John Burns, "The Hero of Gettysburg," lived in Bonneauville both before and after the Battle of Gettysburg. His fame came when he entered the field of battle on the first day and fought alongside Northern troops. He was injured several times and was carried from the field of battle to his house in Gettysburg for a long recuperation and accolades that lasted until his death in Bonneauville in 1872.

Mr. Burns was prepared for burial at Civil War Captain Jacob Miller's Funeral Parlor in Bonneauville (now 15 Maple Street). He was then taken by a procession of sleighs to Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg for burial.