James N. Burnes

James Nelson Burnes (August 22, 1827 – January 24, 1889) was an American politician, lawyer, and businessman. A Democrat, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Missouri.

Biography Burnes was born on August 22, 1827, in Marion County, Indiana, the second of three sons born to James Burnes and Mary (née Thompson) Burnes. He was of Scottish and Irish ancestry. In 1837, he and his parents moved to Platte County, Missouri. Between Marion and Platte Counties, he attended local common schools. In July 15, 1847, he married Mary A. Skinner.

In 1856, Burnes was made attorney of a Missouri court, and from 1868 to 1872, served as judge of the Missouri Court of Common Pleas. As a businessman, he for a time president of the Missouri Valley Railroad and owner of the St. Joseph Waterworks Company. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Missouri's 4th district. He was elected on March 4, 1883, serving until his death. He was elected for a second term, but died before the term began. During his tenure, he served in the House Committee on Appropriations, and on January 23, 1889, served as acting chairman in the absence of Samuel J. Randall. Shortly after his work as acting chairman concluded, he suffered a paralyzation.

Burnes died on the morning of January 24, 1889, aged 61, in Washington, D.C., and was buried at Mount Mora Cemetery. His son was politician Daniel D. Burnes; Daniel married Martha Swearingen Farrar, the granddaughter of politician Luther Martin Kennett.