John Burnham

John Burnham was born in Tolland, Connecticut.

He was educated at Hartford High School. He worked as a bookkeeper in a mercantile establishment in Coventry. He then moved to Iowa where he was engaged in business.

He moved to Hartford around 1860. With his brothers and brother-in-law, he was engaged in the wholesale tobacco business.

He enlisted in the Hartford City Guard in July 1861 and served as secretary of the company in 1861 and 1862.

The Civil War

In July of 1862, President Lincoln requested 300,000 volunteers. Hartford and surrounding towns responded by forming the 16th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. Burnham joined the 16th Connecticut as an adjutant. He was quickly promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

In May 1863, Burnham was wounded in battle in Suffolk, Virginia. He returned to service only to be captured by the Confederates following the surrender at the Battle of Plymouth. He was first taken to Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia. Then to Camp Ogelthorpe in Macon, Georgia and finally to Charleston, South Carolina.

Burnham was released in exchange for another prisoner. After a brief visit to Hartford, he started to rejoin his regiment in North Carolina. He was captured near Norfolk. He was imprisoned for a short time and again exchanged.

He returned to the 16th and continued to serve with the Regiment until the close of the war. He declined promotion to Colonel of the 11th Connecticut to remain with the 16th.

Postmaster

Returning to Hartford, Burnham continued his career in business. President Grant appointed him Deputy Postmaster of Hartford in October 1871. Then Postmaster in 1872. He left his job due to failing health in 1880.

Failing Health

Burnham’s physical and mental deterioration led to being admitted to the Retreat for the Insane in Hartford. With his health continuing to fail, he was moved to the State Hospital in Middletown.

Burnham died in 1883 from a general breaking down of his body both mentally and physically. He was 46 years old.