John Burleson Biography, Genesee County, Michigan

This Biography extracted from “Portrait and Biographical Record of 
Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, Michigan…”, published be Chapman 
Bros., Chicago (1892), p. 

This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives.

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973-974

JOHN BURLESON, who farms one hundred acres of land on sections 26 and 
27, Clayton Township, Genesee County, was born in Macomb County, this 
State, April 11, 1844. His parents, John W. and Nancy (Caldwell) 
Burleson, were natives of Canada, and were there married. In 
Territorial days the elder Mr. Burleson came to Michigan with his 
father and made a settlement in Macomb County, taking up one hundred 
and sixty acres of land. He subsequently lived in Ray Township, that 
county, and Plainfield Township, Kent County, and on the 24th of 
October, 1857, he came .to Clayton Town-ship and settled upon a portion 
of this land, where his son now lives. Here he resided until 1891, when 
he removed to Tama Township, Saginaw County, where he is engaged in 
farming.

   The paternal grandparents of our subject, John and Mary (Brown) 
Burleson. were natives of Vermont and Ireland respectively, After 
coming to Michigan the grandfather spent the remainder of his days here 
on section 21, Clayton Township. He was a Democrat in his political 
belief. They had a family of thirteen children, and all but two of them 
are still living. The maternal grandparents were John and Mary (Miller) 
Caldwell, both of whom were Canadians and spent their lives in that 
province. Seven of their nine children are still living.

   The large family of children to which our subject belonged numbered 
eight. Their names are: John, William H.; Margaret, Mrs. James Decker; 
Nelson, David, Wesley; Arrilla, Mrs. H. Bristol, and Andrew J. The 
early training and education of John Burleson were obtained in this 
township, and he lived at home until he reached the age of twenty-two. 
On the 26th of September, 1861. he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-third 
Michigan Infantry, and was in the service for nine months, being sick 
most of the time, so that he did not take part in any battle. He was 
taken sick at Chattanooga and returned to Nashville, thence to New 
Albany, Ind., and had his discharge at Louisville, June 6, 1865.

   After returning home, this young• roan spent two winters in the pine 
woods in the northern part of the State, and between the years of 1865-
75 purchased and sold three farms. In the year 1875 he purchased forty 
acres of land where he now lives, and added to it until he now has one 
hundred acres. This lie proceeded to clear and to provide with good 
buildings, and it is now in an excellent condition. In 1867 he married 
Annie M., daughter of Jonathan W. and Phoebe A. (Caldwell) Rock, 
natives of Nova Scotia and Canada. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. 
Burleson are: Josiah; Naomi, Mrs. George McKinzie: James E., John; and 
Lovina, Mrs. I. C. Packard.

   The five children of our subject and his worthy wife are: Cora A., 
Mrs. Abraham Brewer, of Swartz Creek, this county; Nancy L., Eliza M., 
Sie L. and Cassie B. Mr. Burleson is a Democrat in his political views 
and a member of the Order of Odd Fellows. He has been a Constable and a 
Director and Assessor of the School District for the past twenty years, 
and is now it Director of the Genesee County Farmers' Home Fire 
Insurance Company. He is a charter member of Ferren Post, No. 268, G. 
A. R., and. takes a great interest in the old soldiers' reunions. Upon 
his farm may be found fine stock and everything in excellent condition, 
and he is counted as one of the prominent farmers of the township.




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