Although they arrived as invaders and adventurers, the Burkes came to adopt the ancient Irish way of life as they amassed rich territories and acquired high honours.
Contributing significantly to the rich tapestry that is Ireland’s story, they played key roles at pivotal points in the island’s dramatic story, while others forged new lives for themselves in foreign lands.
In the world of music, James Burke was the American composer born in 1884 whose memorable songs include the Gene Austin hit Carolina Moon, Dancing with Tears in My Eyes, Rambling Rose and Tip Toe Through the Tulips.
Born in 1852, Martha Jane Cannary-Burke is better known as the American frontierswoman Calamity Jane.
A friend of Wild West legends such as Wild Bill Hickok, she took the name Burke after marrying Clinton Burke and appeared as a rider and trick shooter in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.
The inspiring tale of the Burkes is presented here.
Burke Clan Mini-Book Excerpt
Born in 1852 in Princeton, Missouri, Martha Jane Cannary-Burke is better known as the American frontierswoman Calamity Jane.
A friend of Wild West legends such as Wild Bill Hickok, she took the name Burke after marrying the Texan Clinton Burke.
By 1893 she was appearing as a rider and trick shooter in the famed Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Calamity, who died in 1903, is buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery in South Dakota – next to her old friend and gunslinger Wild Bill Hickok.
