Burlington - James - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

James C. BURLINGTON, M.D. Naturally a kind-hearted and sympathetic man, Dr. Burlington is admirable adapted for the work which now occupies his attention, and in the sick room possesses that magnetic influence and pleasing presence that do so much to cheer and encourage the patient. His genial personality and kindly sympathy with those who come to him as invalids have brought to him a clientele perhaps even larger than would have been attracted by his recognized ability and the success which attended his efforts. He was born in Eureka, Woodford Co, Ill, May 25, 1837 to Robert and Mary J. Long Burlington, natives of VA and IN respectively, their marriage being consummated in the Hoosier State. Robert Burlington removed from the Old Dominion in 1828 and in 1832 settled in Illinois, where he followed the calling of a mechanic, his son, James C, learning the trade of a carpenter under his direction. He began his apprenticeship at the age of 19, and after becoming well versed in this business, followed it for a time in St. Louis, Mo.

Owing to the fact that Dr. Burlington's father's family was large and his means limited, he left home at the early age of 11 and began to make his own way in the world as a farm hand in the vicinity of his home, and to this occupation his attention was devoted until he was nearly 16. Up to this time he had obtained but little schooling, but had perhaps attended about two winter terms, and as he was an ambitious boy possessing good judgment and a fine intellect, many of his evenings were devoted to study and the perusal of such books as came his way. His efforts to satisfy his taste for learning were unremitting and although it seemed to him that the obstacles thrown in his way were innumerable, he continued to persevere and was soon as well informed as any youth of his age. He worked at the carpenter's trade at Litchfield, Illinois for six years, but at the end of that time he returned to Eureka and became a contrator, following this occupation with good results for 4 years.

About this time Dr. Burlington received a severe injury to his hip, after which he learned telegraphy, which he folloed 3 1/2 years. Two years of that time were spent as Superintendent of the Great Western Telegraph Company and he was manager of the line between Chicago & Decatur. While working as a telegraph operator he began the study of medicine, his kindly nature instinctively turning to that broad field of human suffering for his life work. He afterward entered Cincinnati Eclectic College from which he graduated Feb 24, 1877. On the 19th of Feb 1886, he graduated from the Indianapolis Eclectic Medical College, having prior to that time practiced at Strasburg, Ill from 1876 to 1878. In the last mentioned year he opened an office at Attica, where he has become very popular and has a very extended practice. He possesses a thorough knowledge of the principles underlying the practice of medicine, and is familiar with the most approved methods of treating the various ailments which the physician is called upon to prescribe for in a general practice. To these he has added, by close observation and the exercise of native tact, a broad knowledge of mankind in all that the term implies. Dr. Burlington is a member of the Indiana and National Eclectic Medical Associations and was at one time President of the State Association. He is also a member of the World's Congress of Physicians and Surgeons. He was health officer of Attica for 3 years, is a Democrat politically, and is a warm partisan. He is thoroughly wrapped up in his practice, keeps well posted in all the improvements made in the profession, and has done much independent investigation, in which he has achieved remarkable results which he expects soon to publish to the world. At the opening of the civil War he enlisted at Litchfield, ill, in Co. D, 7th Ill Vol for 3 months' service at Cairo, but as he was at that time troubled with inflamed eyes, his services were rejected. July 19, 1863, Dr. Burlington was married at Litchfield, Ill to Miss Sarah E. HENDERSON, a native of the Sucker State and their family is as follows: Eva, wife of Frank Fugate of Danville, Ill, Chief Line Inspector of the CHicago & Eastern Indiana RR; Roy, who is in his 17th year and Atta, 13. The Dr. and his wife are members of the Christian Church and he is an active member of the ancient Free & Accepted Masons, Knights of Honor & Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is now in independent circumstances financially and is rich in the friendship of all with whom he comes n contact. Dr. Burlington is generous to a fault, and no one has ever applied to the Dr. for aid that has been refused. He is a man of the broad & liberal gauge sort when lending aid to any and all enterprises promising to benefit the general public. -- typed by kbz