His parents were so poor, such that at the age of four they placed their son in service with a farmer in Greene County, New York.

The Atwood family was respectable and eminently pious, living in Ashland, New York, in a house now owned by Samuel Creech.

At fifteen years of age Francis was converted to the Christian faith under the influence of Miss Stewart, a white teacher, the daughter of a Baptist preacher.

His education was insufficient from Burns's own perspective, and there appeared no field in which he might labor to answer his calling.

Bishop Matthew Simpson said of Francis Burns, in reflection: By his intelligence, his consistent piety, and by the force of his character, he rose above the disabilities of his color, and commanded the respect of all that knew him.The Rev.

Then ten years after arriving in Liberia, returning to New York, Francis Burns was ordained by Bishop Janes.

He was ordained Elder in the Mulberry Street Church in New York City the same day, with Bishop Janes officiating at both services.

The 1856 General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church made provision for the first time for the election and consecration of a Missionary Bishop (for the African work).

This took place 14 October 1858 at the session of the Genesee Annual Conference, meeting in Perry, Wyoming County, New York.

Bishop Simpson, quoting Dr. John Robie (who was present at the conference), described the proceedings: Though of ebony complexion, he had gained wonderfully on the affection and respect of all who had made his acquaintance, and especially of those privileged to an intimate association with him.

His manner is exceedingly pleasant, and his spirit is as kind, sweet, and good as ever beamed from human heart or disposition.

He possesses also an intelligent and cultivated mind, speaks readily and fluently, and even eloquently, and is in all respects a model African.

Such is the man whom the Liberian Conference has selected for a bishop, and such the one the highest authorities of one American church have set apart for the sacred and responsible position.Bishop Burns returned to Africa almost immediately following his consecration, where he devoted himself to the work which devolved upon him for the next nearly five years.

He died April 18, 1863, within three days of his arrival in Baltimore, Maryland, a mere three months after Emancipation in the United States.