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GEORGE K. BURT, editor and proprietor of the South Shore
Republican, was born January 3, 1875, in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, being the son of John and Ellen (Kirk) Burt, both natives of Scotland.
They were reared and married in their native land and resided there until 1873, when they emigrated to Bradford county, Pennsylvania,. where
for a number of years he followed his trade of shoemaker. In 1876 they returned to Scotland, but in 1881 decided again to try the new world,
and came direct to Codington county. Settling on a tract of government land near South Shore, he improved a farm and cultivated the same with
encouraging results until a few years ago, when he ceased active life, and removed to the town where he now is living in easy retirement.
George K. Burt was so young when his parents returned to Scotland
that he has no recollection of the place of his birth. His few years spent in the land of his forefathers served to fix permanently in his
memory the romantic scenes of that country, but the greater part of his youth was spent on the homestead in Codington county, where he became
accustomed to the varied duties of farm life. He attended the public school of winter seasons and the training thus received was supplemented
by attendance for a short time at the agricultural college at Brookings.
He spent one year on the farm, and in 1898 accepted a position in
the office of the South Shore Republican, from which time until the present he has been actively engaged in journalism. Two weeks after
entering the office he took charge of the paper and after becoming sole proprietor he introduced a number of improvements, gave new life and
impetus to the enterprise, and its present high standing is due entirely
to his energetic and successful management. The Republican is a creditable paper, its columns containing all interesting and important
local and general news and its editorials are able and fearless in discussion of the leading questions of the day. Mr. Burt is an easy and
graceful writer, a courteous but able antagonist and is incisive as well
as fearless with his pen. He is an influential factor in the public affairs of his town and county, manifests a lively interest in whatever
tends to the advancement of the community, and his paper has become a powerful educational force in moulding sentiment and directing opinion.
Mr. Burt was a leading spirit in the incorporation of South Shore
and has served two terms as town clerk. He is also interested in various
local enterprises, one being the Creamery Association, of which he is vice-president. His fraternal relations are represented by the Modern
Woodmen of America, in which he is an active worker and in which he has been officially honored.
Mr. Burt, on Thanksgiving day, 1901, was united in marriage with
Miss Agnes Philp, the youngest daughter of Peter Philp, the union being blessed with one child, Muriel.
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