Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BURCH, George Benjamin
BURCH, George Benjamin. (Lyons, NY, Mar. 22, 1836-Dubuque, IA, May 2, 1901). MAYOR. Burch, mayor in 1876 and re-elected in 1877 and 1878, entered the LUMBER INDUSTRY in Dubuque with J. W. Babcock, but later sold his interest and moved to Wisconsin. Returning to Dubuque in 1869, Burch re-entered the lumber industry.
Burch became president of the SECOND NATIONAL BANK in 1844 and held the office until his death. He was also president of the DUBUQUE AND NORTHWESTERN RAILROAD; president of the DUBUQUE STEAM SUPPLY COMPANY, director of the NORWEGIAN PLOW COMPANY and the High Bridge Company; trustee of the FINLEY HOSPITAL, CARNEGIE-STOUT PUBLIC LIBRARY, YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.M.C.A.) and the HOME OF THE FRIENDLESS; and part owner of the Hotel Julien (now HOTEL JULIEN DUBUQUE).