Frank Burns
a brave soldier and respected citizen
crosses the great divide

In the death of Frank Burns, which occurred on the 8th of September, 1910, at his home on the Warsaw road, Grant County, loses one of her oldest and best known citizens. Indeed he was a land mark on Northern Kentucky. He was born in Donegal County, Ireland, in 1827, and immigrated to this country in 1849, and settled in the northern part of Mississippi, where he continued to reside until the breaking out of the Civil War. He very early enlisted in the Confederate Army, in Gen. Barksdale's Brigade and soon after the Confederate Capitol was transferred from Montgomery, Ala. to Richmond, Va., he was sent East to defend the new Capitol, and fought his first battle at Manasses Junction or Bull Run. In 1861, he became a part of the Army of Northern Virginia and took part in all its famous battles from Bull Run, July 20, 1861, to the final surrender of General Lee at Appomattox, April 9, 1865. His army comrades were unanimous in saying no braver or better soldier ever marched to battle than Frank Burns.After the war he returned to Mississippi, but did not long remain there. About 1869 or 1870 he moved to Kentucky and purchased a farm on the Warsaw Road in Grant, County, where he resided until his death, which took place as above stated.He was united in marriage to a Miss O'Donell, a very handsome Irish lady, who still survives him. To this marriage were born seven children, four daughters and three sons. Frank Burns, as he was familiarly called by his friends, was one of natures noblemen. He was loyal in his friendships and faithful and true to all his obligations as a man and as a citizen. He was a Catholic in religion and a Democrat in political. He was exceedingly domestic in his habits, and the chief aim of his life was the welfare of his family. He was never so happy as when he saw them prospering. That his solicitude for them was not lost is evidenced by the fact that they are all law abiding, prosperous citizens. Grant County and the State of Kentucky suffers a loss in his demise. Though a man of limited education and humble circumstances, he had a very large acquaintance throughout Northern Kentucky. He was known everywhere as very hospitable and generous. His motto was: "Be a man every day of your life, and turn no stranger hungry from your door". His body was buried September 12, 1910, in the Mother of God cemetery in Latonia, Ky., amidst a host of loving friends and sincere mourners.

Farwell old friend of our better days, under brighter skies we hope to greet thee..

NOTE: The above newspaper article was generously submitted by John Miller. Thanks John!

John is seeking information concerning his great-grandfather, Francis "Frank" Burns and his wife, Anna O'Donnell Burns. Both were born in Ireland. Frank moved to Grant Co. from Mississippi after the Civil War. They lived in Grant Co. from the l870's until their deaths in 1910 and 1918, respectively. The couple had 7 children: Ella, Hannah, Catherine, Anna, William, James, and Myles.

John has found a lot of information about Frank's valiant Civil War service, but has been unable to find anything in the Grant County censuses (or in other genealogy search engines) pertaining to Frank and Anna nor for their children during their residency term in Grant Co. John would very much like to discover and communicate with any descendants from any of the above families. If you have any information, please contact John Miller, thanks!

Submitted to this site by Bonnie Snow and Sandra Burbridge - Thanks!
April 2008

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