----- Original Message ----- From: Paul Burns <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2000 10:29 AM Subject: [BURNS-L] Robert Burns, the Poet I have read many times that Robert Burns, the poet, was born Robert Burness and he changed his name later in life to Burns. His family was a member of the Campbell clan. I have always been curious about his relationship to others with the name Burns and would appreciate any info. ---------------------------------------------------------- Hi Paul and list, Interesting about the name BURNESS. The Britannica tells us that Sir Alexander BURNES of Scotland, explorer and diplomat, (1805-1841) is of the "same family as the poet Robert Burns." In Alexander's case, only the extra "S" is missing at the end of the name - but that is probably another spelling variation. Also, I'm looking for the descendants of BEN EMERY BURNS of the Boston and Nashua, NH region, brother of my grt grandfather. Ben Emery had a son, Arthur Burns, and a dau. Ruth Herrick Burns.