BURRITT, George A.
Portrait and Biographical Record of Winnebago and Boone Counties, IL.   Chicago: Biographical Publishing Co., 1892, pp 656-9
George A. BURRITT, an extensive farmer and resident of Owen Township, Winnebago County [IL], was born in Ira, Cayuga County, NY, 17 Jun 1840.  His father, Charles BURRITT, was born in Roxbury, Litchfield County, CT, in 1812.  Grandfather Lewis BURRITT was also a native of CT, and was there reared to agricultural pursuits.  At an early day he removed from the CT to NY and bought a farm in Ira, Cayuga County, where he followed agricultural pursuits several years.  He spent his last days in the village of Weedsport [Cayuga County, NY], dying 08 Feb 1873, aged 84 years.  His wife, whose maiden name was Polly WARNER, was born in CT and spent her last years in Sennett, Cayuga County, NY, where her death occurred 21 Oct 1865, at the age of 76. 

When about 20 years old, Charles BURRITT accompanied his parents to NY State.  He was principally reared to agricultural pursuits, but did not always follow farming.  He purchased an interest in a machine shop at Weedsport, and was connected with that business for three years.  After serving for two years as Superintendent of the County Infirmary, he pursued farming in Cayuga County, but in 1855 sold his interest there and removed to Winnebago County, IL.  The winter following his arrival he passed in Rockford, and during that time purchased a tract of land in Owen Township.  A portion of it was broken and fenced, and a log house was on it, these constituting the sole improvements.  He placed the land under good cultivation, planted fruit and shade trees, erected a nice set of farm buildings, and continued to own and reside upon the place until his death, 12 Mar 1885. 

The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Laura M. REMINGTON, was born in 1816, the daughter of Rufus and Deborah (OLMSTED) REMINGTON, and died at the home farm in Apr 1877.   She was the mother of seven children, all of whom are still living, namely:   (1)  Lucy A Moore, (2)  George A., (3)  Rufus H., (4)  Francis M. Brown, (5)  Dwight N., (6)  Ida M. Knapp, and (7)  Charles L.  At the time the family removed to IL, George A. was 15 years old, and he has been a resident of the old homestead since his parents settled here in 1856, with the exception of five years spent in Rockford. 

At the time of his marriage, Mr. BURRITT bought 60 acres of the home farm, and soon after purchased 160 acres adjoining.  Since that time he has purchased the old homestead, and is now proprietor of 320 acres of well-improved land.  His place is one of the finest in this section of [p 659] the county.  In 1866 he was united in marriage with Harriet M., daughter of Royal and Sophronia (DUNSHEE) DRAKE, and a native of VT.  Mr. and Mrs. BURRITT are the parents of five children, namely:  (1)  Lewis L., (2)   Jessie M., (3)  Neenah S., (4)  Roy W., and (5)  Frank C.  In his political belief, Mr. BURRITT is a stanch adherent of the principles of the Republican party, but is not active in political affairs, his time being wholly occupied with the duties of farm life.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.