Many of the original settlers of Burton came from the towns of Adams (town), New YorkAdams and Henderson, New YorkHenderson in Jefferson County, New York. For many years the place was known as the Atherton settlement, after brothers Shubael and Perus Atherton (and later joined by another brother, Adonijah), who settled on the Thread Creek in 1835. Although there were other persons who purchased land earlier, and even some who attempted to settle there, the first permanent white settler in the area is considered to be Levi Gilkey, who purchased land on May 11, 1831, and settled near the mouth of the Gilkey Creek (in what is now part of Flint, MichiganFlint). The City of Burton was originally organized as 'Burton Township', named after John Burton, a prominent local farmer. Burton Township had first been a part of Grand Blanc Township, MichiganGrand Blanc Township and then Flint Township, MichiganFlint Township until it was separately organized by the Genesee County Board of Supervisors on October 12, 1855, although the first township meeting did not take place until April 7, 1856, which is sometimes taken as the actual date of organization. Over the years, large portions of the northern and western sides of the township were annexed by the City of Flint. On May 16, 1972, township residents voted to incorporate and the City of Burton was officially formed later that year. On May 27, 1997 the city's veterans memorial was dedicated to honor residents who served in the armed forces. The memorial plays host to the city's Independence Day and Memorial Day celebrations, and is part of the complex that also includes Burton's city hall, Police stationpolice, Fire stationfire and public works headquarters, and the local post office. In order to keep pace with Burton's growing population, city government has expanded over the years, and today there are 41 policemen and 66 firemen in the city. Burton is also home to the 40-acre Kelly Lake Park, which includes a lake, bike path, picnic pavilion and nature trails; the 380-acre For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum; two 18-hole golf courses; and the Ice Mountain hockey arena. In addition, the Courtland Center shopping center is located here. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burton%2C_Michigan