Biography - Peter X. Burkett
PETER X. BURKETT - One of the oldest residents of this part of the county, died on Monday evening, February 10, 1919, at his home in Shirleysburg, Huntingdon County, Pa., after a protracted illness due to heart disease and complications appertaining to advanced age. Mr. Burkett was a native of Sinking Valley, this county, having been born March 18, 1834. When about eighteen years of age, he moved to Orbisonia. He was twice married, the first union being with Miss Matilda Hoover, June 27, 1854, and to them nine children were born, of which number six are living. They are, Mrs. Ella Shearer, of Orbisonia; William Burkett, of Abingdon, Ill.; Mrs. D. N. Kyper, of Huntingdon; Mrs. S. S. Lutz, of Galesburg, Ill.; Mrs. Emma Thompson, of Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. Bruce Gilliland, of Kalispell, Montana; and Mrs. J. A. Lansberry, of Newcomerstown, Ohio. Harry, Flora and Lawrence are deceased. Mrs. Burkett died in August, 1903. Mr. Burkett was married the second time to Mrs. Rettie Jeffries, June 12th, 1906, who survives him, as do also one brother, David Burkett, of Clearfield, two sisters Mrs. K. J. Anderson, of California and Mrs. M. Lightner, of Shirleysburg. He kept hotel in Shirleysburg for many years, and during that time ran a livery and hack as well as farmed to some extent. "Burkett's Hack" became household words around this section in the past years. He was a soldier, a member of the 19th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and has been active in the G. A. R. Mr. Burkett united some years ago with the Presbyterian church. The funeral took place from his late residence this (Thursday) morning at 10:30 o'clock and was conducted by Rev. George H. Swayne of the Church of the Brethren. The G. A. R. participated in the ceremonies giving the deceased the military honors due him for faithful service in his country 's cause Interment was made in the Presbyterian cemetery south of Shirleysburg. W. P. Dunmire was the funeral director.
Contributed by C. Foster
