Company History

The company now known as Burchard Abstract Corporation was started by Major Thomas M. Harwood in 1854 when he opened a land and law office in Gonzales and devoted his time and attention to civil opinions of land titles. As records increased in volume, he realized the necessity of compiling an abstract plant. This was begun by the law firm of Harwood and Winston in about 1874 and grew along with Gonzales County.

On the death of Major Harwood, the Gonzales Abstract Company passed to his son, T. P. Harwood. The plant grew and Mr. C. C. Walsh joined the firm in 1898. In 1904 C. A. Burchard acquired Mr. Walsh’s interest in the plant and managed it until his death. Sam H. Burchard, a graduate of Texas A & M in civil engineering, purchased Mr. Harwood’s interest in 1914, and in addition to being involved with land title, started the surveying side of the business. The business operated under the name Burchard & Burchard, Abstractors.

Louis H. Burchard began working at the firm in about 1925 and for many years was Gonzales County Surveyor. He along with his sons Robert K. and William F. Burchard purchased the company in 1968 and changed the company name to Burchard Abstract Corporation. Louis was active in the plant until his death in 1980 at which time Robert became and remains managing partner.

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