Biography - B. M. BURKE

B. M. BURKE, president of the Carlinville Telephone Company, is one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens of Carlinville, Macoupin County. He was born in Washington County, Missouri, December 27, 1863, and is a son of Hon. Beatty T. and Martha J. (McGready) Burke, and a grandson of Thomas Burke. Thomas Burke was born in Ireland and upon coming to this country located in Virginia. He married Ann Thompson, who was of Scotch parentage.

Hon. Beatty T. Burke, father of our subject, was born in Jefferson County, Virginia, September 12, 1806, and upon arriving at the age of 14 years removed to the town of Harper's Ferry, where he resided until he was 29 years old. After completing a common school education he was employed for a time in the United States Armory at Harper's Ferry. He was compelled to leave Virginia on account of ill health, and in May, 1835, arrived in St. Louis, Missouri, where he conducted a mercantile establishment for some time. He soon disposed of this business and moved across the river to Zanesville, Illinois, where in addition to carrying on mechandising he conducted an inn and engaged in farming. After the death of his wife he sold out his interests and removed to Carlinville, Macoupin County, where he grew to be one of the county's most influential citizens. He followed the mercantile business here from 1836 to 1838, when he was elected sheriff of Macoupin County for one term. In 1847 he was appointed by the Governor as public administrator of the county, and in 1850 was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature. He was again elected sheriff of the county in 1852, and two years later was nominated by the Democratic party for the State Legislature but was defeated. He was renominated for the office in 1856 and elected by a good majority. In 1868, he was again nominated and elected to the State Legislature, and in 1871 was elected to the State Senate for a term of four years. He was also elected supervisor of his township in 1871, and served in that capacity until his death in 1876. He was a man of many virtues and sterling qualities, and his death was considered by his fellowmen as a sad loss to the community. He was first married in 1830 to Harriet Jackson, a daughter of John Jackson of Jefferson County, Virginia, by whom he had one child. He subsequently married Martha J. McGready, who was born in Missouri and was the mother of our subject.

B. M. Burke was educated in the common schools of Macoupin County, and in the schools of Wisconsin, Missouri and New York. Upon his return to Macoupin County, he engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock raising with much success for a period of eight years. Then in connection with W. R. Hulse he engaged in the real estate and insurance business, and this partnership continued until 1901, when Mr. Burke turned his attention to the telephone business. The Carlinville Telephone Company was incorporated with B. M. Burke as president; W. R. Hulse, vice-president; and A. L. Burke, secretary. This company operates 250 miles of telephone toll lines, and operates in Macoupin, Montgomery and Jersey counties. They have a direct connection with the Central Union and Long Distance telephone s}stems; and also connect with the Jerseyville and the Montgomery telephone lines, doing an immense business. He is an ardent Democrat in politics, and for eight years has served as supervisor. He is a member of Mount Nebo Lodge No. 76, A. F. & A. M.; Commandery No. 30, K. T., of Litchfield; Orient Lodge, K. of P.; B. P. O. E.; and a number of fraternal insurance orders.

In February, 1885, Mr. Burke married Alfred L. Mayfield, and they have six children: Bertie M., Martha L., Beatty T., Kathleen; Gertrude and Lillian. Religiously, Mr. Burke and family are consistent members of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

Extracted 2018 May 07 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 197-199.