First Generation
1. Francis Burns1,2 was born about 1716, in Ayrshire,
Ayr County, Scotland. He died about 1792 in Swansboro, Onslow County,
North Carolina. He had his estate probated in 1793, in Onslow County,
North Carolina.
Family Notes:
"Francis Burns, Immigrant, Lowland Scotch, left Glasgow, 1734, with Gov.
Gabrielle Johnston and settled on Queen's Creek, Onslow County, North Carolina,
two miles from old Swannsboro. His descendants still live there and some of the
original land is owned by his descendants.
"Glasgow is in Ayrshire, Scotland, the home of Robert Burns, the poet, but
NO relationship is claimed, for no known study has been made. Francis Burns may
have been a resident of County Ayr, or he could have arrived in Glasgow just
to take ship for the Colonies.
"Nothing is known as to Francis's reasons for leaving Scotland, but the
troubles with England were great, especially after 1715, or "The Fifteens,"
and the next final problem, "The 45 " was brewing fast. The age of
this young man is not known but he must have been at least 18 years of age, as
he came without family or close friend, as far as is known. The name of the ship
is unknown also. Gabrielle was coming over to act as a Colonial Governor, which
he did." Francis Burns and Mary Otway were married after Aug 1744,
in Onslow County, North Carolina. Mary Otway2,3
(daughter of Ephraim Otway and ---?--- [Otway]) was born, in Scotland.
Francis Burns and Mary Otway had the following children:
+2 | i. | Otway
Burns Sr.. | 3 | ii. | Richard
Burns was born about 1754, in Swansboro, Onslow County, North Carolina. | 4 | iii. | Joseph Burns
was born about 1756, in Swansboro, Onslow County, North Carolina.
He was living in 1800, in Wilmington, Onslow County, North Carolina.4 | +5 | iv. | Frederick
Burns. | 6 | v. | Jessie
Burns was born about 1760, in Swansboro, Onslow County, North Carolina. |
Francis
Burns and Elizabeth Hall were married about 1761, in Swansboro, Onslow County,
North Carolina.2 |