Biographical Sketch of

Worden T. Burdick

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 760 


Worden T. Burdick, who resides on section 10, in the town of Green Lake, Green Lake County, is a representative 
of one of the honored pioneer families of Wisconsin, his parents being Shadrach and Aurelia (Worden) Burdick.  
He was born in the town where he yet makes his home, July 23, 1847, and under the parental roof was reared to 
manhood.  He received his primary education in the common schools and afterward attended Lawrence University at 
Appleton for two terms.  Like a dutiful son he remained at home assisting in the labors of the farm until 1874.  
On leaving the parental roof, he chose for himself a life companion in the person of Miss Helen Marsh, and on 
the 31st day of October they were united in marriage.  She also is a native of the town of Green Lake, her birth 
having occurred Dec. 20, 1850.  Her parents were George W. and Harriet (Dutton) Marsh, were both natives of the 
Empire State, the father having been born in Wyoming County, in 1820, his wife in Cattaraugus County, in 1815.  
After their marriage they remained in New York until coming to this county, when Mr. Marsh entered eighty acres 
of land on section 17, in the town of Green Lake, where they made their home during the remainder of their lives.  
Both were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and were highly respected citizens.  For a livelihood, 
Mr. Marsh followed farming.  Their first house in this county was a little log cabin of one room, with a coverlet 
hung up for a door.  On one occasion he had bought some meat for a neighbor and when bringing it home was followed 
by a lynx.  He was compelled to sit up all night to guard the door or the animal would have stolen it.  The first 
winter was so cold and the shelter so inefficient that Mrs. Marsh had her heels frozen while sitting with her feet 
on the stove.  In their family were three daughters, but two died in childhood.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Burdick began their domestic life upon the farm where they now live.  He is the owner of eighty acres 
of land, and his wife also owns an eighty-acre tract, which her father entered when he first came to the county.  
One child has come to brighten the home by his presence, George M., who was born May 12, 1878.  As a farmer Mr. 
Burdick is practical, yet progressive, and has been very successful in his business enterprises.  In connection 
with the cultivation of his land, he raises a fine grade of horses, sheep and hogs, and that branch of business 
also yields him a good income.  He has supported the Republican party since attaining his majority and has held 
various township offices, including that of Treasurer.  He has served as Justice of the Peace and District Clerk 
for about twenty years each and it is needless to say has proved an able official as his long continued service 
plainly indicates.  The name of Burdick has been prominently identified with the history of Green Lake County for 
many years.  Were it not so, our subject would deserve a place in this volume on account of his excellent record 
as a citizen.  






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