Robert Emmet Burke (August 1, 1847 – June 5, 1901) was an American lawyer, jurist, and veteran of the Confederate States Army who served three terms as a U.S. representative from Texas from 1897 to 1901 until his death in office.
Early years
Robert Emmet Burke was born near Dadeville, Alabama, and attended nearby public schools. He moved to Jefferson, Texas, in 1866.
Civil War
Burke enlisted as a private in Confederate States Army, Company D 10th Georgia Regiment before the age of sixteen and served throughout the Civil War.
Legal and judicial service
Robert Emmet Burke studied law. He was admitted to the bar in November 1870 and commenced practice in Dallas, Texas, in 1871. He served as judge of Dallas County from 1878 to 1888. He served as judge of the fourteenth judicial district of Texas from 1888 to 1896.
Congress Burke was elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-fifth, Fifty-sixth, and Fifty-seventh Congresses and served from March 4, 1897.
Death
Robert Emmet Burke died in Dallas, Texas, June 5, 1901, and was interred in Greenwood Cemetery.
Bibliography
See also List of members of the United States Congress who died in office (1900–1949)
References
Sources
Biography from the Handbook of Texas Online Memorial addresses on the life and character of Robert E. Burke, late a representative from Texas delivered in the House of Representatives and Senate frontispiece 1902