Ernest George Burdett, proprietor of a leading grocery establishment in the progressive city of Evanston, displaying in the conduct of his business interests the spirit of marked enterprise and advancement which has characterized the upbuilding of this city and the development of western Wyoming, was born April 11, 1880, in Evanston, his parents being James and Sarah J. (Lethbridge) Burdett, both of whom were natives of England, whence they crossed the Atlantic to America, and on the 1^st of October, 1870, became residents of Piedmont, Wyoming. The father engaged in railroad work in connection with the construction of the Union Pacific and on the 10^th of January, 1875, he came to Evanston, where he entered the employ of the firm of Blyth & Pixley, with whom he remained for sixteen years. He then entered into business on his own account as a partner in the firm of Dawson & Burdett, an association that was maintained for sixteen years, at the end of which time Mr. Burdett sold out and organized the Burdett Mercantile Company, conducting business under that style from 1910 until 1915, when he once more disposed of his business. Since then he has lived retired in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He has now passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, having reached the age of seventy-two, while his wife is living at the age of sixty-nine years. They had a family of thirteen children, of whom four died in infancy, while nine are still living: Alma J.; Mrs. P. G. Matthews; Jim; William H., who is clerk of the district court; Charles L.; Frank J., a resident of Shoshone, Idaho; Lorenzo; and Laurina.
    Of this family Ernest George Burdett was the seventh in order of birth. His boyhood and youth were largely devoted to the acquirement of a public school education in Evanston, where he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1897. He then spent two years in his father's employ, after which he traveled in England, engaged in mission work in that country for two years. Returning to his native land, he acted for three years as clerk in the county courthouse and was promoted to the position of chief deputy county clerk, in which capacity he continued for three years. He then embarked in business with his father, with whom he was associated until they sold their interests. In 1915 Mr. Burdett of this review established the Burdett grocery store, which is now one of the leading commercial interests of Evanston. He carries a large stock of staple and fancy groceries and enjoys an extensive trade which is steadily growing as the country round about becomes more thickly settled. He is also the secretary and treasurer of the Stahley Land & Live Stock Company, in which connection he is extensively engaged in raising cattle and sheep, the company being capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars. He is likewise a director and the secretary of the Uinta County Fair Association and he does everything in his power to stimulate an interest in progressive farming and stock raising, and in the improvement of all lines of business leading to the substantial improvement and development of this section of the state.
    On the 23^d of September, 1903, Mr. Burdett was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Hortense Spence, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Spence, of Salt Lake City. Six children have been born of this marriage: Ernest J., born in 1904; Harold, in 1906; Marion S., in 1908; Benjamin, in 1910; Carl G., in 1914; and Geneva Hortense, born November 29, 1916. The four eldest children are now in school.
    The parents are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Mr. Burdett is superintendent of the Woodruff State Sunday schools. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he stands for progress and improvement in everything that has to do with the welfare and upbuilding of city, county or commonwealth. He ranks with Evanston's representative business men, occupying an enviable position in public regard by reason of a well spent life, fidelity to high standards of business and loyalty in citizenship.