Burdick, Charles W. 1838 - 1913
BURDICK, MASON, LEACH, MCMURTIE, STONE, PAGIN, DIXSON
Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/18/2014 at 17:26:44
The activities of the late Charles W. Burdick touched upon many phases of public and private development in Winneshiek county and Decorah and in their effect were of vital importance in bringing about the prosperous conditions which are enjoyed by the present generation. His death, which occurred on the 7th of March, 1913, was the occasion of deeply felt and general mourning in Decorah and a loss to the community which cannot be easily replaced. As state and municipal officer Mr. Burdick was instrumental in bringing about a number of reforms which greatly benefited his community. As pioneer builder and banker he, in no mean way, contributed to the commercial expansion of his city, and as soldier, following the flag on the battlefields of the south, he rendered meritorious service to his nation.
Born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1838, he was a son of Nelson and Elmira (Mason) Burdick. The Burdick family is generally supposed to be of Scotch origin but there are some who assert that Robert Burdick, the original emigrant to America, was a Welshman, and this was inferred from the fact that he came over with John Cromwell, who came from the little rock-ribbed principality of England's west coast. Nelson Burdick, the father of our subject, was born in Cayuga county, New York, and in the spring of 1833 moved to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where he made his home until 1852, in which year he made a trip to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and there located a tract of land. In the following spring he brought his family westward and, settling on his farm, tilled the soil until 1862, when he moved into Decorah, where he passed the remainder of his days, surrounded by his children and esteemed and respected by the many friends which his admirable qualities of mind and character had won him. He passed away after a twelve days illness, on July 1, 1885. On January 1, 1831, he was married, in New York, to Miss Elmira Mason, the mother being born in Preble, Cortland County, New York, December 29, 1807. She was a true and faithful helpmate to her husband in establishing his fortunes, a true wife and a good mother, widely beloved by all who came in contact with her. Her death, which took place in 1903 at an age of nearly ninety-six years, was an occasion of deep and widespread regret.
Charles W. Burdick was fourteen years of age when he came with his parents from Crawford County, Pennsylvania, to Winneshiek County. He received his education in his native state and in the schools near his new-location, passing his leisure hours and vacations in work on the home farm. There he remained occupied with agricultural pursuits until the outbreak of the Civil war. when he became one of the first to respond to Lincoln's call for troops and although it had been his desire to join the first regiment sent out of the state, it was found when he came to Keokuk, the point of rendezvous, that both the first and second regiments had already their full quotas of men and hence he was mustered into the service on June 8, 1861, as a member of Company D of the Third Iowa Volunteer Infantry. His term of enlistment was for three years, at the end of which time he received his honorable discharge at Davenport, Iowa, after participating in many of the greater battles and sharp skirmishes, distinguishing himself for fearlessness in conduct and faithfulness to duty. There is no better proof of his meritorious conduct than the fact that he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant during the conflict.
After his return to Decorah Mr. Burdick at once engaged in the real-estate business associated with his father, the firm name being N. Burdick & Son, under which style they continued in business for ten years, at the end of which period the father retired, our subject continuing and adding an abstract of title department to his activities. During this time Mr. Burdick had well acquainted himself with the various phases of the business and his knowledge of land values was such that many profitable deals came to fruition under his able management. The years brought him prosperity and, reaching out for new fields of endeavor, he became one of the prime movers in the organization of the Citizens Savings Bank, which institution opened its doors for business on February 10, 1884. He was the first president of this financial institution and guided the affairs of the bank with circumspection and ability until about six years ago, when he retired. The prosperous condition of this bank is largely due to the efforts of him who launched it on its way and carefully guided its policies through the first years of struggle, avoiding pitfalls and difficulties and being principally instrumental in making it the stable and solid business which it is today. He retired only after he had seen to it that it was safely and firmly established. Mr. Burdick was also closely connected with building operations in Decorah, having erected several of the largest business blocks in the city, selling the same to good advantage.
On February 20, 1867, Charles W. Burdick was married to Miss Violetta E. McMurtie, a daughter of Henry and Violetta (Leach) McMurtie. On October 8, 1892, only about a half year after their silver wedding anniversary, Mrs. Burdick passed away, deeply mourned by her family and a large circle of devoted friends who esteemed her for her many high womanly qualities. Of this union were born two children, Allie Susan and May. On November 21, 1894, Mr. Burdick married Mrs. Ida M. Stone, a daughter of Dr. Louis Pagin, of South Bend, Indiana. On November 30, 1899, Mr. Burdick was again married, his third union being with Miss Noble Dixson, of Dubuque, Iowa, by whom he had one child, who died in infancy.
Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Burdick always took a deep interest in public and political matters, giving his support unflinchingly to the Republican Party. He held various important political positions, among them that of internal revenue officer for the district comprising Winneshiek, Allamakee, Fayette and Howard counties, a federal appointment, for six years. He also served efficiently as a member of the Soldiers' Home Commission by appointment of Governor Larrabee and subsequently was reappointed, serving for eight years. Decorah profited through his service as councilman and he also had the honor of filling the position of mayor, giving the city a progressive and businesslike administration. His religious inclinations were toward the Christian Science church and his only semi-fraternal connection with the Grand Army of the Republic, being a member of Colonel Hughes Post.
The Burdick family residence, which he erected in 1883, is one of the finest mansions of Decorah and there he and Mrs. Burdick extended a warm-hearted and sincere hospitality to their many friends. Until his death Mr. Burdick was vigorous and active, finding interest in all matters that affected his community and participating in all movements undertaken for moral or material advancement. A prime factor in making this section what it is today—one of the richest agricultural regions in the country—he always led a busy and useful life to which indolence and idleness ever were foreign. Not only did he encompass his own success but was one of those who by their labors could lay claim to the title of country builder, having been a serviceable factor in the growth and up building of Decorah and Winneshiek County, which had no more loyal advocate than Charles W. Burdick during his lifetime. His memory will long be cherished and his name remains a synonym for loyalty and uprightness.
Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913
Phelps Cemetery gravestone
Winneshiek Biographies maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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