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J. C. Burke
"A few weeks ago, J. C. BURKE was in the office
of The Leader. For a man of his years,
he seemed to be as well and as hearty as it was possible for him to be. A few
days ago, Mr. Burke was stricken with illness, and on Monday morning, Good
soldier that he was, he answered the last reveille and took his place in the
ranks of the departed to answer the final roll call.
J. C. BURKE was born in Tennessee,
on November 20, 1840,
and was 82 years, 5 months and 24 days old at the time of his death. For more
than twelve years beyond the allotted three score years and ten, he lived,
honored and respected by all who knew him, a man whose life history was
worthy of emulation and a lesson of great value in clean and upright living.
In his early days, Mr. Burke became a Christian, and remained a devout and
consecrated follower of his Master until his death. He united with the
Baptist church at Weston, and retained his membership in that body until his
death. He was firm in his adherence to his faith and made the teachings of
his Bible the foundation upon which his daily life rested.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Burke enlisted in the Confederate Army,
and served with honor to himself and to the cause which he espoused. A number
of his former comrades in arms were present at the funeral, gathered to pay
the last tribute to one more of the gray-clad heroes whose ranks are so
rapidly being depleted.
Mr. Burke was married to Miss Elizabeth ELLIOTT more than 55 years ago, and
during these long years they met life's joys and sorrow together, acting as
one, and whether in storm or in calm, always inseparable, devoted, loving,
reading life's meaning in terms of ideals high and hallowed by the marital
state. Two children were born to this union, both of whom preceded their
father to the Home beyond.
Funeral services were held at the First Baptist church on Tuesday morning,
conducted by Rev. B. C. LAND, the pastor, assisted by Rev. Leo JOHNSTON, and
attended by a large concourse of
friends. Interment at the Elliott cemetery followed the impressive
services at the church. Many beautiful floral emblems attested the
love and esteem of friends.
Surviving Mr. Burke are his widow, two brothers, Tom BURKE of Pilot Point,
and Charlie BURKE of Plainview; three sisters, Mrs. FRANKLIN of Maple, Texas,
Mrs. GIFFORD of Bowie, and Mrs. Kirby (KERBY) of Gainesville, to all of whom
the sympathy of the entire community goes out.
Pallbearers were as follows: Active: L. A. CARTWRIGHT,
G.V. BRAY, Rush PITT, Jess Joe PITT, Lee VEAZEY, Sam MORRISON. Honorary: D.
E. LEDBETTER, J. H. ARNSPIGER, W. A.STRICKLAND, C. E. BROWN, F. R. SLAUGHTER,
Oscar M. CANNON, A. J. PARISH, S. L. McKINNEY."
Joseph Calvin Burke was the son of James Madison Burke & Sarah Deming. His grandfather was William Burke and his
Greatgrandfather was Milliner Burke.
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