Los Angeles County, CA, Biographies JAMES F. BURNS Transcribed by Kathy Sedler This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm Chief of Police of the city of Los Angeles, was born in Ontario County, New York, September 27, 1831. His parents moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and during his early boyhood he attended school there; was educated for a teacher, and after reaching manhood engaged in that profession. He decided to come to California, and came overland with a train. They had some trouble with the Indians in Utah, near the place where the famous Mountain Meadow massacre occurred, and arrived in California in November. The same year Mr. Burns came to Los Angeles and engaged in teaching school for several years, after which he was elected county superintendent of schools. In 1858 he was appointed United States Marshal, under President Buchanan. He was elected city treasurer in 1863, and was re-elected, holding the office for five years. In 1867 he was elected sheriff of Los Angeles County and ex-officio tax collector, holding that office by re�election until 1872. From that time until 1878 Mr. Burns was interested in real estate, and was connected with various other enterprises. In the latter year he went to Fremont, Nebraska, and engaged in the grain and lumber business. In the fall of 1880 he was elected State Senator for the Eighth Senatorial District. He was also engaged in the banking business four years, until the fall of 1886. At that time he returned to Los Angeles and became interested in real‑estate transactions. In March, 1889, he was appointed chief of police. Officer Burns has had a large experience as a public official, and few are so well qualified to perform the duties of the position he now holds. During his term of office as sheriff the record shows a larger apprehension of criminals than in any other term. An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California � Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1889 Page 713