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