Zebediah Burdick, father of our subject, was born in Rhode Island January 20, 1812, and with his parents came to Susquehanna county in 1825, locating in the eastern part of Clifford township, at what is now known as the Burdick settlement. In connection with farming he followed the boot and shoemaker's trade. He held several township offices, and belonged to the State Militia. In Madison county, N. Y., on November 19, 1835, he married Miss Susan Irish, a native of Connecticut, and a daughter of Elias Irish, who removed from Connecticut to New York at an early day. Her grandfather, Joseph Irish, was also a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mr. and Mrs. Burdick had five children, all born in Clifford township, Susquehanna county, with the exception of the eldest, who was a native of New York. Catherine H. is now deceased; Alsen H., our subject is next in order of birth; Elmina S., born February 3, 1845, is deceased; John J., born June 1, 1848, died at the age of one year; and Loren Z., born May 24, 1850, completes the family. The father was called to his final rest August 2, 1865, and the mother, who was born April 22, 1808, died January 24, 1864, of black fever, from which disease her daughter also died. Their remains were interred in the cemetery located on the old Burdick homestead. They were earnest, consistent Christians, members of the Seventh-Day Baptist Church.
