Source: Biographies from the 1878 History of Knox County,
Illinois published
by Charles C. Chapman and submitted by Joan Achille.
BURKHALTER, JAMES L.
He is County Treasurer, and is the son of David and Mary A.
(Marks) Burkhalter of Pennsylvania. He was born in Lehigh County,
PA on 15 April 1835. He was educated in common schools and adademy
and reared on a farm. He learned the carpenter trade and commenced
the bulding business in 1852, and has followed it since. He came
to Knox County in April 1856. He was married to Martha E. Adle
on 2 Nov 1858, who has borne him eight children, six living. In
1862 he recruited a company for the Union Army, commenced 23 July,
completed 10 Aug. He was chosen Captain and kept recruiting until
he raised nearly two companies. His was the first recruiting commission
obtained by a Knox County man. He was often detailed in various
staff positions, much of the time in charge of sappers and miners.
During his last year he served as Assistant Adjutant General,
and always received favorable mention in Gen. Buell's reports;
for meritorious services at Beatonsville, NC; was promoted to
Major, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He is a Republican,
and was elected Treasurer of Knox County in 1875, being re-elected
in 1877. Residence, Maquon.
Many thanks to Micky Dawson who submitted this information.