Pioneers of Ellis County
Hopson M. Burleson
Hopson Burleson was born in Marion County, Alabama, February 27, 1846,
a son of Benjamin and Keziah (Matthews) Burleson.
Benjamin Burleson, a native of Georgia, settled in Leon County, Texas,
where he served as Justice of the Peace, was a prominent farmer and stock-raiser
and a good citizen. He bought, improved and sold eleven farms in Texas, and
died in Lamar County, December 21, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Burleson had thirteen
children, seven of whom still survive: [1892] John F.,(d. age six years);
David W., ( farmer and blacksmith of Edwards County); Keziah J.,(m. Isaac
M. Mayberry); Oliver W., (farmer Freestone County;) H. M., [ subject]; James
E., ( farmer Edwards County), and Sarah A., (widow of ----- Bushares, a farmer
of Leon County). After the death of his wife, Keziah, in 1854, Benjamin he
married a second time [name not given.].
Hopson Burleson was only nine months old when his parents moved to Leon
County in 1846. He grew up on a farm and had five months' schooling. When
eighteen, he left home and worked several years as a farm hand. During the
Civil War, he served in the militia three months and was detailed to hunt
deserters.
In 1867, Mr. Burleson rented land farmed on shares, and in 1870, bought
a preemption right which he improved. He later received a title from the
Government for 160 acres of land in Leon County which he sold in 1874 and
bought a tract of 213 acres, which was sold in 1880. When he moved to Ellis
County in 1881, he bought 125 acres, which he later sold and purchased 20
acres where he now [1892] lives. In addition, he has about 180 acres ini
cultivation raising mostly cotton and corn. For five years his cotton has
averaged one-half bale to the acre.
Hopson Burleson married Miss Nancy Dupru [sic] in 1870. She was born in
Houston County, Texas, October 6, 1853, a daughter of Starlin and Rebecca
(Chandler) Dupru, natives of North Carolina and early Texas settlers. Her
mother died in 1860, and her father was killed at the siege of Vicksburg,
in 1863.
The Burlesons have twelve children: Elizabeth, ( born February 6, 1871,
married J. E. Rowe, farmer of Ellis County); Mary F. (born November 15, 1872,
is at home); Ellen, ( born March 9, 1874); William T. and Robert, (born December
14, 1876); Macon T. and James O., (born October 8, 1878;) Luther F., (born
November 16, 1880); David W. (b. November 12, 1882); Ruth A., (b. October
17, 1884); Liddy L. (b. June 28, 1887); and Rufus E., (b. Nov. 27, 1889).
Mr. Burleson has held the office of school director and school trustee.
He is a Democrat, a member of the F. & A. M., and the family are members
of the Baptist Church. He has been fortunate in having excellent health -
he cannot remember ever having a day of illness.
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