In the late 1840s, orators and oratrice Thomas M., Robert, Mary Susan, James and William Burke, infants by William Blackburn their next friend, complained to the Chancery Court. That they are the only children of James Burke, and that Ann B. Burke is his widow. To fulfill a contract not recorded before James Burke’s death. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 41, item 41-F-19.]

1850 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia
Page 81
Dwelling 258, Household 258
Burke, Ann, 35, female, value of real estate $20,000, born in Virginia
Burke, Thomas, 21, male, manager, born in Virginia
Burke, Mary, 12, female, born in Virginia, in school within the year
Burke, John, 3, male, born in Virginia
Burke, James, 2, male, born in Virginia