[2][3] He was a major sheep rancher in northern Arizona, centered in Ash Fork, with significant holdings.
[6][7] In 1912, Burton sold many of his range interests north of Ash Fork, and extended his ranching activities to include cattle.
[15] In 1918, after his election, Governor Campbell appointed Burton as one of the three members of the state's Sheep Sanitary Board.
A. Johns and C. P. Hicks were both soundly beaten by Burton and his Republican running partner, David Morgan.
[18] In addition to his sheep ranching activities, Burton was also co-owner of the Northern Arizona Commercial Company, a mercantile enterprise.
[3][21] In May 1921 Burton married for a second time, to Mabel Frankforter of Phoenix, and member of a well-known Arizona pioneering family.