John M. Burns

Mr. Burns, one of the pioneers of Boone County, was born in the state of Kentucky, on the 6th of May, in the year 1816. He was married to Miss S. A. Wylie in 1842. Miss Wylie was born also in Kentucky, February 12, 1823. They came to Boone County in the year 1834, settling in Clinton Township. Mrs. Burns died December 17, 1852. She is buried at Salem Church Cemetery. The following are the names of their children: Eliza J., born May 31, 1847, married to James A. Powell, February 27, 1868, reside in Clinton Township where they own a fine farm; Joseph A., married to Anna Paxton, reside in Kansas. Mr. Burns was again married to Mary Stephenson, who was born in Kentucky. The following are the names of his children by this marriage: Henry C., Mary A., Lola Q. (deceased). Mr. Burns now resides in Kansas. He was one of the prominent men of the county since 1836. Served as county surveyor many years with entire satisfaction. Also township trustee of Clinton Township for eight terms. See his portrait on another page.

Transcribed by: Julie S. Townsend - June 6, 2007
Source: "Early Life and Times in Boone County, Indiana," Harden & Spahr, Lebanon, Ind., May, 1887, pp 238-239.