Lewis M. Burch 1830-1905

BURCH, BEASLEY, MILLER, BUTLER, ANDERS

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 7/12/2011 at 16:24:43

Lewis M. Burch, one of the old pioneers
of Fayette county, passed to the
majority yesterday morning, as a result
of a cancerous trouble of the
stomach. His death had been expected
for some days, but came as a shock to
his many friends throughout the
county.
Lewis M. Burch was born in Greene
county, Indiana, July 21, 1830, and
was therefore 74 years, and eight
months of age. When eighteen years
of age he came with his parents to
Marshall county. Illinois, and in 1851,
having become of age, he came to Fayette
county, and located on land that
is now within the corporate limits of
Oelwein. Mr. Burch continued to reside
in Jefferson township until the
fall of 1888, when he removed to
Pleasant Valley township where he
continued in agricultural pursuits till
three years ago when he came to Oelwein.
Mr. Burch was a life long democrat,
and served as the first constable of
Jefferson township, and held several
other local offices where he has resided.
For many years he had been a
consistent member of the Baptist
church, and died as he lived a firm believer
in the Christian religion. He is
said to have been the first permanent
white settler in Jefferson township, and
after the advent of his father, the Rev.
James Burch, and his large family,
the locality became known as the
Burch Settlement.
Mr, Burch was first married to
Miss Louisa Beasley, in 1851, and her
death occurred in March 1853, To this
union Were born two children, Sarah
who is the wife Of Hiram Miller, of
Brainerd and George W., who was
killed by lightning April 12, 1872,
When eighteen years of age. In 1850
Mr. Burch was married to Mrs. Catherine
Butler. To them were born one
son and three daughters, Arvilla J.,
who is the wife of A. J. Anders, of
this city, James A., Mary who died at
the age of one year, and Julia, who is
the wife of William Anders, of West
Union. The death of Mrs. Burch occurred
in May 1872. In November
1878 Mr. Burch was united in marriage
to Miss Floretta Miller. To this
union four children were born, Lewis
L., Martha L., Katherine.and Lorena.
Mr. Burch is survived by his wife and
a large family of children. He was
one of the oldest survivors of the pioneers
of Fayette county,and had a wide
acquaintance.

Oelwein Register - 22 March 1905