JESSE BURKETT, one of Troy's prominent retired citizens, formerly county treasurer and for a number of years a public official of Miami County, is also a surviving officer of the great Civil War, having given a long period of his young manhood to the service of his country in her hour of need. He was born in 1835, in Jefferson, North Carolina, and was brought to Darke County, Ohio, when he was eleven years of age. In 1847 his parents removed to Fredericksburg, Miami Connty, and there Young Burkett went to school and worked in his father's blacksmith shop.

On August 16, 1862, he enlisted in the Federal Army, from Miami County, contracting for "three years or during the war," and on August 24th he was mustered into Company D, under Capt. R. P. Hutchins, and the Nintety-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Joseph W. Frizell. Four days later, this regiment, without uniforms or camp equipments, having never even been drilled, was ordered to Kentucky, which State, at that time, was being invaded by Gen. Kirby Smith. The regiment went first to Cincinnati, thence to Lexington, Kentucky, where Col. Frizell succeeded in getting three rounds of ammunition to the man, and, with the assistance of some citizens, passable quarters. Soon afterward the regiment was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, and on August 31st, participated in the engagement at Tate's Ferry or Fort. In that first battle, Mr. Burkett was seriously wounded in the left hand, so much so that he was incapacitated for service for some time. On February 15, 1863, he was transferred to Company M, Fifth United States Cavalry, Gen. George H. Thomas commanding. This regiment was later as signed to Gen. Torbett's Division, Army of the Potomac, and participated in the following engagements: Beverly Ford, Virginia; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; Brandy Station; Todd's Tavern; Trevelyan Station; Deep Bottom; Winchester; Dinwiddie Court House; Five Forks; and Appomattox Court House. On April 9, 1865, Mr.Burkett was again wounded, a gunshot shattering his left foot to such an extent that he had to submit to its amputation and at first suffered untold misery in a field hospital, later being transported to the Armory Square Hospital, at Washington, D.C. In addition to these sad misfortunes of war, Mr.Burkett also suffered imprisonment, being captured by the enemy, at Lexington, Kentucky, at the beginning of his service. Three days later he was paroled and with two months was exchanged. He received his final honorable discharge, at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, August 27, 1865, by reason of disability and the close of the war. His service included many heroic actions and his record is one that reflects credit on him as a brave man and a patriot. He is a member of Coleman Post, No. 159, G.A.R.

In 1874 Mr. Burkett came to Troy and for four years served in the office of deputy sheriff of Miami County, for seven years as deputy auditor of the county, for fourteen years as deputy treasurer, and then was elected county treasurer and served for two terms (four years) in that office. Since leaving the treasurer's office he has lived retired. He was a conscientious and faithful official and during the long period of public life, enjoyed the confidence of his fellow citizens at large and the hearty friendship of more intimate acquaintances.

On December 29, 1874 Mr. Burkett was married to, Miss Flora P. Tenney, who died in 1878, leaving one daughter, Adda E., who is the wife of Dr. Marsh, of Gouverneur, New York. Mr. Burkett was married (second), January 8, 1885, to Anna Casley Moody, and they have three sons, J. Earl, Ralph C. and Burton B., all of whom are residents of Troy. In former years Mr. Burkett took quite an active interest in politics. He is one of Troy's best known citizens, to advance the welfare of which place he has given his best efforts ever since becoming a resident.