Civil War Confederate Army Officer. Evidence indicates his most likely place of birth was Ireland. His prewar years including his age are murky at best. However, by the time of the Civil War he had sons that also served in the Confederate army which would probably make him a man of about forty years of age at least at the outbreak of the war. He enlisted in Company B, 1st Virginia Cavalry, as a Private and apparently served at that rank until being commissioned Lieutenant on April 3, 1862. He served as a trusted scout and aide de camp to General J.E.B. Stuart. W.W. Blackford who served with him on Stuart's staff described him scouting as, "a man of great presence of mind and courage and had done some deeds of desperate gallantry". He was often commended in official reports by Stuart and reached the rank of captain. Twice wounded in 1862. In the early hours of November 25, 1862 he was shot and killed as he and his companions approached what was thought to be a safe house in Sherpherdstown, (West) Virginia. Blackford commenting further on Burke stated, "Capt. Burke was a rough man but one of extraordinary courage and enterprise in action".
Civil War Confederate Army Officer. Evidence indicates his most likely place of birth was Ireland. His prewar years including his age are murky at best. However, by the time of the Civil War he had sons that also served in the Confederate army which would probably make him a man of about forty years of age at least at the outbreak of the war. He enlisted in Company B, 1st Virginia Cavalry, as a Private and apparently served at that rank until being commissioned Lieutenant on April 3, 1862. He served as a trusted scout and aide de camp to General J.E.B. Stuart. W.W. Blackford who served with him on Stuart's staff described him scouting as, "a man of great presence of mind and courage and had done some deeds of desperate gallantry". He was often commended in official reports by Stuart and reached the rank of captain. Twice wounded in 1862. In the early hours of November 25, 1862 he was shot and killed as he and his companions approached what was thought to be a safe house in Sherpherdstown, (West) Virginia. Blackford commenting further on Burke stated, "Capt. Burke was a rough man but one of extraordinary courage and enterprise in action".
Bio by: Steve Dunn
Family Members
Children
Advertisement
