Mercer County, Kentucky, farmer and soldier. Mercer County native. Married to Mary Burns. Father of William W. Burns, James H. Burns, Robert B. Burns, Mary C. Burns, Sirena A. Burns, Phoeba C. Burns, Josephine B. Burns, Elizabeth Burns, and Anna E. Burns. Farmer in Mercer County in 1850. Owned one enslaved person in Mercer County in 1850. Farmer in Mercer County in 1860. Served in the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (U.S.A) as a captain from August 22, 1862, to September 11, 1863.