continued to do business in his own name until his death. He was married in 1837, to Rachel Retilley, by whom he had four children, one son and three daughters, the eldest daughter being the wife of one of our prominent attorneys, J. M. Compton. All his children and his widow still sur-vive him. He died July 30, 1871. His good sense and his integrity were marked qualities. Thoroughly interested in public affairs, and always a zealous partizan, and ready to help his friends to public office, he never had any desire in that direction for himself, and, it is believed, never held any official position. He was a pains-taking and successful business man.
Nancy Burns (Smeltzer) was born August 20, 1807, in Waynesboro', Virginia. In 1826 she was married to John Smeltzer, afterward of Troy, Ohio. Her husband was elected a member of the legislature of 1827-8, afterward engaging in the firm of Medberry R Ransom She removed to Roscoe and lived there a few years. She then moved to Troy, Ohio, where her husband died. She then moved to Lima, Ohio, where she now resides. She was the mother of four children, only one, a daughter, now living, and with whom she makes her home.
Jane Burns (Hay) was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, August 25, 1811. She was married to James Hay ,in 183, and is the mother of six children, two of whom are now living, her daughter Sarah being married to the late James Wilson, a prominent business man. She has been lately bereaved of her husband, who died September 24, 1881. A noteworthy fact of the Burns family is, they all reached a ripe old age, and are all highly respected for their integrity and good sense.
Nancy Burns (Smeltzer) was born August 20, 1807, in Waynesboro', Virginia. In 1826 she was married to John Smeltzer, afterward of Troy, Ohio. Her husband was elected a member of the legislature of 1827-8, afterward engaging in the firm of Medberry R Ransom She removed to Roscoe and lived there a few years. She then moved to Troy, Ohio, where her husband died. She then moved to Lima, Ohio, where she now resides. She was the mother of four children, only one, a daughter, now living, and with whom she makes her home.
Jane Burns (Hay) was born in Waynesboro', Virginia, August 25, 1811. She was married to James Hay ,in 183, and is the mother of six children, two of whom are now living, her daughter Sarah being married to the late James Wilson, a prominent business man. She has been lately bereaved of her husband, who died September 24, 1881. A noteworthy fact of the Burns family is, they all reached a ripe old age, and are all highly respected for their integrity and good sense.
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