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GOV. EDWIN CHICK BURLEIGH was born in Linneus, Aroostook County, on the
27th of November, 1843. He is of Scotch-Irish descent. His parents were
among the early settlers of northern Maine, his grandfather, Col. Moses Burleigh,
having settled in Linneus in 1830. Gov. Burleigh was educated in the little red school-
house at Linneus, and at Houlton Academy, where were laid the foundations of a business
knowledge that has already been of great value to the State. His early life was spent
on a farm in the pioneer settlements of Aroostook. He taught school winters, and also
did considerable land surveying. In 1864, he enlisted in the District of Columbia Cavalry,
but on account of illness he failed to pass the physician's examination. He was clerk
under Gen. Hodsdon in the Adjutant General's office for several years. In 1876-77-78,
he was assistant clerk of the House of Representatives, holding at the same time
the position of land agent. The State government, wisely recognizing the value of his
familiarity with public lands, insisted upon securing his services in this department. In
1880 he accepted a position as clerk in the office of the State Treasury, where he soon
acquainted himself thoroughly with the financial management of the State. He was
State Treasurer in 1885, and served in this position with marked ability and sagacity
until his resignation in the summer of 1888, when he was elected Governor of Maine. |