The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Friday, November 19, 2010

One Civil War Marine's Story: James Burke

From the New York Genweb-- Civil War Profiles.

James Burke was a Marine who was born in Limerick, Ireland, July 4, 1836 and became a drillmaster in the English Army. He served in the Crimean War before immigrating to the United States.

When the Civil War started, he enlisted in the USMC and served under Col. John Reynolds, commander of the Marine Barracks, Brooklyn Navy Yard. One week later, he was appointed drillmaster of the battalion. During the course if the war, he participated in several engagements.

At the close of the war, he was master-at-arms for Admiral Farragut and went on a two-year cruise with the admiral aboard the frigate USS Franklin and met the kings and queens of most European countries.

he then served as Recorder of the Navy under Admiral Goldsborough at the Navy Headquarters in Washington, DC. later, he served 51 years as Chief Clerk inthe general Lighthouse Depot under Admirals Schley, Evans and Dewey.

He also founded the Col. Shaw GAR Post on Staten Island.

Burke died at age 92 in 1928.

Quite a Career and Life. --Old B-Runner

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