Career
In 1916 the Massachusetts legislature and electorate approved a calling of a Constitutional Convention. Elected Treasurer in 1919, Burrell resigned from the position on September 3, 1920, following an investigation by a special legislative committee, which revealed that banks using the services of an advertising agency owned by Burrell received increased amounts of state money. Burrell was also criticized for depositing $125,000 of state funds with Hanover Trust Company, a bank run by Charles Ponzi.
Burrell denied any wrongdoing and ran for Treasurer three more times after his resignation, losing to Charles F. Hurley in 1930 and John East. Hurley in 1944 and 1950.
