Lackawanna County Obituaries

George J. Burkel, the man who fired the last gun in The Great Conflict between the North and the South, died yesterday at his home 930 Capouse Avenue.
 
Burkel was born in Germany, and after the Civil War began he enlisted in his adopted country's service.
 
On the day that peace was declared Burkel was with a portion of Sherman's command at Morrisville, Tenn., where it was opposed by General Joseph Johnson's men.
 
Burkel was in charge of a field piece, and kept firing it for some minutes after the knowledge of the declaration of peace had been received by the commanding officer. Information of the great event having failed to reach Burkel. By his side during this history-making achievement was George Schultz of Petersburg.
 
Death overtook Mr. Burkel in the sixty-fifth year of his life. He was born in Wilstead-Baden, Germany. Fifty-one years ago he emigrated to America and settled in New York City, where he lived a short time. Then he came to Scranton, and has resided here almost continuously ever since.
 
At the call for volunteers in 1861. Burkel enlisted for three months in this city, in Company C. Fifteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Charles Robinson, of Scranton. At the expiration of his term of service he left the company and regiment and reenlisted on Oct 5, 1861, for three years, and was honorably mustered out again at Mossy Creek, Tenn., on Dec. 31, 1863.
 
Fighting became a second nature to him, and again he re-enlisted and was assigned to the cavalry of the Ninety-Second Pennsylvania Regiment, being subsequently transferred to the artillery.
 
Mr. Burkel was active in Politics of the Seventh Ward, where he resided for years, and on many occasions was chosen a delegate to represent his district at the city and county Republicans conventions.
 
The Hyde Park Lodge, No. 339. Freed Accepted Masons, and the Grand Army Post, of which he was a member will attend his funeral.  

John BRADY 76 of 2122 Durkin Ave died yesterday. His wife was the former Winifred GERRITY. He was born in County Mayo, Ireland and lived in the Scranton area for over 40 years. He was a member of Holy Rosary parish. Surviving are his wife; daughter Mrs James JOYCE, Scranton; son John BRADY, Buffalo, NY; 3 sisters Mrs Catherine MC LAUGHLIN, Mrs Mary HYLAND, Mrs Anna ABBENS, all of Boston, MA. Services Holy Rosary with interment Cathedral cemetery. [John Brady b. May 24 1879, d. Aug 8, 1955.]

Mrs Anna Rorick, 39 Veterans Dr, Dunmore, died Fri in Ellen Memorial Convalescence Home. Her husband, Henry died 6 Jan. Born in Dunmore, daughter of the late William and Anna Gerrity McKenna. St Mary of Mt Carmel Church. Survived by sister, Agnes McKenna of Dunmore, nieces & nephews. Funeral Mon, Thomas J Golden FH, 2004 Delaware St; St Mary of Mt Carmel; Cathedral Cemetery.

Mon 28 Jul 1980; PB: Paul McAndrew, Robert Rod McKenna, John McKenna Jr. [Anna Mckenna Rorick B. 1899, D. Fri 25 Jul 1980]

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