Lang, H. O., ed. "The History of the Willamette Valley, Being A Description of the Valley and its Resources, with an account of its Discovery and Settlement by White Men, and its Subsequent History; Together with Personal Reminiscences of its Early Pioneers." Portland, OR, Geo. H. Himes, Book and Job Printer, 1885. p. 633. BENJAMIN F. BURCH Born in Chariton County, Missouri, May 2, 1825. Crossed the plains to Oregon when twenty years old, and the next year assisted in opening the Applegate route to incoming settlers. In the Cayuse war he served as adjutant, and in the Yakima war commanded a company of volunteer troops. In 1857 he had a seat in the Constitutional convention; was a member of the first State Legislature, and was State Senator is 1868, 1870, and 1884, being president of that body in the former year. Married Miss Eliza A. Davidson, September 6, 1848, the daughter of Hezekiah Davidson, and herself a pioneer of 1847. The pair have had two children, of whom one, Benjamin F. Burch, Jr., is now living. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2005 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above. ******************* Editor's Note: A photograph and biographical information on Benjamin F. Burch can be found at the Salem (Oregon) Public Library Historical Photographs Collection. URL: - click on Advanced Search, then enter Benjamin F Burch in the first field. According to this database, Burch resided in Polk Co., OR.