James Burton (priest)

Burton was born in Aynho, the son of Francis Burton (1709–1777), a member of a family that could trace its descent from Ingenulfe de Burton who came to England with William the Conqueror.[1] His mother was Anne Burton, née Singer (1716–1792).

Burton was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, entering as a chorister in 1755 and matriculating as an undergraduate in 1761.[2] He continued his education at Magdalen, gaining a B.A. in 1765 and M.A. in 1768.

In 1762, Burton was admitted as a demy by Magdalen College, a post which he retained until shortly after his marriage in 1774.[2] He took holy orders and became rector of Over Worton, vicar of Little Berkhamstead and incumbent at Waddesdon. He gained a B.D. in 1788, and a D.D. the following year. He was also chaplain in ordinary to George III and George IV, and became a senior canon at Christ Church, Oxford from 1793 until his death.

In 1774, Burton married Mary Anne Jenner (1751–1788). They had nine children (5 boys and 4 girls), of which two of the daughters died in infancy. The surviving children were:[1]

• Arthur Francis Burton (1777–1819) – priest.
• James Singer Burton (1778–1818) – gentleman usher to George III.
• Robert Burton (1779–1801)
• Charles William Burton (1780–1816) – army officer who served and died in India, and married Mary Anne Gilchrist, daughter of John Borthwick Gilchrist.
• Rachel Burton (b. 1782)
• Mary Anne Burton (b. 1784) – married Rev. Edward Marshall.
• Cecil Hill Burton (1788–1813) – also an army officer who died in India.

Burton died on 30 June 1825, and was buried at Fetcham on 7 July 1825.