Frank Burkitt spent several years teaching in Alabama before the American Civil War. He served in the Confederate States Army during the war and later became a newspaper editor and practicing lawyer in Mississippi. Burkitt moved his newspaper to Okolona, where he also became involved with the Mississippi State Grange. He was elected president of the Mississippi Press Association and maintained a family with multiple children from two marriages.

Frank Burkitt's political identity is marked by a blend of traditional values and progressive advocacy, often aligning with unexpected coalitions. His rhetorical style is deeply rooted in local narratives, emphasizing community-driven solutions. Burkitt's legislative actions reveal a strategic approach to balancing industrial interests with environmental concerns, suggesting a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics. His historical involvement in both the Confederate Army and the Mississippi State Grange indicates a complex ideological foundation. Burkitt's ability to navigate these diverse influences presents a unique political persona worth further exploration.