Bursum, Holm Olaf, 1867-1953

Holm O. Bursum was a politician, sheep rancher and warden of the New Mexico State Penitentiary. Born in Iowa in 1867, Bursum moved to New Mexico in 1881. While living in Socorro County, he became a prominent cattle and sheep rancher. Brusum began his political career when he was elected Sheriff of Socorro County, serving from 1894-1898. He was Republican Floor Leader at the New Mexico Constitutional Convention in 1910. While serving as U.S. Senator he failed to pass federal legislation which would have reduced the size of Pueblo landholdings in New Mexico. Brusum died in Colorado Springs, Colo., 1953

From the guide to the Holm O. Bursum Photograph Collection, 1902-1925, (Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico.)

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