Source 1: Ipswich in the Massachusetts Bay Colony: John Burnhams name can be found on a list of Early settlers of Ipswich noting that he was there by 1638;
Source 2: IGI File
John Burnham (1), Is the son of Robert Burnham & Mary Andrews. His exact birth, death & marriage dates remain uncertain. He was christened in 1616 in (Probably) Norwich, Norfolk, England. He came to American shores at the age of 19, in the year 1635, aboard the ship Angel Gabrial, a 240-ton, well-armed vessel and sailed from Bristol England on 4 June, 1635.
The beginnings of the voyage are finely described in Richard Mathers Journal. Its subsequent dramatic wreck at Pemaquid Point, off the coast of Main in the great storm of August 15 1635, was noted in Governor Windhrops Journal. His two younger brothers, Thomas & Robert accompanied John on the fateful voyage. The boys were all young and apparently in the charge of Robeert Andrews, the ships Captain and brother to the boys mother, Mary Andrews,
John was the first to be noted in the town Records of Ipswich, Mass.
John served in the Pequit Indian War along with his younger brother, Thomas.
John was third on the list, to be rewardwd with 8 acres of land for service in the war.
In 1642, both John & his brother, Thomas, were part of an expedition of 20 who went out from Ipswich to disarm Chief Passaconaway.
On December 4, 1643, the town compensated the soldiers of the expedition of the previous year with 12 s a day allowing for the Lords day, in respect of the extremity of the weather, and for the officers double. John & Thomas received 3 schillings apiece.
In October that year, John appeared on a list of 26 such as have forfeited for not turning in their gunpowder as ordered. This incident indicates there were disagreements over the handling of the town amunitions & allowed the Quarterly Court ot pose fines upon those who mis-used amunitions & also for non-appearnace at training sessions.
The men who were part of the military forces were piad a certain amount yearly to compensate for their services to the colony of Ipswich. John is dwon for 4 schillings & Thomas for 3 schillings.
John is refereed to as Corpril in 1663 & 1682 town meetings.
John became Deacon of the church at Ipswich.
His farm was on the east side of what is now Haskell creek.
John was a carpenter and was made legatee of his uncle, Captain Andrews. He became owner of 3/4 of the Brigtine Swain.
His will is dated 31 Dec 1703 & proved 24 Jan the following year.
In 1639 John (2) was granted liberty to erect a Gritsmill on the Chebaacco River
.