My Genealogy Hound

JOHN BURTON, of Springfield township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, an enterprising and prosperous business man, whose reliable methods have brought to him a large degree of financial success and given to him a prominent place in business circles, was born in England, January 27, 1852, on the old homestead, one of four children of John and Ann (Hand) Burton, both of whom are now deceased.

His educational advantages were obtained in the schools of his native country, and after laying aside his school books he took up the study of gardening, and for a period of time was employed in the Earl of Stamford’s gardens in England. In 1872 he decided to test the business opportunities of the United States, and accordingly set sail on the steamship “Atlantic,” landed in the city of New York, and came on to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He secured employment there at his trade, and in 1876 did considerable work on the grounds of the Centennial Exhibition held in that city. He then took up his residence in New Orleans, Louisiana, residing there two years, after which he came to his present home in Springfield township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He at once purchased twenty-one acres of land and engaged in the florist business. The enterprise was a success from the beginning, and has steadily grown in proportions from year to year, until now (1904) he has a plant with over two hundred thousand feet of glass in it, and is regarded as one of the leading rose growers in this country. He was recently appointed assignee of Craig & Son, of Philadelphia, florists and growers, and by his careful and conservative methods is bringing this business along in a successful manner.

Mr. Burton is a staunch adherent of the principles of Democracy, and is a leader in politics in his township. In 1891 he was elected to the state legislature, and during his term of office discharged the duties with distinction and credit, giving entire satisfaction to his constituents. For ten consecutive years he served the township as school director, and the cause of education has always found in him an earnest advocate. He is a member of the Florist Association of America.

Mr. Burton was united in marriage to Elizabeth A. Lees, a daughter of George Lees, superintendent of a carpet works in the city of Philadelphia. Their children are: Alfred, who married Edith D. Harper, they have one child; George, married to Rose Taylor, they also have one child; Alice and Elizabeth A., who are unmarried. The sons assist their father in his business. The family are highly respected in the community, where they enjoy the acquaintance of a wide circle of friends.