Born in Warren County, Pennsylvania, Bourquin read law to enter the bar in 1894.

He was a district court judge for Silver Bow County, Montana from 1905 to 1909, returning to private practice in Butte until 1912.

[2] On February 13, 1912, Bourquin was nominated by President William Howard Taft to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Montana vacated by Judge Carl L. Rasch.

Bourquin was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 8, 1912, and received his commission the same day.

He assumed senior status on March 9, 1934, serving in that capacity until his death on November 15, 1958.