The Portland daily press., 1867-06-03
Life and Character OF the Late Dr. 4.
burbank, Of Yarmouth.


DR., Burbank was born in Scarboro in 179s
The early part of his life was spent in labor
which gave to him q vigorous constitution,
and habits of industry and economy. When
he attained his majority, having determined
70 become physician, he travelled on foot 100
nnies TO Hanover, N. H., to avail himself of
the best advantages Of the times. Having
completed his studies, he settled in Poland,
Maine, where he practiced with much success.
His circuit extended to many Of the surround
ing towns. On the death of DR.. Cad Hitch
cock, in Yarmouth, DIR. Burbank was invited
by a committee of the citizens, chosen to se-
lect a physician, to remove to that place.
Here he passed the last twenty mine years of
his life, having all the time very large prac-
tice. extending to many OF the adjoining
towns He had high reputation as an intel
ligent, faithful and successful physician, and
was man of sound Judgment close observs-
ton and patient investigation. In his praa-
tice, as well as on other subjects, he did not
form his opinions till he had carefully exsmin-
ed the facts. His reputation as physician
was founded ON truo merit, and not ON any
groundless pretension. He had mind capa-
BILE of applying judiciously what he read, and
was possessed of strong common sense. Sell
dom did consulting physicians have occasion
to change his treatment. The loss Of such Q
physician, knowing so well the wants and Pc
culiarities of SO many families, will not soon
be repaired. In his last sickness, crowds, al
most daily, visited him, eager to learn his con-
| dition and to express their sympathy. In his
| practice he was kind, having a tender regard
for the sufferings of the afflicted.
But it was not as physician alone that he
| was known. To his character as Christian
| and an office bearer In the church, his excel
| lent pastor has borne full testimony, which,
| we are glad to learn, will soon be published
| As man and a citizen he was engaged in
many of the onward movements of the day.
| Although he did not have the advantages for
| stndy in his early life now enjoyed by the
| young, he had industry, energy and patient
thought, read carefully on the important sub
| iects of the day; and what he professed to
know he knew thoroughly. To some he may
have seemed timid and excessively cautious,
but this careful forming of his opinions render
| ed them more valuable. He took an active
| and prominent part in town affairs and was
often called to preside at public meetings. In
| the educational affairs of the town he took
| much interest. He had firmness and decision
OF character, fitting him to carry into execu-
ton the plans he had formed, and this he did
| perseveringly. He did not belong to the non
| descript neutrals; neither to the so-called mod
ern conservatives, opposed to all improvement
and progress. He more resembled the radi-
Gals who strive for an uprooting of evils.
Such a man will always have enemies, for it
is not in the nature Of things that the friends
of vice will love those hostile to il, thar sin
ners will love those who hate sin, and seek its
overthrow. When convinced he was right
opposition from whatever source did not
swerve him from the path of duty. His
strong will enabled him to overcome great diff
cultes, and he often had occasion to test bis
decision. We would not assert that he was al
ways correct, but his slowness in forming opip.
ions would imply that he was not the first to
embrace "the new" Many subjects require
more time for their examination than pro-
fessional man can give them, but he ever acted
| up to his convictions.
In all the important interests of the town
ne was consulted and his opinions respected.
, Those there who struggle against evils and er-
| rors with much opposition viii greatly miss
| aid in counsel and in action. His political
| opinions were well known. He was Repub-
lican-intelligent and decided. In 1873 he
served in the State Senate with fidelity
and honor. He united heartily with all the
lovers of truth and free government to sup
press treason aud rebellion. He sought In all
ways to strengthen the government, rejoicing
in success, and sorrowing in our defeats. his
anxiety at times, in those years of trial was
great, but when victory finally crowned our
arms, rebellion was crushed, the enemies of the
best of all governments conquered, and "ths
sum OF all villainies" forever blotted out his
heart greatly rejoiced.
His success in life affords encouragement to
young men who see difficulties before them.
His industry and energy are worthy of imita-
ton. He, under a kind Providence, made him
self. He is now gone, and the void created Ii
seen and felt in church, town and State. May
the memory OF what he accomplished under
so many discouragements, through long and
successful life, incite others to industry virtue
and piety, that they, too, may live in the
hearts of the good, that their end may be
peace and their memory blessed.