Robert T. Burton

Robert T. Burton was a member of the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from October 5, 1884, until his death on November 11, 1907. He served as second counselor to Bishop Edward Hunter and then first counselor to William B. Preston.

Burton was born on October 25, 1821, in Amherstburg, Upper Canada. He was baptized in Canada on October 23, 1838. He lived in Far West, Walnut Grove, and Nauvoo, Illinois. He was part of the team of rescuers who journeyed from Salt Lake City to help the stranded Martin Handcart Company in October 1856. He also served numerous missions.

Burton was a principal officer in the Nauvoo Legion and led the territorial militia against the Morrisites during the 1862 Morrisite War. In 1870, he was tried and acquitted for the murder of Isabella Bowman, who had been killed by Utah militia while surrendering in the Morrisite War. In addition to his militia activities, he manufactured homes, farmed, and raised stock.

He practiced plural marriage and had three wives (Maria S. Haven, Sarah A. Garr, Susan E. McBride) and twenty-seven children. His great-great-grandson, H. David Burton served as Presiding Bishop from January 1, 1996, to March 31, 2012.