by P.K. Burleson
In 1988 I was invited to become a member of the Battleground Chapter fo the Sons of the American Revolution here in Burlington, N.C. However, there was the requirement that I must prove that I actually was a descendant from a Revolutionary War ancestor; thus began my Burleson family research.
My first endeavor was a trip to Raleigh, NC, –NC Department of Archives– where I began an exhaustive search through Census Records, Birth Certificates, Marriage Bonds/Certificates, Wills, Deeds, and Landsale Records.
Eventually, I was able to verify four Burleson generations beginning with Jape C. Burleson (b. Oct 26, 1884), Adam Burleson (b. Jan 29, 1847), Lee Burleson (b. 1826), and Isaac Burleson Jr. (b. 1784). During this lengthy process, I did secure the assistance of a Professional Genealogist who was able to provide additional Burleson information working toward completion at this point.
Information on the next generation back was that of Isaac Burleson, Sr. which seemed to be more difficult to establish. Fortunately in the fall of 1991, I was referred to Thurman Burleson who, supposedly, had much information on Burleson families, and who was a active member of the Burleson Family Association, Dallas, Texas; and, further, had attended several of the Annual Meetings.
Thurman and I had several telephone conversations and he confirmed the Burleson information which I had been able to assemble. When I mentioned the fact that I had been unable to find a record of Isaac Burleson being in the military, he immediately gave me information that Isaac Burleson’s enlistment was in South Carolina (my search had been in NC only). Records confirmed his enlistment was with the 5th SC Regiment-Revolutionary War-April 16, 1776. Thurman and I had planned to meet in January 1992, however, his death occurred earlier.
In the meantime, my SAR application was approved and I officially became a member of the local SAR Chapter on Dec 5, 1989. Latter this SAR Chapter indicated a desire to honor this Revolutionary War Patriot.
In the spring of 1995, I contacted Thurman Burleson’s son, Ronnie Burleson of Richfield, NC who was able to point out the grave site of Isaac Burleson in the Ruben Springer Burial Ground, Stanly County, off of Dusty Road (NC 1226). A publication in the Stanly County Library –Private Cemeteries & Burial Grounds– confirmed this information and stated, further, he was the first person to be buried at this location.
I then applied for a headstone through the Department of Veteran Affairs, who confirmed
Isaac’s Military Service in the Revolutionary War after 184 years. This headstone, complete with lettering, was received from the Georgia Marble Company.
A contact was made with the present owner of this particular property, Dale Burris of Oakboro, NC, who gave permission for this headstone to be installed. At 11:00 AM, May 5, 1995, Ronnie Burleson, my brother Aaron and Gretchen Burleson of Burlington, NC, JD & Karol Burleson, of Thomasville, NC, Thomas N. and Martha Clark, of Burlington, NC, Hoey & Stella Burleson Curlee, and Wilma Burleson Harris of Albemarle, NC, Hazel Burleson and I erected this headstone beside the slate marker, along with the Bronze Patriot Seal.
On May 28, 1995 the SAR Color Guard, dressed in Colonial Uniforms, comprised of Richard J. Moore, E.F. Sharpe, Nat Clark, and myself led the solemn Cermony. The unveiling of the Marker was by Jerry Burleson and Christopher Burleson –5th & 6th great-grandsons; the laying of the Wreath was by Katie and Daniel Burleson –6th generation grandchrildren. (Randleman, NC)
Others participating in the Dedication were Dr. Charles E. Page, former Chaplain General of the National Society SAR, Mrs Hazel B. Burleson, Regent of the Battle of Alamance Chapter DAR, Raymond Donnell, President of the Alamance Battleground Chapter SAR, and Thomas N. Clark, President of the NC Society SAR.
Refreshments were served to approximately 80 of the Burleson descendants and SAR participants.