Thomas Burke, parents unknown, was born in Ireland about 1828. As shown in the records of the West Virginia Adjutant General, he was "detailed as a messenger, per Special Order #23, Cumberland, Maryland, Feb 6, 1864, by order Brigadier General Kelley, S. Melvin, A.S.A. Mustered out at Richmond, Va."

     Thomas married Rebecca Hutchison (also Hutchinson) on 3 June 1852 in Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia, according to a statement in her Widow's Pension application. However, the record is not found in that county. A statement of the county clerk, contained in the application, indicates that a license was issued on 1 June 1852 but there was no return showing they had actually gotten married. [This does not mean they didn't get married; it only means that the license was not returned to the courthouse by the minister.]

1860 Census, Ohio County, (West) Virginia
BURKE (#280/288)
Thomas ...32...farm laborer...b Ireland
Rebecca...28...b OH
Margaret J...7... b VA
Walter...2...b VA
Infant...1 month...b VA

1870 Census, Triadelphia, Ohio County, West Virginia
BURKE (#43/43)
Thomas ...44...farm laborer...b Ireland
Rebecca...40...Keeps house...b OH
Margaret...17...At home...b VA
Walter...13...At school...b Ill.
Thomas...10...At school...b VA
Mary...7...At school...b VA
Andrew...4...b WV

     The death of Thomas Burke occurred on 14 Dec 1876, according to his widow's pension application. However, the burial record at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Wheeling says he was interred there on 13 Dec 1876.