Background
Burton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Burton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah.
University of Utah.
Under his direction the department expanded its operations, largely through the opening of many more Family History Centers. In 1934, Burton received a master"s degree from the University of Utah, where he became a Sigma Chirurgical He worked for the treasury attache at the United States. embassies in both Vienna and Berlin.
He later taught at Carbon College and Utah State Agricultural College.
He then went to Purdue University where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in chemistry in 1951. He returned to Utah State, but in 1957 was called as president of the West German Mission of the church.
In 1960, Burton was called as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He served in this position until it was disbanded in 1976.
At this time he was transferred to the First Quorum of the Seventy.
Burton had served for a time as bishop of the Logan 4th Ward prior to becoming a mission president Burton served as president of the European Mission of the church and later as the Area Supervisor in Europe. As director of the Genealogical Department, Burton initiated the translation of materials into languages other than English.
He held the title of Executive Director of the Family History Department from 1972 to 1978.
He also negotiated the contracting out of microfilming work to a private company in 1967 and then its later resumption as a function of the church department.