Nehemiah BURDEN & his second wife Eliza PITTENGER MAYER

source: A Twentieth Century History of Delaware County, Indiana, by Gen. Wm. H. Kemper, MD, editor, published by Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908, page 243-4, with a picture on facing page of Mr. and Mrs. Burden and their farm.


NEHEMIAH BURDEN

Mr. Burden is one of those who have literally "grown up" with this county, having settled here at an early day in its history, and kept pace with the  improvements of intervening years.

He was born in the state of New Jersey, August 29, 1818, and is the son of William D. and Elizabeth BURDEN. His mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth PANGBORN, was the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier, who received a land warrent from the Government for his services. The parents settled in Anderson's Fork, Greene Co., Ohio, about the year 1820, when the subject of this sketch was about seven years of age. He attended the district schools of the county, securing a fair English education, and, as he grew to manhood, adopted the pursuit of farming, to which, in fact, he had been reared.

In 1835, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret H. CAMPBELL, and came to Delaware County, Ind., settling in Section 13, Delaware Township. His cash capital was 18 cents, and his wife and rifle his only near companions in the
woodland in which he settled. The latter played an important part in his pioneer experience, and next to his ax, was the most valuable instrument in his possession. Its stock bore 250 notches, each one indicating a deer slain by a shot from its trusty barrel, and two wolves that came prowling about his premises, were killed by the same faithful servant. Once, when out without his rifle, Mr. BURDEN nearly became a victim of bruin's fatal embrace-only a fence separating them; but he escaped upon the timely arrival of some dogs, who chased the bear away. His pioneer days were replete with incidents like these, and hard labor in clearing and improving his land made up the balance of his life. Each year witnessed some new improvement in his forest farm, and his home was made happy by the presence of bright, happy children, the fruits of a happy married life. Of these, one, James C., is deceased; Christena D., Elizabeth C., Angeline D., Catherine C., William J., and Julia C. now survive.

In 1873, the wife of his youth died, and on the 6th day of August, 1874, Mr. BURDEN was married to Mrs. Elizabeth MAYERS, daughter of John PITTINGER, one the early settlers of this county. She was born June 10,1826, in Green County, Ohio, and, in 1830, removed with her parents to LaFayette, Ind. Six years later they came to Delaware County and settled in Delaware Township. Her life is full of incidents of pioneer days, and it is interesting to listen to their recital by her; how she wove flannel at 6 cents, and jeans at 10 cents per yard, to secure money for the necessaries of life.
In later years of their life, this worthy couple enjoy a competence well earned by hard work in earlier days; and in addition they have the love and confidence of all who know them.

In matters political, Mr. BURDEN adheres to the principals of the Democratic party, but takes no active part in political affairs, beyond voting for his candidates, and speaking an occasional good word in their favor. 

He attends the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and although not a member of any religious denomination, contributes freely to the support and spread of the Gospel. His wife has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-five years.

Both are kind and hospitable to friend and stranger alike, and carry out the religion of good will to all in their daily lives.

contributed by Kathy Shaffer
25 Mar 2002

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