Clarence Monroe Burton (November 18, 1853 – October 23, 1932) was a Detroit lawyer and businessman, historian, and philanthropist. See more

On November 19, 1874, the day after his twenty-first birthday, Burton was licensed to practice law in Wayne County, Michigan. He went to work for the firm of Ward and Palmer in Detroit for a yearly … See more

In 1891, Burton organized the Burton Abstract Company from Ward and Skinner. The new company failed to show a profit for the first few years, but grew in size and importance as Detroit grew, and eventually turned a handsome profit. In 1893 the company … See more

On February 6, 1896, Burton's wife Harriet died, leaving Burton as the sole parent to eight children. He lost himself in his work, but eventually met Lina O. (Shoemaker) Grant. The two were married on Christmas Day, 1897. However, in 1898, Lina died as the result of an … See more

Burton had always been interested in collecting books. He had begun in 1874 by collecting historical works pertaining to his interests, tracing down as many works as possible on that subject. He eventually began concentrating on American historical … See more

Throughout his life, Burton held positions of public trust, occasionally flirting with elected office. In 1896, he was appointed the Detroit School Inspector, a job he held for 17 years, resigning in 1913 when his other duties and interests became too great. In 1897, he … See more

In 1915, Burton built a new house on Boston Boulevard in Boston-Edison which boasted fireproof steel and concrete construction. At the same time, Burton gave his book collection to the Detroit Public Library, along with the deed to his Brainard Street … See more