George Paul Burleigh is an attorney at law of St. Louis who is engaged in the general practice of law, specializing in trademark practice, to which he has given his attention for twenty-two years. He has the distinction of having served as the youngest member of the Missouri legislature in 1899 and has long been active in all those interests which have to do with the welfare and progress of city and state. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, June 29, 1873, his parents being James E. and Mary (Johnson) Burleigh. The father was a native of Paisley, Scotland, and on coming to the United States in 1855 settled in Providence, Rhode Island, where he was married to Miss Mary Johnson, a native of Ireland. They became the parents of six sons and six daughters, of whom three sons and four daughters are living: William J., a physician; Frank J., who is engaged in the insurance business; George P., of this review: Mrs. Marv B. Peacock. a widow: Mrs. J. J. De Martini: Mrs. Joseph M. Fahey; and Mrs. Lillian T. Mosher, also a widow. The father came to St. Louis from Providence, Rhode Island, with his family in 1874 and here engaged in the cigar manufacturing business in which he remained with good success until his death in 1916. His wife has also passed away.
George P. Burleigh attended the public schools and afterward the St. Louis University in the pursuit of his education. He completed his literary course in the latter institution in 1894 and then took up the study of law, which he pursued in Washington University until 1897. He is a member of the Missouri and St. Louis Bar Associations and for many years has successfully engaged in general practice but has largely specialized in trademark law and has become recognized as an authority on that subject.
On the 9th of October, 1915, Mr. Burleigh was married to Miss Mary J. Ross, who was born in San Antonio, Texas, and is a descendant of Betsy Ross, the maker of the first American flag. When America was at war with Germany Mr. Burleigh served as a member of the legal advisory board of Division No. 25 and was chief clerk of the draft board in Division No. 22 and otherwise was active in supporting the interests of the country. In his college days Mr. Burleigh was keenly interested in football and baseball and now makes hunting his favorite recreation. In politics he is an active democrat and in 1899 was elected to the state legislature for a two years’ term from the sixth St. Louis district. He was the youngest member of the house and served on several important committees. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. He has never been a clubman, preferring to devote his attention when out of office to the interests of his home and to athletics, of which he is very fond.
Mary Burleigh was my grandfathers sister. Her maiden name was McShea not Johnson. Johnson is an anglified version of McShea. My Aunt went to St Louis to visit them during them worlds fair. I have letters describing that visit.