[1] His father had left New York for Illinois earlier that year, intending to begin a homestead and then return for his family, but he disappeared under circumstances that were never solved.

[2][3] Burr had to begin working as a child in order to help support the family, and his youth included a job in a brickyard and other manual labor.

[2] He was largely self-taught, and after completing his education and receiving his teaching qualification, he taught school for several years in Vandalia.

[1] In June 1870, Burr was elected chairman of the Illinois Democratic State Committee, and he served until 1872.

[6] Burr's first wife was Alicia A. Anderson, with whom he had two children, Louis and Lucy.