NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

Prominent among the early families of New Jersey were the Burnets and the Cooks, from whom the subject of this review is descended. Both were of Norman origin and from Yorkshire, England, emigrated to America, taking up their residence on Long Island. Thomas Burnet was the ancestor of probably all the Burnets in this country. Aaron Burnet removed from Long Island to New York and established a home at what was then Burnet Station, but is now Madison, where he died in 1755, in the one hundredth year of his age. For a long period before his demise he was totally blind. Mathias Burnet, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of Whippany, and died October 17, 1783, at the age of sixty years. His son, Matthias, was born in Whippany, in 1749, and married Miss Phoebe Brookfield, a daughter of Job Brookfield, who was from Laontaka Valley. She was born May 17, 1750, and died December 10, 1828, having reared a large family.

Among this number was Matthias L. Burnet, father of our subject. He was born in Whippany, Morris county, April 13, 1798, and wedded Miss Nancy Cook, who was born in what is now Madison, New Jersey, in 1799. Her father, Benjamin Cook, was a son of Ellis Cook, who came from Southampton, Long Island, and was among the pioneer settlers of Morris county. He was an extensive real-estate holder and a portion of the land which he once owned is now in possession of our subject. Matthias L. Burnet was a wheelwright by trade and in connection with that industry he carried on agricultural pursuits. He took an active interest in the educational advancement of the community and he and his wife were consistent and worthy members of the Presbyterian church, in which he served as trustee for many years. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity. His death occurred in 1882, at the advanced age of ninety-two years, and his wife passed away April 13, 1869. They were the parents of three children: Henry R. , deceased; Benjamin W. , and James Edgar, who died in 1862, of yellow fever, at the age of thirty-five years, while in the employ of the government on the United States ship Rhode Island.

Benjamin Warren Burnet attended the public schools until twelve years of age and then secured a clerkship in a store, where he remained for two years, after which he resumed his studies. Later, when he had again laid aside his text-books for the cares of business life, he went to New York city, where he remained for forty years engaged in the clothing business. His success is attributable entirely to his own efforts,—his watchfulness, enterprise and sound judgment bringing him prosperity, which he justly deserves.

In 1873 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Burnet and Miss Caroline G. Emmell, of Morristown, a daughter of Silas B. Emmell. They now have two sons: Edgar Emmell, a graduate of Stevens College and now a mechanical engineer; and Warren Hayward.

Mr. Burnet takes a very active interest in all that will advance public interest and his labors have been very effective in making the undertaking a success. Every movement for the general good of the community receives his hearty endorsement and support, and the Democratic party, by its principles, has won his hearty allegiance. He is a regular attendant of the Presbyterian church, and has served the congregation in the office of trustee.

Transcribed by Brianne Kelly-Bly

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