Joseph Edwin (Ed) Burnam, II, was born in Bovina, Texas, on November 10, 1911.  He was the first son of Joseph Edward, Sr., (born in Platts County, Missouri, October 11, 1885) and Ophia Jobe Burnam (born in Callahan County, February 15, 1890).  His parents were married in Scranton, Callahan County, Texas on December 30, 1909.  They moved to Abilene from Bovina and lived there until their deaths.  J. E., Sr. known as "Prof"' died June 29, 1961, Ophia, November 20, 1965.  Ed and his brother, Paul Wayne (born January 2, 1913) were raised in Abilene.  Ed's father, "Prof'' Burnam, was head of Hardin Simmons University's mathematics department from 1923-1961.

     Helen Marie Anthony Burnam Rambo was born in Longiew on June 3, 1914.  She was the first of four children born to Henry Milton (born November 13, 1890) and Katie Joe Foster Anthony (born September 1, 1895); both born in Longview.  Katie and Milton Anthony were married in Longview and moved to Tahoka, Texas about 1916.  When Katie and Milton's marriage ended in divorce, Katie and the children moved to Abilene in 1928.  Katie married John H. Casbeer on March 6, 1935.  They made their home in San Angelo . "Ma"' died November 2, 1982, and "Johnny" died May 18, 1965.  Milton married Bea Ward of Mineral Wells, Texas in the fifties; Milton died September 27, 1965, Bea about 1969.  Helen graduated from Abilene High School in 1932.

     Ed and Helen met while she was in high school and he was a freshman at Simmons University.  After Ed received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1934, they were married, December 30, 1934.  They had two sons, Joseph Edwin, III, born July 30, 1936, and Kenneth Wayne, born March 16, 1939.  Ed began his teaching career in the Abilene Public Schools in 1934 at Fair Park Elementary School.  He taught several years before entering the scouting profession in 1939 as a field scout executive.  He was a professional scout for nine years.

     The Burnams, Ed, Helen, Joe Ed, and Kenneth, moved to Coleman on December 15, 1948.  They purchased The Book Store at 217 Commercial.  They liked to read, and loved books and children.  Many children's books, all kinds of models, and other types of handicraft were added to The Book Store inventory.

     The Book Store became the headquarters for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as the young Burnam boys, Joe Ed and Kenneth (Ted), were active in Cub and Boy Scouts.  Since their dad, Ed, volunteered to be both Cubmaster and Scoutmaster.  Ed was Scoutmaster for two troops in Coleman, Troop 31 and later Troop 111.  He was camp director at Camp Tonkawa Boy Scout Camp near Buffalo Gap for twenty-one years between 1950 and 1972.  All three Burnams, Ed, Joe Ed, and Kenneth, were tapped into the Order of the Arrow, a group to recognize honor campers.  The three Burnams were active in the Order of the Arrow and were presented the highest honor members can receive, the Vigil Honor. Joe Ed served as an Order of the Arrow, Kotso Lodge Chief for two years.  Both Burnam boys served as Indian Chiefs at the annual campfire tap-out ceremonies.  The three, father and sons, attained Eagle Scout Awards, the highest rank in Boy Scouts.  Three Eagle Scouts in one family is a rarity.  Ed has been registered and active in scouting fifty-nine years, joining in 1924.  Joe Ed joined as a Cub Scout in 1945 and is still active as an adult.  Kenneth was an active scout for twenty years.

     The Burnams lived in the back of The Book Store for five years.  A happy day for the Burnams was in 1953, when they purchased the fourteen-room Charles Wilson home on the corner of West Pecan and Blanco Streets.  The original part, the first floor, was built around 1900. Square nails have been found in this part of the house.  The second floor was added about 1924.  After moving to the big yellow house, Helen continued to run The Book Store ten years.  In 1959, Ed returned to teaching at Mozelle.  He taught mathematics in the Mozelle schools nine years. In 1968, he began teaching in Novice. He taught eight years in the Novice School system until his retirement in 1976.

     Over the years, Helen's interest in flowers, gardening, and birds expanded.  She became the local authority on these subjects.  She earned the status of Master Flower Show Judge of the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Incorporated.  Also, she has been District 8 Chairman of Bird Sanctuaries of Texas Garden Clubs, Incorporated for six years.

     Ed and Helen were divorced in 1968.  Each later remarried. Ed married Annie Ledbetter Graham of San Angelo, on October 3, 1969.  Annie died December 29, 1971.  On January 12, 1973, Ed married Vera Elberta Bearfield Lasater Williford of San Angelo.  Ed and Vera moved from Coleman to San Angelo in August, 1977.  Helen married Jack Wilson Rambo (see Jack Rambo) on April 4, 1969.  Jack died October 20, 1980.  Helen still lives in Coleman in the big yellow house. Her home, yard and hobbies take much of her time. Recently she has learned to play an organ and has become active in Coleman's Senior Citizens Group.  Their quilting projects are her favorite.

     Joseph Edwin (Joe Ed), III, graduated from Coleman High School in 1955.  While attending Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, he met and married Nan Jo Futch of Dickens, July 21, 1961.  Joe Ed now works for Carrier-Bock Company, an air conditioning equipment distributor.  Nan is a school librarian with the Abilene Independent School District, at Jefferson Junior High School. Joe Ed and Nan have two children, Stephanie Annette and Russell Joe.

     Kenneth Wayne (Ted) graduated from Coleman High School in 1957.  He graduated from Hardin Simmons University in May, 1961.  He met Donna Frances Lenior of Snyder.  They married August 20, 1966.  Kenneth is a teacher and has taught science and mathematics in Brownwood, Albuquerque (N. M.),  Thomaston (Conn.), Abilene, Colorado City, Snyder and Houston.  They had one daughter, Tracey Rae.  In 1979, Kenneth and Donna were divorced.  Kenneth is now teaching science and coaching football in Houston at Campbell Junior High School.