Daniel L. Burrows (January 23, 1908 – June 3, 1990) was an American politician from New York who was elected to the New York State Assembly between 1939 and 1944. He was African American.[1][2] A Democrat, he represented Harlem as a committeman.[3] He was the father-in-law of New York City's first black mayor David Dinkins.[4]

Burrows was born in Cape Charles, Virginia, on January 23, 1908, and raised in New York City from the age of three.[5] He worked as a real estate and insurance broker, and was a cofounder of the United Mutual Life Insurance Company. Burrows became active in Tammany Hall. By 1938, Burrows had been appointed to the Democratic Party's state committee, as a representative of Manhattan.[6] He was elected to the 19th district seat on the New York State Assembly, succeeding Robert W. Justice, serving from 1939 to 1944 in the 162nd, 163rd, and 164th New York State Legislatures.[6][7] In October 1939, Burrows was elected to the executive committee of Tammany Hall.[8][9]

Daniel L. Burrows was married to Elaine until her death in 1975. He died on June 3, 1990, aged 82, while seeking treatment for cancer at Calvary Hospital. The couple had two daughters, Gloria and Joyce.[6] Joyce Dinkins, who married David Dinkins, the Mayor of New York City from 1990 to 1993, became the city's first African-American first lady.[10][11] A Callery pear tree was planted at Gracie Mansion to memorialize Burrows.[12]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ https://assembly.state.ny.us/write/upload/postings/2014/pdfs/20140213_0056406.pdf
  2. ^ Jr, Hanes Walton; Puckett, Sherman; Jr, Donald R. Deskins (20 July 2012). The African American Electorate. ISBN 978-0-87289-508-9.
  3. ^ "BURROWS ELECTED LEADER IN HARLEM; Negro Member of Tammany Executive Group Chosen at Stormy Meeting POLICE PRESERVE ORDER Support of Perry Gives Post He Formerly Held to 19th A.D. Assemblyman". The New York Times. 6 October 1939.
  4. ^ Saxon, Wolfgang (5 June 1990). "Daniel L. Burrows, Ex-Legislator and Dinkins's Father-in-Law, 83". The New York Times.
  5. ^ The New York Red Book. 1944. p. 146.
  6. ^ a b c Saxon, Wolfgang (June 5, 1990). "Daniel L. Burrows, Ex-Legislator And Dinkins's Father-in-Law, 83". New York Times. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  7. ^ "Obituaries". St. Louis Post Dispatch. June 5, 1990. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  8. ^ "Burrows elected leader in Harlem". New York Times. October 6, 1939. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  9. ^ "Burrows takes over the leadership". The New York Age. October 14, 1939. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  10. ^ Roberts, Sam (October 13, 2020). "Joyce Dinkins, Wife of Former New York Mayor, Dies at 89". New York Times. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  11. ^ Chayes, Matthew (October 13, 2020). "Joyce Dinkins, wife of former NYC Mayor David Dinkins, dies at 89". Newsday. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  12. ^ Yang, Linda (August 9, 1990). "At the Mansion, A Gorgeous Mosaic To Please Any Mayor". New York Times. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
New York State Assembly
Preceded by New York State Assembly
New York County, 19th District

1939–1944
Succeeded by
district abolished