A prominent member of the bar of Ottawa, who has spent the early years of his life in fitting himself for the profession which he adorns, is Daniel R. Burke. He was born in Ottawa, June 7, 1867, a son of Patrick and Margaret (Cummings) Burke, both natives of Ireland. His father came from Longford and the mother from Tipperary, were married in Canada and soon after came to the United States, settling in Ottawa. Here the father opened a general merchandise store and later admitted a partner, namely, Daniel Heenan. The firm of Burke & Heenan was one of the largest and most successful mercantile houses here for many years. In 1872, Patrick Burke retired from the business and died one year later. He was a prominent Democrat and a liberal, public-spirited citizen. He was at one time mayor of the city and was a man who was liked by everyone. The wife and five children survive him. The children are Thomas A.; Charles, of Chicago; James P., also of Chicago; William J.; and Daniel.
Except the years spent in college, Daniel R. Burke has always resided in Ottawa. As a lad he attended the public school, preparing for college in the high school of his city. He then entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, graduating in the law department of that institution in 1888, when twenty-one years of age. Returning home he at once began practicing his profession, and soon formed a partnership with Hon. Maurice T. Maloney. The firm of Maloney & Burke was dissolved in 1892, when Mr. Maloney was elected to the office of attorney general of Illinois, holding the office four years. Mr. Burke was then a partner with D. F. Trainer, the noted criminal lawyer, for one year, since which time he has conducted a general law office by himself.
In 1892 Mr. Burke was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Fennell, of Ottawa, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Ryan) Fennell, prominent residents of the county. They have one child, Margaret M. Burke. Mr. Burke belongs to the Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, and is president of the North American Insurance Society. He is a strong Democrat, and takes an active part in local politics. He is a member of the central and congressional committees, and ably represented the city as attorney at one time. He is affable and pleasant, gaining the friendship and good will of all classes.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 69-70.
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