Charles S. Burnett, M. D., of Summit, Schoharie County, N. Y., was born in Eminence, N. Y., September 13, 1850, son of Francis and Melissa (Germond) Burnett. Both the father's family and the mother's are of English origin. The Burnetts came here from Connecticut. Matthias Burnett, Dr. Burnett's grandfather, who was born March 8, 1778, and died April 19, 1848, was an early settler in Jefferson. After locating here he was married to Susan Guerin. She was born March 25, 1780, and she died February 27, 1844. They were the parents of nine sons and four daughters. All of the sons became prosperous farmers.
Francis Burnett, Dr. Burnett's father, was born in Jefferson, September 25, 1821. Early in life he engaged in general farming in Eminence, where he tilled the soil energetically for the rest of his active period, and he died July 7, 1890. He was the father of four children, namely: Lucetta F., who married Charles Hubbell, of Jefferson; James, who is engaged in mercantile business in Summit; Byron, a resident of Cobleskill; and Charles S., M. D., the subject of this sketch.
Charles S. Burnett acquired his early education in the schools of Eminence, N. Y. On leaving school he was employed for a time as a clerk in his brother's store, and then going to Newark, N. J., he worked at the carpenter's trade. His medical studies were begun under the direction of Dr. F. P. Beard, were continued with Dr. Bigelow, of Albany, and later at the Albany Medical School, which he entered in 1876. His expenses there he defrayed with funds saved from his earnings. He displayed such marked proficiency in his studies that when he was graduated, in 1879, he was chosen orator of his class, the majority of whose members had pursued a classical course prior to entering a professional school. Preferring a country practice, he first settled at North Blenheim, where he resided seven years, at the expiration of which time he came to Summit, succeeding to the practice of Dr. Beard. He has gained a high standing among the leading physicians in this section.
In politics he is a Democrat. In 1897 he was elected Coroner for a term of three years. He belongs to the County Medical Society, takes a lively interest in the advancement of science, and as a progressive, public-spirited citizen he is actively concerned in all matters relative to the improvement of this town. The residence he now occupies was erected by him in 1893.
Dr. Burnett married Nannie Buckingham, daughter of Merritt Buckingham, of Gilboa. Mrs. Burnett is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.