Rev. George W. Burdick died suddenly at his home in Milton, Wis., about noon, Monday, February 13, 1922. On January 30, he received a severe shaking up from a fall which confined him to his bed for two weeks.
'Elder Burdick' as he was affectionately called by his parishioners, neighbors and friends, was a son of Rev. Russell G. Burdick and Adaline Campbell. He had two half-brothers, Dolphin and Dighton Burdick. Mrs. Catherine Shaw, wife of John Leland Shaw, Mrs. Benjamin Stillman, Mrs. Laura Polk and Mrs. Annis Coon were sisters who grew to maturity. (Mrs. Coon, the last of the sisters, died suddenly about two weeks before Elder Burdick's death.) He had one brother, Rev. Clayton A. Burdick, of Westerly, R. I.
It is remarkable to note the number of ministers who were connected with his immediate family. His father was a clergyman. So was his mother's brother, Rev Alexander Campbell. Then, too, his brother Clayton, two cousins, Charles A. and F. O. Burdick, and four nephews, Edwin, George B. and Dighton W. Shaw and Willard D. Burdick, are or have been, ministers of the Seventh Day Denomination.
Elder Burdick was born in Scott, Cortland County, N. Y., August 7, 1846. In 1854 the family came west to Wisconsin and settled near Utica Corners in Dane County. Here at one time was a strong Seventh Day Baptist church. The father, Rev. Russell G. Burdick, having received a call to the pastorate of the Berlin, Wis., Church, moved his family there and served as it's pastor for some years. Then he returned to Utica where he lived until his death.
George, when he was twelve years old, was baptized and became a member of the Berlin church. As he grew to maturity his interest in moral, religious and spiritual things enlarged and he, following the call of a deep conviction, definitely decided upon the Christian ministry as his life-work. In 1876 he was licensed to preach by the Utica Church and, because of his father's failing health, he and his cousin, Rev. F. O. Burdick, alternated for about two years in caring for the religious work of the church. On March 16, 1877, he was ordained to the gospel ministry and in June of the same year was called to the pastorate of his home church.
Elder Burdick was in the active pastoral work for more than thirty-six years. He had pastorates at Utica, Wis., 1877 to 1882; Little Genesee, N. Y., 1882 to 1893; Milton Junction, Wis., 1893 to 1898; and Welton, Iowa, 1900 to 1915, when he retired to his home in Milton to pass the remainder of his days. While he was pastor at Little Genesee he studied in Alfred Theological Seminary from which he was graduated in 1885.
In his private and public life Elder Burdick was modest and unassuming. He was always ready to discover and commend the excellent qualities he found in others but he shrunk from the commendation and praise which others justly and gladly accorded him. He was a great lover and defender of the Word. He was a man who faithfully guarded the interest of the people of his parish. He had great affection for them and his counsel and leadership was safe and sure. His messages were filled with the spirit and wisdom of God.
In the temperance and other progressive moral work he was an aggressive worker. Politically he was a prohibitionist to which party he gave his undeviating support.
A host of friends gave been blessed with the acquaintanceship, the fellowship and the ministrations of this godly life. The Milton Church and the denomination have lost a true, earnest friend and supporter.
On November 5, 1873, Elder Burdick and Mary Ann Watson were joined in marriage. To them were born George Merton, Harvey L., and Bernice, Mrs. Archie Hurley, all of Milton. The wife, the children, six grandchildren and the brother Clayton survive him.
Memorial services were held at the Seventh Day Baptist church in Milton on Thursday afternoon, February 16, 1922. Pastor Jordan was assisted in the services by Pastor Van Horn, of Milton Junction. Burial was in the cemetery at Milton. H. N. J.
