STANDARD ATLAS
OF
SCOTT COUNTY, ILLINOIS
1903
Geo. A. Ogle & Co.Publishers & Engravers
134 Van Buren St.
Chicago
Transcribed by Larry Fearneyhough
Page 97
A striking illustration of what a life-start with nothing will accomplish when backed by energy, perseverance and sticktoitiveness is to be found in the accumulations of James Burbank, the subject of this sketch, and one of the pioneers of Scott county. Contrary to the rule "from nothing nothing will come" Mr. Burbank now owns about 400 acres of choice land. His home is a splendid one and its doors ever swing open to a large circle of friends and acquaintances enjoyed by its owner.
Mr. Burbank was born in Barnston, Stanstad county, Canada, February 15, 1834. He was reared in that country and educated in the Common schools. In 1856 he came to Scott county, Illinois, and during his first year's stay here made his home with his uncle, Jesse Burbank. He chopped cord wood and did whatever he could find to do, and at the end of that year, by frugality and strict economy, he had managed to save enough money to return to his old home, which he accordingly did. He was then united in marriage with Miss Lutheria Elsworth of Hatley, Canada.
Shortly after his marriage his young wife accompanied him to his new home in "far off Illinois" and they set up housekeeping for themselves upon what is now known as the Korty farm. They lived there one year and then moved to the Royal Oakes place south of Naples, then back to the "Ridge," and in 1865 he purchased the eighty acres of land upon whih his beautiful home now stands. Four children came to them; Erwin and Edwin (twins), James Oscar and Joseph Elsworth. All the children are now living. January 10, 1902, his companion, she who had shared with him the joys and sorrows of life and had stood shoulder to shoulder with him in the heat of the conflict, was taken, and his son, Erwin, returned, with his family, from Kansas, and is now in charge of the household duties at the old home place.
During the years of his residence in Scott county Mr. Burbank has so conducted himself that he enjoys the reespect, the confidence andthe esteem of his fellow man. He has given to the couse of religion and of charity and deserving ones have always found in him a friend with a generous heart and an open hand.