• Thomas Burnham, Senr. (descended from the Burhams of Herefordshire, England, see pages 116 to 118), the records show to have been educated, and, –- on first coming to this country, –– to have practiced as a lawyer, and to have been of of very determined character. They further seem to show that in emigrating to the Colonies he was moved less by religious scruples than by a desire to improve his fortunes. He is first recorded in Hartford as bondsman for his servant Rushmore, “that he should carry good behavior.”636

• His house at Potunke was one of the five on the east side of Connecticut river to be fortified and garrisoned during the Indian war of 1765.636

• 1659 - Thomas Burnham bought from the Potunke Indians a tract of land now covered by the towns of South Windsor and East Hartford, on which he lived, and a part of which is still in the possession of his descendants.639