RICHARD J. BURNS, of the firm of Burns & Hawkins, real estate and abstract office, Louisville, is a native of Noblesville, Ind., and was born September 15, 1840. He is a son of John T. Burns, whose biography appears in this work. He was educated at Noblesville Academy and Greencastle College, Ind. He served three years in the late war in Company D, Seventy-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Jonesboro, all the battles around Atlanta, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, New Hope Church, and others, and was with Sherman on his noted march to the sea. Mr. Burns came to Clay County in 1865, and engaged in farming and teaching until 1873, when he was elected County Clerk of Clay County. He was re-elected to the same office in 1877, which office he held for nine years. For the past four years, he has been engaged in the real estate and abstract business. He was married, April 7, 1867, to Ann E. Hay, daughter of Francis Hay (deceased). They had five children, four living - Mary E., Edna, John G. and William H. Mrs. Burns died in 1878, and, on the 17th day of August, 1880, he married Maria L., daughter of Jay H. Hall. By her he has had two children, one living - Ethel. Mr. Burns owns a farm of 200 acres, besides a half interest in several other farms. He is a Freemason in the full acceptance of the term, as he has taken the entire thirty-two degrees, and is a member of the following lodges: Louisville Lodge, No. 196, A., F. & A. M., Louisville Chapter, No. 81, R. A. M., Gorin Commandery, No. 14, at Olney, Ill., and of the Peoria Consistory.
Transcribed by Laurel White from 1884 History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois, Part IV, pages 147-148.
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