James Dixon Burns

BURNS, DIXON, GILBREATH, SANDERSON

Posted By: Sheryl McClure (email)
Date: 2/11/2002 at 19:42:17

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD AND PORTRAIT ALBUM OF WEBSTER AND HAMILTON COUNTIES, IOWA -- PAGE 487

James D. Burns, farmer and stockraiser, Douglas Township, was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, December 30, 1808, a son of Magill and Margaret (Dixon) Burns, natives of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, of Scotch descent. He remained in his native State until 1836, when he moved to La Porte County, Indiana, and there improved two farms. In 1852 he came to Iowa and improved two farms in Delaware County,and in 1863 he removed to Webster County and bought 160 acres of land in Douglas Township, which he has improved and since made his home. He at one time owned 480 acres, but has given his children 280 acres and now owns a good farm of 200 acres. His land is all under cultivation, and his residence and farm buildings are comfortable and commodious. Mr. Burns was married May 4, 1837 to Maria L. Gilbreath, a native of Highland County, Ohio, born March 2, 1819, a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Sanderson) Gilbreath. To them have been born eleven children--Margaret, Elizabeth, Jane Ann, Butler, Mary E. (deceased), James (died August 5, 1864, at Rome, Georgia while in the service of his country), Benjamin, Alice (deceased), Eva, Rebecca and Angie. In politics Mr. Burns is a Republican. He has served his township as trustee and is a member of the school board.