Calista Burke 1851-1924

BURKE, KING, JACK, SYBIL, EVANS, ATKINSON, PRATER, CONGDON

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 6/23/2018 at 07:49:32

31 January 1924 - West Branch Times

At 7:00 o'clock yesterday morning occurred the death of Mrs. Calista Burke, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Russell King, near Downey. Her death resulted from paralysis.

Mrs. Burke was many years a resident of this community, living near Oasis.

7 February 1924 - West Branch Times

Calista Jack was born in LePort county, Indiana, Feb. 21, 1851, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Russel King, near Downey, Iowa, Jan. 30, 1924, aged 72 years, 11 months and 9 days.

When but three years of age she came with her parents, in covered wagon, to Johnson county, Iowa, where she grew to womanhood and was married in 1870 to John Andrew Burke. To this union were born seven children. The only son, LeRoy, died in infancy. Two daughters have likewise preceded her in death, Mrs. Lottie Sybil of Lake Preston, S.Dak., in March, 19?9, and Mr. Cora Evans of Kasson, Minn, in Nov. 1923. Her husband's death occurred in 1912.

Following marriage Mr. and Mrs. Burke lived four years in Burlington, Iowa, and then established their home on their farm north of Oasis, Iowa, where their children were born, and the six daughters grew to womanhood and married. During the time of residence there the family attended church in Oasis.

After her husband's death, Mrs. Burke and daughter Alta made their home in West Branch for two years, till the time of the latter's marriage. Since then she has made her home with this daughter, Mrs. Russel King, making extended visits from time to time in the homes of her other daughters. During the time of Lottie's last illness Mrs. Burke was at her bedside constantly, caring also for the three motherless grandchildren for one year following their mother's death. Again when the other daughter, Cora, passed away, only two months ago, Mrs. Burke was at the bedside with her loving ministrations.

A faithful companion and a fond mother, Mrs. Burke was blessed with health and strength throughout her long and useful life. Her happiest moments were those spent in the effort to make others happy, whether in her own home or in the wider circles of friendship and acquaintance.

On Sunday evening, Jan. 13, 1924, having spent the day in her usual active way she was suddenly stricken with paralysis, from which she rallied sufficiently to be able to visit with her loved ones, when other serious ailments attacked her so strongly as to turn the tide against her recovery. Although all was done that medical skill and loving hands could do she passed away at seven a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30. She leaves to mourn her loss, one brother, W. C. Jack of West Liberty, Ia.; four daughters, Mrs. Laura Atkinson of Miller, S. Dak., Mrs. Nellie Prater of Tacoma, Wash., Mrs. Adda Congdon of Chicago and Mrs. Russel King of West Liberty, Ia.; also sixteen grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. Her only surviving brother, W. C. Jack, and three daughters were here for the funeral, Mrs. Prater alone being unable to come on account of distance.

Funeral services were held from the home and from the Friends church West Branch, conducted by the pastor of the church, Feb. 1, 1924. Burial in the family lot in Oasis cemetery.