J. & W. Burt (1856-1857) Detroit, Michigan John Burt (1814-1886 Life) William Burt (1825-1898 Life)


In 1852 a Detroit instrument maker John Bailey received authorization to produce the Burt’s Patent Solar Compass. During the next year Bailey took in William Austin Burt’s sons, John and William, as partners, forming Burt & Bailey. When Bailey left in 1856 the surviving partnership became known as J & W Burt. This business lasted one year and the next venture was Burt and Watson which continued for another year.

"1856-57 Detroit directory show the following listings: Burt, J. & W. mathematical instrument makers 214 Jefferson Ave. Burt, W. of J. & W. Burt with J. Burt, Burt, John of J. & W. Burt res. 25 Rowland"


"John Burt, son of William Austin Burt, was born in Wales Township, Erie County, New York on April 18, 1814. He died in Detroit on August 16, 1886. He is buried in the Burt Lot in Detroit. From 1840 to 1850 he was engaged with his father in surveying in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He was the first superintendent of construction of the first canal at Sault Ste. Marie. He was the inventor of the locks and patentee that are used there. With his brother William, he was a partner of J. & W. Burt in 1856 and 1857. Apparently he left the company in 1857 to engage in many other enterprises. He was also a partner in the firm of Burt & Watson in 1857 and 1858."

"William Burt was a son of William Austin Burt. He was born in Mount Vernon, Michigan, October 31, 1825. He died in Marquette, Michigan on December 19, 1898. He is buried in the Burt Lot in the Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit. He was associated with his father and his brother John as a surveyor until 1846. From early in 1847 to 1858 he was a United States Deputy Surveyor. He was a member of the firm Burt & Bailey from 1853 to 1856; in 1856 and 1857 with J. & W. Burt; and in 1857 and 1858 a member of the firm Burt & Watson, all of the concerns being in Detroit. In 1866 he moved to Marquette, Michigan where he was engaged in other enterprises until his death in 1898."