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Seymour L. (Rebecca2, John1) was the seventh child and youngest son of Rebecca and Asa Burroughs. He was born April 24, 1838 at Cleveland, Ohio. He attended school in that city. In 1854, when sixteen years of age, he left Cleveland and went to Lafayette, Ind., where he made his home. On the breaking out of the Civil War in 1861, he enlisted as a private in a company of cavalry then organizing in Lafayette. On reaching the front this company with other companies from Indiana, Ohio, and New York, was merged in the 2nd Regiment of New York, afterward known as the "Harris Light Cavalry", famous for its fighting qualities. Mr. Burroughs rose rapidly from the ranks to the command of his company for gallant and meritorious conduct on the field of battle. He served with distinction under Generals Kilpatrick, Custer and Sheridan, and was one of the few surviving officers of Dahlgreen's ill-fated ride around Richmond.
He participated in all the famous cavalry battles of the Army of the Potomac from Bull's Run to the Wilderness. He was seriously wounded on the evening of the last day of the "Seven Days" fighting. Capt. Burroughs never fully recovered from his wounds but was an invalid for many years.
He was discharged from the army at Albany, N.Y., with the rank of brevet colonel.
The following lines are taken from a letter written to Logan Post, No.3, G.A.R., Lafayette, Ind., by a comrade of Capt. Burroughs on receiving news of his death:
"I sincerely deplore the loss we have all sustained. I was a member of his company in the 2nd New York Cavalry (Harris' Light Cavalry), and became intimately acquainted with him, learning to love him as my superior officer, and as a friend and brother during those times when the best and worst sides of a man's character were brought out. He was a splendid soldier, a strict disciplinarian, but just and kind; tireless in looking after the interests of his company. His confidence once gained it took long abuse to destroy it. Whatever his foibles may have been, let us not withhold the commendations his virtues claim at our hands. I was with him in the unlucky 'Dahlgreen Raid' around Richmond, as well as in many other severe cavalry fights, in which our noble old regiment was engaged, and I can truly say that where Capt. Burroughs was unwilling to go none cared to follow another leader.
I had the pleasure of meeting him at our regimental reunion last September (1894), at Peekskill, N. Y., and saw with regret his extreme weakness and failing health. With pleasure I acted as his attendant that day and can truly say it was one of the sweetest things in my life to again clasp his hand.
Yours in F. L. and C.,
Joseph E. Firth."
After this reunion he visited his daughter, Mrs. H. J. Putt, in Jersey City, and his son, H. S. Burroughs, at Felton, Pa. While at Felton came the last "Roll Call", and peacefully this brave soldier answered "Here".
He was married in Baltimore, Md., Jan. 28, 1864, to Miss Cassie Belle O'Donnel, who was born Sept. 14, 1844, in Elmira, N.Y. They resided in Dunkirk, New York, from 1864 to 1870. They then returned to Lafayette, Ind., where they resided until his death, Dec. 12, 1894.
He had no regular occupation, owing to being incapacitated for labor by the serious wound received in battle.
As a young man he attended the Christian Church, but later in life the Episcopal Church.
He never held any political office. He was a member of the Masonic and I. O. O. F. fraternities.
Children
Viola May, b. July 23, 1865.
Harry Seymour, b. Sept. 27, 1866
George J., b. Oct. 1 1870, d. May 11, 1899.
Walter W., b. Aug. 8, 1875, d. Aug. 13, 1899.
Frank L., b. Sept. 18, 1878.
Arthur G., b. Mar. 5, 1880.
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Frank L. Burroughs (Seymour3, Rebecca2, John1) was born Sept. 18, 1878, at Lafayette, Ind., where he attended school. He was married June 6, 1904, at Brooklyn, N. Y., to Luemma Bond Hamilton, who was born Feb. 20, 1871, at Canjoharie, N. Y. Mr. Burroughs is chief clerk for the The Morgan Steamship Lines of New York City. His residence is at 1017 Trinity Ave.
He attends the Episcopal Church.
Child
Raymond Hamilton, b. Mar. 6, 1906, d. April 29, 1907.
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Arthur G. (Seymour3, Rebecca2, John1) is the youngest child of Seymour L. and Cassie B. Burroughs. His birthplace was Lafayette, Ind. The date of birth, Mar. 5, 1880. After graduating from the public schools of Lafayette he became an electrician. He was married April 9, 1903, at Brooklyn, N. Y., to Margaret Martin, who was born May 20, 1884, at Brooklyn, N. Y. He is now electrical operator for the Interborough Rapid Transit Co., of New York City. His residence is No. 571 55th Street, Brooklyn. He is an Episcopalian.
Children
Elizabeth Martin, b. Mar. 8, 1904, at Brooklyn.
Margaret Johnson, b. Mar. 21, 1906, at Brooklyn.
Viola Barton, b. Mar. 1, 1910, at Brooklyn.