BIO: Hon. James BURNSIDE, Centre County, Pennsylvania

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja and Joan Brooks  

Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/
_______________________________________________ 

Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the 
Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical 
Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. 
Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898.
_______________________________________________

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, page 27

HON. JAMES BURNSIDE (deceased) was a native of Centre county, born in 
Bellefonte, Penn., February 22, 1807.  He was the eldest son of the Hon. Thomas 
Burnside.  In 1824 he was a student at the Bellefonte Academy, and in 1828 
graduated with the highest honors at Dickinson College.  His study of law was 
prosecuted in his father's office.  He was admitted to the Bar in November, 
1830, by the court over which his father presided, and at once commenced the 
practice of his profession under the same stern and impartial regime.  In 
October, 1844, he was elected a member of the Lower House of the Pennsylvania 
Legislature, and re-elected in 1845.  While in that position he gave proof of 
great ability.  His speech, February 3, 1846, upon an amendment which he 
proposed to the State Constitution in favor of biennial sessions of the 
Legislature, was a particularly able effort.  When the Twenty-fifth Judicial 
District was formed, Governor Bigler commissioned him its judge, April 20, 1853, 
and in October he was elected without opposition to the same office.  He was 
eminently distinguished on the Bench for his calm impartiality, yet off of it he 
was a lenient citizen and indulgent friend.  In his private relations he 
displayed many qualities of head and heart which endeared him to his friends and 
the people.  Had he lived, higher honors were apparently in store for him; but, 
with only half of his years of usefulness expended, he was called suddenly away.  
He was instantly killed by being thrown from a buggy July 1, 1859, leaving a 
widow (since deceased), a daughter and two sons - S. Cameron and Thomas.  His 
wife was Rachel (daughter of Hon. Simon Cameron), whom he married June 2, 1846.