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Higher Office(s) Served: Representative, Senator

EDWIN C. BURLEIGH, the forty-second governor of Maine, was born in Linneus, Maine on November 27, 1843. His education was attained in the common schools of his native state, and at the Houlton Academy. Before entering politics, Burleigh worked as a surveyor, a teacher, and a clerk in the state adjutant-general’s office. He then served as the State Land Agent from 1865 to 1878, was the assistant clerk in the Maine House of Representatives from 1876 to 1878, and served as the assistant clerk in the State Treasurer’s office from 1880 to 1885. He also served as the State Treasurer of Maine from 1885 to 1888. Burleigh won the 1888 Republican gubernatorial nomination, and went on to win the general election by a popular vote. He was reelected to a second term in 1890. During his tenure, he managed the duties of the executive office competently and efficiently. After completing his term, Burleigh left office on January 4, 1893. From 1897 to 1911 he served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and from 1913 to 1916 he served as a member of the U.S. Senate. Governor Edwin C. Burleigh passed away on June 16, 1916, and was buried in the Forest Grove Cemetery in Augusta, Maine.

Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

Bio of Edwin C. Burleigh