Marker for WWI veteran James Nelson Burnside
Masonville [Delaware Co., NY]: The grave of James Nelson Burnside in Masonville now has a veteran's marker. After eight years of efforts by his great-nephew, Jules E. Gunsauls of Unadilla and other family members, the World War I veteran now is at rest in a properly marked grave. Burnside fought in World War I with the Fighting 69th, Co. F. He died of typhoid fever in the states in 1924. His family felt he should have the honor of the veteran's marker and have been trying since 1979 to get that designation for him. Gunsauls said the problem was that everything was in the Family Bible including birth certificate and military records, and it has been missing for years. Gansauls said he found an obituary in an old newspaper and was directed to Deposit where he was able to get a copy of his birth certificate, but was unsuccessful in finding any military records. Aided by Ralph Henrickson of Harpursville, he wrote many letters to senators and congressmen seeking their help. Eventually he was successful and the New York State Veterans Assn. sent the marker. It was picked up in Sidney and is now in place. [Tri-Town News, Dec. 2, 1987]
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