History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY 269
the learuing of his profession with ;i deep knowledge of himiau
nature and the springs of human conduct, with great shrewdness
and sagacity and extraordinary tact, he is in the couiis an advo-
cate of great power and influence.
Mr. Smith, in iiis fraternal relations, is an Elk, while his
political allegiance is given to the progressive party. He is at all
times a deep thinker and clear reasoner, not only in connection
with his profession, but upon all mattei-s of vital interest effecting
the welfare of city, state and nation.
MRS. ELLEN E. BURNS.
Mrs. Ellen E. Burns, now residing on Jones street in Amboy
and owning a valuable fai'm of two hundred and forty acres on
section 24, May township, is the widow of James Burns, who
passed away on the 10th of l)('cenil)er, 1911. Her birth occurred
in Amboy, Lee county, on the 20th of January, 1856, her parents
being John A. and Ellen (Monahan) Cai'roll, both of whom are
deceased and lie buried in the Catholic cemetery at Amboy. The
father's demise occurred on the 25th of July, 1912, while the
mother was called to her final rest on the 24th of June, 1902. Their
passing was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for they
had gained many friends in the community during the long period
of their residence here.
Ellen E. Carroll attended school in Amboy until fifteen years
of age and remained under the parental roof during the follow-
ing fifteen years, assisting in the woi'k of the household and other
duties. On the 20th of October. 18S6, she gave her hand in mar-
riage to James Burns, who was born in Sublette township, this
county, on tlie 24th of October, 1847, a son of Edward and Biidget
(Caffery) Burns. His parents took up their abode among the
early pioneer settlers of Lee county in 1844 and here spent the
remainder of their lives, Edward Burns passing away on the
14th of September, 1888, and his wife on the 26th of January,
1890. Their remains were interred in the Sandy Hill cemetery of
May township. James Burns devoted his attention to general
agi'icultural pursuits throughout his active business career with
excellent success and at the time of his demise owned a well
impi'oved farm of two luuidred and forty acres on section 24. May
township, which is now in possession of his widow. He died on