Born a slave in Virginia, Burns escaped from servitude in 1854 and fled to Boston, where he was arrested under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Abolitionists came to his defence and serious riots ensued. This was the last trial of a fugitive slave in Massachusetts. Four months after his return to his owner in Virginia, he was sold to a North Carolina planter. However, in 1855, Burns was ransomed with money raised by the Rev. L.A. Grimes of Boston, and began studies at Oberlin College, Ohio. Burns came to Canada about 1860 where he served as pastor of Zion Baptist Church in St. Catharines. He is buried in this cemetery.

Location

At the entrance to Victoria Lawn Cemetery, where his grave is located, Queenston Street, St. Catharines

Themes

• Black heritage
• People
• Religion