Burke, Thomas, died 1905 age 42

BURKE, MULLEN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/12/2010 at 07:07:02

THOS. BURKE DEAD
DIES VERY SUDDENLY FROM SCARLET FEVER
A Popular Man Whose Passing Away Will be Mourned by a Multitide of Friends

This community was shocked last Thursday [Feb. 26] to learn of the death of Thos. Burke, one of the most prominent and well known farmers of the Sioux Valley, at his home six miles north of Hawarden. Few knew of his illness and the news of his death was hard to realize. He was taken sick on Sunday with scarlet fever and in four short days this ravaging disease had carried him away. The funeral was held Saturday but owing to the quarantine that had been established no services were held at the house. However a large concourse of friends followed the remains to the Catholic cemetery in this city where a short service was conducted by Rev. Fr. Masterson. A. J. Waterbury, N. J. Chamberlain, Will Coates, Tom Thackery, A. P. Gunderson and R. O. Schaber, of Hudson, representing the A.O.U.W. and M.W.A. lodges acted as pall bearers.

The deceased was born in Canada and was a little over forty years of age at the time of his death. When about one year of age his parents moved to Clinton, Iowa, and thirty-four years ago they came to South Dakota and homesteaded a farm five miles north of Hawarden. When Tom was yet a young man his father died and the duty of caring for his mother and the younger children devolved upon him. He did it nobly, grandly, and it was at this time that his unselfish nature and his business acumen stood out boldly and won for him the admiration of all who knew him. He was a self-made man, a keen observer, and a deep student and for many years has been the leader of the democratic party in Lincoln county. He was the party's candidate for the legislature on several occasions and during these campaigns won for himself the name of the "Silver Tongued Orator from the Sioux Valley."

He was married to Miss Kate Mullen in 1891. His wife died four years ago. Five children were born to them, all of whom are still living.

His friends were legion and he will be greatly missed throughout this whole section. He leaves an aged mother, two sisters, Mrs. M. C. Callan and Mrs. Elmer Johnson of this city, and one brother, Will Burke, to mourn his death.

Source: Hawarden Independent, March 2, 1905.

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From the Alton Democrat, March 4, 1905, p. 4: Hudson:

The community was shocked by the intelligence that Thomas Burke was dead. His children had been quite sick and he was tired out caring for them when he was taken sick himself. Thursday afternoon he dressed and went down stairs and died of heart failure as he reached the bottom of the stairs. He was a man who had a host of friends and even those who did not agree with him politically had nothing but good words for him. His remains were taken to Hawarden Saturday and laid before his wife who had gone before him.

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From the Alton Democrat, March 4, 1905, p. 5:

Mike Mullen of Sheldon vicinity was in Alton Thursday forenoon en route to Hudson, South Dakota. He went there to look after the appointment of an administrator for the estate of his brother-in-law the late Thomas Burke. Mrs. Burke died four years ago and five children are left orphans but they have property enough left to provide for them. Tom Burke was well known in Sioux county. He was born in Canada forty-two years ago. Forty years ago his father homesteaded in the edge of Dakota. He died when Tom was young and left the care of the family to Tom who assumed the duty nobly. Tom was married to Miss Kate Mullen in 1891. He was a self taught man and a leader of the democrats of his section. He ran for the legislature and was on orator of no mean ability. He died of scarlet fever Thursday of last week and was buried Saturday.

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From the Alton Democrat, May 20, 1905, p. 1:

Mrs. Elmer Johnson of Hawarden was left $1000 by her brother--the late Thomas Burke of Hudson, South Dakota. He carried the $1000 he left to her in a life insurance company. For two years Mrs. Johnson cared for her brother's children who were motherless and thus he showed his appreciation of her kindness and care.