Edwin H. Burchfield owns and operates a farm of two hundred and forty acres in the midst of which stands an attractive country residence. He was born in Allen county, Indiana, January 14, 1856, a son of John S. Burchfield, who was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He was twice married, his second union being with Jane Reynolds, a native of the Keystone state, and it was by this marriage that the subject of this review was born. Following his second marriage, the father removed to a farm which he purchased in Allen county and there two sons were added to the household. In 1869 he removed with his family to Dallas county, first purchasing forty acres of land, to which he later added and there his last days were spent, his death occurring in 1875. His wife still survives and makes her home on the old homestead farm.
Edwin H. Burchfield was a youth of fourteen years when he came with his parents to Dallas county. He acquired his education in the district schools near his father’s home and during the spring and summer seasons worked with his father on the home farm. He remained with his father until the latter’s death and then in connection with his brother, P. R. Burchfield, purchased eighty acres of land. After being engaged in business together for six or seven years Mr. Burchfield purchased his brother’s interest and later added to his holdings, so that he now owns two hundred and forty acres of well improved land, located in sections 7 and 8, Lincoln township. He has built to and remodeled the house, has built a granary and other outbuildings and has made all modern improvements upon the place. He has set out an orchard, has fenced and tiled the land and in addition to raising the various cereals adapted to the soil and climate, is engaged in raising Duroc Jersey hogs and Aberdeen Angus cattle.
Mr. Burchfield was married in Guthrie county, March 29, 1892, to Miss Isabella Martin, who was born in Linn county, where she was also reared. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The political faith of Mr. Burchfield accords with the principles and policy of the republican party but he has never sought or desired public office. The history of the pioneer settlement of Dallas county would be incomplete without the record of this gentleman, for he has resided here from its earliest founding, dating his residence from 1869, and during these years he has been a prominent factor in its advancement and substantial upbuilding and now ranks with the honored pioneers of this section of the state.