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He was noted as fearless and was also an avid hunter and marksman, and set out on his own into the dangerous plains. In addition to his work as a prosecutor, he continued to operate his own law office which moved to a building on Main Street. A legal expert and community leader, he was also involved in numerous other civic affairs, including leading the commission that formed the town’s formal fire department in May 1878 and chairing the board that hired the city night watchmen in 1878. Despite the new fire department, his office burned in a fire on September 26, 1879. Not one to be held back by misfortune, he rebuilt the “Burns Block.” Around that time he likely received this spectacular revolver. Perhaps it was purchased to replace his “big self-cocking six shooter” that was lost in the fire, or maybe he just wanted an upgrade before he took a long trip the following year after losing the election for probate judge. He traveled, hunted, visited with Native Americans, made a trip back to Chicago, and then prospected in Hailey, Idaho, got injured in a stagecoach crash, and then returned to the Dakota Territory in early 1883 where his father’s health was failing.
Burn’s worked on his family’s ranch and farm near Spearfish. He sold his building in Deadwood, but he was soon back in politics and legal work. In 1890, he returned to Deadwood and was appointed
as commissioner of the U.S. Circuit Court of Western South Dakota. He was also made aide-de-
camp to Governor Mellette and reported on the conditions on the Pine Ridge Reservation and also tried to keep the peace but was unable to prevent the cycle of escalation that led to the Wounded Knee Massacre and was himself involved in some of the fighting and was recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor by Captain John B. Kerr of the 6th Cavalry who wrote, “Colonel John
H. Burns, A.D.C., to Governor Melett (sic), of South Dakota accompanied the command and showed himself to be an efficient aid. He rendered valuable service with his rifle.” He returned to his law career and was married in 1897. They built a new home at 67 Stewart Avenue in Deadwood. Burns wrote “Memoirs of a Cow Pony as Told by Himself” published in 1906 (copy included). Sometime between 1910 and 1920, he and his family moved to Tampa, Florida, and he operated an automobile business and limousine service. In 1923, he and the family moved again, this time to Inglewood, California, and worked in real estate and as a lawyer. He retired by 1930. He died the following September
on the 14th.
CONDITION: Excellent with 95% plus original untouched nickel plating, some minor flaking mainly
on the cylinder, crisp markings and engraving, and generally minimal overall wear. The grips are also excellent and have attractive natural iridescence, light surface scratches, slight flaking at the toe, and light handling wear. Mechanically fine. This is a stunning revolver with distinct inscription to John H. Burns and extensive research from Greg Lampe.
Provenance: The J.E. Cole Collection; The George Jackson Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection. Estimate: 30,000 - 50,000