2/25/2012:
Today marks the 153rd birthday of ‘Honest John’ Burke, North Dakota’s tenth Governor. Born in Iowa, in 1859, ‘Honest John’ became known as a champion of public welfare and a “…man of unquestioned integrity.” The son of Irish immigrants, Burke migrated to Dakota Territory after receiving his law degree from the University of Iowa. Penniless, he worked as a harvest hand and schoolteacher before starting a law practice from his hotel room. He served as a County Judge, State’s Attorney, State Representative and State Senator before running for Governor in 1906. He sought to end political corruption and initiated numerous progressive reforms. He was appointed U.S. Treasurer by President Woodrow Wilson in 1913, and served as a Justice on the North Dakota Supreme Court until his death in 1937.
Dakota Datebook written by Jayme L. Job
Sources:
http://history.nd.gov/exhibits/governors/governors10.html
http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/nsh/burke.cfm
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=30951639