McDonough ILGenWeb

Charles Edgar Burnham, a prominent and successful farmer of McDonough County, Ill., was born in Schuyler County, that state, October 3, 1864, a son of Edgar and Caroline (Armstrong) Burnham, the former born in the state of New Hampshire, and the latter in Pennsylvania. The maternal grandfather, John Armstrong, was also a native of they Keystone State. The subject of this sketch is the fourth of fourteen children born to his parents. He was born on the home farm, where he lived until he was eight years of age. His parents then moved to McDonough County, where their son, Charles, enjoyed the advantages of the common schools. Charles and his brother, John bought the home farm when the former was twenty-three years old, and he lived there until two years after his marriage. In 1896, he sold his interest in the homestead, and purchased the farm which he now operates. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and his energy, industry and systematic methods have resulted in prosperous conditions on his property.

On February 7, 1894, Mr. Burnham was united in marriage with Minnie Wilson, who was born and schooled in Industry Township, McDonough County, and is a daughter of Hugh and Harriet (Hobart) Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Burnham have been blessed with four children, namely: Hugh Wilson, Edgar Wilson, Roy King and Carl Hobart. In politics, Mr. Burnham upholds the principles of the Republican party.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907. Submitted by Joanne Scobee Morgan <morgans4@swbell.net>