Thomas Burke (c. 1747 -- December 2, 1783) was the governor of the U.S. state of North Carolina from 1781 to 1782.

Born in Galway, Ireland, about 1747; studied medicine; immigrated to America in 1764, settled in Accomac County, Va., and practiced; studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Norfolk, Va.; moved to Hillsboro, N.C., in 1771; delegate to the State convention at New Bern and Hillsboro in 1775 and at Halifax in 1776; member of the State house of commons in 1777; Member of the Continental Congress from 1777 to 1781, when he became the third Governor of North Carolina under its State constitution; kidnaped by the Tories September 13, 1781, and carried to Charleston, S.C., where he was held as a hostage; succeeded in escaping; resumed his duties as Governor February 1, 1782, and served until April 22, 1782; died at “Tyaquin,” near Hillsboro, Orange County, N.C., December 2, 1783; interment in Mars Hill Churchyard, near Hillsboro, N.C.