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JACOB BURKETT

Retirement before old age creeps over one is sensible, because during long years of stendfast endeavor, a man earns the right to a period of rest while he is still young enough to enjoy himself. This has been proven to be the most desirable course by many of the most intelligent farmers of Rock "island county, among them being Jacob Burkett of Andalusia, 111. He was born at Wheeling, W. Va., July 27, 1833, a son of William and Anna (Fowler) Burkett, natives of Bedford county, Pa., and Ohio, respectively, the mother having been born in 1795. There were six children in their family, but Jncob is the sole survivor. He was educated in the public schools of the places in which he lived, and worked hard all his life.

In 1857, Jacob Burkett came to Illinois, locating on a farm in Drury township. This remained his home for about twelve years, when he moved to Vernon, la., and operated a ferry boat for twelve years, running between Bentonsport and Vernon, and carried on a teaming business. Returning to Illinois he settled down at Andalusia twenty-one years ago. During the Civil war, Jacob Burkett showed that his loyalty was of the right quality, by enlisting in 1863 for service in Company A, Ninth Iowa Cavalry. His captain was John G. Reed. His term of service continued until November, 1865. and he had charge of the mess wagons. The strain of lifting and hauling the supplies in jured him, and he was discharged on account of his disability, at Davenport. la. After his return home, he resumed his farming, as did so many of the Boys in Blue of that period.

Jacob Burkett was married April 3. 1857, to Elizabeth Steckman, a daughter of John and Hetty Steckman. natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father died in 1838, but the mother survived until December. 1876. The following are the living children of Mr. and Mrs. Burkett: John H.. born in 1859. is flagman for the Rock Island Railroad; and Annie, born April 12. 1871.

A republican. Mr. Burkett has served as a school director of Drury township. His daughter, who is a graduate of Wilton academy, also took a course at the Brown's Business College of Rock Island, and has taught school in both Iowa and Illinois. She belongs to the White Shrine of Jerusalem,. Eastern Star, and Women's Relief Corps of Rock Island. Jacob Burkett belongs to Buford Post, G. A. R., of Rock Island, and two years ago became a Mason.

During the many years Mr. Burkett lived in Drury township, he proved himself an excellent farmer and good neighbor, and his interest in Andalusia since his location here has been very pronounced. He and his wife are much beloved in their locality, for there are many who remember countless deeds of kind ness and words of sympathy freely bestowed. It is such as they who form the great backbone of the nation, and enable it to maintain its position as a nation of homes.

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

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Illinois Ancestors

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