The William Burnside that I am related to was from Donegal, Ireland and came to the (W)Va area in 1800. He came with a son, John, who was born in Donegal in 1778. I don't know if or why they came straight to the area but son John married Elizabeth Collins in Harrison Co (W)Va. on 15 April, 1801. I don't know if there is any relationship with your Burnsides or not. JOhn's son Robert, married Rebecca Bennett, thier son John S. Burnside married Jemima Yerkey and their son Robert Blakley Burnside, is my grandfather.