Colonel Emmette Y. Burton, 1914-1933
Personal Life
Colonel Burton was born in Augusta County Virginia on March 1, 1877 to parents James W. and Mary M. Burton. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1902. He married Lillian Minerva Brady in 1905.
His three sons attended Missouri Military Academy during his tenure as President.
William Burton '28
Emmette Y. Burton, Jr. '30
Sam H. Burton '33
Colonel Burton died on March 30, 1956 in Houston, Texas and is buried in East Lawn Memorial Park in Mexico, Missouri.
Professional Life
- Professor of Mathematics at St. Charles Military Academy, 1903 to 1905
- Professor of Mathematics at Kirksville Normal School, 1905 to 1907
- Superintendent at St. Charles Military Academy
- Faculty at University of Virginia
- Faculty at Millsaps College
- President at Missouri Military Academy, 1914 to 1933
- President of Mexico Chamber of Commerce
- Audrain County Coroner, 1940 to 1944
- Chairman of the Price and Rationing Board during World War II
- Military Aide-de-camp to Governor Gardner, 1919-1920
Missouri Military Academy Highlights
- Hearst Trophy, White House Visit
- Adopted school motto of "Love, Honor, Truth"
- Instituted the "Big Brother Plan" educational model
- Oversaw an era of significant prosperity and improvements
- New gymnasium with QM, rec room, bowling alley, armory, and rifle range in the basement and a 22x65 pool, 1914
- A Barracks with classrooms, library, reading room, faculty apartments 1917
- Extensive remodel of B/C barracks, 1917
- D barracks, 1919 (Junior School, but moved back to B later)
- Added bowling alley, barber shop, canteen to Alamo, 1920
- Academy Hospital in two-story relocated building near Alamo
- Established a unit of the ROTC under a new law. Fall 1917
- General Pershing visit and inspection 1921 school year
- President Taft Visit 1920
- Radio and aviation classes added
- Accreditation from North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools 1918
- First recognition as ROTC Honor Rating, Via telegram dated May 25, 1930