NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

A prominent factor in the business life of Morristown, Mr. BURKE belongs to that class of progressive, enterprising citizens to whom is attributable the commercial activity and consequent prosperity of a community. His life has here been passed. He was born in Morristown, on the 21st of July, 1852, and is a son of Thomas W. and Mary Elizabeth (COGAN) BURKE. His father first opened his eyes to the light of day at Rathfarnham, county Dublin, Ireland, December 23, 1810, and died in Morristown January 23, 1896. His mother was born in Leixlip, county Kildare, Ireland, October 26, 1818, and passed away on the 1st of June, 1895, at her home in this city. They were married on the Emerald isle and came to the United States in May, 1847, locating in Morristown. The father was a farmer by occupation and was a quiet, unassuming man of sterling worth. He gave his political support to the Democracy, and in religious faith both he and his wife were Catholic, holding membership in St. Mary's church, of Morristown.

Eugene S. BURKE was the seventh in a family of eight children. He acquired his literary education in Morris Academy and completed a commercial course in Thompson's Business College in 1870. When his school days were ended he turned his attention to the work of the farm and followed agricultural pursuits for a time, after which he accepted a position as traveling salesman for the C. A. Nichols Company, publishers, of Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1882 he embarked in the coal business, in Morristown, as a member of the firm of Pruden & Burke, and has since carried on operations along that line. The patronage of the firm has constantly increased and the business is now large and profitable. In addition to this enterprise Mr. BURKE is a director in several other business concerns, and his sound judgment and keen discrimination make his connection with any industry a valuable one.

In 1886 Mr. BURKE was married to Miss Margaret T. DALY, and four sons and two daughters have been born to them. The family are connected with the Roman Catholic church, and in his political affiliations Mr. BURKE is a Democrat. From 1886 until 1894 he represented Morristown on the board of chosen freeholders, discharging his duties with marked fidelity and ability. He is a man of strong determination and resolute purpose, and these elements have been essential factors in his business career.

This biography was scanned and contributed by Catherine Smith DeMayo.

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