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Dec 9, 2009
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History and GovernmentCongressional BiographiesNorth Carolina

BURKE, Thomas

(ca.1747—1783)


BURKE, Thomas, a Delegate from North Carolina; born in Galway, Ireland, about 1747; studied medicine; immigrated to America in 1764, settled in Accomac County, Va., and practiced; studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Norfolk, Va.; moved to Hillsboro, N.C., in 1771; delegate to the State convention at New Bern and Hillsboro in 1775 and at Halifax in 1776; member of the State house of commons in 1777; Member of the Continental Congress from 1777 to 1781, when he became the third Governor of North Carolina under its State constitution; kidnaped by the Tories September 13, 1781, and carried to Charleston, S.C., where he was held as a hostage; succeeded in escaping; resumed his duties as Governor February 1, 1782, and served until April 22, 1782; died at “Tyaquin,” near Hillsboro, Orange County, N.C., December 2, 1783; interment in Mars Hill Churchyard, near Hillsboro, N.C.


Bibliography

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

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present

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