James K. Burd

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

James K. Burd

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

James K. BURD, proprietor of a well equipped blacksmith shop in Mendham, Morris county, New Jersey, was born in this borough, November 2, 1847. His parents, John and Mary (CHAPMAN) BURD, were both natives of New Jersey and they are now deceased, their remains being interred in the Gladstone cemetery, in Somerset county. John BURD was a shoemaker by trade and for many years he owned and conducted a finely improved farm in the vicinity of Mendham. To him and his wife were born ten children: Andrew; Lydia, wife of Peter L. COMPTON; Sarah Jane, wife of Edward LANCE; Lucinda, wife of Jacob VAN DORN; John; James K., of this notice; Daniel and Henrietta, deceased; Mary, wife of P. F. HENRY; Eliza.

The boyhood of James K. BURD was passed under the invigorating influences of the old homestead farm and he received but meager educational advantages. He early applied himself to learn the trade of blacksmith and has devoted his entire career to work of that nature. He started business for himself first at Ralston, where he remained one year, and then he spent three years in the employ of another blacksmith at Somerville. In 1876 he returned to Mendham and here opened a blacksmith shop of his own and conducted the same with moderate success for the ensuing twenty-one years. He established his home and business headquarters in Morristown in 1897 but remained there only three years. He then went to Bernardsville and after a period of nine years spent in the latter place came again to Mendham, this borough having since represented his home. He has long controlled a large and lucrative business in his present shop, his trade coming from all parts of the country adjacent to the town. He owns a beautiful residence here and has long since gained a competency to ward off the evils that so often accompany declining years. Although he has worked hard and continuously during his life he is in the enjoyment of splendid health and alert mental faculties. He is a Democrat in politics and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church.

In 1871 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. BURD to Julia APGAR, a native of Hunterdon county, New Jersey, a daughter of Daniel and Malinda (SUTTON) APGAR, the former of whom was a blacksmith by trade. Mr. and Mrs. APGAR were the parents of the following children: Conrad, John, William, Isaac, Allen, Jennie, wife of Richard KELLY; Melissa, wife of Elias HONNEL; Julia; Carrie, wife of William SPECK; Paul. There are three children in the BURD family, namely: Nancy Emma, wife of J. Smith GUNTHER; Lila H., wife of John F. DRAKE; James K Jr.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)