Mankato Journal Apr. 18, 1891
_____________________________
J. H. Burgess, son of Mankato township, known to all old settlers as "GrandPa" Burgess, is quite ill, and fears ar entertained of his recovery. Mr. Burgess is over 90 years old, and is one of the oldest settlers of Blue Earth county. A daughter living in Kansas, Mrs. Frank Simonds, has arrive and other relatives have been sent for.

Mankato Journal Jul. 25, 1891
_____________________________
John H. Burgess Sr. of Eagle Lake, or more properly speaking, Mankato township, died at his home Monday at the advanced age of 90 years. "Grandpa" Burgess, as he was familiarly called, was, in many respects, a grand man. He settled on his farm in the early fifties, before the roads were even laid out through the "Big Woods," and there he remained , performing well and nobly every duty of life, gaining the esteem and love of all knowing him. He was a generous, upright, thoroughly conscientious man and a consistent member of the Christian church. He raised a large family, many of whom were surrounding him as his meek spirit departed this life. His wife preceded him across the "dark river" two years ago.

Mankato Journal Aug. 1, 1891
____________________________
In Memoriam.

John H. Burgess Sr. whose death on the 20th uit. was mentioned in last week's Journal, was born in Fleming couty, Kentucky, July 15th, 1801. While very young he removed with his family to Indiana, remiang in that state until his 55th year, when, impelled with a desire to better provide for his large family, he moved to Minnesota. After remaining a short time returned to Indiana, where he lived until 1860, when he came back locating permanently on the farm on which he passed away peacefully, having lived far beyond the allotted three score years and ten.
In early manhood he united with the Christian church, and lived and died a consistent member of that faith. For many years, until increasing age caused him to rlax his hold on the activities of life, the deceased was an elder of the church, helping along with purse and influence the cause in every way.
"Grandpa" Burgess, as all his friends far and near loved to call him, was the father of fifteen children, seven of whom survive him. His was a hopful, cheerful temperament; sympathertic and kin, liberal and generous to a fault. No one in trouble went to him but received cheer and encouragement. He was progressive and unlike many who have have lived long in the world, he did not dwell upon the past entirely, but manifested great interest in current events. His circle of acquaintances was extensive, in the welfare of everyone he manifested deep appreciation. His was a hospitable home and often was it the scene of social neighborhood gatherings. Taught in the school of trials and hardships in the younger days, his after life was marked with a decision of character that left its impress upon his every act, as a rigid honesty and fixedness of purpose characterized his daily walk.
The funeral exercises conducted by Eld. T. T. Van dolah, were held at the Christian church in Eagle Lake, and his remains were interred in the Burgess cemetery where he buried so many relatives and friends of early days. There were present at the funeral four of his children and forty-four grand children.