Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 344
JACOB B. BURNSIDE, deceased, was for a number of years an honored and respected citizen of Muscatine County. He was born in Maryland(North Carolina--Oct. 25?) in 1823 and was the son of Asa and Asenath (Bales) Burnside, who were the parents of seven children, all of whom grew to maturity except one. Soon after his birth his parents moved to North Carolina, and when he was two years of age to Wayne County, Ind., and two years later to Westfield, in the same State. His father died at Westfield, Ind., many years ago, his mother surviving him some years, dying Aug.4 (2), 1870, at the ripe old age of seventy-eight. They were both members of the Society of Friends, and for a number of years prior to her death she was an acceptable minister of the Friends, preaching in different States, and as far west as Kansas.

On attaining his majority the subject of this sketch married Miss Jane Bond, the ceremony being performed on the 17th of April, 1844. By their union a family of eight children were born, and of that number five are yet living: Eliza Ann, Mary Ellen, James A., Levi T. and William A. After eighteen years of happy wedded life, Mrs. Burnside was called to her final rest, her death occurring in March, 1862. Mr. Burnside was again married Sept. 20, 1863, in Hamilton County, Ind., becoming the husband of Sibby Rich, who was born in that county, Dec. 29, 1838, and is a daughter of Moses and Rebecca Rich. Seven children were born of this union, six of whom are now living: Edward O., born Feb. 2, 1864, is a school teacher; Freddy, born Aug. 7 1865, died in infancy; Frank, born Nov. 16, 1867; Cora M., born Nov. 16, 1869, is a teacher; Nellie O., born April 26, 1874; Luther M., born June 19, 1879; and Mabel G., born Sept. 29, 1881.

Before her marriage Mrs. Burnside made her home with an uncle, Samuel Clark, for several years. His house was known as a station on the famous "underground railroad," which was organized by the people of the North to assist the negroes in gaining a place of safety and freedom. Many times has she risen at 3 o'clock A.M., prepared breakfast for the fugitives, and sent them on their way to another place where they would be cared for until when, under cover of darkness, they could make their way to Canada.

The domestic life of Mr. and Mrs. Burnside was begun in her native county, but after making that their home for a year they emigrated to Muscatine County, Iowa, locating in Wilton Township. Mr. Burnside there engaged in farming for many years, but on the 13th of March, 1883, removed to the home in Sweetland Township where Mrs. Burnsides yet resides. His business was farming and stock raising, which he carried on with good success until the time of his death, which occurred Aug. 19, 1887. He was a man of prominence, always exerting his influence for the right, aiding in every enterprise for the public welfare, and giving liberally in support of all moral interests. He was several times elected to the offices of Township Trustee and School Director. He was reared under the religious influences of the Friends, of which Mrs. Burnside is still a member.

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