McBurnie, David

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McBurnie, David

Portrait of David McBurnie, journalist and reporter. Born in Dumfries, came to Bradford in 1846. He died in 1896 aged 84.

Note in Sowden's notebook:
'Mr McBurnie was a well known journalist in the town. He was a native of Dumfries where he was brought up as a dyer. In 1846 he came to Bradford and was employed by Messrs Ed. Ripley & Son. He had a taste for writing and his contributions to local & other publications coming under the notice of Mr Hobson, the proprietor of the "Leeds Times" he received the appointment of Bradford representations of that journal. He filled that post for 35 years. In early life he was an active writer & during the years 1837 to 1846, these came from his pen a number of essays on philosophical and religious ? which were afterwards published in book form under the title of "Mental Exercises of a Working Man". He entered into the Competition which the ? offered for the best essays on the "Education Questions", "Colonial Manufactures", & "the Errors of Infidelity" and in all three carried off the first prize, £75. £30 and £10. with the copyright of the last named which he published. As a ? his favourite subject was "Robert Burns". He died in 1896 at the advanced age of 84.

Year

1888

Creator

John Sowden

Image filename

sowden-21