Samuel Swinfin Burdett

Samuel Swinfin Burdett (February 21, 1836 – September 24, 1914) was a U.S. Representative from Missouri.

Born at Broughton Astley, bordering Sutton-in-the-Elms, Leicestershire, England When twelve years of age he emigrated to the United States. He worked on a farm in Lorain County, Ohio, and attended the common schools. He studied law at Oberlin College, Ohio, was admitted to the bar in 1858 and commenced practice in Dewitt, Iowa. He entered the Union Army as a private in the First Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, in May 1861. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, later becoming captain, and served until August 1864. He served as assistant provost marshal general from March 1, 1864-August 1, 1864. He moved to Osceola, St. Clair County, Missouri, in December 1865. Attorney for the seventh circuit in 1868 and 1869. He served as delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1868.

Burdett was elected as a Republican to the Forty-first and Forty-second Congresses (March 4, 1869-March 3, 1873). He served as chairman of the Committee on Manufactures (Forty-second Congress). He was an unsuccessful candidate in 1872 for reelection to the Forty-third Congress. He resumed the practice of law in Osceola, Missouri. He was appointed Commissioner of the General Land Office in 1874. He engaged in the practice of law in Washington, D.C., residing at Glencarlyn, Virginia, during his last years. Commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic from 1885 to 1886. He died at 12 Green Rd, Broughton Astley, nr. Sutton-in-the-Elms, Leicestershire, England, September 24, 1914, whilst on a visit, in the room in which he was born. He was interred in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

References

• United States Congress. "Samuel Swinfin Burdett (id: B001074)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.