Genealogy of James Vespasian Burleson

The third child of John Wesley was James Vespasian Burleson, also known as J. V. or "Pace" Burleson. Pace was the first Burleson in our line to have an advanced education, but no evidence of a College education has been located. We do know that Pace was a teacher in the New London school in the 1890's. It was here that he met his wife, Corinna P. Hardister, who also taught school in the 1890's.

J. V. Burleson - circa 1895

Family tradition says that Corinna had a college degree, but only listed her formal educations as “read and write” on the birth certificate on her son, Louis Burleson.

Corinna Pauline Hardister was the daughter of Jonathan W. Hardister and Julia Hardister. Jonathan Hardister served in the Civil War in a cannon brigade from Salisbury North Carolina, and was wounded in the buttocks at Pickett’s charge in Gettysburg. Jonathan recovered in a Confederate hospital and was re-assigned to tend to the wounded until the end of the War.

Pace and Corinna Burleson - circa 1930?

Pace Burleson and Corinna Hardister were married on the 30th of May, 1900 in New London, North Carolina. (see appendix) Corinna quit her job at the school and Pace began working a farm just south of New London. Pace was a very deliberate mathematician, and witnesses stated that Pace pre-cut every single board of the family homestead and barn before starting construction.

Pace’s home stands on a small hilltop about 1.5 miles southeast of where he is buried.

The first two years of marriage was very tragic for Pace and Corinna as their first born son died in 1901 after living less than four weeks. He was not named and is buried at St. Martin's Cemetery. In 1902, Pace and Corinna had a second son who they named Robert Lee. Robert Lee died at 18 months of age, and is buried at New London Cemetery, next to Pace and Corinna.

The Burleson family lived on a small farm outside of New London, North Carolina, until a tragic accident caused the house to burn. It is said that one of the children was playing near the fireplace and accidentally started a fire that engulfed the home. The Burleson's then moved into the town of New London.

A deed record in the Stanly County courthouse, dated the 31st of December, 1909, shows the Burleson family purchasing their home on 175 Depot Street in New London for $250. (See appendix) The house was torn down in the 1950's.

The family lived in this home until they were grown, and Corinna continued to live there until she entered a nursing home. In her declining years, Corinna Burleson would always keep a picture of Robert Lee, her second son, with her wherever she traveled.

Corinna was a very energetic woman, and was known for her fast pace and intense focus. Judging by the caliber of the children she raised, Corinna must have been a remarkable woman.

During their later years, Pace traveled Stanly County on an Army Jeep, and having been a long-time schoolteacher, knew many people in the area. Pace was said to give apples to young children in return for the proper spelling of words. Pace was an avid reader and enjoyed keeping-up with current events. Pace was seldom seen without a newspaper in his hands.