Burlingham, John G.

JOHN G. BURLINGHAM, retired merchant, Spartansburg, was born in Hume, Allegany Co., N.Y., February 9, 1826, son of Jonathan and Freelove (Well) Burlingham, natives of Otsego County, N.Y., where they were born in 1797, there being only ten days’ difference in their ages. They were married in. 1819, and settled in Allegany County, N.Y., in 1823, where the former died in 1868 and the latter in 1872. They had a family of four children, all of whom are now living. Our subject remained at home until he was twenty- four years old. He attended the common schools. He was married October 30, 1849, to Zenana Potter, a native of Sinclairville, Chautauqua Co., N.Y., by whom he had four children: Gertrude, who died at the age of eighteen years; Blanche, wife of C.A. McSparren, in Erie, Penn.; Berthie, wife of R.A. Neily, in Spartansburg, and Wells P., living at home. Mr. Burlingham engaged in general merchandise and drug business at Titusville, Penn., for four years; then came to Spartansburg and was actively engaged in general mercantile business for twenty-four years. On March 7, 1878, he lost three store buildings and many thousand dollars by fire. He subsequently rebuilt and carried on the same business for about a year, when he retired on account of ill health. He was one of the pioneer business men of this place, and is largely identified with its growth and prosperity. Mr. Burlingham was Postmaster at Titusville, and since coming here has held various local offiecs; was Justice of the Peace for many years, and also the first station agent. In politics he is a Democrat; in religion, a Universalist. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for over thirty years, and has taken nineteen degrees. He states that forty years ago he made a vow which he has sacredly kept, never to use intoxicating liquors, tobacco, gamble nor bet. He and his family are much respected in the community.