Walter Atwood BURLEIGH, Congress, DK (1820-1896)

BURLEIGH, Walter Atwood, a Delegate from the Territory of Dakota; born in Waterville, Maine, October 25, 1820; attended the public schools; served as a private in the Aroostook War in 1839; studied medicine in Burlington, Vt., and New York City, and commenced practice in Richmond, Maine; moved to Kittanning, Pa., in 1852; continued the practice of medicine and studied law; Indian agent at Greenwood, Dak., 1861-1865; elected as a Republican to the Thirty-ninth and Fortieth Congresses (March 4, 1865-March 3, 1869); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1868 to the Forty-first Congress; member of the Dakota Territorial council in 1877; engaged as a contractor and in agricultural pursuits; moved to Miles City, Mont., in 1879 and practiced law; member of the special session of the Montana Territorial council in 1887; delegate to the State convention that framed the constitution of Montana in 1889; member of the first State house of representatives; prosecuting attorney of Custer County in 1889 and 1890; returned to South Dakota in 1893; served in the State senate in 1893; resumed the practice of law; died in Yankton, Yankton County, S.Dak., March 7, 1896; interment in Yankton Cemetery.

Bibliography

Wilson, Wesley C. “Doctor Walter A. Burleigh: Dakota Territorial Delegate to 39th and 40th Congress: Politician, Extraordinary.” North Dakota History 33 (Spring 1966): 93-103.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present