Burr Braden

Burr Braden (we think)

Burr Braden is my husband’s 3rd great-grandfather.  The line from my husband’s grandfather, William Robert Braden to Burr is:  William Robert Braden, son of Alba E. Braden & Emily A. Crane; Alba E. Braden, son of William M. Braden & Laura V. Watt; William M. Braden, son of Burr Braden & Mary Dulin Jenners.
 

The picture at the top of this post is not confirmed to be Burr, but we believe it probably is.  I hope someday to find something to prove or disprove this assumption.

Burr Braden was born 27 July 1802 near Waterford, Loudoun Co., Virginia.  His parents were Robert and Elizabeth(Stevens) Braden.

One of the things that I find curious about Burr is his name.   Where did the name "Burr" come from?  Why is he the only one of his siblings to have only one name?  Could Burr be his middle name?  In a family that seems to have often named children for other family members, I have always found his name to be a bit out of normal.  But so far, I have found no documents related to Burr Braden that used any other name, not even a middle initial.

The first I find Burr is on the 1820 federal census for Middleburg, Loudoun Co., Virginia.  He appears as the head of a household consisting of 2 white males between the age of 18 and 26.  In addition, there are 6 slaves in the household.  One of the white males is, of course, Burr.  The other could possibly be his brother, Hector Wright Braden, or his brother, Noble Stevens Braden.   Burr would have only been 18 years old.

On 1 January 1823, Burr's father, Robert Braden, who was executor of his brother, Dr. Joseph Braden's, estate (Joseph was Burr's uncle) paid Burr $36 for boarding and clothing the "Negro boy Lewis" for 1 year.  Lewis belonged to Joseph Braden's estate.

An unidentified Waterford merchant recorded two transactions for Burr Braden in his 1823 account book.  On 17 June 1823, Burr purchased "6 yds Anjoline (?) cassimere, 2 1/2 cotton Bro hollond, silk, th'd, pading, 3/4 yd cotton."  On 19 June 1823, he bought "1/8 yd linnen."

George Henry owed Jozabed White $1,416.64, so on 30 September 1823, Henry sold 103 acres of the farm adjoining Mary Fox, Matthew Beans, Presley Cordell, and Samuel Gregg (that he bought from White) to Zachariah Dulaney and Burr Braden.  R. Braden and Samuel Hough were the Justices of the Peace recording the deed.

On 27 April 1824, Burr Braden placed the following advertisement in the newspaper, Genius of Liberty:  "Wool Carding  The subscriber has in operation at the mill of Robert Braden, in the German Settlement, Two Carding Machines In complete order for carding both common and Merino wool -- having employed a young man well qualified, to attend to the business he hopes those having wool will favor him with their custom, who may rely on its being done with dispatch and in the best manner. - Burr Braden."  This indicates that Robert Braden had a mill in Lovettsville (called "the German Settlement).

On 10 May 1824, a deed was recorded for a land sale between Burr Braden and his father, Robert Braden.  Burr's maternal grandfather, Thomas D. Stevens, had owned the land in Hillsboro, Virginia, before his death in 1814.  

On 12 July 1825, the following notice was published in the Genius of Liberty newspaper, Leesburg, Virginia: "TRUST SALE. -- In pursuance of a deed of trust given to us by George W. Henry, for the benefit of Jozabed White, dated the 30th day of September, 1823, and recorded in the Loudoun office, the undersigned will, on Saturday, the 9th day of July next, at 12 o'clock, offer for sale, at public auction, to the highest bidder, for cash, the TRACT OF LAND  By said deed conveyed.  It is situate in the county of Loudoun, near Waterford, adjoins the lands of William Smith, Presley Cordell, and others, and contains 103 ACRES. -- This is fine Wheat land.  The sale will take place on the premises:-- The object is to raise, for the benefit of the Central Bank of Georgetown and Washington, assignees of J. White, the sum secured by the deed, with the expenses of the trust.   ZACHARIAH DULANEY,  BURR BRADEN.  May 31, 1825 --- 21 ts   The above sale is postponed till Saturday, the thirteenth day of August next, when it will be made at the same hour and place.  July 5, 1825 -- 26ts."

On 27 March 1827, Burr Braden and Mary Dulin Jenners obtained a marriage license in Frederick Co., Maryland.  They were married 29 March 1827.  The location of their marriage has not yet been determined.  Some sources indicate Frederick, Maryland; some say Loudoun Co., Virginia; others say Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia).  Burr was 24; Mary was 20.

On 28 June 1827, Burr’s father, Robert Braden, wrote his will.  In it, he gave Burr his “Negro Man Ned.”  Burr was one of the executors, along with Noble S. Braden.  Robert died 14 November 1827.

In September 1827, Burr's father, Robert, wrote to a Mr. George Shover to ask him to deliver his still to his son, Burr.  In that note, Robert says that Burr is planning on going to Florida.  I have found no indication that Burr actually went to Florida, so this is an interesting note.  Did Burr change his mind after his father's death?  Or when his wife's siblings and mother decided to go to Indiana?  We may never know for sure why he and Mary went to Indiana instead of Florida, but this is an interesting tidbit of information.

In January 1828, at the sale for his father’s estate, Burr purchased two cows.  On 11 February 1828, when his father, Robert’s will was probated, Burr refused to serve as one of the executors.  Noble became the sole executor of the estate.

Burr probably declined to serve as executor because he was already planning to move to Indiana.  A letter from Burr’s brother-in-law, Martin Jenners, to Burr’s mother-in-law, Deborah (Young) Jenners, written March 1828, outlined plans for the family to move.  Martin wrote from Lafayette, Indiana.  He advised his mother and siblings to not stay in Dayton, Ohio, but to travel on to Lafayette.  Martin and David Jenners, as well as, Jonathan Bradfield and his wife, Sarah (Jenners), were already there.  Burr and Mary were apparently planning to join them. 

Burr and Mary first settled in Lafayette, Indiana, where Burr was a merchant and shopkeeper.  They lived in Lafayette "a short time" before moving to Clinton Co.  Based on the evidence available, it seems likely that they left Loudoun Co. in the Fall 1828, spent the winter of 1828-29 in Dayton, Ohio, and then traveled on to Lafayette, Indiana, in the Spring of 1829.  Also with them were Mary’s mother, Deborah Jenners, and Mary’s other siblings, William, Saurin, Alba, and Ann. 

Burr and Mary’s first child, daughter Elizabeth Virginia, was born in Dayton, Ohio on 13 January 1829. 

In September 1829, Burr traveled from Indiana back to Waterford, Virginia to visit his family and settle business.  There are two letters from Burr to Mary written that September.  On 17 September, Burr wrote home to Mary:  "My Dear Wife          I arrived here three days since and you can better imagine than I describe the pleasure it gave me on finding our dear mother enjoying much better health than I could reasonably have expected.  She is however very weak, confined in part to her bed and mostly to her room.  Within a few weeks past however she has rode out in the gig several times.  The rest of the family are all well.  Our acquaintances as far as I have heard are well.  I left Mr. Bradfield at his sisters Mrs. Birtram[?].  He stood the journey very well.  Saurin hearing by David's letter that I expected to be in Loudoun wrote to me the letter I found here when I arrived.  He wished me to let him know when I arrived here in order that he might settle his business and ride over with me to Lafayette.  He and Waynesburg [?] have had a difference.  He states Waynesburg[?] has acted very ungentlemanly towards him.  He will not come on with Saurin as was expected in consequence of their differences.  I have written on to Saurin and expect he will be here in a few days.  I am unable to say when we shall be able to leave here.  Noble has not yet subtracted any money for me.  If I should not be able to subtract it all soon I shall not let it detain me.  I have not seen Mr. Bradfield since we came in.  He told me he would be in Waterford the latter part of the week.  He will then be able to let me know when he will be ready or pretty nearly.  Whenever he is I shall be for I do not intend remaining any longer than he is ready.  Noble will attend to any business I may leave unsettled.  We expected when we arrived to be able to leave here by the 1st of next month at any rate, I don't see anything to prevent it now.  I am doubtful I shall not find time to visit Mr. Dulin and family, the last account I had of them mentions they are now well and all and that Mr. Dulin had increased my issue[?] with him since your furniture is all here yet they could find no sale for it I think of having the table taken to pieces putting it in the bureau boxing it up and sending them to Lafayette; they will bring nothing here.  I have heard nothing from you since I left you.  I wrote you near St. Mar[unreadable word] which you no doubt have received.  I expect to receive a letter from you soon.  I am very anxious to hear from you and our dear little babe.  Oh my dear not withstanding I am with mother and family, yet the recollecting that I am so far from you prevents me from enjoying their good company so much as I should if you were here.  Mother and Elizabeth wish to be remembered to you and all the family.  No more at present but remain dear wife your loving and affectionate husband, Burr Braden."

On 25 September, Burr wrote his wife again:  "My Dear Wife     I rec'd you letter written the 6th of this month last evening.  It gave me inexpressible pleasure to hear from you being the first time since I left you and particularly to hear that my dear wife and little one were well.  I was sorry to hear of Martin's having the chills.  I returned from your Uncle Dulin's yesterday.  I found all the family well excepting William who has been quite ill but was recovering when I left them.  Mrs. Dulin's health is about as good as usual.  Franklin's in Philadelphia and has been since last fall.  Your old Aunt Nancy has been dead some time since.  The rest of your connections are well.  Mother's health is about as usual, still very weak.  She wishes to be remembered to you and advises you to remember her in your prayers.  Elizabeth and the rest of the family are well.  I rec'd a letter from Saurin in answer to one I wrote him from this place.  He was well and expected to be here in time to start with us.  We have been detained in our work longer than expected when we left home.  Our intention was to leave here in two weeks after we arrived but Mr. Bradfield not finding his [2 unreadable words] as expected will detain us until the 5th of October which will be the day we shall leave here.  I shall not be able to settle my business but shall leave the unsettled part with Noble.  I expect we shall be able to get home in about 18 days.   We were 20 coming here [unreadable word] looks well and will help passing [?].  I saw Mr. Bradfield a few days since.  He was well and had succeeded very well in settling his business.  He will be able to have it all settled by the time we intend starting.  I am growing very impatient to see you and although my dear you seem to doubt whether I think as often of you as you of me I can assure not withstanding I am in the midst of our old home I still miss you [page 3] and our home in mind and I can assure you I shall loose no time but come as soon as possible and enjoy again the pleasures of your company.  All your acquaintances are very anxious to see you.  I have no more news at present.  The next I hope I shall deliver in person.  I shall not write again.  I remain [2 unreadable words] you loving and most affectionate husband       Burr Braden"

In late 1829 to early 1830, Burr became the owner of a piece of land in Lafayette, Indiana, which was described as "Sixty-six feet , the East half of Lot #41 in the original plat of the City of Lafayette."  This land was still owned by Burr at his death, and was sold by his heirs in 1863 to Oliver W. Pierce.

But Burr and Mary did not stay in Lafayette long.  They were among the early settlers of Clinton Co., Indiana, settling there a year before the county was formed.  In January 1830, Mary's sister, Ann, in Lafayette, Indiana, wrote a letter to Burr's sister, Elizabeth,  in Waterford, Virginia in which she says that Burr "intends moving in the country in the spring.  Mary is almost worn out with her little babe, which is still very poorly and does not think weighs more than six pounds.  It does not sleep any barely at night.”

In March 1830, Burr purchased land in Clinton Co., Indiana described as the "NE part of Section 9, Twp 21, Range 2W - 160 acres & ENW part of Section 9, Twp 21, Range 2W - 80 acres."

By the time of the 1830 census, Mary and Burr were in Clinton Co., Indiana.  There were no children in their household.  Their baby, Elizabeth Virginia died on 14 May 1830.  We don’t know if they were still in Lafayette when she died or if they were in Clinton County.  Her grave has not been found.  She was just 16 months old.  In June 1830, Burr’s mother, Elizabeth, in Waterford, Virginia wrote to Burr and Mary and addressed the letter to Lafayette, Indiana.  In it she inquires about the health of their baby, not knowing, apparently, that her granddaughter had died in May.

On 22 November 1830, Mary gave birth to a son, Hector Saurin Braden, named for Burr’s brother, Hector, and Mary’s brother, Saurin.  In a letter home, Mary described Hector as having light hair and blue eyes.

In February 1831, Burr purchased more land.  Certificate No. 10759 was issued 8 February 1831 to Burr Braden by the General Land Office giving Burr title to public land described as "north east quarter of section nine, township 21, range 2 west  in the district of lands subject to sale at Crawfordsville Indiana, containing one hundred and sixty acres."  Certificate No. 10760 was issued the same day for the "east half of the north west quarter of section nine, in township twenty one North of range two west in the district of lands subject to sale at Crawfordsville, Indiana containing eighty acres."  Burr and Mary named their land “Meadow Farm.”

Their family continued to grow.  A baby boy was born on 12 August 1832 who only lived seven days and was never named.  On 21 September 1833, a son, Robert Floyd, was born.  Apparently it took them awhile to decide on a name and for the first month or so, Burr called him “Pete.”  According to a letter written by Ann Jenners on 1 August 1834: "Mary's boys grow finely.  The youngest is one of the handsomest children I have ever seen."  And his Uncle Add wrote, 30 August 1834, "Bob is the finest boy in all this country."  Sarah Deborah was born 21 September 1835.  William Mordnant was born 26 March 1837.  Alba H. was born 7 July 1839.

About 1837 or so, Burr opened a general store in Jefferson, Indiana, a short distance from “Meadow Farm.”  Retailing licenses were issued to Burr 1839 to 1842.

On the federal census for 1840, they are in Clinton Co., Indiana and their household is shown as follows:  Burr, age 30-40; one female (probably his wife, Mary) age 30-40; 2 male children under 5 (Will and Alba); 2 male children 5-10 (Hector and Robert); one female age 5-10 (Sarah); and one female age 15-20 (not sure who this is, since they had no children 10 years earlier on the 1830 Census).

Daughter, Mary Jane, was born 31 March 1842.   Son, Addison Burr, was born 14 August 1844.  Daughter, Anna Marie, was born 8 June 1847. 

Burr traveled to New York City in August 1847, perhaps to buy goods for his store.  He wrote home to Mary:  "Mr. McDonald, New York City, Aug. 21st, 1847     Dear wife, We arrived here yesterday morning in company with Mssrs. Taylor & Kendall all in good health and should have written yesterday but found Mr. McDonald here who leaves this evening and will take our letters to Lafayette more direct than to send them by mail.  I have done nothing in the goods way yet and shall not before Monday.  I have been looking over the City since we arrived and find many things to attract attention and could spend some time here if I had plenty of money and could forget you and the children but in all the bustle and curiosities of the City the anxieties about home takes possession [?] of all if I but knew that you were all well I would be better satisfied.  I hope I shall get a letter in a few days.  We had a safe trip through no accident happening, but lost better than a day on the road by not meeting the conveyances in time  I cannot now tell when I shall leave here but think not later than Monday week if so I shall be home in 2 weeks from this if we have good luck in getting along and I think likely sooner.  Tell the children they must behave well until I come and I will bring them something right pretty. Your affectionate husband   I have a miserable pen to write with Burr Braden"

On 3 January 1850, Burr was appointed Postmaster at Jefferson, Indiana.  The 1850 federal census shows the family living in the village of Jefferson.  The household consisted of:  Burr, age 47, merchant, $6050 value of real estate, born VA; Mary, age 41, born VA; Hector, m, age 19, merchant, born IN, attended school that year; Robert, m, age 16, born IN, attended school that year; William, m, age 12, born IN, attended school that year; Alba, m, age 10, born IN, attended school that year; Mary J., f, age 8, born IN, attended school that year; Addison B., m, age 6, born IN, attended school that year; Fanny M., f, age 3, born IN.  Daughter, Sarah Deborah, age 15, is not listed with the family.  It is unclear if she was living elsewhere or was just missed by the census taker.

Their youngest child, Lucy Jeannette, was born 31 July 1852.  Mary had given birth to 11 children in 23 years, and only two died before adulthood.

The 1860 federal census for Clinton Co., Indiana, lists the household as: Burr, age 57, farmer, $12,000 value of real estate, $3600 value of personal property, born VA; Mary D., age 52, born VA; William, age 23, born IN; Deborah, age 25, born IN; Mary, age 18, born IN; Addison, age 16, born IN; Ann, age 14, born IN; Nettie, age 8, born IN.  By this time, Hector had moved away, settling in Crawfordsville.  Robert and Alba are also missing from the household on this census. By August 1861, Robert had enlisted in the Army. 

On 19 November 1861, Burr wrote his will.  I will not put the full text here, but can provide it to anyone interested.  Burr gave Mary use of the house and property during her life; provided for his unmarried daughters and the education of his younger children (aged 17, 14 and 9); and specified that after Mary died, all his land be sold and the proceeds divided among his children.

Burr Braden died on 6 December 1861 at his home near Jefferson, Clinton Co., Indiana.  He was 59 years old.  He was buried at JeffersonCemetery in Clinton Co., Indiana.    

Burr's tombstone - photo taken in 2015

Burr's tombstone - photo taken in 1994