John Burns

John Burns (1769–1785) was the youngest brother of the poet Robert Burns and the last son born to William Burness and Agnes Broun. John was born at Mount Oliphant Farm on the Doonholm Estate near Alloway on the 12 July 1769. He was christened circa 21 July 1769 by Rev. Rev William Dalrymple. Life and background His siblings were Robert Burns (b. 25 January 1759); Gilbert (b. 28 September 1760); Agnes (b. 30 September 1762); William Burnes (b. 30 July 1760); Annabella (b. 14 November 1764); Isabella (b. 27 July 1771). The family moved from Mount Oliphant to Lochlea Farm near Alloway in 1777 and then moved to Mossgiel Farm near Mauchline in 1784 after John's father William Burness had died. At Mossgiel Farm John would have worked as a labourer like his brothers and here he shared a tiny room in the loft with his older brother William. John was an apprentice weaver however he had a history of illness. Death