Burks, William Tillman, M.D.

Dr. Till Burks, a pioneer physician familiarly known as Dr. W. T. Burks, was born in Shelbina, Missouri, on October 7, 1858, and grew to become deeply identified with the medical history of Fresno City and County. After graduating from Boone College, he moved to Fresno in 1880 and worked as a clerk in the city first drug store established by his brother, Charles F. Burks. He went on to earn his medical degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of San Francisco in 1899 and launched his dedicated medical practice in Fresno. His early career included serving as a ship surgeon on a Pacific liner, which led to a cruise visiting the South Sea Islands for over a year. During this maritime era in 1890, President Diaz of Mexico enlisted Dr. Burks to eradicate a yellow fever plague, granting him control of the army and navy to successfully contain the epidemic within three months.

Upon returning to California, Dr. Burks resumed his Fresno practice and became a prominent public servant, serving as county health officer and president of the board of health where he enforced laws without fear or favor. His personal life involved a first marriage to Annie J. Williams of Redruth, England, with whom he had a son named Dr. Floyd L. R. Burks, though the union ended in divorce. In 1898, he married his second wife, Bessie Croft, who survived him following his sudden death from influenza on October 21, 1918. Beyond his medical contributions, he was an active charter member of the Fresno Lodge of Odd Fellows and a prominent Mason, Knight Templar, and Shriner. His alma mater honored his lasting historical significance with special memorial exercises led by Dean Dr. Charles Boxton as student-soldiers stood at attention.