Louis N. Burns, who holds the offices of secretary and sales manager in the J.. I. Case Plow Works, has been connected with the manufacture of farm implements continuously since he was sixteen years of age with the exception of one, year, and his thorough knowledge of the business, his aggressiveness and sound judgment have been among the most important factors in his success. As sales manager he has developed in the sales organization a tine spirit of co-operation and loyalty to the company and has based the selling policy of the company upon a businesslike and convincing presentation of the superior merits of its products. He was born in Tazewell County, Illinois, on the 16th of January. 1866, and his parents were Louis H. and Julia (Hildebrand) Burns. The father was by occupation a farmer and both are now deceased.
After completing his public school course L. N. Burns attended a business college at Peoria, but when sixteen years old began his career, entering the employ of the Kingman Plow Company at Peoria. He remained with them for twenty-nine years and rose through intermediate positions to manager of their St. Louis branch. During the year 1885 he was bookkeeper for the Bank of Dwight, at Dwight, Illinois, but decided that the implement business was more to his liking and accordingly returned to the Kingman Plow Company. He displayed so much ability in the management of their St. Louis branch that on the 2d of January, 1913, he was chosen sales manager of the J. I. Case Plow Works at Racine, and has since served in that capacity. He is constantly on the outlook for new ideas and methods and has brought his department up to a high standard of efficiency. In 1914 he was further honored by election as secretary of the company.
On the 4th of May, 1887, Mr. Burns was united in marriage to Miss Florence Bethard, of Peoria, Illinois, and they have the, following children: Ray Alexander, who is living in St. Louis; Gladys, at home: Julia, who is attending the State University of Wisconsin ; Robert; Florence, and Donald.
Mr. Burns is independent in politics, voting for the best man without regard to party allegiance. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and fraternally is identified with the Masonic order and the Elks. All who come in contact with him recognize his ability, his keen insight and his determination and, moreover, he is popular personally.