A Guide to the Burke Family Papers, 1800-1873
A Collection in
the Library of Virginia
Accession Number 22870
Library of Virginia
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© 2006 By The Library of Virginia. All Rights Reserved.
Processed by: Trenton Hizer
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
Collection is open to research.
Use Restrictions
There are no restrictions.
Preferred Citation
Burke Family Papers, 1800-1873. Accession 22870. Personal Papers Collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.
Acquisition Information
Lent for copying, 16 June 1948, by George H. S. King, Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Biographical Information
George Washington Burke (24 April 1823-28 July 1896) was a prosperous farmer in Caroline County, Virginia. Burke served in the 9th Virginia Cavalry in 1861-1862. He married three times. He married first, Dorthea B. Washington (d. by 1850) 2 July 1844, and they had at least one son. He married second, Eliza Taliaferro (1833-by 1882). and they had at least 3 children. He married third, Bettie DeJarnette (1851-1930) 30 October 1882. Thomas H. Burke (1845-1885[?]) attended Hanover Academy in Hanover County, Virginia. When the Civil War began, he served in the 9th Virginia Cavalry, then transferred to the 4th Virginia Cavalry, and was paroled at Appomattox Court House. After the Civil War, he studied law at the University of Virginia, then practiced in Paducah, Kentucky, and San Francisco, California. He died in San Francisco about 1885.
Scope and Content
Papers, 1800-1873, of the Burke family of Caroline County, Virginia, consisting of letters, 1850-1861, from family and friends discussing personal news and Texas during the early days of the Civil War; and letters, 1860-1873, from Thomas Henry Burke (1845-1885?) discussing his education at Hanover Academy, Virginia and secession; his education at the University of Virginia law school, and his establishment of a legal practice in San Francisco, California. Papers also include wills, 1800-1857, of Holt Richeson (d. 1800) of King William County, Virginia, Thomas Henry Burke (d. 1829) of Caroline County, and Elliott DeJarnette (1788-1857) of Spotsylvania County, Virginia; a writ against the estate of Festus Dickinson (ca. 1795-1845); certificate of exemption for George W. Burke from military duty; a receipt from Fauquier White Sulphur Springs; and an affidavit concerning Thomas H. Burke, his health and inability to return to military duty.