The Burnham Family
DH: Lachlan Jude Alexander
DW: Elizabeth Harriet {nee Douglas}
DD: Margaret Hyacinth Jane (21)
DD: Emilia Eirlys Violet (20)
DD: Eloise Catherine Maeve (18)
DS: Charles Olufemi Ronan (16)
DD: Simi Josephine Dove (15)
Lach and Betsy with children,
Maggie, Millie, Luli, Charlie, and Simi
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1914
Lachlan Jude Alexander was born to Ronan Alexander Declan Burnham and Anne-Sophie Clementine Marguerite {nee Beauchene} in Paris, France. Ronan moved from Ireland to France marry Anne-Sophie and raise his family there, though they enjoyed the privilege of traveling as often as possible. Lachlan moved to America to pursue an education to be a surgeon. After all, Boston Mass had some excellent schooling opportunities!
Elizabeth Harriet Douglas was born to William Eugene Douglas and Josephine Ella Douglas in Nashville, Tennessee. Her mother, Josie, was a part of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a spiritual musical group of students who traveled throughout the United States and Europe to raise money for the University. Fisk University was "the South's first permanent structure build for education of black students" (according to Fisk Edu history page). Both Willie and Josie were fortunate to gain education through Fisk, after which they decided to open a diner. Betsy loved growing up in the diner and had been content for that to be her life, despite her parent's insistence on pursuing education.
Lachlan had traveled to Nashville for a holiday, desiring to experience the music scene. Betsy and her friends had been attending a musical even when they crossed paths with Lachlan. Betsy had been naturally cautious despite Lachlan's respectful approach. Lachlan was first drawn to a beautiful singing voice, turning to see that beautiful voice coming from Betsy. They spent the musical event together, along with Betsy's friends. When the event had come to a close, Lachlan asked if he could meet her again. Betsy told him he could swing by the diner if he'd like. Before the end of his vacation, Lachlan knew he was absolutely smitten with Betsy, and Betsy felt similarly for him. Due to the discriminatory laws and a hostile environment, Lach and Betsy arranged that they would marry up north where there were no "anti-miscegenation" laws enacted. As such, they moved to a secluded cabin in the woods of New Hampshire and wed.
Lach and Betsy were thrilled to welcome their first child soon after! In 1893, they welcomed a baby girl whom they named Margaret Hyacinth Jane Burnham. It was important to Lach and Betsy to incorporate family names into their children's names. Margaret honored both Lachlan's mother, who's middle name included Marguerite, as well as being a favorite name of Betsy's. Hyacinth honored Betsy's grandmother who had that name. Jane was a family name in Lach's family as well. They found themselves expecting another child very soon after Maggie's arrival, another little girl! They named her Emilia Eirlys Violet Burnham in 1994. Lachlan had a family member named Emma and Betsy had a family member named Leah, and Emilia felt like a sweet combination of the two. Eirlys was one of Lachlan's grandmothers names. Violet was a family name for Betsy. In 1896, little Eloise Catherine Maeve Burnham joined the family. Eloise was his maternal grandmothers name, both Lach and Betsy had Catherine as a family name, and Maeve was a paternal family members name. After their three little girls, they welcomed a baby boy in 1898! Charles Olufemi Ronan Burnham was named after multiple Charles and Charlie's in their families. Olufemi honored Betsy's grandfather. Ronan honored a paternal family member in Lach's family. They had their last baby 1899, a little girl they named Simi Josephine Dove Burnham. Simi was a family name for Betsy. Josephine honored Betsy's mother. Dove was a family name in Lach's side.
Now, in 1914, their family has grown so greatly. Lach and Betsy were fortunate that the little town they lived was very accepting of their diverse family. The two are embracing this time while all of their children are still living at home, knowing the kids will soon enough be moving out and beginning their adult lives. As a surgeon, Lach had a lot of financial privileges, including private tutors, so his children could be educated with academics, music, and the arts in their home. They do their best to visit family as often as possible, though it's difficult due to the hostility of many places.