In 1823 Joseph bought 60 acres in Hanover, NH east of Moose Mtn. on the south of Wolfeborough Rd. on Lot #47 drawn to right of Joseph Smith. In 1825 he purchased more land bounded by lots #46, #47, and #55. He married twice, his first wife having died. Upon Joseph's death the will he drew on Sept. 15, 1838 designated Capt. James Spencer as his executor with provisions for guardianship of all his minor children. Four being at least 14 became their own guardian. His estate after all accounts settled was valued at $1,812.78 in 1851.

A James Burnham (born Aug 6, 1774 in Essex, Mass) and James Burnham Jr(born 1807) witnessed Joseph's will. James Sr. is listed as Joseph's brother, but he was NOT.

Joseph and his first wife Nancy were buried in the West Farms Cemetery in Canaan, NH. on West Farms Rd 3 miles N where it turns off of what is now Rt 4. over the Enfield line. This is where the Burnhams lived. The road continued on over or around Moose Mtn. to Hanover Center.

The aforementioned James Burnham, his wife Eliza Currier Burnham (married 1804), and a daughter Elsina who died at age 10 yrs are also buried in this cemetery. Another Burnham family including James's eldest son Silas, Silas' first wife, a daughter, son, and another wife have grave sites also in the cemetery.

The elder James Burnham and Joseph Burnham are possibly related given they both had a daughter named Elsina.

There is record of a Asel Burnham from Canaan who fought in the Ninth Regiment under Capt. Bodfish or Capt. Rowe in the Mexican War. His parents are yet to be determined.