Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
LEVI D. BURTON is a veteran of the Civil War, being one of the very first to step forward and offer his services for the good of his country. He enlisted in Company B, Second Indiana Cavalry, in September, 1861, and served in the first Cavalry Division of the Army of the Cumberland, fighting in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, Chickamauga, and others, besides doing some skirmishing. He was in the fiercest of the fights, and many times his clothes were pierced by bullets. Although he witnessed the death of many soldiers at his side, he received no wound except a slight cut on the head from the saber of a rebel surgeon. He was captured once by General Morgan, and detained seven days. Mr. Burton endured all the hardships and deprivations incident to a soldier's life, and showed himself a man of the true blue, faithful in every service and reliable at all times. He went in as a private, and came out a non-commissioned captain. For the excellent service he rendered his country he is now receiving a stipend from the government.
Levi D. Burton was born on April 25, 1836, in Preble county, Ohio, the son of Elijah and Leanna (Williams) Burton, natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. He was educated and reared in Wayne county, Indiana, and after his honorable discharge from the army returned home. Soon after he was married, but his wife took consumption and died while young. Mr. Burton then lived a roving life, and visited various parts of the United States and Mexico. In 1873 he was in California and then went to Glendale, Montana, where he made considerable money but spent it freely. Securing a blind horse and a cart he began a journey to Yakima, a distance of eight hundred miles. Having decided that this was not the country he desired, he drove the same faithful beast to Okanogan county, in 1887. He immediately located a fine stock ranch near where Loomis now stands, and from that time until 1903, gave his time to improving his ranch and raising stock. He then sold his ranch and stock and removed to Loomis where he has a comfortable home and is passing the golden age of his life in well earned retirement, supplied with a good competence and amid a large circle of friends. Mr. Burton is known as one of the thrifty and substantial men of his county. He was elected county commissioner in 1894 and served acceptably for two years.
