Phebe I. Babcock Burdick was born in Scott, Courtland county, N. Y., April 9, 1838 and died at her home in Milton Tuesday, Aug. 26, 1902.
She was the daughter of Beriah and Clarissa Babcock. All of a family of five children with the father and mother have now passed on to the other shore.
At the age of 16 she came with her mother to reside in the vicinity of Milton. In April, 1856, she was united in marriage to Elery Burdick, the Rev. V. Hull officiating. It was in the following summer that the late W. C. Whitford accepted a call to the pastorate of the Milton church and under whose efficient labors there was almost noted revival. Mrs. Burdick was one of those who at that time professed faith in Christ. She was baptized by Elder Whitford and became a member of this church.
Soon after her marriage to Mr. Burdick they established a home in Milton. For more than 46 years she lived to bless this home by her patient, loving devotion to its best interest. One son came to bind their hearts in parental love, but the light of this new joy was soon shadowed by sorrow for the infant was taken from them to be with the angels in the heavenly home.
The influence of Mrs. Burdick for good was most constant and her helpfulness to all who came within her reach was an especial characteristic of her womanly heart. For years disease had laid a heavy hand upon this dear sister, but with what courage and Christian grace has she borne this suffering! No murmur of complaint has been heard. Instead there was expressed a deep sense of thankfulness for the blessings she felt God was bestowing upon her. She took a great interest in all the work of the church. She was most loyal to all missionary efforts. The laborers on the missionary fields, both home and foreign, were well remembered in her contributions and by her loving sympathy and devout prayers for them. Also much social cheer was extended to them when an opportunity was presented. As a member of the local society for benevolent work she was most faithful as long as her strength permitted, and indeed, when her frail body was fast yielding to the fell destroyer, she was constantly on duty. She never failed to respond generously to every call of the society. It was one of the last requests she made of her husband that he would continue to pay her annual dues to this organization.
The funeral was held from the house at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon conducted by Rev. D. K. Davis. The interment was in the Milton Cemetery.
