Resolutions of Respect - Walter Burns 1849

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Smithland, Ky, July 10, 1849

Bro. Moore:  I enclose to you the following resolutions of Smithland Lodge, No. 138, adopted upon the occasion of the decease of  Walter Burns , of this place.

Brother Burns was born in Kilsythe, Scotland, April 15^th, A.D. 1815. Emigrated to the United States in 1836; was a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church and died at his residence in this place on the 9^th inst., at half past 7 o’clock, of consumption, in the 35^th year of his age.

At a meeting of the Smithland (Ky.) Lodge, No. 138, of ancient York Masons, at their Hall in Smithland, July 10^th, A.D., 1849, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted:

WHEREAS, It hath pleased the Almighty Ruler of the Universe in the dispensation of an all wise Providence to remove from a world of trouble to the spirit land, our beloved Bro. Walter Burns; and whereas, a proper respect for the memory of the worthy dead demand suitable action on the part of the Lodge on this melancholy occasion: therefore, be it unanimously

RESOLVED, by Smithland Lodge, No. 138, of A.Y. Masons, in Lodge assembled, that by the death of our lamented brother, Walter Burns, the Order of Ancient York Masons is bereft of one of its brightest jewels and most useful members.

That the widow, the orphan and the distressed brother have lost a true friend, and the cause of true benevolence a faithful supporter, both by precept and practice.

That this Lodge deeply deplore the affliction thus visited upon the family of our deceased brother, and tender to them our sincere sympathy and condolence on the irreparable loss they have sustained.

That as a testimony of the sincerity of our grief, the members of this lodge will wear the usual badge of mourning for the space of thirty days from this date.

RESOLVED, That the Secretary be instructed to transmit to the family of our deceased brother a copy of these resolutions be published in the Masonic periodicals at Nashville and Cincinnati.

Yours fraternally,                       T.M. INGRAM, Secretary[1]

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[1] C.C. Moore, The Masonic Review, Vol. IV, (Cincinnati: J. Ernst, 1849) 376; Google Books, accessed 2013.

Published 9 July 2020, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tombstone Tuesday - Walter Burns

Walter Burns first appears on the 1840 Livingston County, Kentucky census as a single man between the ages of 20 and 30. On the 30th of December 1840, he married Miss Evalina Petty. Before his death in 1849, Walter Burns served as county jailer and as paymaster of the 24th Regiment, 19th Brigade.

It is believed that Walter and Evalina had the following children: James Walter, Charles H., Isabella and Agnes.

Walter Burns

Born

in Kilsyth, Scotland

April 16, 1815

Died

July 9, 1849

 

Buried Smithland Cemetery, Smithland, Kentucky. The tombstone above was photographed in 2010. During the summer of 2012, someone wedged a piece of wood in front of the stone, perhaps in an attempt to straighten it. As a result, the tombstone broke at ground level.

 

 

Evalina Petty Burns married as her second husband, James E. Smullen on 25 March 1856 in Livingston County. At the time of that marriage, she was listed as age 38, widowed, born Christian County, Kentucky and a resident of Smithland. She died after 1880, probably in Livingston County.