Burton, P. D.

BURTON, MERRIMAN

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 12/4/2012 at 17:53:22

The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa
Des Moines: Union Hist. Co., 1880.

BURTON, P.D. - Jackson Twp. - pg 643-4. Clerk of the courts. Was born in Pike county, Ohio, September 24, 1840. When nine years of age he, with his parents, moved to Austinburg, Ashtabula county, same State. Here young Burton received all the advantages of a good school education. He commenced as when quite young, to make his own way in the world. He commenced as clerk in a store, where he continued until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in the Fourteenth Ohio battery, in August, 1861, and was mustered out September 24, 1863. Mr. B. was engaged in the following battles: Shiloh, Fort Donelson, Siege of Cornith, and numerous skirmishes. On his return from the army he came to Iowa, but remained only a short time, when he returned to his native State. In 1865 he again came westward and located in Grinnell township on a farm, where he has since made his home, and has 108 acres of Poweshiek's best land in his possession, finely improved. In 1876 he was elected by his friends to the office of Clerk of the Courts and re-elected in 1878, and has filled the office with honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He is characterized as a man of industry, and is governed by the most rigid principles of honesty and integrity. He was married in Lake county, Ohio, on February 5, 1867, to Miss Ruby Merriman, a native of that county. Their family circle are: Frank, Arthur, Kate and Grace.