The Last Roll: Capt. John P. Burkhart

Confederate Veteran
Volume 17, Number 3, Page 132
March 1909

On January 12, 1909, at the home of an old war comrade, Capt. H. H. Duff, a noble son of the South, Capt. J. P. Burkhart, C. S. A., answered the last roll call. He passed over the boundary line to join that glorious army gone before. He faced death, as he had faced other formidable foes, with, a smile on his lips. Captain Burkhart was born in Goliad, Tex., in 1844. His early years were spent in his native State, and at the breaking out of the War between the States he enlisted with the 8th Texas Cavalry, Terry's Rangers, whose record is well known to all readers of history. He so served his country during the four years of bitter strife, and at the close of the war, in 1865, he went West, and for more than thirty years was a resident of Portland, Oregon. His faults were few, his virtues many, a man of noble impulses, a ready friend, and a generous foe, a man of strong prejudices, but tolerant withal, his genial, kindly spirit shedding sunshine and cheer wherever he went. Captain Burkhart was the first adjutant of the local Camp of Confederate Veterans, being instrumental in its organization in Portland. He assisted also in the organization of Oregon Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and his sympathy and commendation of their work through six years of struggle because of the unpopularity of the movement makes his death a personal loss to this organization, and the memory of his service will live. His funeral was conducted in the chapel of the Sellwood Crematorium January 14. The beautiful and impressive burial service of the Christian Science Church was read by Miss A. Friendlich, of the First Church. This was preceded by a short service in charge of the Confederate Veterans, at which Col. L. C. Garrigus paid an appropriate tribute to the useful and valiant life of the departed. The casket was draped with General Beauregard's battle flag, which is owned by Mrs. Preston Smith, of Portland, Oregon. A number of beautiful floral offerings were sent, conspicuous among which was the Confederate flag reproduced in red and white roses, a tribute from the Oregon Chapter, U. D. C. [The foregoing is from a report by Miss Nannie Duff Silva, Corresponding Secretary Portland Chapter, U. D. C.]