From
the "The Village of Harlem: Its People, Homes and Business – 50th
Anniversary Souvenir 1856 to 1906"
"Mr. C. M. Burroughs was born in New Jersey, came to Harlem in 1895, and opened a Retail Grocery Store. He is an exemplary citizen and progressive merchant. He built his large trade by selling at a close margin of profit and giving sixteen ounces to the pound. When he opened his store he was the only "Yankee" here in business, and it was predicted by some that he would not be in business six months, owing to the fact that he was in a German community and could not speak the language. Many that made the prediction have gone but he is still doing business at then old stand. He has never felt the need of a delivery wagon, as is customary with most grocers, but given his customers the benefit of this saving.
"Mr. Burroughs was married in New Jersey to Miss Clara Cotton. They have four children -- Mrs. Maud Wiltsey and Mrs. Mable Miller. The two sons, Harry and Lester, are young men, living at home. Mr. Burroughs feels well satisfied with his adopted town, speaks highly of it, and finds that he can succeed as well with people that speak a foreign tongue as with those of his own language."