It is no longer accurate to title this family history as "The Burnett Family" because my research has extended beyond my original intent of learning more about the Burnetts. The new name represents the families of my grandparents whose ancestry, in most cases, is traced to the United Kingdom - England, Scotland, and Wales. The early immigrants of the Burnett, Rowell, and Powell families settled in the colonies and served valiantly in the Revolutionary War, the King Philip War, and the Civil War. They were well-respected citizens who were active in their towns and churches, and owned and worked on their farms. My grandfather, Christopher John Sanderson, and his family immigrated to the United States in the late 1800's. He took full advantage of the country's opportunities, and established a florist business in 1913 - which celebrated its 100th year recently.
Did you know ... that the Burnetts have an ancestral castle - Crathes Castle in Scotland? ...that Alice Rowell Burnett is a descendant of two passengers on the Mayflower? ...that there were 17 Powell brothers who served in the Revolutionary War? ...that Sarah Towne, ancestor of Alice Rowell Burnett, was accused of witchcraft in Salem (Vanessa Redgrave played her character in the movie, "Three Sovereigns for Sarah")? ...that Clara Barton was also a descendant of Sarah Towne?
...that Harriet Beecher Stowe's mother was Roxana Foote, a member of the Burnett family?
As a novice genealogist, I (Patti Sanderson) have pieced together the family history using a variety of resources, but I have not properly cited the information nor have I always validated it using historical records. Therefore, I know that there are inaccuracies. I encourage my relatives to do your own research and let me know of needed editing.