Burnham, Rollin George 1841-1919

BURNHAM, JUDSON, NORDSTROM, HANKE

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 4/2/2016 at 20:49:37

January 10, 1919 - Storm Lake Pilot Tribune - Storm Lake and vicinity was ill prepared for the sad news of the death of R. Burnham which occurred at the family home in this city on Saturday evening, January 4, at six o'clock. It has been known for some time that the sands of life were running low but few knew that his condition was such that it would cause his early demise, and when the news of the death of this sturdy old pioneer was announced there was much sorrow.

Rollin Burnham was born at DeKalb, St. Lawrence county, N.Y July 13, 1841. There he continued to live until the outbreak of the Civil war when he enlisted and started to Washington. Before reaching his destination and before he was mustered into the service, he was taken sick with the typhoid fever and was compelled to return home to recuperate. As soon as he regained his strength he enlisted in the 106th New York volunteer infantry with which he continued to serve for three years or until the close of the war when he was honorably discharged, having reached the rank of sergeant.

On March 10, 1866, he was married to Laura A. Judson of Roxbury, Conn, and they took up their life together at DeKalb. Three children were born to them, all of whom survive the father: Walter R. Burnham of Lever, S.D.; Mrs Nellie E Nordstrom of Sioux Rapids; and Mrs Carrie E Hanke of this city.

Mrs Burnham, who was one of the most beautiful and sweetest old ladies, died May 1913.

In the fall of 1870, the family came west, locating at Alden, Iowa, where they lived for two years when they came to the vicinity of Early, locating on a farm five miles north of that town which continued to be their home until 1887 when Mr Burnham decided to retire and they took up their abode in Storm Lake in the home in which Mr Burnham died.

Since first coming to Iowa, Mr. Burnham made this state his home, the only time being spent outside of its borders being his occasional trips to a warmer climate in the winter. He took an active interest in all of the affairs of the nation, the state and the community in which he lived for 32 years and in it he was held in the very highest esteem. During his life he never engaged in any occupation other than farming.

He was, however, of a mechanical turn of mind and was continually working out mechanical problems and he has patented many an excellent contrivance. It was in such work that he spent many of the days since he retired and took up his abode in this city. He has been for many years a Mason and was devoted to the tenets of this institution and held many offices in the lodge during his years of membership therein. He was also a Member of the Presbyterian church, adhering strictly to its doctrines.

The funeral is being held in the Presbyterian church on Thursday afternoon.