Burns, Thomas W. 1830 - 1904

BURNS, DAMRON, VANCE, EASTON, EVANS, SLATER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 6/18/2019 at 10:27:58

Source: Decorah Republican Feb. 25, 1904 Page 2

Death of Thomas W. Burns.
Mr. and Mrs. N W. Vance returned last Friday from their sad visit to Hastings, Neb., after the burial of Mr{s}. Vance’s father, Mr. Thos. Burns, which took place Feb. 14th, Rev. E. Van Dyke Wight of the Presbyterian church officiating.
Since Mr. Burns’ early manhood was more or less associated with this part of the country, a few words in regard to his life may be of interest. He was born in Bending, Penn., in March, 1830. He spent three years in the U S. navy, receiving honorable discharge in 1852. He went the same year to California to seek fortune in the newly discovered gold fields of that state, excitement therefrom being still at a very high pitch. After three years spent in prospecting and digging in the Sacramento Valley, he amassed gold dust and nuggets which minted him the small fortune of $5,000. Considering this a sufficient result of his labors he disposed of good paying claims for a small sum and returned to “the states.” He married Miss Macha Damron of Benton, Wis., soon after his return. They journeyed at once to Houston Co., Minn., where Mr. Burns bought land, and from 1856 to 1867 engaged in farming, three miles west of Caledonia and seven miles east of Spring Grove. The farm produce of the country from Preston, Burr Oak, Reaper, &c., was in those days marketed in Brownsville, Minn., on the Mississippi river, where also the U. S. Land Office was located. This necessitated a long and tiresome trip of three days. Of the old settlers of this region who survive Mr. Burns many will remember the hospitable welcome and rest and refreshment which was given to both man and beast in his spacious and comfortable farm home, located midway on this weary journey. After selling his land he quit active labor and turned his attention to money loaning, making his home in Caledonia. In the spring of 1834, attacked by the western fever, he with Mrs. Burns and their youngest daughter and Mr. N. W. Vance and family moved to Wolsey, S. D. Here they engaged in the banking business. After five years the rigorous climate not agreeing with Mr. and Mrs. Burns, they moved to Hastings, Neb., where they have since resided, spending their winters in southern California.
Mr. Burns was a quiet, straightforward man, respected by all who knew him, devoted to his home and family. About two years ago he suffered a slight paralytis{sic} stroke, and a like affliction is believed to have been the immediate cause of his death. He was n member of the Presbyterian, church and a Mason. His wife and four daughters, Mrs. N. W. Vance of Decorah, Mrs. C. F. Easton of Aberdeen, S. D., Mrs. C. J. Evans of Hastings, Neb. and Mrs. J D. Slater of Wood River, Neb., are left to mourn the loss of a dear husband and father.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows he is buried in Parkview Cemetery in Hastings, Nebraska and that he was born in 1829.