Hello Dellene, Your James and Joseph Burns that went to CA in 1853. Do you know when they were born? I am curious. My gggGrandfather John Burns (born Nov. 4, 1788), had a son born 1828 and a bro James that went to CA around 1850. There was another son that went with them Thomas Lafayette Zachuees Burns, my gggUncle. James was killed on the way to CA by Indians and I have never heard another reference to Joseph M. They may not be connected, but at this time and place I will check out anything that might be a clue. Lorene Burns, Noennig [email protected]