William Tilly Burk (1802 - 1887)

Born 24 Jun 1802 in Irish ship sailing to North America

Descendants

Died 22 Oct 1887 at age 85 in Canborough, Haldimand, Canada West.

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Biography

William Burk has Irish ancestors.

William Tilly Burk, son of Thomas Burk and Mary Ann Cecilia O'Connor, was born on 24 June 1802 aboard an Irish Ship sailing from Ireland to North America.

Both his parents were Irish Catholics born in Queens County, Ireland.

William grew up in Haldimand, Canada. At about 20 years of age William left home due to his parents' opposition to his forsaking the Catholic religion to become methodist.

William wed Mary Hope Will in February 1827 in Upper Canada. They had seven sons and two daughters, amongst whom:

1. John Martin Burk, 1835–1921;
2. Eunice Teresa (Burke) Sutherland, 1840–1907.

In 1851 William T. Burke is recorded living in Haldimand, Canada West. ^[1]

In 1861 William T. Burke is recorded living in Haldimand, Canada West. ^[2]

William Tilly Burk died on 22 October 1887 in Canborough, Haldimand, Canada West (now Ontario, Canada). He was buried at McCollom Family Graveyard. ^[3]

Obituary

Another of the early pioneers has passed away in the person of William T. Burk. He was the son of Thomas and Mary Burk of Queens County, Ireland. He was born on shipboard June 24 1802, his parents being on their way to America, Arriving in New York, they resided for a time on York Street N.Y. from whence removed in 1814 to Canada, and lived for a time on the Niagara frontier, in the Township of Bertie; after few years removed to Township of Caistor, where they resided till their death. In the year 1827 he was united in marriage to Mary Will, daughter of John and Eunice Will of Township of Gainsboro, they having seven sons and two daughters, all of whom survived him but one son. On April 1st 1830 removed to his late home in Township of Canboro, the country being at that time a wilderness he having to bring his wife and two children and household goods with a wooden sleigh, and yoke of oxen through the swamps and brush there being no regular roads. And he began indomitable energy which characterized him in after life to make for himself a home, and his labors were crowned with marked sucess. But life with him was not all sunshine. On October 06 1846 he lost his life companion, and was thus left with the responsibility of caring for a family of small children. He was married on 21st April 1847 to Elizabeth Stewart widow of John Stewart of Moulton, which proved to be a fortunate one, she being an excellant mother to his children, but death removed her in January 1872, and the last fifteen years of his life was spent in the family of his youngest son.

When at twenty years of age he joined the Methodist Church, to which his parents were so much opposed that he left home. He remained with that body over sixty-five years, holding the position of local preacher for many years. such was the confidence with his energy inspired his fellow citizens that for twenty-one years he was chosen as their representitive in council during fourteen years he was a prominent member of County Council. which position he was compelled to decline on account of failing health. He also held for many years the position of Justice of the Peace and other offices. In early life he identified himself with the Reform Party to which he gave a thoughtful liberal support, always looking to the welfare of his country. and during his declining years one of his favorite pastimes was to give a reminisence of those early events in which he was an active participant, Many an hour have his friends enjoyed themselves in listening to him narrate his adventures in pioneer life. --- Com. ^[4]

Sources

1. ↑ 1851 Census of Canada East, Canada West, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, Ancestry.com. Text: "Name: William T. Burke; Residence 1851: Haldimand, Canada West (Ontario), Canada."
2. ↑ 1861 Census of Canada. Text: "Name: William T. Burke; Residence 1861: Haldimand, Canada West, Canada."
3. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/144856245/william-t-burk), memorial page for William T Burk (24 Jun 1802–22 Oct 1887), Find a Grave Memorial ID 144856245, citing McCollom Family Cemetery, Canborough, Haldimand County, Ontario, Canada; Maintained by mark south (contributor 48440876).
4. ↑ Newspaper Obituary, 1887

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Albertus for creating WikiTree profile William Burk on 23 Jan 2021. Click to the Changes Page for the details of edits by Albertus and others. Whilst making this profile the following WikiTree message showed up on the screen: No close matches were found. Proceed to step 3.