An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., 
The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., 1893, pages 414-415

	DAVID BUROKER. -- In the list of the early pioneers who crossed the plains
in 1864, enduring all the hardships and privations incident to frontier life in
any new country, occurs the name of David Buroker, the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Buroker was born in the Shenandoah valley, Virginia, December 17, 1818, and
although now seventy-five years of age bears his years in a wonderful manner,
being as active and energetic as many who have not much more than reached the
prime of life.
	He attends to his extensive farming interests and gives every promise of
living to be an hundred. His father, Martin Buroker, was a native of Virginia,
of German parentage, while his mother, Ellen Griffith, a native of Virginia, was
of Welsh descent. In 1834, some time after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Buroker
removed to Ohio, remaining in that State until their death, the father passing
away in 1854, at an advanced age, his wife having preceded him many years
before. They were the parents of eighteen children, of whom our subject was the
third youngest.
	Our subject did not enjoy very extensive educational advantages, but made
the most of the opportunities afforded by the little schools of his county,
attending when unpropitious weather interfered with farm work. In 1856, Mr.
Buroker removed to Missouri; remained there three years, then proceeded to Iowa,
where he remained until 1864, when he crossed the plains to Washington
Territory, consuming about six months in making the trip. Being pleased with the
country near Walla Walla, he located there on rented land, which he farmed for
one year. He then removed to the Willamette valley where he remained three years
on rented land. After this he returned to Walla Walla, purchased on Mill creek
160 acres, which he afterward sold and then bought 240 acres, which he
subsequently disposed of, and in this way dealt in real estate until he soon was
possessed of sufficient means to permit the retaining of the 500 acres of
excellent land he now owns, situated seven miles northeast of Walla Walla. He
also owns 120 acres near the city itself. So large is his estate that four
country roads and two railroads pass through it, -- something that can be said
of no other farm in the State. Of course all this has made his property
exceedingly valuable.
	Our subject was married in Ohio, to Miss Sarah Jinkins, a native of that
State, and of this union seven children have been born, namely: Jonas, who
resides on Mill creek; Mary Ann. wife of John Crawford, resides in Idaho;
Louisa, wife of Jacob Kibler, resides on Mill creek; Ellen, wife of S.O.
Williams, resides on Dry creek; Noah, residing on Dry creek; William H., who
also resides on Dry creek; and Etta, wife of James Patterson, resides with her
parents and has two bright children, Judson and Bessie.
	In politics Mr. Buroker is a stanch Republican, steadfastly upholding the
principles of his party. Although a very poor man when he started to earn his
own livelihood, our subject has grown to be one of the wealthiest farmers of
Walla Walla county. Notwithstanding he has more than sufficient to supply all
his wants and those of his wife for the remainder of their days, his active
disposition will not allow him to remain inactive while there is anything to be
accomplished; and to these habits are due in great part his excellent health.
Throughout the entire county Mr. Buroker is esteemed and respected, and parents
urge their young sons to emulate his example in fighting the world and its
temptations. In spite of the many misfortunes that attended his earlier efforts
Mr. Buroker never allowed himself to be discouraged, but patiently labored on,
and now reaps the results of his labors.

Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in October 2003 by Jeffrey L. Elmer

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Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies
Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the
individual featured in the biographies.