President Calvin Coolidge was famous for saying, “The business of government is business.” Members of the Burleson family have been active in business but also in education, sports and agriculture. They have also been both members and leaders of community organizations, especially those promoting loyalty to God and country. 

Aug. 1, 1896— “J. O. Burleson Feed, Livery and Sale Stable Good Turnouts Furnished on Short Notice at Reasonable Prices.” This was an ad in the Alabama Enquirer – a predecessor of the present Hartselle Enquirer – placed by the father of F. E. Burleson, who did not follow in his footsteps in this respect. 

Feb. 15, 1915—Forrest E. “Gen” Burleson is the newest member of the Hartselle chapter of the local Lodge 199 of the Knights of Pythias.  

Nov. 10, 1915—Today at high noon, Vera, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Burleson and the sister of “Gen,” married Robert Gibson. “Gen,” along with his brothers H. L. and R. A. Burleson, plus L. N. Whitman (a future Hartselle pharmacist), served as ushers in the wedding. 

June 1, 1920—Forrest Burleson has spent much of his summer vacation time studying the philosophy and practice of teaching at the State Normal College in Florence. 

Oct. 12, 1922—Will Morgan County become the rival of some of the south Alabama counties in the growing of ribbon cane? Cane has been grown very successfully on the Ballew farm on the Burleson mountain and on other plantations in this county. This week more ribbon cane, Morgan County grown, made its appearance in local stores and attracted wide interest.  

In 1948 the Ballew and Burleson families would be joined with the marriage of Miss Mary Nell Ballew to Prof. F. E. Burleson. 

June 15, 1923—Gen Burleson is now playing baseball for a Tennessee team. 

March 15, 1924—This afternoon at the Danville public school building, Capt. Richard Burleson presented an American flag to the school, and his brother, Prof. F. E. Burleson, gave the school a Holy Bible. These presentations were sponsored by the local chapter of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. 

June 20, 1924—An enthusiastic meeting of Hartselle baseball fans took place tonight to perfect a permanent organization. Dr. W. M. Booth was chosen as president. Gen Burleson is the player-manager. It is the aim of the association to have winning ball for the next two months. The plans call for a $1,200 monthly budget to meet the needs of the team. 

Sept. 12, 1924—The National Defense Day program was carried out at the Hartselle fairgrounds. The Hartselle concert band occupied the judge’s stand and played several selections. The presiding officer was Prof. F. E. Burleson, who spoke eloquently on the framing and adoption of this country’s charter of freedom, the U.S. Constitution. At exactly 4 p.m., the large crowd rose en masse and with the right hand extended toward Heaven and the left placed over the heart, reaffirmed allegiance to their country and flag. 

March 2, 1925—A daughter whom they have named Mary Nell was born today to Mr. and Mrs. William L. Ballew. Mrs. Ballew was the former Linnie L. Godfrey. 

Dec. 13, 1927—The multi-talented F. E. Burleson was also a basketball coach. In his first season back teaching, administering and coaching at Moulton Heights, Coach Burleson told reporters that cage prospects at the school weren’t bright. He said his team would be scrappy, but many of his players were new, and he anticipated a lengthy period of building cohesion in both offense and defense. 

April 13, 1929—Funeral services were held today at Bethel for the father of Morgan County State Rep. F. E. Burleson, J. O. Burleson, age 68. Rep. Burleson is one of six sons, all of whom served as pallbearers for their father. The deceased was the great–grandson of the first baby of European descent to be born in what is now Morgan County. Practically all the members of this distinguished family have been prominent in some aspect of public life. 

Aug. 14, 1940—F. E. Burleson has for sale or trade one new John Deere power hay baler and sweeprake.