Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. James Nelson Burnes was a U.S. Representative from Missouri. Born in Marion County, Indiana, Burnes moved with his parents to Platte County, Missouri, in 1837. He attended the common schools. He graduated from the Harvard Law School in 1853. He was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Missouri. Attorney of the district of Missouri in 1856. He served as judge of the court of common pleas 1868-1872. He engaged in banking and the construction of railroads. He served as president of the Missouri Valley Railroad Co.. Principal owner and president of the St. Joseph Waterworks Co..