Death takes pioneer: Edward A. Burge, resident of Wilmette forty years, dies at advanced age of 87 years

Edward A. Burge, a well known resident of Wilmette for nearly forty years, passed away at the home of his son Edward H. Burge, 924 Forest avenue, Friday, October 8.

Coming to Wilmette in 1887, Mr. Burge found a village of a few hundred people which he prophesied would once become an important part of a great development along the north shore of Lake Michigan.

With two associates he purchased fifty-three acres in the southeast part of town and gave the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad a right-of-way through the property in return for suburban service to Llewellyn Park, as that section of the village was then called. The Elevated service and terminal are the present-day outcome of that move.

Mr. Burge lived in his residence at 321 Fourth street continuously for thirty-seven years until the death of his sister in 1924, and then made his home with his son.

Born at Hollis, N. H., on the Fourth of July 1839, he reached and passed 87 years of age, having seen the marvelous changes that have taken place in American life since the invention of the telegraph. His first vote was for President Lincoln in 1860.

All the older residents of Wilmette knew Mr. Burge well and can remember his genuine and kindly personality. He was a member of the Congregational church from boyhood.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the residence. The remains were taken to Wheaton where they were laid to rest beside the grave of his wife who was taken by death forty-three years before.

Mr. Burge is survived by his son, Edward H. Burge, and five grandchildren, all of Wilmette.