John Burke (politician)

John Burke ( born February 25, 1859 in Sigourney, Keokuk County, Iowa, † May 14 1937 in Rochester, Minnesota ) was an American politician. He was from 1907 to 1913 the 10th Governor of the State of North Dakota and 1913-1921 Deputy Minister of Finance of the United States ( Treasurer of the United States ).

Early years and career

Burke attended the local schools of his home. He then studied law at the University of Iowa. There he made his degree in 1886. In 1888 he moved to the Dakota Territory, where he worked as harvest workers and teachers. Soon he was also active as a lawyer and judge in Rolette County. Later, he was also a prosecutor in this district. He was a member of the Democratic Party. In 1891 he was elected to the House of Representatives from North Dakota; 1893-1895 he was in the state Senate in 1906, he was elected with 52:44 percent of the vote against incumbent Elmore Y. Sarles as the new governor of his state. He was the first Democrat to be elected Governor of North Dakota, and only the second governor who did not belong to the Republicans.

Policy

Governor of North Dakota

Burke took up his new post in January, 1907. After two re- elections he could serve until 1913. He was the first governor of his state, who completed three terms. During his tenure, many laws in North Dakota were newly adopted or revised. For example, a law against corruption has been adopted. Other laws related to child labor, health and food control. Also a tuberculosis hospital was built in Burke's term of office. At that time a juvenile court in North Dakota has been introduced. In addition, a Tax Commission was established and introduced a public health laboratory. Burke's tenure represents the culmination of the Progressive Era in North Dakota

In government services

After the end of his third term Burke was appointed by the new U.S. President Woodrow Wilson to the Treasurer of the United States. In this position he remained during the entire tenure of Wilson until 1921 In 1916, Burke applied unsuccessfully for a seat in the U.S. Senate. He scored only 38.2 percent of the vote and was defeated by Republican Porter J. McCumber. After the end of his time at the Treasury Burke worked as a lawyer. In 1924 he was appointed as a judge to the Supreme Court of North Dakota. He was 1929-1931 and again from 1935 to 1937 even Chief Justice ( Chief Justice ) of his state.

John Burke was married to Mary E. Kane, with whom he had three children. Since 1963, recalls an entity belonging to the National Statuary Hall Collection statue in the Capitol in Washington DC at him.