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- 1). Source: Article in the Montgomery County History Book 929.2;1823 - 1988; pages 109 - 110
Crawfordsville Library, Montgomery County, Indiana
"GEORGE WASHINGTON AND MARY HANNA (DOUGLAS) BURK
George Washington Burk was born in Montgomery County on June 9, 1859.He was the son of John Franklin and Martha Rebecca (Reath) Burk. Hisfather was killed in the Civil War near Kingston, GA in May of 1864,leaving him and his three surviving siblings in the care of theirmother and the support of their father's Civil War pension.
"Wash," as his friends called him, grew up without the benefit offormal education, making his mark on the world through a strongHoosier work ethic. He was a quiet man who was what was known as atenant farmer, working different land around the area."
He married Mary Hanna Douglas, daughter of Jeremiah and Martha Jane(Mitchell) Douglas, in Montgomery County on Sept. 3, 1884. From 1885to 1906, "Wash" and Mary Hanna brought 11 children into the world.They were Clara, John, Amanda, Martha, Pearl, Alice, Jerry, George,Cora, Bertha, and Bill. All were born in Brown Township, with theexception of Bill Burk, who came along during the family's brief stayin Russellville in Putnam County. His arrival, on Oct. 9, 1906,happened at a difficult time. Shortly before that day, his father,and sister, Martha, both came down with typhoid fever. "Wash"survived, but 16-year-old Martha did not. She died on Oct. 1, 1906,just eight days before the family welcomed the new baby.
Mary Hanna (Douglas) Burk was born on the dirt floor of her parents'log cabin in the area of Whitesville on May 12, 1864. Stories passeddown paint a classic picture of an uneducated, hard working, andwarm-hearted product of the 19th century.
Following the death of her husband "Wash" in Alamo on Dec. 21, 1939,she could often be found tending her garden at home, barefooted and inlong sleeves and bonnet to prevent sunburn. She had a knack forchildren. A crying baby would stop fussing almost immediately in MaryHanna's caring arms. Her home was loaded with antiques, including apump organ and an old Victrola crank-type record player.
In her old age, she wore false teeth, which she abhorred, and took outwhenever she ate! She was fond of sweet potatoes and enjoyed makingblackberry and raspberry jam. She loved bacon, too, and was sure todrain the grease from every batch, then soak it up with a big piece ofbread and eat it.
Despite her lack of education, she loved reading...mostly newspapersand the Bible. Grandchildren often saw her stooped over thescriptures, magnifying glass in hand, sounding out the larger words inher high-pitched voice. She stayed close to her beloved descendantsby often staying in the homes of her children for up to six weeks at atime.
When she died on Feb. 12, 1953, the first grandsons through each ofher children acted as pallbearers at her funeral in Wingate. MaryHanna's life had spanned the administrations of 18 Presidents, fromLincoln to Eisenhower. [Transcribed by, SLJuhl, 27 Oct 2005]
2). Source: BURK - Family, Internet web site: www.RootsWeb.com
RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project: BURK
Family Trees
E-mail: fishfamman@aol.com
William fisher
Updated: 2005 - 02 - 23.
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