Robert Benjamin Burns, was a merchant of Lincoln, Alabama, where he was born, January 2, 1864. His great-grandfather was one of the first of the American patriots to sacrifice his life for the cause of independence, having been killed at the battle of ‘Bunker Hill. His grandfather, Benjamin Burns, was born in South Carolina and was a soldier in the War of 1812. He drew a land warrant, married Susan Smith, and in 1822 came to St. Clair county, Ala. There Theodore Richard Burns, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born, February 6, 1823.
In 1829 Benjamin Burns removed with his family to Benton (now Calhoun) county, being the first white settler in that county. Five years later he located at Easta Boga. During his life he was an active Democrat, and both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. He passed the last days of his life near Lincoln.
Theodore R. Burns received five months schooling in his boyhood and at an early age began learning the trade of blacksmith. While still a young man he went to Mississippi, where in 1849 he married Adelaide Young. She died within less than a year after their marriage and in 1850 he returned to Alabama. In 1851 he married Elizabeth Worthington, daughter of Samuel and Terissa (Gorman) Worthington, early settlers of Benton county. Samuel Worthington was a son of Benjamin and Juda (Steadman) Worthington, and was a native of Indiana. Terissa Gorman was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Corbin) Gorman, who were among the pioneers of Jefferson county.
Theodore R. Burns enlisted in Company F, Fifty-first Alabama cavalry, under Capt. N. D. Johnson, and served through the latter part of the Civil war with that company. After the war, he engaged in business with a mercantile company, the other members of which were A. W. Bell, John L. Law and J. C. Wilson.
Theodore Richard Burns Feb. 16, 1902, and is buried in Lincoln City Cemetery, Lincoln, Talladega County, Alabama.
Robert B. Burns was educated in the common schools and at Oxford college, after which he entered his father’s store as a clerk. Later he and his father were in partnership and for three years he was associated with John L. Law in business. In 1899 he engaged in business for himself and was successful as a merchant. He owned two small farms and a fine home in the town of Lincoln. It was regarded by many as the finest in Lincoln, and his orchard near by was admired by all who have seen it.
Politically he was a Democrat, but the only official position he ever held was that of assistant postmaster at Talladega. This position he held for four years, while his brother, Samuel P. Burns, was postmaster. Mr. Burns was a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Baptist church.
In 1895 he married Annie Barry, of Oxford, Ala., and to this marriage were born two children by 1904,
Emmie Tom Burns
Robert Lee Burns
Mr. Burns found his greatest enjoyment in his associations with his wife and children. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and, like her husband, was devoted to her little ones, and her home associations.
After his first wife died in 1923, Robert married Mary Charlotte Cumming Reid. Robert Benjamin Burns died in 1940 and is buried with his wife Annie Barry, who died in 1923, at Lincoln City Cemetery, Lincoln, Talladega County, Alabama.
SOURCES
Notable Men of Alabama: Personal and Genealogical, Volume 1 edited by Joel Campbell DuBose
Find A Grave.com Find A Grave Memorial# 41608479 # 54425732# 12105959
