Just the Facts
Cathcart Family
One of the original settler families of Bristol, the Cathcarts played an important role in Bristol since the 1830's
Mary Alice Cathcart
Burke's mother who was actually named Belva, but always called Mary Alice, had been a twin. The twin, Beverly, died at birth. Mary Alice's mother, Eva, a teacher in Bristol schools, married Edgar Cathcart and died when Mary Alice was 8 years old. Because her father, Edgar, traveled with the Cathcart band, Mary Alice moved in with her Aunt Lottie (Charlotte) and her husband Uncle Will Artley who lived in the Bugbee home.
Still in family
Mary Alice's brother Bruce had moved to the West Coast, adopted 3 children and died there. Mary Alice inherited the home and Burke now owns the home.
Edgar Franklin Cathcart, Burke's grandfather, is fondly remembered for his 75 year membership at the Bristol United Methodist Church. The Cathcart family, picured in front of the Wise Funeral Home, were in the cast of the first musical, "Queen Esther" produced at the Bristol Opera House.
Cathcart Family Tradition
Cathy Housour Burke is proud of her 7th generation Bristol Indiana heritage. Today she lives in the home on West Vistula Street where her mother, Mary Cathcart Housour grew up. She is the last Cathcart descendant to live in the Town in the house built by the Bugbee family. The photo she supplied shows the home as it looked in 1883, after a front addition was added.
A history buff, Burke has sought the genealogy of her family, beginning with those buried in the old Cathcart Cemetery behind the Elkhart County Historical Museum, a frequent stop for those on history tours. THe last burial there is believed to have been in 1881.
Among her discoveries were that her ancestor Royal Cathcart and others ran for office in Bristol in the early 1900's. Burke, who served an earlier term on the Bristol Town Council is continuing in the family tradition and is running for an open seat on the Council in the Nov. 2010 election.
An ardent Town supporter, shown riding her bike as a child in the Bristol Homecoming Parade, Burke would like to serve the community again as a Council member to help Bristol get back on track during this economic downturn and pay more attention to what is important for citizens and their families.
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