| 1870 | Moves to Louisiana. May have been born in Kentucky or Ohio. Called Major although his war record was a mystery. |
| 1876 | Manages Nicholl’s gubernatorial campaign. |
| 1877 | Plays vital part in the Compromise of 1877. |
| 1878 | Democratic nominee and winner in the race for state treasurer. Held this office for ten years. |
| 1879 | When the lottery buys the New Orleans Democrat Burke becomes its managing editor. |
| 1881 | Merges the Democrat with the New Orleans Times to become the Times-Democrat. |
| 1882 |
May Duel with Hearsey |