Franklin O. Burdick was born in Lincklaen, N. Y., Nov. 6, 1846. He was the youngest of six children born to Willet S. Burdick and Clarissa Campbell Burdick. At the age of four years, he moved with his parents to Utica, Wisconsin, where he grew to young manhood. He graduated from Albion Academy and later attended Milton College. He took an active part in educational work, both as a teacher, and, for a number of years, as Superintendent of Schools of Dane County, Wis. Doctor Burdick enlisted in the Civil war when he was fifteen years of age, entering as a drummer as he was too young to carry arms. He served with the Fortieth Wisconsin Infantry through the entire war.
On Dec. 24, 1874, he was married to Emma E. Crandall at Walworth, Wis. As a licentiate, Dr. Burdick preached occasionally, for the Seventh Day Baptist church at Utica, Wis., during the pastorate of Russell G. Burdick; and later, was called to supply that pulpit. A short time afterward he received a call to become pastor of the church at Scott, N. Y., and was ordained at a Quarterly Meeting and Ministerial Conference of the churches of Southern Wisconsin which met with the Utica church on May 30, 1884. He later served for a time as pastor of the Seventh Day Baptist church in North Loup, Neb.; and for six years was pastor at Boulder, Col. He served as moderator of the church, and superintendent and teacher in the Sabbath school for many years, positions which he occupied at the time of his death.
He died at the Boulder Sanitarium on May 18, 1922, after two weeks illness, following a stroke of paralysis. Besides his wife, Doctor Burdick leaves two sons, Dr. J. R. Burdick, of Tulsa, Okla., Linn E. Burdick, of Boulder, Co.; and one daughter, Mrs. Kittie Potter of Scholl, Col.
He had been president and executive secretary of the Associated Charities of Boulder for ten years, and was a prominent worker in the G. A. R., of which he was past commander of the Colorado-Wyoming department; and also of the National Lyon Post, with whose work he had been closely associated ever since he moved to Boulder nineteen years ago. He was chaplain of the local post at the time of his death. The death of Doctor Burdick is a severe loss to the city of Boulder as well as to the Seventh Day Baptist church. He was gentle in character, a true Christian, and a public spirited man. He had infinite tact - his courtesy never failed, and his judgment was sure and accurate.
He has left an example of good and honorable living and will be missed in all walks of life.
From the records of the 40th Wisconsin Infantry - Enlisted, May 10, 1864 and mustered out at end of service term on September 16, 1864.
