Background
Burnett, John Lawson was born on January 20, 1854 in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, United States. Son of William E. J. and Mary N. (Brandon) Burnett.
Burnett, John Lawson was born on January 20, 1854 in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, United States. Son of William E. J. and Mary N. (Brandon) Burnett.
Father died, 1858; mother supported him and his brothers by teaching until they were old enough to work. Worked on farm and in mines, going to school between crops. Studied law at Vanderbilt University.
Was admitted to bar, 1876. Practiced in Gadsden, Alabama. Member Alabama House of Representatives, 1884, Senate, 1886.
Member 56th to 65th Congresses (1899-1919), 7th Alabama District.
Chairman of Commission on Immigration and Naturalization.
Member of the United States Immigration Commission, since 1907.
Married Bettie Reader, December 13, 1886.