Thomas Burbank

I’ve “rescued” an old photograph of Thomas BURBANK which was taken at the J. K. Brown Studio in Augusta, ME. The photograph appears to have been taken in the 1860’s with Thomas appearing to be in his 40’s at the time it was taken. In addition to his name, someone has also written “brother of Grandmother BLAISDELL – whose maiden name was Hannah BURBANK” and “The family story goes that it was Thomas BURBANK who perfected the Burbank Potato, and not Luther Burbank – SNM”. Based on limited research I was able to locate the following information regarding Thomas and his family:

Thomas J. BURBANK was b. 19 Mar 1816 in Trenton, ME to parents Johnson BURBANK (b. 29 Jun 1779 in Newbury, MA-d. 13 Jan 1866 in Cooper, ME) and Abigail HARRIS (b. 15 Feb 1781 in Beverly, MA) who were married on 11 or 12 Jun 1801 in Beverly, MA. Thomas was one of 8 children born to this couple including, Moses; William H.; Hannah; Maria Jane; Edna J.; Thomas J.; Eliza A.; and Abigail J. BURBANK all born between 1802 and 1823 in Beverly, MA, Trenton, ME, Eastport, ME, and Cooper, ME. Thomas married Harriet HITCHENS and together they had 9 children including, Henry J.; Julia A.; Thomas W.; Moses; Sylvester; Hattie E.; Abbey; Edmund; and William BURBANK. A second marriage was to Harriet L. LELAND.

Thomas’ sister Hannah (b. 3 Mar 1806- d. 1892) was married to Timothy BLAISDEL.

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

Thanks,
Shelley