The History of Knox County
pub. in 1912 by S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. 

JOHN BURCH.

     In the upbuilding and development of Knox county John Burch has been a potent factor, not only in the improvement of good farming property but also as a builder, in which connection he has erected many substantial dwellings throughout the county. He was born in Albany, New York, in May, 1848, a son of Moses and Maria (Petry) Burch, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. The father, who was a wagon and cabinet-maker, was engaged in that line of activity near Albany for many years. In his family were ten children, five sons and five daughters, of whom eight are now living, including John, the subject of this review. The others are: Mrs. Betsy Stewart, residing in New York state; Seth, who makes his home near Albany: Mrs. Louisa Gold, Rufus, and Mrs. Rosanna Decker, all of whom live in the Empire state; Mrs. Harriet Crawford, whose home is in eastern Illinois: and William, of New York.
     John Burch acquired his education in the schools of his native state, and at the same time his training at farm work was both practical and comprehensive. Later he learned the carpenter's trade, which he continued to follow in connection with agricultural pursuits in New York until 1868, when he came west to Illinois, locating in Abingdon, Knox county, where he resided for a short time. He then removed to a farm in Chestnut township, where he carried on farming and carpentry until 1907, when he came to his present farm, which comprises eighty acres. In the meantime he took a very active and substantial part in the upbuilding of various portions of the county in the capacity of a carpenter, erecting and assisting in erecting many good dwellings and helping in the building of the town of Hermon and of London Mills. His ability and skill in that trade was pronounced and his time was kept fully occupied with the business that came to him in that line and with his farming interests. He now owns a fine tract of land on section 12, Indian Point township, which he has brought under a good state of cultivation, and today he ranks among the substantial and well-to-do business men of this locality.
     Mr. Burch was married in Knoxville, in 1869, to Miss Phoebe Richmond, a daughter of Walter and Susanna Richmond, who were very early settlers in Knox county. The father was a farmer by occupation, being thus engaged for many years in Indian Point township. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Burch have become the parents of three children, of whom the second, Alvie, lives at home and assists his father in the operation of the farm. Susie, the first in order of birth, married Emerson D. Yerion, and they now make their home in Huntsville, Alabama. Hazel, the youngest, resides with her parents.
     A strong advocate of the principles of the democratic party, Mr. Burch is an earnest worker in party ranks and served as collector of Chestnut township for several terms. He has also filled the office of school director and the cause of education finds in him a warm champion. He has ever been a busy man and his active life has gained for him a creditable degree of success and at the same time has won the confidence and good-will of his fellowmen because of the honorable policy which he has at all times followed. (pages 857-858 submitted by Janine Crandell)