BURTON, George W.

BURTON, George W. (Philadelphia, PA--Dubuque, IA, Unknown, 1895). Burton came to Dubuque in 1843 and found employment as a clerk for Waples & Zerkle. He went into business for himself around 1849 in the business of Burton and Company on the corner of 4th and Main. He prospered and his store was one of the largest in the community.

Around 1856 he started a bank in partnership with Dr. John FINLEY. The two men also were involved in real estate speculation. With Peter WAPLES they platted all of West Dubuque south of the Delhi Road. They also platted Heeb's Hollow and all the land north of the Delhi Road. The three men also established a white lead plant in West Dubuque. Burton's wealth at the time was estimated between $100,000 and $300,000. The PANIC OF 1857 destroyed his wealth, and at the start of the CIVIL WAR he was broke.

In 1863 Burton and Charles Chapline opened an auction store of the corner of Main and 8th STREETS. This business was profitable, and they entered the business of mineral and land speculation. On land he purchased, a rich deposit of LEAD was found again making Burton and wealthy man. Again, however, events went against him. He prepared a set of abstracts at great expense to himself and then had to sell them at a loss. Water then flooded his mine and expensive equipment had to be used to allow any mining to continue. By 1875 he was again bankrupt. He was admitted to the practice of law, but failed in this and ended up alone--forgotten by his family and former friends.

---

"Eventful Career," Dubuque Herald, February 21, 1895