David Burbank

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.

Early life Burbank was born on December 17, 1821, in Effingham, New Hampshire. He had one brother, Franklin Burbank. Burbank also bought about of Rancho San Rafael from Jonathan R. Scott that year. He united the two tracts and operated them as a sheep ranch.

In 1873, Burbank sold the right-of-way through the property to the Southern Pacific Railroad. He donated of land to build a school in 1879, establishing the Providencia School District. In the early 1880s, he stopped raising sheep and rented out the land for farming.

In 1886, Burbank sold both tracts to Providencia Land, Water, and Development Co., of which he was a member, for $150,000 . The corporation filed paperwork establishing the "Town of Burbank" on May 1, 1887.

Burbank built a hotel in the town in 1887. He also commissioned the construction of the Burbank Theatre on Main Street in 1888, which was completed in 1893.

Later life and legacy Burbank and his wife, Clara, had a daughter, named Flora. He continued to practice dentistry until 1872. He died at his home on January 21.

The city of Burbank commissioned a bronze statue of Burbank from Andrea Favilli. It was dedicated at 1075 West Burbank Boulevard in 2010.