John
J.
Burleigh

JOHN J. BURLEIGH was born in 1855 to Irish immigrant parents. His father, a doctor, died around the same time John Burleigh was born. At 14 he learned how to operate a telegraph, and he went to work at the age of 15. His initiative and ability were soon recognized, and he rose rapidly in the business world. He was instrumental in founding some of the first telegraph and telephone systems in South Jersey, and also was involved in bringing electricity to Atlantic City. At the age of 42 he was already in three building and loan associations, and was running many other business as well. 

In the late 1880s John J. Burleigh made his home at 326 State Street. As his fortunes progressed, so did his address. By 1890 he had moved to 323 Cooper Street. This would later become the home of lawyer Francis D. Weaver By 1906 he had moved to Merchantville.

John J. Burleigh was a member of and very active in the affairs of the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Broadway at Market Street. On January 28, 1897 J. J. Burleigh was one of several dignitaries who were in attendance at the opening of the Catholic Lyceum on Broadway at Federal Street, adjacent to the the church. Other attendees included the-New Jersey Governor John W. Griggs, Mayor John L. Westcott, late Attorney-General Samuel H. Grey, Camden city solicitor J. Willard Morgan, Senator H. W. Johnson, then- Assemblymen Louis Derousse and Scovel, Sheriff David Baird Sr., then Postmaster Harry B. Paul, ex-Judge Armstrong, Architect Henry S. Dagit,  George A. Frey, and H. L. Bonsall. The Lyceum would evolve into Camden Catholic High School. 

By 1906 he was vice-president of the Public Service Corporation, the predecessor of today's Transport of New Jersey. By 1915 he founded and was president of the Broadway Trust Company bank on Broadway in Camden.

John J. Burleigh passed away on February 18, 1917 at the age of 62.

Trenton Times * May 17, 1902

Bank Directory - March 1, 1916