Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-07-04

where his education was begun. HIS
first teacher, Robert Otey-himself no
mean scholar declared that his pupil
was so bright, and made such RAPID
progress that he found 1t necessary 10
study hard each night that he might
not next day be surpassed and put 10
shame by him. He evinced an carry
aptitude and fondness for Languages
particularly Latin, and also for mathe-
mates. From his home he was sent 10
New London Academy, where, under the
tutelage Of Henry l.. Davies, notable
educator of that period, he made a
splendid record. From New London ne
went to Washington College, now the
Washington and Lee University, or Lex
ineton. when he took the full collegiate
course winning much distinction. He
graduated in June. lsil, delivering the
Cincinnati Grafton, the highest honor IN
the graduating class. Subsequently, he
went to the University of Virginia, and
entered the law class under John B.
Minor. from which he graduated with
distinction. He also pursued his studies
In mathematics, under Albert Taylor
Bedsoe, the great metaphysician, who
was one of the most profound thinkers
Of his time.
AN OMNIvOROUS READER.
Judge Burks was, when in health.
great reader, ard was close student of
Shakespeare and of Milton. On rare
occasions he wrote in blank verse, and
his efforts in this direction are much
admired.
After taking his degree in 1912, he To-
Gated at Bedford, then known as Lib
erty. He was then Il years old.
of
his profession. His first case was given
him by Judge NJ. Davis. ten years his
senior, who is still living and recalls the
circumstance with pleasure. He won
the case and frequently referred to 1t
rs the beginning OF his career.
On October Is, 1916, he married Miss
Mildred Elizabeth Buford. the daughter
of Captain Pascal Buford. Seven chill
dren blessed this union, only three OF
whom are now liying-Mrs. John S.
Kasey; Mrs. A S. Payne, OF Lypchburg,
and Mr.. Martin p. Burks, Il dstin-
euished member of the Bedford Bar,
and reporter of the Court of Appeals.
In the year 1858 Judge Burks had a
very dangerous illness, which his physi-
clans believed would terminate fatally,
and they told him that he would only 1--we
few hours. He recovered, however and
became a close student of the Bible, and
was confirmed into the communion OF the
Episcopal Church. He organized and
taught a Bible class that was attended
by the members Of the bar and the
leading men Of the town OF Bedford.
HIS POLITICAL CAREER.
Only once during his career did Judge
Burks enter the arena of political sife.
and that was in the fall OF 1861, when he
was elected to the General Assembly or
the state. and served during those dark
DAYS in the history of Virginia. Though
not an original Secessionist, he went with
The State and gave full sympathy TO the
cause. Judge Burks had confined his
practice of law mainly to his own conn-
ty though sometimes extending 1t into
the counties of Rockbridge and Franklin.
In 1875 it was suggested TO him that he
should become candidate for the judge |
ship of the Supreme Court but he would |
not oppose his friend. Judge G. A. Wing |
field. OF Bedford. Upon the withdrawal |
Of that gentleman. however, he allowed |
his name to be used in the nominations. |
His opponents were James Alfred Jones, |
a noted jurist OF Richmond; Judge Cog !
nin. of Amherst a lawyer and Democratic |
leader: Judge Forbes. of Fauquier: Judge |
OF Gloucester. and Major 7. j. |
of Lynchburg.
Judge Burks was nominated In very |
fne speech by Hon. w. w. Berry. |
md upon the fifth ballot was elected. |
Serving out .he unexpired term of Judge !
he was not reelected. the Re-
ldjuster party. with which he was not in
.ympathy, having come into power; and |
| question was raised whether he was
elected for a full term of ~ years. or for
IN unexpired term, which question was
lecided against Judge Burks. In Burks
IS. Hinton. n Virginia. Lewis. p. dis
Ientiag.
REVISED THE VIRGINIA CODE.
In connection with Judge II. c. Riley
ind Judge Waller r.. Staples, he revised
he Code Of Virginia. which was put In
operation in May. 1857.
He was the founder and one OF the