Lewis J. Burdick, the eldest son of Phineas and Lydia Burdick, was born in Lincklaen, Chenango County, N. Y., February 18, 1833, and died there of bronchial pneumonia, April 3, 1911, near the place of his birth.
At the age of twenty years he was converted and baptized by his father-in-law, the Rev. Russell G. Burdick, and joined the Seventh-day Baptist Church in Lincklaen Center. He has remained a faithful member of that church, ever cheerfully and generously helping in every way to support it and advance its interests. Its ministers always found a cordial welcome in his home.
Naturally quiet and gentle in his disposition, he yet possessed in an unusual degree the qualities of strength and firmness of character. Kind and tender as a husband, and wisely indulgent as a father, his home was a happy one, a place loved alike by family and friends. Widely known, and at times holding positions of honor as the gift of his townsmen, it was said of him that he had no enemies.
Mr. Burdick was twice married; his first wife. C. Alzina, being the daughter of the Rev. Russell G. Burdick. Their marriage occurred January 1, 1852. Of this union were born two sons. Lewis Grant and Russell DeWitt. Their mother died December 30. 1856. October 31, 1837, Mr. Burdick was married to Miss H. Sophronia Burdick, who survives him. To them were born two sons, Freddie Eugene, born March 19, 1863, and died July 7, 1863, and Erwin Phineas, who with his wife has lived at home with his parents. In his last brief illness Mr. Burdick was tenderly cared for by his wife, three sons and other friends. He leaves to mourn his loss, his devoted wife, three sons, three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one brother, Albert, one sister, Mrs. George T. Stillman, one uncle, David C. Coon (who although eighty-three years old walked about two thirds of a mile nearly every day to see his nephew during the latter's illness), together with many other relatives and friends.
There was a large attendance at the funeral which was held at his late home. Pastor Wing and wife sang three beautiful selections. Pastor Wing chose as his text Rev. xiv, 13: "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." From these words were drawn many comforting thoughts and helpful lessons. Afterwards the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Lincklaen Center.
