Burke, John P. (1862-1941)

BURKE

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/15/2019 at 14:36:09

John P. Burke
Mar 17, 1862 - Feb 28, 1941

[From the 1891 Biographical History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p.703]
JOHN P. BURKE, whose connection with this bank dates from November 1, 1880, the time that Mr. HENRY purchased it, was born at Durant, Cedar County, Iowa, March 17, 1862. His father, P. E. BURKE, was born in Tipperary County, Ireland. In 1846, at an early age, he sailed for America and settled at Staten Island, New York, where he married Miss Mary MURPHY, and soon after they removed to Pottsville, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of eight children, namely: William F., James T., Mary, John P., Charles M., Edward D., Lizzie M., and Katie. (James T., Mary and Katie are now deceased.). In 1856, P. E. BURKE, with his family, moved to Iowa and settled at Durant, where he lived until 1876, when he moved to Shelby County, Iowa, bought a large farm, and remained there until 1884. He then sold his personal property, rented his farm, came to Walnut, purchased a fine residence, and is now retired from active pursuits, taking the world easy.

When Mr. HENRY purchased the Bank in November 1880, he was very fortunate in securing the services of John P. BURKE as bookkeeper. Mr. BURKE was then teaching school in Pottawattamie County, and though but eighteen years of age, his ability was such that in one year, he was made cashier of this bank. He became so well informed in business generally, that in January 1888, when Mr. HENRY saw fit to remove with his family to California, he left Mr. BURKE in charge of all his affairs, giving him sole charge and management of over 5,000 acres of improved land adjoining Walnut. Mr. BURKE has conducted all this business in a manner highly satisfactory to all persons interested, and has shown his ability to handle financial matters to such a degree that Mr. Henry's confidence in him is well deserved. For over ten years, Mr. BURKE has been in active business here, and has most assuredly won the high opinion of the patrons of the bank for his unassuming integrity, accommodating disposition, genial and pleasant manners and liberal methods of dealing. He has been Treasurer of the city for over four years and treasurer of the independent school district over eight years. Mr. BURKE is now but twenty-eight years of age, has made an early success in life, and has had a practical experience which should make his future one of continued prosperity.

February 8, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Lulu G. KEPFORD, daughter of David KEPFORD and Anna (COLWELL) KEPFORD of Havana, Illinois. Mr. And Mrs. BURKE are the parents of one child, a daughter, named Grace L., who was born August 9, 1888.

Ed D. BURKE, assistant cashier and bookkeeper of the above bank, was born at Durant, Iowa, November 25, 1864. He has been with the bank for over three years, is a young man of energy and integrity.