P. F. Burke
P. F. Burke, one of the foremost representatives of a family which for two generations has been closely identified with the agricultural development of Crawford county, is a native of Ireland, his birth occurring in County Galway. His parents, Martin and Margaret (Grady) Burke, were born and married in the same county but migrated to the United States when their son was about ten years of age.
After living in Jersey City for two years they removed to Crawford county, Iowa, locating on a farm four miles southeast of Buck Grove. They were thrifty, hard-working people and when the father retired five years ago they were cultivating four hundred acres of land, all of which they owned. Mr. Burke made a specialty of stock-raising and met with most gratifying success in that venture.
Four children were born to him and his wife, the order of their birth being as follows: P. F., Ed., Martin and M. J. The three latter all live in Denison. The wife and mother passed away in 1905 but the father is still living and makes his home in Denison, enjoying the comfort and ease which the income from his large estate provides him.
P. F. Burke attended the district schools of Crawford county. His early years were spent in a manner similar to most farm lads and when not in school he had to assist in the work of the farm, his duties and responsibilities increasing with the passing years. He remained at home until he had passed his twentyfourth birthday and then rented land in Washington township, which he cultivated until four years ago, when he bought the place where he is now living. His homestead consists of one hundred and sixty acres of well improved and highly cultivated land in Washington township. Although he engages in general farming and stock-raising he makes a specialty of breeding and raising hogs and is rewarded by most lucrative returns.
Mr. Burke was united in marriage in 1900 to Miss Margaret Faulkner, who is a native of Greene county, Iowa, and they have become the parents of the following children: Joseph, Edward and Leonard. Edward, the second child, has now passed away.
The family attend the Catholic church, of which the parents are communicants. Mr. Burke's fraternal relations are confined to membership in the Modern Woodmen of America, his local affiliation being with the Dow City Lodge. Ever since acquiring the rights of suffrage Mr. Burke has given his support to the candidates of the democratic party. He does not take a particular active interest in local politics, not being an aspirant for office. However, he meets the demands of good citizenship by going to the polls and casting a ballot on election day.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.