reprint of “Clarke County Historical and Biographical 
Record” by Lewis Publishing, 1886. p. 85

HON. B. BURROWS was born in North Carolina, February 8, 
1803, and died at the residence of J. J. Willey, of 
Villisca, Iowa, June 6, 1880, at the age of seventy
seven years. He left his native State at an early age, 
moving to Ohio, thence to Morgan County, Indiana, where 
he married Miss Rachel Coffin, who died at Osceola, 
Clarke County, Iowa, many years ago. He resided in 
Morgan County, till 1856, and during his residence 
there was county auditor for several terms in succession, 
and was known not only at home, but throughout the 
State, as a shrewd and influential politician, whose 
opinions were highly respected and whose ability on 
the stump and at the polls contributed largely to the 
success of his party.

He moved to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in 1856, and shortly 
afterward came to Clarke County, where for a number 
of years he was chairman of the county board, and 
represented the county in the State Assembly in 1868. 
He was an active business man all his life, till 
within the last few years, when failing health 
compelled him to adopt quieter habits.

His home was at Osceola, the residence of his daughter, 
Mrs. J. M. Ball, and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Allen H. 
Burrows, but part of his time he spent in visiting his 
daughter, Mrs. J. J. Willey, of Villisca, and a 
daughter in Wahoo, Nebraska, Mrs. Reese, whose 
husband is now supreme judge of Nebraska. For 
several weeks previous to his death Mr. Burrows 
had been afflicted with a disease of the stomach, 
and this, combined with the weakening effects of 
old age, brought him gradually to the end, 
surrounded by all his children, who spared 
nothing that affection and medical skill could 
do for him. His remains were interred by the side 
of his faithful wife of former years. Mr. Burrows 
was a man affectionate at home, somewhat austere 
in public, but with a responsive heart when once 
touched. Living as he did during the most momentous 
times of his country’s history, he was familiar with its 
men and affairs, and with a remarkable memory of events, 
names, and dates, and gifted with an original and clear 
style of recital possessed by few, his discourse was 
always intensely interesting. He was an honorable and 
intelligent citizen, and his death caused universal 
regret throughout the community.