Usher Burdick was born in Owatonna, Minnesota, on 21st February, 1879. His family moved to Graham's Island, Dakota Territory and was raised among the Sioux Indians.

In 1900 Burdick became deputy superintendent of schools of Benson County, North Dakota. He also attended the University of Minnesota and was admitted to the bar in 1904.

A member of the Republican Party, Burdick served in the Minnesota House of Representatives (1907-1911). Burdick was also the attorney of Williams County (1913-1915) and assistant district attorney for North Dakota (1929-1932).

Burdick was elected to Congress in November 1934. Over the next few years he played a leading role in the campaign to free Tom Mooney and Warren Billings. Burdick served ten terms in Congress (January, 1935 to January, 1945 and January, 1949 and January, 1959). Usher Burdick died in Washington on 19th August, 1960.