Interesting Historical Finds Related to This Project

For over thirty years, Philip Burlingame, a thirteenth generation descendant of Isaac Burlingame, has conducted family history research, recorded oral histories from family members and visited historical museums and cemetery sites. Throughout these years, several interesting discoveries have been made that have shed new light on the history of several of the Burlingames in McKean County. Perhaps the most interesting finds have related to Isaac Burlingame and his grandson, HL Burlingame.

For the 'story behind the story' and updates on these topics and more as they develop, check the link under "Burlingame History Blog Updates"

Discovering the Walcott connection

Isaac Burlingame was not descended from Oliver Wolcott, signer of the Declaration of Independence - but from Jonathon Walcott, of the Salem Militia.

Isaac Burlingame's grave site in Utica, NY (found in 1998)

Finding Isaac Burlingame's grave at Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica, NY revealed that he had remarried a second wife: Eliza Burlingame from Rome, NY.

A receipt for work completed by Isaac Burlingame in 1826

Pamela J. Burlingame was given a receipt signed by Isaac Burlingame that was found in the attic of Orlo J. Hamlin's house in Smethport, PA.

A general store charge account record for Isaac Burlingame 1836

A random trip to the Cameron County Historical Society "Little Museum" turned up a store account record showing several purchases Isaac Burlingame made in 1836.

The site of Isaac Burlingame's farm in Norwich Township

Isaac Burlingame built a farm on land near the Potato Creek in Norwich Township. That lost farm site has been discovered.

Eyewitness account of HL Burlingame's capture at Gettysburg

In one of the most amazing finds in this long family history journey, a footnote listed in a book Harry Pfanz, former chief historian at the Gettysburg battlefield, actually recounts the story of HL Burlingame's capture by the Confederates. The reference is noted on page 62 of Pfanz's book "Gettysburg, Culp's Hill and Cemetery Hill."

Exploring the Jacob House where HL Burlingame took refuge after being wounded

Pamela Burlingame actually visited the former home of Henry Jacobs, the 16 year old during the Battle of Gettysburg who was home when HL Burlingame was brought into his house and harbored until captured three days later. Young Jacobs recounted the experience years later in a published essay. The house today is an attorney's office at Washington and Middle Streets in Gettysburg.

Discovering the Civil War Era letters of HL Burlingame, Co G, 150th PA Vol.

In March of 2010, Philip Burlingame was reading an historical account of the Civil War and found a footnote about letters that were written by HL Burlingame on Camp Curtin letterhead during the War. The letters were said to be in the McKean County Historical Society. Pam Burlingame worked with Eileen Hull McKean to search for the letters which had been incorrectly filed at the Historical Society.