M. W. Brother Burdick was born March 14, 1835, in Rockdale, Pennsylvania. He began his business career as a boy in a country store. Before he was eighteen years of age located and went into business in Hillsdale, Michigan. In 1855 moved to Toledo and engaged in manufacturing, trade, and banking, in the last he held the position of Cashier of the Union Savings Bank for the last twenty-four years. He paid little attention to politics, but was the recipient of a number of honorable positions in public life, such as Tax Commissioner, Charter Commissioner, etc.
A man of firm convictions, yet courteous and tactful; a warm friend; a wise counselor, and devoted to his wife and children; he lived his life honorably and conscientiously, and has left an unrivalled record for integrity and probity.
On the very day he was twenty-one years of age signed his petition for admission to Masonry. He was made a Master Mason in Rubicon Lodge No. 237, F. & A. M. June 23,1856. A Royal Arch Mason in Fort Meigs Chapter No. 29 R. A. M. March 2, 1858. A Royal and Select Master in Toledo Council No. 33, R. & S. M., January 25, 1866. A Knight Templar in Toledo Commandery, No.7 K. T. February 1, 1861. Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret 32° in Ohio Consistory of the A. & A. Scottish Rite February 24, 1875 and an Honorary Member 33° of that Rite September 19, 1893.
In Rubicon Lodge he served as Junior Deacon, Junior Warden, and Worshipful Master. In Fort Meigs Chapter he served as Secretary, Treasurer, Royal Arch Captain, Scribe, King, and High Priest. In Toledo Council he served as Thrice Illustrious Master. In Toledo Commandery he served as Junior Warden, Senior Warden, Captain General, Generalissimo and Eminent Commander. In the Grand Commandery he served as Grand Warder, Grand Standard Bearer and Grand Junior Warden. In the Grand Lodge of Ohio he served as Senior Grand Deacon, Junior Grand Warden, Senior Grand Warden, and M. W. Grand Master.
He was Representative of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi near the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and of the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia near the Grand Chapter of Ohio. At various times he filled the following positions: Secretary and Vice-President of the Toledo Masonic Temple Association and President of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home.
M. W. B. Burdick departed this life on January 1, 1913 at Toledo, Ohio. His Body was interred in Forest Cemetery, Section H, Lot 98, Toledo, Ohio.