John Burton (mayor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John H. Burton
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| Mayor of Ypsilanti | |
| In office 1967–1968 |
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| Preceded by | Susan H. Sayre |
| Succeeded by | Timothy J. Dyer |
| Member of the Ypsilanti City Council | |
| In office 1947–1967 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | July 18, 1910 St. Louis, Missouri |
| Died | January 1992 (age 81) |
| Spouse | Willie Vaugh |
| Education | B.A. Stowes Teachers College |
John H. Burton (July 18, 1910 – January 1992) was an important American politician. He made history by becoming the first African-American mayor of Ypsilanti. He also served for many years on the Ypsilanti City Council.
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John H. Burton's Life Story
John H. Burton was born in St. Louis, Missouri. His birthday was July 18, 1910. His parents were Dahlia and George Burton. He went to Stowes Teachers College in St. Louis. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.
Moving to Ypsilanti
In 1936, John Burton moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan. He soon became active in his new community.
Serving on the City Council
In 1947, he was elected to the Ypsilanti City Council. This group helps run the city. He served as a council member for 18 out of 20 years. His time on the council lasted until 1967.
Working with the UAW
In 1954, John Burton joined the staff of the International UAW. The UAW is a large labor union. He was chosen by Walter Reuther, a famous union leader. Burton worked as the Political Action Committee Coordinator. He helped with political efforts in Michigan's 1st and 13th Congressional Districts.
Becoming Mayor
In 1967, the City Council elected John Burton as Mayor of Ypsilanti. He took over from Susan H. Sayre. She was the city's first female mayor. John Burton became the first African-American mayor of Ypsilanti. He was one of three Black mayors elected in Michigan that year. The others were Henry G. Marsh in Saginaw and Floyd J. McCree in Flint. He served one term as mayor, until 1968. Timothy J. Dyer was then elected as his successor.
Later Achievements
In 1985, John Burton was named to the Board of Regents for Eastern Michigan University. This board helps guide the university. He was even elected chairman of the board in 1989. He also received several important awards. These included the UAW Douglas A. Fraser Community Services Common Swift Award. He also earned the Civic Humanitarian of the Year Award from Eastern Michigan University. The Greater Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce gave him a Distinguished Service Award.
His Family Life
On April 2, 1939, John Burton married Willie Vaugh. He was a member of the Sigma Rho chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. John Burton passed away in January 1992. He was 81 years old.
