JAMES M. BURTON

FROM: The History of Gallatin, Saline, Hamilton, Franklin, and Williamson Counties, Illinois (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1887).  P. 679-680.

            James M. Burton, druggist and justice at Dahlgren, was born May 31, 1848, in Knight’s Prairie, Hamilton Co., Ill.  Our subject was educated in the common schools, and at twenty began selling groceries at Walpole, but a few months later moved to Lovilla, where he established himself in general merchandise.  He married, and at the end of two years made a final move to Dahlgren, and was for two years in the dry goods business.  Since that he has been in his present business, excepting three years as constable of his precinct.  In 1880, when he began pharmacy again, he was also elected justice, and in 1885 re-elected.  His wife, Mary A. (Preston) was born in 1849, in Coshocton, County, Ohio.  Their children are Ella M., Charity and Flora O.  Three also are deceased.  Mr. Burton is one of the leading men of Dahlgren, and politically is a Democrat, first voting for Greeley.  He is popular in his party, and has always polled a strong vote when he has been candidate for two different county offices.  He is vice-president of Tonti, Dahlgren Lodge, No. 37, and a member of Iron Hall, Branch Lodge, No. 124, in the latter of which he served four years as cashier, and has lately been elected chief justice for the second term.  He is a charter member of both orders.  His wife is a Methodist, and his oldest daughter is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.