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THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
WILLIAM A. BURT, BY GEORGE H. CANNON.
June 7, 1882.
He was occupied in giving instructions to a class of twelve lake captains in navigation, astronomy, and the use of his new instrument, when he was stricken down by heart disease, August 18th, 1858. His companion survived him a few years, and they sleep side by side in the cemetery at Mt. Vernon, near the home they had built through so many toils and privations. Mr. Burt died universally respected. He was of a retiring disposition and of unassuming deportment. His mind was of a practical turn, and he had but little confidence in mere matters of theory. He was an original thinker and a brilliant conversationalist. His inventions have benefited the world, and will for all the years-to come. Without the education of the schools he was still a scholar, and had acquired that practical knowledge which gave him recognition among the scientific men of the day.
Mr. Burt was a religious man, and it influenced his every conduct. He was one of the founders, and a member of the Mt. Vernon Baptist church. He was no politician, but classed himself a Jeffersonian Democrat, never taking any active part in political matters. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and helped to organize the third lodge formed in Michigan, and was its first master. In person he was of fine presence and commanding figure, and weighed 180 pounds. His active life had given him an extensive acquaintance, and he was so widely known that his memory will ever be held in kindly regard by the people of the peninsular state.
Michigan
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