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
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], [file or folder name], Omar Truman Burleson Papers, 1947-1979. Center for Restoration Studies MS #548. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.
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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