Edward Netterville Burton (1824-1895)
Major Edward Joseph Netterville Burton, formerly of the 84th Foot
He was christened at Elstree near his grandfather's home, Barham House; and, was brought up at the Chateau Beauséjour outside Tours before returning to England for his education. In 1843, he matriculated at Trinity College, Cambridge, but quit after two years to follow his brother into the army. In 1845, he purchased a commission into one of his father's old regiments, the 37th Foot, and the following year he was promoted to Lieutenant and posted to Ceylon. He fought as a Captain with the 87th Foot in the Indian Mutiny, where he, “commanded the Bickrumgee outpost, and was engaged in its defence from 1st September to 16th October 1856 against the rebel force under Ummer Singh”. He was also involved in the capture of Judgespore. According to legend, he was either badly beaten by locals or fell from an elephant. Either way, he ended his days unable to speak in an asylum. He and his famous elder brother, Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton, had been particularly close. He died unmarried.
