Mark Burnham

I have an old studio photograph of Mark BURNHAM which was taken at the J. E. Ward Studio in La Porte City, IA. It appears to have been taken in the 1880’s with Mark likely in his 20’s or 30’s at the time that it was taken. Based on limited research I was able to gather the following information regarding Mark and his family:

Mark BURNHAM or BURNAM was b. abt 1860 in Tama Co., IA to parents Erastus A. BURNHAM or BURNAM (1831-1905) and Louisa McGuire FORBIS or BALLARD or BULLARD (1842-1909). Mark was one of 12 children born to this couple including Minerva Jane; Mark; Lavinia “Vina” Davis; David Moore; Curtis Andrew; A. M.; Robert Thomas; Edward Everett; Jennette “Nettie” Susan; Frances “Fannie” E.; Minnie Alice; and Louisa BURNHAM or BURNAM, all born between 1855 and 1889.

Mark BURNHAM married Ellie W. PRAY on 12 Mar 1883 in Black Hawk Co., IA. Ellie W. PRAY was born abt 1857 or 1858 in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, the daughter of Robert PRAY and Elizabeth WINNER who were both born in Pennsylvania. The 1880 census of La Porte City, IA included her family as follows:

Robert J. PRAY, age 50
Elizabeth PRAY, age 48, his wife
Clifford PRAY, age 23, his son
Ellie PRAY, age 23, his dau
Emeline PRAY, age 19, his dau
Edith PRAY, age 12, his dau

I am hoping to locate someone from Mark’s family so that the photograph can be returned to the care of family. If you are a member of this family or know someone who might be, please contact me.

Thanks,
Shelley