Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

in itself, determined the course f his fu-
ture activities. In 1853 he removed to
Rockville, Connecticut, wliere lie entered
the American Mill as a spinner, having
previously learned that branch of textile
manufacturing- in Lawrence, Massachu-
setts. He gave up mill work to do team-
ing for Mr. Gaynor, who was in the flock
business. His driving took him through
Hartford, Manchester, Broad Brook and
neighboring towns.
He was ambitious and thrifty, and after
a time he acquired sufficient means to
purchase three horses from his employer.
With this equipment, he established him-
self in the teaming business, hauling
goods between Rockville and Hartford.
As business increased he added other
teams and in 1858 had prospered to such
an extent that he was able to start a liv-
ery business. In i860, he bought the
business of his competitor, David Dart.
In the early days of Rockville, before the
railroads had been built, Henry Burke
was a familiar figure on the road between
Rockville and Hartford. For nearly half
a century he was known as one of the
most reliable men in the teaming and liv-
ery business in his section of the State.
Enterprising and energetic he permitted
no obstacle to bar his progress to the goal
of his ambition. Careful to keep his
promises and punctual in making deliv-
eries, he established an enviable reputa-
tion.
In 1861 he acquired an excellent farm
which at the time of his death comprised
about 130 acres. To this farm he had
retired in 1898, leaving the practical management
of his livery and teaming in the
efficient hands of his son. In his later
years Mr. Burke made a specialty of
tobacco culture. Concentrating all his
excellent powers and abilities in the intel-
ligent direction of his business, and never
forgetting his early lessons of thrift and
LXCYCLOI'KDIA ()!•' BIOCRAI'UY
8«
frugality, Mr. I'.urke attained a degree of
success not attained by many in his line
and became an extensive real estate
owner. Mr. I'.urke's career offers a splen-
did example of the accomplishments of a
self-made man. Plain and unassuming
in manner he had the courage of his con-
victions. He was honest and upright in
his dealings, and won the confidence and
esteem of all who knew him. Possessing
many splendid qualities of mind and
heart, he had a host of staunch and loyal
friends. He was a tireless worker until
his health became enfeebled. The spot-
light had no attraction for him, for he
was domestic in his tastes and was fond
of the companionship of his intimate
friends. He was always interested in
everything pertaining to the welfare of
Rockville, and his generous nature and
warm heart responded quickly to all
those appeals that commended them-
selves to his judgment as being for the
good of the community. His private
charities were many and unostentatious.
It embarrassed him to have the knowl-
edge of his many kindly acts come to
light. He loved the great out-of-doors
and took a keen interest in Rockville's
annual fairs. He never sought or desired
political office, but was a consistent mem-
ber of the Democratic party.
In October, 1856, he married Ann Nor-
ton, born December, 1836, daughter of
Michael and Bridget (O'Donnell) Nor-
ton, a native of his own section of Ire-
land, who came to America in 1852. She
proved to be an ideal helpmeet and com-
panion, contributing her share to the success
and prosperity of the family. They
were the parents of eleven children, six
of whom grew to maturity : Francis H.,
member of the undertaking firm of Cavanaugh
& Burke; William T. ; Arthur
B., deceased ; Augustus M., of further
mention; Mary Jane, wife of Louis P.