David Burbank
American dentist and investor (1821–1895)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
David Burbank (December 17, 1821 – January 21, 1895) was an American dentist and real estate investor. He became a founder and the namesake of Burbank, California.
David Burbank | |
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| Born | December 17, 1821 Effingham, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Died | January 21, 1895 (aged 73) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Known for | Founder of Burbank, California |
Early life
Burbank was born on December 17, 1821, in Effingham, New Hampshire.[1] He had one brother, Franklin Burbank.[1] His family moved to Waterville, Maine, when he was a child. He studied dentistry, and entered into the practice. Burbank moved to San Francisco, California, in 1853, and practiced dentistry there until 1866.[2]
Burbank, California
Burbank moved to Los Angeles in 1866. He bought 4,600 acres (1,900 ha) of Rancho Providencia on March 20, 1867, from David W. Alexander and Alexander Bell.[3] Burbank also bought about 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) of Rancho San Rafael from Jonathan R. Scott that year.[4] He united the two tracts and operated it as a sheep ranch.[5]
In 1873, Burbank sold the right-of-way through the property to the Southern Pacific Railroad.[6] He donated 1 acre (0.40 ha) of land to build a school in 1879, establishing the Providencia School District.[7] In the early 1880s, he stopped raising sheep and rented out the land for farming.[8]
In 1886, Burbank sold both tracts to Providencia Land, Water, and Development Co., of which he was a member, for $150,000 (equivalent to $5,400,000 in 2025[9]).[1][10][11] The corporation filed paperwork establishing the "Town of Burbank" on May 1, 1887.[12][13]
Burbank built a hotel in the town in 1887.[12] He also commissioned the construction of the Burbank Theatre on Main Street in 1888,[14] which was completed in 1893.[10][15][16]
Later life and legacy
Burbank and his wife, Clara,[17] had a daughter, named Flora.[18] He continued to practice dentistry until 1872.[2]
Burbank fell ill on January 5, 1895.[2] He died at his home on January 21.[1] He was interred at Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery.[19]
The city of Burbank commissioned a 12-foot (3.7 m) bronze statue of Burbank from Andrea Favilli. It was dedicated at 1075 West Burbank Boulevard in 2010.[20]
