Born at Marshall, New York. Graduate of Hamilton (NY) College in 1850. Studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1852. Married Jane Lawver May 1860. Served in Illinois State House of Representatives 1863 to 1866. Elected to Congress and served December 6, 1869, to March 3, 1879.

Appointed Director of the Mint by President Hayes and served February 1879 to June 1885. He supervised the introduction of the 1883 Liberty Nickel. He recommended that the 3 cent nickel and the one dollar gold coin be discontinued.

He returned to the practice of law. In 1893 he was in charge of awards for mines and metallurgy at the World's Columbian Exposition. He served on the Assay Commissions for 1894, 1895, 1901 and 1903. In 1900 he was census supervisor. He died in Freeport, Illinois.

Burchard was honored with a mint medal (USM 306) as part of the Directors of the Mint series. Dies were by Charles E. Barber.

bio: BDC; Failor; NCAB 13; WWWA-1