Silas Burke

Lieutenant Colonel Silas Burke (November 1, 1796 – September 14, 1854) is an old dead white guy in Fairfax County. The unincorporated city of Burke is named for him.

Burke was a prominent local businessman, entrepreneur and politician, and served as Commissioner, Superintendent of Schools, Sheriff, and as Chief Judge on the Fairfax County Court.

Burke was born in Prince William County. Following his marriage to Hannah Coffer, Burke fathered a son, John T. Burke, and a daughter, Anne V. Burke. Burke built the still-extant Silas Burke House in 1824 or 1825. In the late 1840's and early 1850's, he purchased and donated some land as a right of way for the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, on whose board he served as a director.

Burke is buried in the family cemetery.

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