Now that my book is released and the book launch is just days away, I wanted to give a “sneak peak” into the letters that my Irish immigrant ancestor wrote to his wife and children…His words are heartfelt and genuine. His motivation for joining the war was not political nor for personal pride; it was to benefit his family. Florence Burke joined the Union Army as a “substitute.” In other words he took the draft of a wealthy man in exchange for cash and a plot of land. He made a desperate gamble because he knew that owning land would be a life-changer for his family. Did his gamble pay off? (You’ll have to read the book to find out!)
My Memorial Day 2015
This Memorial Day was special for me. In the past it has always been about parades and barbecues– and enjoying a long weekend with my family. I would watch clips of memorial services on the news, and I would appreciate the tributes both nationally and locally. However, I never felt a true connection until I discovered that I am directly related to a soldier from the Civil War.
My great, great grandfather Florence Burke fought as a Union Soldier for the Massachusetts 37th Regiment. He left his young wife and three children to serve his newly adopted country. What’s more he spared the life of a wealthy man, taking his draft and heading to the battlefields in exchange for a parcel of farm land. He took a gamble with his life.