Legislator Details

Image of David E. Burns
Image Description:
Portrait captured from Find-a-Grave.com 2/13/2025

David E. Burns
AKA:
Number of sessions served 2
Sessions served
Gender: Male
Age at election: 41

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 11/14/1859
City: Coldwater, Michigan
County: Branch County, MI
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 11/28/1926
City: East Grand Rapids, MI
County: Kent County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date: 12/1/1926
City: Grand Rapids, MI
County: Kent County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Woodlawn Cemetery

Marital Information:
married Elsie McKinley, dau. of Alexander and Julia (Seaman) McKinley, 10/22/1902, in Ashland, Newaygo Co.; children: Walter M. and Lena [or Helena] L.; married Berna Harris, dau. of Henry and Carrie (Harvin) Harris, 8/25/1926 in Grand Rapids [he was married 3 times according to the 1926 marriage certificate]

Number of Children: 2

Background

Religion:
Military Service:
Occupation: lawyer, manufacturer
Race: Caucasian or White

Education:
attended Albion College; graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan, 1892

Biographical Sketch:
Son of Rev. David and Lavinia Hobart(White) Burns. Moved to Grand Rapids, MI, 1892. He was assistant prosecuting attorney of Kent County in 1893-94, and a member of the advisory board on pardons from June, 1899, to August, 1900, when he resigned. In 1910, he was living in Benzonia, MI. At the time of his death he worked for a railroad equipment company.

Notable Facts:
Served in both chambers. He was considered the father of the first primary law ever enacted in Michigan for the nomination of candidates by a direct vote of the people. Accused, but acquitted, of receiving a bribe in a water deal in 1906.

Sessions Served:

Forty-Second Legislature, 1903-1904
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Rules and Joint Rules , State Prison at Marquette , Apportionment , Constitutional Amendments , Railroads , Religious and Benevolent Societies
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Grand Rapids
County of Residence Kent
District: 16
District Description:

Date Elected: 11/4/1902
Date Sworn In: 1/7/1903
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Unknown
Notes:
Forty-First Legislature, 1901-1902
Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Fish and Fisheries , Judiciary , State Public School
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Grand Rapids
County of Residence Kent
District: Kent 1
District Description:

Date Elected: 11/6/1900
Date Sworn In: 1/2/1901
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: See Notes
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Single
Notes: Elected to the state senate for the 42nd session.

Bibliography:

PolGryd; LAW p.350; Goss 2:1028; MIBiog 1:130; USCen 1860,; SARMemAppl 1889-1970; MIMar 1868-1925; Michiganology; MIMarRec 1867-1952; Find-a-Grave.com, includes portrait; Manual 1903 p.780
View Bibliographical Sources