Adolphus W. Burtt | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Attorney General of South Dakota | |
| In office March 18, 1902 – January 5, 1903 | |
| Governor | Charles N. Herreid |
| Preceded by | John L. Pyle |
| Succeeded by | Philo Hall |
| Member of theSouth Dakota Senate from the 22nd District | |
| In office 1893–1895 | |
| Preceded by | A. B. Melville |
| Succeeded by | Edward H. Alpin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1832-05-28)May 28, 1832 New York,U.S. |
| Died | January 7, 1917(1917-01-07) (aged 84) Kalispell, Montana, U.S. |
| Resting place | Conrad Memorial Cemetery, Kalispell, Montana |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 1 |
| Profession | Attorney |
Adolphus W. Burtt (May 28, 1832 – January 7, 1917) was an American attorney and politician. He is most notable for his service in theSouth Dakota Senate in the early 1890s and asAttorney General of South Dakota in the early 1900s.
Adolphus William Burtt (sometimes spelled "Burt") was born inNew York[a] on May 28, 1832, the son of Warren D. Burtt and Sarah (Fowler) Burtt.[b][1][3] He was educated raised and educated inWatertown andMendon.[3] Burtt attendedGenesee Wesleyan Seminary,[4] then worked as a bookkeeper.[5] At the time of the 1860 census, he was living with his wife's family inWest Bloomfield, New York.[5][6]
Burtt moved toPontiac, Michigan, in the mid-1860s.[7] Hestudied law, probably under Michael E. Crofoot, whose partner he later became, and wasadmitted to the bar in 1869.[8] He was active in politics as aRepublican, and ran unsuccessfully for prosecuting attorney ofOakland County[9] and city clerk of Pontiac.[10] Burtt served as ajustice of the peace of Pontiac's municipal court,[11][12] and afterwards was usually referred to as "Judge Burtt".[13] After several years of practice as Crofoot & Burtt,[7] in 1877 Crofoot's son Louis joined the firm, which became known as Crofoot, Burtt & Crofoot.[14]
In 1881, Burtt and Louis W. Crofoot were among a large contingent of Pontiac residents who decided to file claims for land grants in theDakota Territory and move to what is nowBeadle County, South Dakota.[2] Burtt and Louis Crofoot practiced in partnership inHuron, and Burtt served several terms as Huron's city attorney, in addition to running unsuccessfully for mayor.[2]
Burtt won election to theSouth Dakota Senate in 1892, and served one term, 1893 to 1895.[2] When Attorney GeneralJohn L. Pyle died in 1902, GovernorCharles N. Herreid appointed Burtt to fill the vacancy, and he served from March 1902 until January 1903.[2] He was not a candidate for a full term in 1902, and was succeeded byPhilo Hall.[15]
From 1906 to 1907, Burtt served as president of the South Dakota Bar Association.[16] He was also the longtime president of the Beadle County Bar Association.[17] Burtt was an active member of theMasons and theElks, and had a reputation as an effective orator, which caused him to be sought out for speeches at political meetings, holiday commemorations, and other events.[1]
In 1909, Burtt and his wife moved toKalispell, Montana, so they could reside near their daughter and son-in-law.[1] He died in Kalispell on January 7, 1917, and was buried at Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell.[1]
In 1857, Burtt married Emily Elizabeth Beebe (1836–1910) ofWest Bloomfield, New York.[6][18] They were the parents of a daughter, Nellie (1864–1938).[12][19][20] Nellie Burtt was the wife of George A. Fessenden (1863–1910).[1][18][20][21]
A. W. Burtt Sworn. Have lived here 14 years...
A. W. Burtt Sworn. Have lived here 14 years...
| Legal offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Attorney General of South Dakota 1902–1903 | Succeeded by |
