John W. Burns was born in Williamson County, Tenn., March 10, 1842, son of George and Nancy (Wilkey) Burns, who were Tennesseans and were married in Williamson County. They came to Perry County in 1859, and there the father tilled the soil until his death in 1878. At the breaking out of the war our subject enlisted in the Forty-second Tennessee Infantry, C. S. A., and served two years. He was at Fort Donelson, Jackson, and several battles of minor note. After returning home he assisted his father on the farm until 1867, when he was united in marriage to Toby Greer, a native of this county. In 1880 Mr. Burns purchased his present farm, on which they located and are at present residing. The farm, consisting of 400 acres of fertile land, lies between Beardstown and Lobelville. To Mr. and Mrs. Burns twelve children have been born, ten of whom are still living. Mr. Burns has always been identified with the Democratic party.