He raised money to erect the Victoria Fountain in the Old Steine. Burrows also chose the Town's motto In Deo Fidemus (In God We Trust) which we still use now. He served three terms as Mayor.
In 1851 John is living at 46 Old Steine with his wife Jane and their son.
By 1861 John is living at 62 Old Steine.
He died at 62 Old Steine in 1876.
He was a very well respected man in Brighton. When he died shops closed and 30,000 people lined the streets for his funeral.