J. C. Burdick Sr. Died at Home Here Wednesday
Operator of Large Fish Concern
Was Long Prominent In Business Life of Union City

John C. Burdick, Sr, 78, better known as 'Uncle Jack,' to thousands of sportsmen and businessmen throughout the United States, died quietly after a very short illness of flu and pneumonia at an early hour Wednesday morning.

He was the father of the commercial fishery business at Reelfoot Lake and his son, J. Clem, Jr., operates this large business now as well as being a prominent figure in Republican politics in this district. J. Clem Jr., is United States commissioner here at present.

Uncle Jack was picturesque and a character that will not be soon forgotten. He was a leader in social and civic work throughout his life, and was never approached for charity without a ready response. Hundreds of fishermen have found a true friend in time of trouble in Mr. Burdick.

Mr. Burdick was born at Grand Detour, Illinois in 1850. At the age of 14 he went to Iowa, one year later to Colorado, returning to Illinois he remained there until 1870 when he moved to Tiptonville and opened the first commercial fish business on Reelfoot Lake. As a result of this Mr. Burdick has shipped fish and ducks for 58 years to every part of the United States.

During the last few years Mr. Burdick has not been very active in the J. C. Burdick Fish Company, the work of this concern having been carried on by J. C. Burdick, Jr.

In 1888 Mr. Burdick moved to Union City and has since made his home here. He was elected alderman for a number of times, was past exalted ruler of the Elks, and an ordinary life member of this organization in which he took a very active part. He was also an active member of the Knights of Pythias and Oddfellows, and a member of the Methodist Church.

Throughout the struggles surrounding Reelfoot Lake and the efforts made to destroy it, Mr. Burdick has stood out as the leading champion of the lake and has constantly stood with the fishermen in their fight, representing them and financing them.

Mr. Burdick is survived by his wife, who is confined to her bed, three sons, Fred, J.C., Jr. and Clarence Burdick, and a daughter, Mrs. Marvin Owens, all of this place. ( Ellen Kathleen Burdick, daughter of John/Mary Susan Robinson was born 3 Nov 1902 in Union City (Obion) TN and died 12 Aug 1968. She married Marvin Owens on 5 Jun 1924 in Union City, TN)

Of 11 brothers and sisters, Mr. Burdick is survived by the following four: Charles Lorin Burdick, Rock Falls, Illinois; Mrs. Mattie Burns, Davenport, Iowa; Will A. Burdick and Andrew J. Burdick, San Francisco, California.

Funeral services were conducted from the home Thursday morning at 10:00 o'clock by the Rev. R. L. Norman and the Rev. W. F. Maxedon. Internment at East View Cemetery.

1928 Dec 19-The Commercial, Union City, TN