The parents of our subject were Jabez and Abigail (Millard) Burdick, natives of Berlin, Rensselaer County, N. Y., where they made their first home after their marriage. They subsequently removed to Allegany County, where the father departed this life. The widowed mother afterward came to Peoria County, Ill., making her home with our subject until she too was called hence. Their family consisted of five children, of whom Edward is the fourth in order of birth. The parents were held in good repute by those who knew them, it having been their constant endeavor to properly rear their children, and discharge all the obligations they owed to their fellow-men.

The gentleman of whom we write, was born January 16, 1826, in Little Genesee, Allegany County, N. Y., and was there reared to manhood. After he became of age he made his way to the Prairie State, choosing as his location Farmington, Fulton County, where he engaged in farming, continuing to reside there until early in the ‘60s. He then sold his property and removing to his county, bought that upon which he has since resided, and which now forms so pleasant a home. Possessed of unusual intelligence and excellent judgment, Mr. Burdick has the confidence and esteem of those about him, who have manifested their respect by electing him to the various school offices, and to that of Justice of the Peace. He has brought to his public stations the same energy which has made his private life successful in a worldly sense, and has therefore advanced the interest of the community.

At Farmington, April 12, 1852, Mr. Burdick was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Saunders, a native of Berlin, Rensselaer County, N. Y., who proved her efficiency as companion and helpmate for a period of almost thirty years. She entered the valley of the shadow of death January 29, 1882, cheered in her dying hours by Christian faith. Her membership was in the Seventh Day Baptist Church. She and her husband had adopted five children, named respectively: Dorcas E., Joseph, Lillie J., Charles A., and Cora A. The oldest is now the widow of William Bavington. Lillie died while yet in her infancy. Those who survive were given such advantages as would have been theirs had Mr. and Mrs. Burdick been their parents in truth, and every effort has been made to fit them for useful and honorable careers.

Mr. Burdick contracted a second matrimonial alliance, November 29, 1888, being wedded in Peoria, to Mrs. Ophelia Partridge, daughter of Reuben and Delight (Palmer) brown, and widow of the late Albert Partridge, who died in the county seat November 4, 1882. She had four children—James H., Harvey E., Mary, and Charles A., the second and youngest being all who survive. The parents of the present Mrs. Burdick were natives of Rhode Island, whence they removed to Ellisburg, Jefferson County, N. Y., and thence to Oswego, where the wife and mother died. Mr. Brown afterward came to Illinois, residing at Mt. Holly, as host of the Mt. Holly House, for about four years. He then removed to Waukesha, Wis., in which place his death occurred. Mrs. Burdick is the third of the four children born of this union, her birthplace being Ellisburg, N. Y., and her natal day march 18, 1828.

Pages 442-443