Burton, Robert, 1747-1825

Robert Burton (October 20, 1747 – May 31, 1825) was an American farmer, Revolutionary War officer, planter, and statesman in what is now Vance County, North Carolina (then Granville County, North Carolina). He was a delegate from North Carolina to the Continental Congress in 1787.

Born in Goochland County in the Colony of Virginia, Burton attended private schools. He moved to Granville County, North Carolina in about 1775. Burton served in the Revolutionary Army and as quartermaster general attained the rank of colonel. From 1783 to 1785, Burton served as a member of the council of state; he was elected to the Continental Congress in 1785 but not seated until 1786; although he was elected again in 1787, there is no record to indicate that he attended. Burton again served as a member of the council of state from 1800 to 1807 and from 1813 to 1815, serving as president of the council in 1807, 1813, and 1815. He served as a member of the commission to establish the boundary line between the States of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia in 1801.

Burton died in Granville County and was buried at the cemetery on his Montpelier plantation in Williamsboro, North Carolina. The area of Granville County in which he lived is now part of Vance County, North Carolina.