Thomas Allen Burns, or T. A., was born in Dungarven, Ireland, July 2, 1832.  He came to New York in 1840, residing there until he came to Texas in 1864.  He met and married Lizzie Turner of San Saba in 1864.  He was Postmaster of Lippan and Granbury from 1864 until he came to Coleman County in 1883.  He purchased a farm five miles north of Burkett.  They had three children, Alice, Will and Cy.  They had to ride horseback to Camp Colorado for their mail and other supplies, until the Post Office was established at Burkett in 1889.  For entertainment, the young people attended dances and parties given by neighbors and friends of the community, I feel sure this is how they met the girls and boys they married.

     Alice married Sam Williams, a druggist of Sweetwater.  They had seven children; two sons are still living; Flake of Fort Worth and Leland of Abilene.

     Will married Gussie Green of Yoakum.  They had six children: Bertha (Burns) Jones; Beula (Burns) Boyles (see G. W. Boyle): Alma (Burns) Andas; Clayton (see McAnally); Hugh (see Peter Keller); and Claud.  They lived in Burkett for several years, then moved to their ranch north of Burkett.  All six children married Coleman County boys and girls.  They are all deceased, but there is a host of great and great-great grandchildren; several of whom are still living in the county.  I, a granddaughter, can well remember my Burns grandparents - how they grew so many vegetables and fruits, all kinds of good things to eat.  My mother and grandmother would fill the storm cellar with the things that would keep through the winter months.

     They also grew beautiful flowers in the yard and in pots on the porch.  In that day and time people took care of their sick at home.  My mother and other ladies of the community rode horseback to take care of a sick neighbor.  The fathers stayed home to take care of the chores and the children while they were away.  The preacher would come by each home in the community every so often.  My mother would give him a chicken or ham, whatever we could spare.  She would have him read the Bible and have prayer.  Our grandfather Burns, lived to be one hundred and one years of age, a grand old man, the best of grandfathers. (See Dr. John C. Cochran).