Alexander Burns Family

Alexander Burns Family
South Carolina, Alabama

Alexander Burns
b. c1812 (perhaps Ireland)
d. c1857, "thirteen months prior to June 1859", Tallapoosa Co., AL

m. Margarett Greer 29 Jan 1834 in Tallapoosa Co., AL
b. c1816 SC
d. between June 6, 1860 and probate on May16, 1861, Tallapoosa Co., AL
her father: Joseph Greer
her mother: Priscilla

his father: unknown (?Robert Burns "The Bard")
his mother: unknown

Both Alexander and Margarett seem to have been born in South Carolina. I had originally thought that Alexander Burns may be related to the other Alexander Burns settlers of Blount Co., Alabama. I have so far been unable to make any connection with any other Burns family. If anyone out there has information on this family, I need help.

Children
Martha Ann Burns	b. 1835 AL	d. after1880 AR	m. John L. Machen 21 Jan 1856 Tallapoosa Co.,AL
Solmon W. Burns	b. 1838 AL	.	in Chambers Co, AL 1861
Henry Hilliard Burns	b. 6 Aug 1840 AL	d. 30 Jun 1907 (age 66, 10m and 24 days)*. buried: Roxana Meth. Cem., Lee Co., AL	January 1870 to Isabella (?) Walton, (in mar. record as Mrs N(or M). P. Walton, no maiden name known)
Rachael Eveline Burns	b. c1842 /between 1840 -1847 AL	.	in Butler Co, AL 1861
Margaret S. Burns	b. c1844 /perhaps 15 Nov 1845 AL	.	m. Hugh McCalla July 3, 1865 Roxana, Lee Co., AL (b 22 May 1840 - d 18 July 1892) buried :Roxana Meth. Cem., Lee Co., AL
Samuel A. Burns	b. 20 Jan 1850	d. 6 Aug 1889*	m. N. J. ? d. Macon Co., AL May 1939
Elizabeth Aldora J. Burns	b. after 1850 AL	.	in Chambers Co, AL 1861 w/ Joseph Greer
Priscilla Ophelia E. Burns	b. about 1855 AL	d. after 1910 Calhoun Co., AR	m. Richard Henderson 1872, Chambers Co., AL (b. c1856 AL) ?2m. 3 Dec. 1888 Lee Co., AL
Mary Lewella G. Burns	b. after 1845 AL	.	in Chambers Co, AL 1861 w/ Allen L. Bailey

*cemetery record of Roxana Methodist Church, Lee Co., AL.

We don't know have a definitive connection to any other family outside of Alabama. We are looking at a number of families and hope that someone comes through with documentation that will clear up this mystery.

1800- US Census, South Carolina.

Burns, Alexander
Burns, Alexander
Burns, David
Burns, Edmonds
Burns, Han
Burns, James
Burns, James
Burns, Jeremiah
Burns, John
Burns, John
Burns, Robert
Burns, Robert Sr.
Burns, Samuel
Burns, Torrence

[Edgefield 175]

[Fairfield 233]
[Laurens 23 ]
[ Laurens 14 ]
[ Laurens 28 ]
[ Laurens 29 ]
[Spartanburg208]
[ Laurens 24 ]
[ Laurens 35 ]
[ Laurens 14 ]
[ Laurens 25 ]
[ Laurens 24 ]
[Spartanburg 181]
[ Laurens 25 ]

1 0 0 0 0 - 1 0 0 1 0 - 2 5
2 0 1 1 0 - 3 1 0 1 0 - 0 4
2 1 2 1 0 - 1 1 0 0 1 - 0 0
0 2 0 1 0 - 6 0 0 1 0 - 0 0
1 0 1 0 0 - 0 1 1 0 1 - 0 0
1 0 0 1 0 - 1 0 0 1 0 - 0 0
2 0 0 0 1 - 2 2 0 1 0 - 0 1
0 0 1 0 0 - 0 0 1 0 0 - 0 0
0 0 0 1 0 - 0 0 1 0 0 - 0 0
3 1 1 1 0 - 2 0 1 1 0 - 0 0
0 0 1 0 0 - 0 0 1 0 0 - 0 0
2 1 0 0 1 - 1 1 1 0 1 - 0 0
2 0 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 0 0 - 0 1
0 0 1 0 1 - 0 0 0 0 1 - 0 0

1810- Here another researcher, Ralph Burns, indicates his conjecture on the parents of Alexander and Margaret Geer.

"I think I found the parents of Alexander and Margaret Greer Burns in Pendleton Dist,, SC in 1810 and 1820. I think the older David Grier is her father.

Ralph Burns

1810 Pendleton Co., SC

Burns, John 4 3 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 Image 32

Grier, David 2 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 1 Image 31

1820 Pendleton Dist., SC (98 images in all)

Burnes, John 2 3 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 1 Image 16

Grier, David 3 1 1 1 0 1 3 2 0 1 1 Image 24

Grier, David, 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 Image 96

(I think the older David is Margaret Burns` father)

1830 Anderson Co., SC

Burnes, John 1 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 1 Image 47

Grier, Hannah 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Image 47

(Anderson Co. was formed from Pendleton Dist. in 1826. I think this John Burnes is Alexander`s brother. I think Hannah is David Grier`s widow. Some Burns` and Griers/Greers from this area had gone to Bedford Co., TN by 1830) "
[email on Nov 1, 2007 from Ralph Burns <ralphburns@telepak.net> ]

c1812- Alexander Burns is born in South Carolina.
According to family tradition we were related to Robert Burns. I assumed it was "the national bard" of Scotland when I first started this research. Unfortunately my relatives were born only shortly after he was and most of them died in Scotland. My Robert Burns may be related to his father or grandfather but no direct connection is expected. There is a Robert Burns in Laurens Co. S. C. IN 1820 (LAURENS 026) which could be a relative. Also here is John Burns. (LAURENS 021). For Robert Burns "The Bard" my doubtful ancestor

1820 - Robert Burns [Laurens Co. 026]
John Burns [Laurens Co. 021]

1829 - State of So. Carol. census, Laurens. Co. , So. Carolina Geneological Bulletin.

Rev. John Burns   3
John Burns, Jr.    3
James Burns       12
Joseph Burns       5
Allen Burns         6

1830 Alabama [M19 - ]

Asberry Burns [Morgan 194] farmer m 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 no

f 2 3 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 slaves

Nancy Burns [Walker 266] m 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 "

f 1 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 "

Alexander Burns [Walker 266] m 2 2 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 "

f 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 "

(Alexander should be 18 and single until @1834 so this must be his father)

1834, 29 Jan. - Alexander Burns (c 22 yrs) marries Margarett Greer (c18yrs), by W. Atkins, in Tallapoosa Co. AL.

The state of Alabama
Tallapoosa County
To any Judge of the county Court, Justice of the Peace or Minister of the Gospel, you are hereby authorised to celebrate the rites of matrimony between Alexander Burns, and Margarete Greer if there be no lowful impedament Given under my hand and seal this 24th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty five
Daniel G Watson Cl & C.C.
I Certify that the rites of matrimony was duly celebrated between the written parties on the 29th January 1834
W Atkins J. C. C. T C.

[Marriage Book I, p. 81, Tallapoosa Co. AL and also in Alabama Records, Vol. 212, p.81, Tallapoosa Co. , Pauline Jones Gandrud, 1981, So. Hist. Press, Easley S. C.]

1840, Alabama

Burns, A. (Asbery?)[Morg. 011 6th] males 0,1,0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0,0,0,0 no

females 0,0,3,0,1,0,1,0,0,0,0,0,0 slaves

Burns, Alexander [Tallapoosa 171 No] males 1,0,0,0,1,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0 no

females 0,1,0,0,1,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0 slaves

1843, May 15 - Alexander Burns signs a promissary note indebted to G. W. Hester for thirty-six dollars and 34 cents. G. W. Hester is his brother-in-law who marries Martha's sister. He signs over as security for the note with

"twelve head of cattle consisting of cows calves and yearlings marked with the Right Ears cut off clost to the head Branded with the letter B also one Yoke of Steers about five years old marked with Swallow fork in the left Ear and under bit in the same one Bay filly about Two years old and also one ox waggon some what worne all of which said property I do Warrant unto the said G. W. Hester his heirs and assigned in fee simple"
[Deed Book C, Page 264, Tallapoosa County, AL]

1848, May 10- "Alexander Burns of Tallapoosa County Alabama"files a land claim in Montgomery County for 40 acres in Tallapossa County, Alabama in "the southeast quarter of the South East quarter of Section Four in Township twenty of Range Twenty four East, in the District of Lands subject to Sale at Montgomery Alabam, containing Forty Acres and Seventeen hundredth of an acre."
Serial number AL4360 - 341. AL No S/N
[Bureau of Land Management web site - http://glorecords.blm.gov/PatentSearch/]

1850- [US Census, Tallapoosa Co., So. Dist. p. 32]

A. Burns ( 38m farmer 800 SC

Margarett         34f                              SC
Martha Ann     15f                            Ala
Solomon         12m                             Ala
Hillyard         10m                             Ala
Rachall             8f                             Ala
Margarett         6f                              Ala
Samuel             2m                             Ala
Watts Moon(living w/ them) 24m farmer Geo

1850- [US Census, Chambers Co. 276]

Joseph Greer 43m wagonmaker 2000 SC b1817

Jane M.             42f                                                             SC b1818
Thomas W.     16m                     Student                            AL b1844
James L.            13m                                                         AL b 1847
Sarah J.             11f                                                             AL b1849
Columbus P.   8m                                                            AL b1852
Joseph A.            6m                                                         AL b1854
Knox T.             4m                                                         AL b1856
John F.             3/12m                                                         AL b1859
Jane Wilson 65f                                                             SC b1795
Priscilla Greer     75f                                                             SC b1785

Priscilla Greer (age 75) in the previous document is the mother to Margaret Burns. All come from South Carolina. Joseph is the brother to Margaret and their father, Joseph Greer Sr. had died in 1843. Jane Wilson is probably the mother of Joseph's wife, Jane.

1857- Alexander dies? "thirteen months prior to June 1859"
abstract of document #1:

the state of Alabama to the Hon. Simeon Goodsby
Tallapoosa County Judge of Probate in and for said county and state
The petition of Margarett Burns respectfully showeth unto your Honor that she is the widow of th Alexander Burns late of said County deceased, whose estate is now being adminstered by Joseph Greer, in this court, as the administrator (law=of)

Your petitioner would futher show unto your Honor, that the estate of the said Alexander Burns , her said husband, is insolvent, and she even that it will be necessary to sell all the said property to pay the debts of the said estate and that the estate will then not be able to pay its debts-
Your petitioner states that the names of all the children who are members of his family of said deceased, are as follows - to wit Martha Ann Micham wife of John Michem both of whom are of ? said recide in the county of Chambers and the state of Alabama. - Solmon W. Burns, Henry H. Burns, Rachael E. Burns, who are minors over 14 years of age, and Margarett S. Burns, Samuel A. Burns, Elizabeth A. J. Burns, Prissilla O. E. Burns and Mary L. G. Burns, and that they are under 14 years of age and are members of his family and were of the time of his death.
Your petitioner would show unto your honor that she is entitled to select of the lands of her deceased husband , real estate to the value of five hundred dollars according to section 1738 of the code and 6 # Division.

Your petitioner would also show unto your Honor that said Joseph Greer the adminstrator a foresaid is will to have the same set off and selected according to the law.
Wherefore your petitioner would ask your Honor for an order of Court to appoint appraisers to set off the same according to law and her selection to be made - and that the title to the same be vested in her and her children above named - Your petitioner would also show unto your Honor that the following eighty acres of land is all that the said Burns deceased and passed of in his own right to wit the East 1/2 of the N. E. 1/4 of Section 18 in the T20 R24 - said county -
Your petitioner will
Margarett Burns
Petitioner (no date)

transcript of document #2

The State of Alabama
Tallapoosa County To the Hon. Allen D. Sturdivant, Judge of the Probate in and for said county

The undersigned Joseph Greer, admin. on the estate of Alexander Burns, late of said county, deceased, would by leave to report unto your Honor , that he is the admir. on said estate appointed and qualified as such in said county of Tallapossa, and that he, the said administrator is satisfied that the entire property of said estate is insufficient to pay the debts of the said estate, and that to the best of his knowledge and belief the said estate is insolvent, and in verification whereof he herewith, also files his statements, as required by law.

1st That there is no real estate or property belonging to said estate, and that there is no proceeds or assets arising from the same - on sale or otherwise and that he know of no land or real property or any interest therin belonging to the same -

2nd The following is a cml list to the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned admir. of all the goods and chattels, evidences of debt and other personal property, with the estimated value of each, and the amount of money belongin to said estate-

1st The amount of sale Bill had by said admr. on the 21st day of Feb. 1857, which embraces all the removal property that belonged to said estate, and which were sold by order of the Probate Court, and the other property mentioned and returned in the inventory, was not subject to sale and was delivered over to the widow by said admr. as except for the use said widow and family , except the slaves Mary and her infant child, which wer sold under a mortgage made by said decedent in his life time to William P. Wood, for nine Hundred and eight dollars on the 13th day of March 1854 and one to William H. Barnes for sixty five daolars made on the 7th day of July 1855, form the sale of the same there, remained only twenty eight dollars; after paying the said mortgage debts - which is assets of said estate- said sale Bill being for - $250.50

2 - The said admr. has collected on said estate debts the following money - not in the sale bill $55.00

3 - one judgment in the circuit Court of Tallapossa County against Smith J O'Neal sendered at the Fall time 7858 for $75.00

4. - 1 note on Elbert Jones dated the day of 185 for sixty five dollars, one half belonging to William Costly and the other to his estate --

Joseph Greer is listed as administrator to the Alexander Burns estate is Margaret Burns brother.

1860- US Census, Beat NO #5, Tallapoosa Co., AL, Roll: 25 Page: 37. Alexander has apparently died within three years of this census. Margaret is left with a sizable holding mostly in slaves. This census lists eight slaves by age with no names. They generally fit the list in the probate record within a year or two. 1 male 60, 1 female 32, 1 male 13, 1 female 12, 1 male 8, 3 females 6, 3 and 1.

Margaret Burnes            47 f    Farmer            $500    $4458            South Carolina
            Hilliard                        19 m                                                            Alabama
            Evalina                           17 f                                                                Alabama
            Margaret                        14 f                                                                Alabama
            Samuel                           12 m                                                               Alabama
            Aldora                            7 f                                                                Alabama
            Ophelia                            5 f                                                               Alabama
           Luella                               3 f                                                               Alabama

1861, May16 - There are a lengthy series of documents to the estate of Margaret Greer Burns. It is interesting that she inherited the estate of Alexander and claims poverty yet ends up in only a three years with $4900 dollars in slaves.

State of Alabama
Tallapoosa County
This is a true and correct inventory of the goods and chattles belonging to the estate of Margarett Burns deceased which came to the possession of said estate.
1. George a man aged 60 years -         400.00
2. Chesny a woman age 34 years -        850.00
3. Ned a Boy aged 15 years -             1000.00
4. Caroline a girl aged 13 years - 800.00
5. Bob a boy aged 9 years - 700.00
6. Nance a girl aged 7 years - 500.00
7. Laura a girl aged 5 years - 400.00
8. Liza a girl aged 2 years 250.00
one note due 25th Dec, nxt payable by J. W. Sutton, Jermiah Sutton, H. P. Smith, M. M. Smith, - 45.00
One note payable to S. W. Newell Martha Newell Dec 25th next - 35.00
One due 25th Dec. next by S. W. Newell and Martha Newell - 30.00
One due 25th Dec. next Jno G. Jones James E. Jones - 75.00
One due 25th Dec. next Jno G. Jones James E. Jones - 25.00
One due 25th Dec. next N. G. Williams and H. P. Smith - 50.00

State of Alabama
Tallapoosa County
We the undersigned commissioners who was appointed by the Judge of Probate of the above named state & County to appraise the property belonging to the estate of Margarett Burns have met and proceeded to appraised the afore named property and set acrorn the abount opposite each article as negro which we have done without fines or affiction to the best of our knowledge
Sworn to and subscribed before me an acting justice of the Peace. August 10th 1861. T. Madden J. P.
C. G. Mulligan Appraiser
Dickerson Jones "
[will and probate records, Vol. 3, pp 745-746, Tallapoosa Co., AL]

1865- Hugh K. McCulla to Margaret K. Burns. Judge Appleby signed marriage license July 3, 1865 (incomplete).
[Marriage Records 1861-1890 of Chambers county, Alabama., pub. The Genealogical Society of East Alabama, Inc., 1974]

After Margaret's death the youngest children were probably split up living with various relatives including Joseph Greer Jr. until they came of age. Eventually they lived with their brothers or sisters as they married. They did live near one another in the 1870 Tallapoosa County census.

Henry Burns married in January of 1870 to Isabella (?) and has living with him his thirteen year old sister Luella.
On the same page is Hugh McCauly with Martu (probably Martha) age 24. This is probably Martha Burns and her husband since they have living with them Ophelia Burns age fifteen. Ann McCauly, age 10, is also here but is listed as "black".
Aldora would have been seventeen by this census and probably married.

Samuel Burns apparently continues to live in the area and is buried in the same cemetary with Henry Hilliard Burns. [cemetery records of the Roxana Methodist Church, Lee Co., AL.]

1870 - US Census, Rome Beat #14, Tallapoosa Co., AL, page 161
Henry Burns has married this year. He has in the household his sister and another girl who may be the daughter of Isabella. If I'm correct this would be Isabella's married name. The other black girl may be household help.

             Burnes, Henry H. 29 m w Farmer            2000        500         Alabama                   mar. January
            _____, Isabella       39 f    w    keeping house                                 Georgia                    mar. January
            _____ , Luella    13 f    w                                                              Alabama
            Wal?tin, Mary        10 f    w                                                                Alabama
            Kimberly, Lou        13 f     b earning money by labor                   Alabama

1872- Ophelia Burns married Richard Henderson, by W. E. Shealey, JP. Home of Allen Branch, with R. Henderson (mother) giving consent. Richard Henderson is probably not 16 years old at this marriage with his mother signing for him. Ophelia apparently is at least 16 years old since no one seems to have signed for consent. [Marriage Records 1861-1890 of Chambers County, Alabama., pub. The Genealogical Society of East Alabama, Inc., 1974]

1880- (Richard) Avan Henderson and Ophelia (Burns) are listed in the Ettowa Co., Gadsen, AL census.

Avan Henderson,         age 24,     labors,                             AL,     SC,            NC - measles;
Ophelia,                       age 25,      wife, homemaker,         AL,   Ireland,     GA.;
John,                              age 5,      son,                                    AL,    AL,             AL - measles;
Viola,                            age 4,    daughter,                         AL,     AL,            AL - measles;
Willie W.,                       age 3,      son,                                 AL,     AL,            AL - measles;
Elijah,                              age 1,     son,                                AL,     AL,            AL

1890 census was destroyed

1900 Census - Lee County, Beat 4, Bethal Precinct, Alabama, [vol. 35, enum. dist. 36, Sheet 2, line 77]
Henry H. Burns is here with his wife but all of his children seem grown and moved on. She states she is the mother of 4 with 2 living. Living in the household is a black servant girl, Rena Peason, and Mary (S?) McCulla, a widow, and her son. I have no idea who this is but probable a close relative of Hugh McCulla who married Henry Burns sister, Margaret. His age should be 59. Henry and Marg/Mary can read and write and own their farm. Margaret states she had four births w/ two living, Mary McCalla had two births with two alive.

Burns, Henry             head       w/m    Aug 1840? , 49 (yrs old), mar.30 yrs,    (born)AL, (father) SC, (mother) SC;
            Marg, B.         wife         w/f     Jan   1850     , 50 (yrs old), mar.30 yrs,     (born)AL, (father) SC, (mother) SC;
Rearson, Renay      servant,     b/f     Mar 1889    , 21 yrs old,                              (born)AL, (father) AL, (mother) AL

McCulla, Mary (S.?) head, w/f, Feb 1851 , 49 yrs, wd (born)AL, (father) SC, (mother) SC;
" , Maarvin H., son, w/m, Aug 1881 , 18 yrs, (born)AL, (father) SC, (mother) AL;

1900 Census - Calhoun County, Jackson Twp., AR [vol. 4, enum. dist. 26, sheet 3, line 62]
Richard Henderson is listed here with his wife and all their living children, Ophelia stated that they have been married 27 years, had 10 children with 7 living. Richard is illiterate, while she can read but can't write. He owns his farm and the sons apparently work on it. According to the birth dates of the children they move to Arkansas between 1888 and 1894 when the last child was born. Bracketed information was not stated in this record.

Richard Henderson,         male (b.)Aug 1847, 51 (yrs old),         (born)AL, (father) SC, (mother) NC;
Ophelia Henderson,         wife (b.) Dec 1848, 52,                      (born) AL, (father) Ireland, (mother) GA;
Walter,                                son (b.) May 1877, 23 yrs,                 (born) AL, (father) AL, (mother) AL;
Eliza (Elijah) B.,                son (b.) Jul 1879, 21 yrs,                 (born) AL, (father) AL, (mother) AL;
Willard R.,                           son (b.) Apr 1883, 17 yrs                 (born) AL, (father) AL, (mother) AL;
(Irvin) Manson                son (b.)Aug 1886, 13 yrs                    (born) AL, (father) AL, (mother) AL;
(Nora) Viola,                        dau. (b.) Jul 1, 1885,                         (born) AL, (father) AL, (mother) AL;
Edward M.,                     son (b.) Sep 1888                                 (born) AL, (father) AL, (mother) AL;
Mattie (Rebecca),            dau. (b.) Jun 1894, 5 yrs,                       (born) AR, (father) AL, (mother) AL;

Cemetary Records of the Roxana Methodist Church Cemetery, Lee Co., AL.
6.5 miles SW of Waverly on County Road 54- NW 1/4 of SE 1/4 of SE 1/2 Section 29, T20, R24

                         Mason
        Henry Hilliard Burns                                        Hugh L. McCalla
            Aug 6 1840 - Jun 30 1907                                Jan 20 1838 - July 18 1892
        Age 66 years, 10 Months, 24 days

1910 - US Census, Jackson Twp., Calhoun Co., AR. Roll: 44 Page: 205 (this one doesn't seem as accurate)
            Henderson, Richard       head    m    w     59 mar. 30 AL SC SC Farmer / Gen. Farming
            ________ , Ophelia            wife    f     w      59 mar. 30 AL        AL      Ireland(mother)
            ________ , Manson D.       son m    w     23 s            AL        AL        AL
________ , Ed M.              son m    w      21 s            AL        AL        AL
________ , Mattie B.    dau    f    w    15 s     AL        AL        AL

1920 - US Census,Jackson Twp., Calhoun Co., AR, Roll: 55 Page: 241
            Henderson, Richard       head    m    w      70 (born) AL, (father) AL, (mother) AL
            ________ , Ophelia           wife    f       w    71 (born) AL, (father) Ireland, (mother) AL;
            ________ , Manson         son    m    w 33    (born) AL, (father) AL,     (mother) AL
              __________________ , Eddie             son m    w 31 (born) AL, (father) AL,     (mother) AL

sources:

U.S. Census
Cemetery records of the Roxana Methodist Church, Lee Co., AL., Taproots, April 1982, Vol., 19, no. 4, The Genealogical Society of East Alabama, Inc. research and records of Pam Kelly, 1023 Lantuck Rd, Valley , AL 36854, email - pckelley@mindspring.com
Burns, Cranford. Henry and Lexer Grant Burns Fam., Henley Secretarial Service, Mobile, Alabama., 1974
probate record (c Jan 1856) of the estate of Alexander Burns, Tallapoosa Co. Ala. , Dadeville, AL 36835
other Burns family records of Alabama and South Carolina may be found through Larry Montgomery email at plcm@quicklinknet

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web pages created by Elroy Christenson- echriste@sccd.ctc.edu - last updated 10/315/07