Robert G. Burke, Vermilion County

Robert G. Burke (1866 - 1903) was sent to Vermilion county in 1873. He was only seven years old, and had been fully orphaned, unlike the majority of the Orphan Train Riders. In 1884 he wrote a letter giving his history:

His guardian was Mr. C. Newburn of Grant, Vermilion County. Although he had been with the Newburns since he was a very young boy, Robert called Newburn his "employer." He was attending high school in Hoopeston in 1884, so he was luckier than some orphans.

Robert married in 1887 to Elizabeth Stratton and they continued to live in Vermilion County. Robert never appeared in the 1900 census, so his occupation is unknown. He died a relatively young man, in 1903 and no obituary or death certificate could be found for him. His children, Robert and Mildred, were left with their mother, who never remarried.