Henry started life in North Carolina but migrated first to Madison County, Kentucky sometime after the Revolutionary War. All his children are thought to have been born in Kentucky. He was the husband of Susannah Sexton & Rebecca Sarah Jones.
As early as 1816 he again migrated to what was to become Howard County, Missouri. Many of his family are believed to have moved with him. Maybe not all at once because Indian attacks on settlers was still taking place and the interior of Missouri could be a dangerous place, at this time. In many circumstances the head of households would go in advance with oldest sons and maybe a few friends or other relatives to seek out a homestead or find their bought or allotted lands.
According to County records Henry first settled the present site of Fayette, Missouri. He built and started the first horse mill for some time just above that place.
Later, as Howard County was settled, he acquired land east of Fayette, now off County Road 116. This land is a mile and a half distant from what became Burton, Missouri.
This is where the Burnam Cemetery is now located where many of his children and other ancestor now lie buried. His son, Foster, bought or inherited this land from Henry it appears and lived here much of his life.
At some point Henry ended up on land in Randolph County, Missouri and in an isolated family cemetery. He and his wife along with other relatives are buried there. This was a long lost and previously unrecorded cemetery. Thanks to Nancy Meadows for tracking this cemetery down. Hopefully more information soon.

Known children of Henry & Rebecca:

Joel Burnam 10/04/1790 - 03/03/1866

Henry Burnam 1793 - 188

Susan A. Burnam Wilson 1795-1861

Foster 1795-1876 (buried Burnam Cem in Howard Co. MO)

Adelia 1797-

Elijah 1798-

Squire 1801-1869

Elizabeth 1802-

Sophia Burnam Moberly 1804-1876

Martin Weston Burnam 1805-1874

Dionycious 1808-

(some dates may not be accurate)


Following information is thanks to Carol Lehman:

Henry's will was signed on 1 June 1847. The witnesses swore in court that it was his will on 26 May 1848. William Moberly was appointed administrator by the court on 21 June 1848, when John B Hays who was named executor in the will but refused the honor.