Career
He was also one of the principal officers in the Nauvoo Legion during its Utah reconstitution (including the Utah War) and led the territorial militia against the Morrisites during the 1862 Morrisite War. Born in Amherstburg, Upper Canada, Burton was called by Presiding Bishop Edward Hunter to be his second counselor in 1874. Burton served in this capacity until Hunter"s death in 1883.
When William B. Preston was called to be the new Presiding Bishop in 1884, Burton was asked to serve as his first counselor
Burton served in this capacity until his death. In 1856, Burton was part of the rescue party sent from Salt Lake City to assist the stranded Martin Handcart Company near the Sweetwater River.
In 1870, Burton was tried and acquitted for the murder of Isabella Bowman, a person who had been killed by Utah militia while surrendering in the Morrisite War. Burton practiced plural marriage and fathered 27 children.
Burton died at Salt Lake City and was buried at Salt Lake City Cemetery.