By Bob Yankle

Dr. Thomas Burke was born in Galway Ireland in 1747, immigrated to America in 1764, to Virginia, and was a medical doctor. He married and moved to Hillsborough, North Carolina around 1771, as he received his license to practice law in March of that year.

He volunteered to join American forces in the Battle at Brandywine on September 11, 1771 and later entered politics and won the position of Governor on June 5, 1781, succeeding Abner Nash.

In the early morning hours of September 12, 1781, Loyalist David Fanning led 600 Tory militiamen on a daring raid of Hillsborough where Governor Thomas Burke had taken refuge. Taken by surprise, the Hillsborough District militia and handful of Continentals offered little resistance. Fanning's men quickly captured the Governor, 71 Continentals, and a large number of Whig militia while also freeing 30 loyalist prisoners held in the jail. After their success -- in which they suffered only one wounded -- the victorious militia began to plunder the town, and after finding liquor, a number of them celebrated by becoming increasingly drunk. Recognizing that he needed to restore order and reestablish discipline, Fanning ordered his troops to form and marched out of town with his prisoners. The next day, North Carolina Militia under General John Butler would surprise Fanning's force at Lindley's Mill.

Gov. Burke declined reelection and vowed never to take a public office again. He became ill a short time later and died at the young age of 36, leaving behind his wife and a two year old daughter, Mary.

In commemoration of the 225th Anniversary of this event, the General Francis Nash Chapter of the NCSSAR and local DAR Chapters conducted a wreath laying ceremony at the gravesite of Governor Thomas Burke in Hillsborough, NC. While it is not known exactly where Governor Burke's remains truly lie, it is believed to be somewhat south of the current grave marker. The land which holds the grave marker was deeded to the General Francis Nash Chapter.