J D Burnett

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

J D Burnett

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

J. D. Burnett, deceased, who was engaged in rose-growing near Madison, was born in that town, a son of Samuel Burnett, also a native of that place. The grandfather was one of the early settlers of Madison and was a farmer by occupation. A man of sterling worth, he was frequently called to public office and served as freeholder for many years, discharging his duties with marked fidelity. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and for some time acted on its board of deacons.

Samuel D. Burnett, father of our subject, also carried on agricultural pursuits and was one of the valued citizens of the community, whose interest in public affairs, manifested by active co-operation therein, led to many public improvements, notably the beautifying of the Madison cemetery. He was a very active church worker and a consistent member of the Presb3'terian church, in which he long served as a member of the board of trustees. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Dill, a daughter of James Dill, a sea captain, and to them were born seven children, as follows: James D., Samuel F., Roland C, William I., Mary E., Ruth, who became the wife of William Linn, of Chatham, and Martha.

At his parental home, J. D. Burnett was reared to manhood, and to its public-school system was he indebted for his preliminary education, which was supplemented by a course in the Morristown Academy. He then learned the carpenter's trade, and, after working as a journeyman for a number of years, engaged in contracting in Madison for twelve years; and then for the rest of his life devoted his time and energies to rose-growing, finding in this industry a profitable source of income. He had some of the finest specimens of that beautiful flower extant, and for the products of his gardens he found a ready sale in the city markets. His business prospered owing to his judicious management, and he became one of the well-to-do citizens of the community.

Mr. Burnett was married in 1873 to Miss Ida H. Sniffer, a native of Brooklyn, who died in 1880, leaving two children, Frank V. W. and Ida G. In 1882 he was again married, his second union being with Clara L. Parsells, a native of Madison and a daughter of George B. and Marietta (Loomis) Parsells; and by this marriage there were three interesting children, George D. (deceased), Edith M. and James Roy. The second wife died on November 26, 1892. Socially Mr. Burnett was connected with the Royal Arcanum. Having spent his entire life in the county he formed a wide acquaintance, and his commendable characteristics won him the friendship and good will of many. He died May 7, 1898, and his many acquaintances remember him only in terms of the highest regard.

Frank V. W. Burnett, of the first marriage referred to above, grew up in Madison, attending the public school, and when still young he began to learn the carpenter's trade, under the instructions of his father, and later engaged in rose-growing, also with his father; and after the death of the latter he assumed the management of the entire business, and he now has one of the best establishments for rose-growing in Madison. He married Miss Clark and lives at the homestead of his father. He is a steady young man.

Transcribed by Brianne Kelly-Bly