J. W. Burney, a lawyer of Newbern, and mayor of the town, was born in Gibson County, Tenn., in 1852, and was the only child born to John F. and Nannie A. (Parks) Burney. His father was born in Robertson County, in 1826, moved to Gibson County, in 1850, and died in 1852. He was a teacher by profession, and met with marked success as an educator. Our subject's mother was born in Gibson County, in 1831, and died in 1868. Mr. J. W. Burney was raised by his grandfather, Dr. William Parks, of Yorkville, and was educated at the school at Yorkville, and Union Academy at Newbern, completing his studies at the Cumberland University, at Lebanon, Tenn. He taught in the Yorkville Academy for three years, and at Ro Ellen, Dyer County, for fourteen months: he then entered the office of H. Parks, at Dyersburg, and commenced the study of law under him. Mr. Burney was a close student, and possessed that analytical turn of mind so necessary to a successful lawyer. After finishing his legal studies, he located at Newbern, and practiced in the courts of Dyer and adjoining counties, and has made an enviable reputation for himself as a lawyer. In 1875 he married Miss Bettie, daughter of P. W. Townsend, of Gibson County. She was born in that county in 1853, and died in 1876. She left one daughter, Bettie Maud. In November, 1884, Mr. Burney was elected mayor of Newbern, and still holds the office. He is a Democrat and an Odd Fellow, and for years has been an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.