For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 761
THOMAS AND MATILDA F. BURKE....It would be difficult to name a more worthy couple than Thomas and Matilda F. Burke, for a number of years residents of Muscatine county and now deceased. Their memory is revered by many to whom they were known and especially by friends and heighbors who were more intimately acquainted with their sterling qualities. Mr. Burke was a native of Ireland and his wife of England, her maiden name being Matilda F. Robshaw. They came to America and were married in Muscatine county, May 5, 1864. Mr. Burke was a man of excellent habits and a laudable ambition and he and his bride began the journey of life together on a farm in Pike township. Mrs. Burke passed away December 17, 1874, only ten years after her marriage, and was laid to rest in Timber Lake cemetery, Goshen township. Mr. Burke subsequently removed to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres one mile south of the place he originally rented and cultivated it with a gratifying measure of success until his death, which occurred October 15, 1902. His remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery at West Liberty, Iowa. Owing to his honorable dealing with his fellowmen, his genial manner and a spirit of friendliness, which was one of his prominent characteristics, he was greatly respected in the community where he passed nearly forty years. He always discharged his duties to the best of his ability, never taking advantage of another to promote his own interests. He was justly regarded as one of the substantial and representative men of Pike township---one that fully deserved the confidence of all with whom he came in contact.To Mr. and Mrs. Burke, one child was born, Margaret J., whose natal day was July 14, 1865. She continued with her father until his death, with the exception of a few years, and having inherited the home place, she has lived in comfort and is also able to assist others less fortunate than herself. She rents the farm and lives with her only son in quiet retirement at the old home which is endeared to her by many associations. She received good advantages of education at St. Mathias School, Muscatine, and is recognized by her friends and acquaintances as a lady of many admirable attributes which she inherited from excellent parentage.
Mr. Burke was a sincere adherent of the democratic party but never sought political honors, preferring to devote his time to his business or his family, it being his greatest pleasure in his later years to enhance the comfort and happiness of his daughter in every way possible. Starting early in life upon his own resources, he adopted America as his country and under the beneficient influences of the republic gained financial independence and also the respect and good-will of all with whom he came in contact.
Back to Biographical Index Page