My Genealogy Hound

FRANCIS A. BURRUS. The high standing attained by Berrien, and its prominent position among the counties of the State, are largely due to the indefatigable exertions of its energetic, capable and prosperous business men, who, while promoting their individual interests, have also contributed their quota to the development of the resources of the county. The village of Galien contains a number of successful and efficient business men, and among the number perhaps none is more deserving of mention in this connection than the subject of this sketch, who is a member of the firm of Butler & Burrus, dealers in lumber.

A native of Preble County, Ohio, Francis A. Burrus was born July 30, 1842. He is of Virginian descent, his paternal grandfather, Edmund Burrus having been born in the Old Dominion, whence he removed to Preble County, Ohio, and from there, about 1837, came to Berrien County, he was one of the earliest settlers of this part of the State, and, purchasing a tract of land, devoted his attention to its cultivation and improvement until his career was terminated by death. James Burrus, father of our subject, was born near Appomattox C. H., Va., and in his boyhood accompanied his parents to Ohio, where he married Miss Jeannette Holmes. For a time he engaged in general farming and also followed his trade of a cooper in Preble, but in 1855 removed thence to Michigan and located in Bertrand Township, Berrien County, where he spent the remainder of his life. In his religious convictions he was a sincere Christian and a devoted member of the United Brethren Church.

In the parental family there were seventeen children, of whom ten grew to manhood and womanhood, and seven are still living. Francis A. was about thirteen years of age at the time the family came to Michigan, and he has since been a resident of this State. His education was acquired principally in the common schools of Dayton, and he was in his youth trained to farming pursuits; so that, upon choosing an occupation, he naturally decided upon that of agriculture. In 1869 he married Miss Esther, daughter of Alexander Campbell, a farmer residing in Trumbull County, Ohio. Mrs. Burrus was born and reared in the Buckeye State, and is the mother of two children: Gertrude, now the wife of Joseph Harris; and Guy, who resides with his parents.

For a short time after his marriage, Mr. Burrus resided in Dayton, where he worked in a sawmill; he later engaged in farming for five years, and then followed the occupation of a miller for three years. Subsequently, he resided on the Reynolds place for one year, then spent one summer in Buchanan, and from that city came to Galien, where for a time he was in the employ of Peck & Imhoof, millers. In 1890, together with Mr. Butler, he bought out the business and has since been engaged in the manufacture and sale of lumber.

During the late war, Mr. Burrus enlisted in 1862 as a member of Company G, Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry, and as Corporal of his company took part in the battle of the Wilderness and the engagements of Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg, as well as in the campaign around Richmond. Altogether, he participated in nineteen battles besides many minor engagements. In the battle of Cold Harbor he was wounded by a shell, but otherwise passed unscathed through the fire of the enemy. In June, 1865, at the close of the war, he was mustered out of the service and honorably discharged. As might be expected he takes an active interest in the Grand Army of the Republic, with which he is identified. In his social connections he affiliates with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically he is a Republican and has been elected upon the party ticket to numerous local offices, including those of Assessor of Galien and Constable of Bertrand Township.