Source - Notable Men of Alabama, Hon. Joel C DuBose, (The Reprint Company, Publishers, Spartanburg, SC, 1976, originally printed in 1904), p 372-373: Robert was educated in the common schools and at Oxford college, after which he entered his father's store as a clerk. Later he and his father were in partnership and for three years he was associated with John L Law in business. In 1899 he engaged in business for himself and has been successful as a merchant. He owns two small farms and a fine home in the town of Lincoln. It is regarded by many as the finest in Lincoln, and his orchard near by is admired by all who have seen it. Politically he is a Democrat, but the only official position he ever held was that of assistant postmaster at Talladega. This position he held for four years, while his brother, Samuel P Burns, was postmaster.
Source - History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography, by Tnomas McAdory Owen, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co, Chicago, 1921, Vol III, page 264
