Burham, James G.

BURHAM, STEWART, HOUT, MORROW

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 8/8/2020 at 08:44:22

James G. Burham is the son of Augustine and Rebbeca (Stewart) Burham, and was born in Hampshire County, Va., in 1833. When a boy of ten years, his parents moved to Alleghany County, Md., where he grew to manhood on a farm, and received such education as was afforded by the common schools. In 1852, he came to Washington County, Iowa, with his parents, and engaged in running a threshing-machine and in breaking prairie. In this kind of work he continued for sixteen years. He was united in marriage, March 18, 1858, with Miss Rosanna Hout, a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Morrow) Hout, who were also natives of Jefferson County, Ohio, and of German and Irish descent. Four children have been born to them: Anna Luella, wife of Ira Bowman, a farmer now residing in Franklin Township; Leroy Test, of Dundy County, Neb., Elmer, Stanton and Cora, at home.

The first land purchased by Mr. Burham was forty-six acres on section 22 of Cedar Township, on which he moved and lived for two years. He then bought 100 acres of partially improved land on section 28, Cedar Township, to which he moved, and where he still resides. To his original purchase he has since added other lands, until he now owns 403 acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation, with a good dwelling-house, barns and other out-buildings. When he came to this county, it may be said that he was almost penniless, and even when he was married, had nothing but strong arms and a willing heart, but by his industry, assisted by the faithful counsel and help of his wife, he has from time to time added to his possessions, until he is now considered one of the most substantial farmers in Washington County. In addition to general farming, he gives considerable attention to stock-raising, having generally upon his farm from forty to eighty head of cattle in addition to other stock. He is a practical farmer in every respect, and has himself occupied the position of a farm-hand, a tenant, and a landlord. He has shipped some of the finest cattle that ever went from Washington County. In 1876 he visited his old home in Virginia, and in 1886 visited the State of Tennessee. With this exception, it can be said that he was hardly out of Washington County since his removal here in 1852.

Politically, Mr. Burham advocates the principles of the Greenback party. He is a liberal man in every respect, and takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his township and county, and has been honored by his fellow-townsmen with various local offices. All in all, he is a representative citizen of Washington County, and as such, deserves a place in its history.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of James G. Burham, pages 537-538.