Document Type

Finding Aid

Publication Date

2-15-2022

Inclusive Dates--Span

1947-1979

Inclusive Dates--Bulk

1947-1979

Scope and Content Note

The Burleson papers contain correspondence, legislative documentation, bills, laws, proposals, constituent exchanges, lobbyist exchanges, personal items, speeches, books, awards, and newsletters which reflect his activity in Congress from 1947 to 1979.

Biographical Note

Omar Truman Burleson was born on March 19, 1906 to Joseph Marion and Elizabeth Burleson in Anson, Texas on their family farm where he spent most of his childhood and teenage years. This upbringing would later manifest in his involvement in the agriculture industry and community during his years as a U.S. Representative. He attended Hardin-Simmons University and Abilene Christian College and furthered his education at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee for law school. He completed graduate school and married Reese Deweese in 1929.

Burleson practiced law in northeast Texas and also served as a county judge, a special agent in the FBI, a general counsel member for the District of Columbia Housing Authority, and a secretary to U.S. Representative Sam Russel throughout the 1930s and early 1940s. During World War II Burleson joined the Naval Intelligence. Soon after discharge he was elected as the U.S. Representative for the seventeenth district in the eightieth Congress.

Burleson’s interests and activity as a U.S. Representative particularly centered on the agricultural, veteran, taxation, and health aspects of government and these interests are represented in his papers. He served in congress until 1979. He passed away on May 14, 1991.

Content List

See PDF finding aid for inventory.

Language

ENGLISH

Extent of Collection

300 linear feet (303 boxes)

Manuscript Number

Center for Restoration Studies Manuscripts #548

Physical Location

Center for Restoration Studies

Use Restrictions

Open to researchers. Contact Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives to make an appointment.

Processing Status

Processed

Finding Aid created by

Jonathan Ladd, John Placide, Hannah Solis Pebbles, Savannah Weeks, Mac Ice, Carisse Berryhill, Amanda Dietz

Comments

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