The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-12-11

ward street. About three years ago, Mr..
Burnham underwent an operation at the
Rhode Island hospital and since that time
had not been i'm his usual robust health.
He was a 33d degree Mason. a past grand
commander Of the Grand Commandery OF
Massachusetts and Rhode Island for
mer member of the general assembly for
two years, a former member of both
branches of the city council. license COM
missioner for several years. a veteran OF
the Civil War. prominent I'm the militia
OF the state and foremost in numerous
business associations and interests.
Mr. Burnham was born i'm Pelham. y.
H.. in 1892 being a descendant of John
Burnham. who came to this country in his
youth from Norwich Norfolk county.
England In 1886. and upon reaching law
ful age was admitted a freeman in MasSa-
chusetts Bay Colony.
He received a common school education
in the district schools OF his native place.
and went to Boston. where he engaged in
telegraphy for several years. lie after
ward entered the service of the New
England Roofing company, and while
thus employed removed 10 this city, where
he had since lived.
When the Civil War broke out soon af-
ter his removal to Providence. he was on.
of the first to volunteer his services as a
private III flTSt fteSlfnenl OF
Rhode Island Detached Militia. At the
conclusion OF the term OF enlistment I'm
the First he re-cnlisted in the Ninth
Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry and was
commissioned second lieutenant. He was
aftorward commissioned second lieutenant
i'm the Fourteenth Rhode Island heavy
artillery, but the latter commission he did
not accept
lie became interested i'm municipal af-
fairs I'm 1876 and was elected TO the COM
mon council from the Sixth ward in that
year. and continued to represent this
ward in the lower branch for five years
In 1881 he was elected alderman and was
a member OF this body until 1855 Follow
ing this he was elected license commits
sioner. serving until 1898. His training in
military affairs. received in the Civil War
gave him proclivity for things warllke.
and he became identified with the United
Train of Artillery.
But il was as a Mason that he was so
prominent. becoming Royal Arch Mason
I'm 1855, receiving the degrees I'm Provi-
dence II. A. chapter. He was elected
grand secretary OF the Grand chapter in
1868 and held the office for seven years.
BY special vote he was made a perma-
nent member of the grand body
He was knghted In ST. Johns Com
mandery. No. !. OF this city In November
1861. and was elected recorder OF that body
at the annual conclave i'm December OF
that year.
He was elected eminent commander OF
the body In December, 1876 and served
one year. Four years before that he was
appointed To the office of grand captain
OF the guards i'm the Grand Commandery
OF Massachusetts and Rhode Island and
from that time forward. with the excep.j
ton OF a single year. he continued 10 hold
office in tho Grand Commandery until. in
1856, he was elected grand commander.
lie was president OF the Free Masons'
Hall company, and was ono or the or
ganizers OF the Masonic Veteran associa-
ton
Mr. Burnham is survived by three chill
dren. Walter w. Burnham Mrs. George
Il. Niven and Mrs. Frank II. Westand.
all Of this city. and FIVE grandchildren.
Walter H. Burnham. Wendell r. Niven.
Ronald 5. Niven. Theodore f. westland
and Olive Westland Mr. Burnham's wife.
whose maiden name was Emeline Bout
well OF Barre VT. died Il years ago.
His funeral will take place Friday az
ternoon at o'clock. The services will bo
held AZ tho Church Of tho Mediator on
Cranston street Rev Willard &. Selleck
pastor OF tho church. will conduct the
services