Michael Isaiah Burkett 1846-1929

BURKETT, COLE, LONG, MCLAUGHLIN, CORE, DEVIN

Posted By: Karen DaPra (email)
Date: 10/8/2002 at 11:50:19

M. I. BURKETT

Michael Isaiah Burkett, son of Micael [sic] and Mary Cole Burkett, was born in Franklin county, Pa., June 29, 1846, and passed away at his home in Keosauqua Dec. 27, 1929, aged 83 years, 5 months and 28 days.

Mr. Burkett was the youngest of a family of eleven children, and was the only one remaining. He grew to manhood in his native state and in 1863, when 17 years of age, he heard the call of his country when she was in need of men for the war and enlisted in Co. I, 21st Pa. Cavalry Regiment, and served his country well till the close of the war.

He was always very patriotic and was enthusiastic for the G. A. R., always present to give his part in the ritual for a deceased brother, sometimes not being physically able.

Shortly after the close of the war Mr. Burkett left Pennsylvania and came west to Illinois, living in the vicinity of Lincoln; here on March 11, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Long to whom were born four sons, Joe, Charles, James and Orville. Charles died in boyhood at the age of 14.

Mr. Burkett with his family moved to a farm three miles south of Keosauqua in 1893 and remained for twenty years, removing to Keosauqua in 1913.

In March 1915 he united with the Methodist church and since has been faithful to his vows. He was reared in a Lutheran church.

April 18, 1921, Mrs. Burket passed away, and in 1923 Mr. Burkett and Mrs. Mary McLaughlin were joined together in holy wedlock.

One year ago Brother Burkett celebrated the 50th year as a member of the fraternal order of Odd Fellows. He was also a member of the Rebecca Lodge.

Those called up to mourn by the death of Mr. Burkett are his wife and the following: Joseph Elmer Burkett of Cantril, James Ray Burkett of keosauqua, Orvil Long Burkett of Keosauqua, Mabel L. Core of Keokuk, Mrs. Virgil Devin of Cedar Rapids, five grandchildren, also many nieces and nephews. These together with many neighbors and friends will greatly miss a good man.

Services at Methodist church Sunday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m., conducted by M. D. Cox, pastor. A male quartet, Wm. Davidson, O. C. Williams, Joe Barker and Walter Beer, sang very feelingly "The Old Rugged Cross," "Beautiful Land" and "In the Garden."

(Photocopy of this obit is located on page 127 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County, IA Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in Oct 2000. Name of newspaper and date of obit not given.)

Did son Orville married a daughter of Israel Hitchcock Strait and Sarah Jane Plowman? If so, please contact Karen DaPra.

[Original Post 04 Nov 2000]