Joseph Burns (U.S. politician)

Joseph Burns (March 11, 1800 – May 12, 1875) was an American politician who served one term as U.S. Representative from Ohio from 1857 to 1859.

Biography
Born in Waynesboro, Virginia, Burns moved to Ohio with his parents in 1815. Where they initially settled in New Philadelphia in 1815. Later moving to Coshocton, Coshocton County, in 1816. He attended the urban schools.

Early career
He engaged in industrial pursuits and was the Auditor of Coshocton County from 1821 to 1838. He served as member of the State House of Representatives 1838–1840. He served as County clerk from 1843 to 1851. He served as a major general in the State militia. He was a Presidential elector in 1848 for Cass/Butler.

Congress
Burns was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-fifth Congress (March 4, 1857 – March 3, 1859). He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1858 to the Thirty-sixth Congress.

Later career
He was engaged in the drug business in Coshocton, Ohio. Probate judge of Coshocton County.

Death and burial
He died in Coshocton, Ohio, on May 12, 1875. He was interred in Oak Ridge Cemetery.