June 11, 2015 - One of the five sections of the online magazine, We the People of Shelby County, is devoted to “People and Places of Shelby County.” In the upcoming issue, not only are well-known individuals from our past recognized, but also our almost-forgotten nineteenth century pioneers are featured as well.
It just may be that some of our almost-forgotten pioneers contributed just as much to the welfare of Shelby County as did those whose names are often mentioned in historical documents. It is rewarding, then, to search local history documents written prior to the 20th century and find such names that have gone unrecognized for over one hundred years. Such is the case of Joseph Burns, whose long life and contributions were touted in the January 1878 issue of The Laborer Champion. (Mildred Pinkston: People, Places, and Happenings in Shelby County)
“....Joseph Burns from the Buena Vista country is one of the early pioneers of Shelby County, having located his individual headright where the town of Buena Vista now stands, nearly forty years ago. This country was then a wilderness, comparatively, and Uncle Joe has seen it advance step by step, from its native wilderness, into all the embellishments of civilized life.
“He was here during the most critical and trying times in the history of our county, and he always stood high in the esteem of all who have known him. In the early days of Shelby County he could have filled any position of service to the people, but would never consent to be a candidate for any civil office. He served with distinction through the war with Mexico as a Lieutenant in Capt. E.M. Daggett's Company in the famous Ranger Regiment commanded by Col. Jack Hayes, and always to be found where danger was to be met.
“He now has in his possession his tax receipts, forty in number, for forty years past, and we doubt if there is another one of the old pioneers that can present such a showing as this. He has always been a liberal, public spirited gentleman. He possesses as kind a heart as ever beat in a human bosom.
“No one who was worthy or in need ever asked Uncle Joe for a favor in his power to bestow, but what it was granted, and we will venture the assertion that no one who has known this old veteran through his long and eventful life will ever say aught but kindness to him.
“The old pioneers are fast passing away, and soon they will be known only in the memory of a younger generation which should always cherish their memory with reverence and pride....”
