At the age of 16, Frank was involved in a serious coaster accident, at the corner of 12th St. and 8th Ave., Altoona, when he his sled was struck by the fender of a street car. He had possible internal injuries, back injuries and a badly bruised arm.

He became a laborer and then machinist for the railroad, and the family lived in Altoona, Pa., up to at least 1940.

Frank’s father William H. Brunton was a leading citizen, born in Philadelphia, coming to Altoona in 1879, working through promotions to become city editor of the Altoona Mirror, serving over 25 years as a police sargeant and as sealer of weights and measures.

In October of 1919, the family had a party that was described in great detail:

Mrs. Frank Burton of 22 1/2 Washington avenue entertained the No Hope club at her home Wednesday evening. The time was spent in card playing for which beautiful prizes were given, first prize being a cut glass water set won by Mrs. T. Morgan [;] second, a cut glass flower basket won by Mrs. Harry Stine; third, silver candle sticks won by Mrs. Tom Mathews. The most enjoyable features of the evening were vocal music by Mrs. Morgan and Mrs. William Crook, accompanied on the piano by Mr. Tom Mathews, and a piano solo by Mrs. Brunton. At 11 o’clock a turkey supper was served, after which the rooms were cleared and a dance followed in which some of the fancy steps were introduced by Mr. and Mrs. Brunton and son Bruno. The house was beautifully decorated in orange paper and black cats and autumn leaves. Everybody went home well pleased with their evening entertainment, looking forward to the next social at the home of Mrs. Steckman.

Frank and Dessie subsequently settled in Detroit, Mich.

Known as "Dessie."