Untitled Document

John M. Burns, one of the extensive farmers and stock raisers, residing on section 30, Western Township , and one of the energetic and reliable citizens of Henry County , was born in Finley Township, Allegheny Co., Pa. , Sept. 9, 1826 .

The grandfather of the subject of this notice, Alex Burns, was a native of Scotland , and of Scotch ancestry. He was a direct descendant of the famous Scottish bard, Robert Burns, and of about the third generation. He emigrated to the United States , and settled in Allegheny Co., Pa. , when he was a young man, and was married there.

After the grandparents were married, the grandfather followed the occupation of a farmer, and during the time the Indians were numerous, were constantly harassed by them, and underwent all the experiences incident to the early settlement of a new country in that county and State. They died in Allegheny Co., Pa. , after they had improved a farm from the wild and uncultivated condition which it presented when they first settled on it. Their family owned a whole township of land in that county, the major part of which is yet owned by the offsprings of the original progenitors. The grandfather was a popular Presbyterian, and a prominent citizen of his day and generation. His family was large, consisting of some 12 children, of whom Robert, named in honor of the poet, and the father of our subject, was the younger son. He was reared on the farm in Allegheny County , and attended the common schools, receiving a fair English education, and was married in the county of his nativity to Miss Jane Marshall, a daughter of john Marshall, who emigrated from Scotland to this country previous to his marriage. He married Jane McBride, who was of American parentage, and he followed the occupation of a farmer in Allegheny County , where both died some years ago. The father of the subject of this notice was born Feb. 1, 1797 , and died at his residence March 22, 1874 . The mother was born May 10, 1803 , and died Jan. 4, 1880 . They had met with considerable success in the vocation of their lives, and were prominent and highly respected citizens in the community in which they resided. Their union was blessed with ten children, four sons and six daughters, of whom John M. was the third in order of birth. All the children lived until they attained the age of majority, and eight of the number yet survive.

John M. Burns, subject of this biographical notice, resided at home and assisted his father on the farm, alternating his labors thereon by attendance at the common schools, and continuing to reside with his parents until he developed into manhood. He was united in marriage in Finley Tonwship, Allegheny Co., Pa. , Oct. 18, 1849, with Miss Esther Meanor, the only child of Samuel and Mary (Meanor) Meanor, natives of that county and State, of American parentage, and of Scotch descent. Her father was a farmer, and also a carpenter by trade, and lived all his life in that county, and there died Aug. 22, 1875 . The mother also died there June 22, 1849 . They were both active members of the Presbyterian Church, of which the father was an Elder, and both were highly respected citizens of the community in which they resided.

Mrs. Burns was born in Finley Township , Jan. 28, 1828 . The parental instruction which she received, and the religious influence surrounding her early life, were such as to develop in her a remarkable amount of social and religious qualities, and physical mental strength. She remained at home until her marriage, and, being the only daughter, was so instructed as to be thoroughly prepared for an active life of effort and real good. Their two children, John Sanford and Mary J., were born Nov. 25, 1851 , and Sept. 17, 1855 , respectively. The former was married in Rural Township, Rock Island Co., Ill. , Feb. 20, 1884 , to Miss Belle Coffee. She was born and reared in that county, and their only child was born June 30, 1885 , and christened Clifford C. They now reside in Rural Township , where they are engaged in farming. The young Mr. Burns had a good practical training in commercial matters, and was well fitted for a business career. Mary J. was married Sept. 26, 1883 , to Dr. L. L. Long, a skillful physician of Toulon, Stark Co., Ill. , where the Doctor is having a remarkably successful practice. They are the parents of one child, Bessie E., born Sept. 16, 1884 .

Two years after his marriage, on the 2d of January, Mr. Burns started for California , via Panama and the water route, and landed at his destination, Gold Hill, June 1, 1852 . The trip was made in search of gold, and on the whole was a successful one, although he experienced considerable hardships and exposure. He returned in 1854, arriving home Dec. 8. One year later they came West, and made a purchase of 351 acres of prairie land, which he has made one of the best farms in the county. He now has 560 acres, and one of the most pleasant and delightful homes in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Burns are active members of the Presbyterian Church, and politically he is a sound Republican.

Mr. B. takes considerable interest in the relics of the past, and among those he has in his possession are two canes, made out of the logs of the old cabin home in which he was born and reared. It was a rude log cabin, with puncheon floor. The canes are fine specimens of workmanship, one having a large gold head upon it, the other headed with cherry wood, made from the door of the hut.

Portrait & Biographical Album of Henry Co., Illinois page 583

Transcribed by Jan Roggy

Illinois Ancestors