Capt. R. A. Burke, proprietor of a livery and feed stable, of Dyersburg, was born in Williamson County, Tenn., in 1834; son of Arnold and Margaret (Smith) Burke. The father was of Scotch-Irish descent, born in Virginia, and a farmer by occupation. In his youth he went to North Carolina, but afterward immigrated to Middle Tennessee, where he purchased property, and married. In 1836 he disposed of his real estate, and moved to Tipton County, but purchased land in Lauderdale County. He died in 1837. His wife was born in Williamson County, Tenn., and died in 1872. They were the parents of five children, only two of whom are living, William T. who is a physician of western Texas, and Capt. R. A., our subject, who made his home with his mother, until twenty years of age. He was educated in Lauderdale County (where his mother moved in 1837), and in 1855 began clerking in a general store, at Double Bridges, and the following year went to Memphis, and was engaged in the same work. In 1857 he returned to Double Bridges, and established a general store on his own responsibility. At the breaking out of the war, he joined the Confederate Army, and was forage master in Stewart's regiment, Haywood's company, for about one year, ranking as captain. January 13, 1859, he married Miss E. A. Jordan, daughter of William Jordan. Mrs. Burke was born in Haywood County, Tenn., in 1839, and became the mother of six children: William A., Mary S., Robert A., Charles B., Edna and Gordon. After the war, Capt. Burke followed farming until 1867, when he resumed merchandising. He came to Dyersburg in 1869, and was a merchant of that place, until 1872, when he sold out and began his career as a liveryman, in which business he has been engaged to the present time. He has been an enterprising man and a worthy citizen. He keeps an average of fifteen horses, eight single buggies, five hacks, two hearses and three wagons. He is a Democrat, but previous to the war was an old line Whig. He is a Mason and belongs to the U.O. of G.C., and is a member of the Baptist Church. His wife died on the 3d of June, 1884, and December of the same year he married Miss E. P. Jordan, daughter of Dr. Robert Jordan, of Yazoo County, Miss.