Sarah Burdick was born at Alfred, N. Y., September 3, 1829. She died at her home in Milton, Wis., December 22, 1916 in her eighty-eighth year.
She was the third of four children born to George Stillman and Diana Macomber Burdick. The eldest of these, G. Stillman, lived to past eighty-nine. The two survivors are Ellery and Mrs. Rebecca Cottrell. The average age of the four brothers and sisters was eighty-five.
In 1842 the family moved west, coming by boat from Buffalo to Racine, then by wagon road to a farm in Lima township, five miles northeast of Milton. The oak timber was cleared off and used for building frames, rails and fuel. In those pioneer days the women spun and wove wool and flax, making with their own hands suits for the men, dresses for themselves and blankets for the beds. The hatchel, swing, distaff and spinning wheel may still be seen in the Ellery Burdick house.
About forty years ago the family moved to town into the house which has been Sarah's home ever since. She was a quiet, home loving woman, who wanted to live in peace with everyone. When about eighteen years of age she was converted in a revival conducted by Pastor Zuriel Campbell and joined the Milton S. D. B. church. At the time of her death she had been a member of the church longer than any other living person. Her simple creed was, 'This religion is good enough for me. If everyone would try to be good, the world would be a good deal better.'
In her last years she was lonely without the companionship of many who had passed away. She was very grateful for the kindness shown her. 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of these,' said the Savior, 'Ye have done it unto me.'
Funeral services were conducted at the S. D. B. church Sabbath afternoon, December 23, by Pastor Randolph, assisted by Elder George Burdick. Text Is. 46: 4. Interment in Milton cemetery.
