Thomas Burke (politician, around 1747)

Thomas Burke

Thomas Burke (born around 1747 in Galway , Ireland , † December 2, 1783 in Orange County , North Carolina ) was an American politician and third governor of North Carolina.

Early years and political advancement

The exact date of birth of Thomas Burke is unknown. It is estimated that he was born around 1747. He studied medicine and in 1764 emigrated from Ireland to what was then the British colony of Virginia . There he settled in Accomack County and practiced as a doctor for several years. Then he decided to study law. After passing his exams and admission to the bar, he began a career as a lawyer in Norfolk , Virginia. In 1771 he left Virginia and moved to Hillsboro in what was then the British colony of North Carolina. From the start he was a supporter of the American independence movement. He wrote pamphlets against the British Stamp Act , which had become the stumbling block of the American patriots. He was a delegate to two important meetings in North Carolina in 1775 and 1776 that prepared the road to independence and drafted a new constitution for North Carolina. In 1776 he was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives. Between 1777 and 1781 he represented North Carolina at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia . When the city was threatened by the British, he joined the troops for defense.

North Carolina Governor

In June 1781, Governor Abner Nash resigned because of differences with the North Carolina House of Representatives. The House of Representatives then elected Thomas Burke as the new governor. His term in office was short, but very emotional. The main problem was still the war against the British. In September, Burke fell into the hands of the British who imprisoned him near Charleston , South Carolina . It was a kind of honor. On his word of honor he was allowed to move relatively freely, but was often mistreated by his guards. Therefore, he did not trust the British and feared for his life. For this reason, he took an opportunity to escape in January 1782. Upon his return, he resumed his duties as governor of North Carolina. However, his flight against his word of honor had met with incomprehension from some important people in North Carolina. That was one reason why Thomas Burke did not run for re-election in April 1782.

According to him, Burke County named in North Carolina.

End of life and death

Burke never fully recovered from abuse in captivity. In addition, there was the refusal of re-election. His health deteriorated rapidly and he died on December 2, 1783.

literature

• Sanders, Jennings B. "Thomas Burke in the Continental Congress." North Carolina Historical Review 9 (January 1932): pp. 22-37.

Web links

• Thomas Burke in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)
• Thomas Burke in the National Governor Association (English)
• Thomas Burke in the database of Find a Grave (English)