Francis Wallace Burns facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis Wallace Burns
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Francis Burns's birthplace, Ellisland Farm
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| Born | 18 August 1789 Ellisland Farm, Nithsdale
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| Died | 9 July 1803 (aged 13) Dumfries
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| Parent(s) | Robert Burns Jean Armour |
Francis Wallace Burns (1789–1803) was the second son of the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. His mother was Jean Armour. Francis was born on August 18, 1789, at Ellisland Farm in Nithsdale. He was named after Frances Dunlop, a good friend and supporter of his father. Her maiden name was Frances Anna Wallace. We know about Francis's early life from many letters his father wrote to Frances Dunlop. His father died in 1796. Not much is known about Francis's short life after that time.
Francis's Early Life and Family
Francis was born at Ellisland Farm at 6:45 AM on September 18, 1789. This date was written down in the Burns family Bible. When Francis was two years old, his family moved to Dumfries. They first lived in a place called the Wee Vennel in November 1791. Later, in 1793, they moved to a bigger house on Millhole Brae, which is now known as Burns Street.
Francis had several brothers and sisters. His older brother, Robert Burns Junior, was born in 1788. He also had a sister named Jean, born the same day as Robert. His other brothers were William Nicol (born 1791) and James Glencairn (born 1794). He had a sister named Elizabeth Riddell (born 1792). His youngest brother, Maxwell, was born in 1796. Sadly, two twin girls were born in 1788 but did not live long.
After his father, Robert Burns, passed away, Francis and his three brothers were looked after. A kind family friend named Jessie Lewars helped care for them. Jessie was the sister of John Lewars, who worked with Robert Burns. She had also helped nurse their father during his last days.
Future Plans and Passing
A man named James Shaw wanted to help Francis. James Shaw was a relative of Robert Burns and was the Sheriff of London. He made plans for Francis to join the military service in India. This was with the Honourable East India Company. Francis was supposed to go in the spring of 1804.
However, Francis became ill and died before he could go to India. He was only thirteen years old. He passed away on July 9, 1803. He died at the family home on Millhole Brae (Burns Street) in Dumfries. The exact illness he had is not known.
Francis was first buried in the family grave. This was next to his father in the churchyard of St Michael's Kirk in Dumfries. Later, on September 19, 1815, Francis was moved. He was re-buried with his father and his brother Maxwell in a new building called the mausoleum.
In 1803, the family received a bill for the coffins of Robert Burns, Maxwell, and Francis. Robert had died seven years earlier. Francis's death might have made the coffin maker send the bill. They might have waited to ask for payment because they knew Francis's mother, Jean Armour Burns, had money problems. Francis's coffin cost five pounds and five shillings. This was on July 11, 1803, which might have been the day he was buried.
See also
- Agnes Burns (aunt)
- Annabella Burns (aunt)
- Isabella Burns (aunt)
- John Burns (uncle)
- Gilbert Burns (uncle)
- William Burns (uncle)
- James Glencairn Burns (brother)
- Dr William Maxwell
