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Thomas E. Burke

1864 – 1941

Irish-born American labor union leader

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About Thomas E. Burke

Lived 1864 – 1941 (aged 76–77).

Thomas E. Burke (1864 – October 23, 1941) was an Irish-born American labor union leader.

Born in Ireland, Burke emigrated to the United States after completing his primary schooling. Settling in Chicago, he attended the Illinois College of Law, then in 1882, was apprenticed as a plumber. As a journeyman, he worked internationally. He first joined a plumbers' union in 1886, and then in 1889 was a founding member of the United Association union.

In 1896, Burke was elected as president of his union local in Chicago. He began working full-time for the union in 1902, as a general organizer. In 1909, he was elected as secretary-treasurer of the union, also becoming editor of its journal, the Plumbers', Gas and Steam Fitters' Journal.

Burke remained in post until his death, in 1941.

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Important facts

Born
1864
Birth century
Died
1941

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Thomas E. Burke's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Thomas E. Burke?

irish-born American labor union leader

When was Thomas E. Burke born?

Thomas E. Burke was born in 1864.

When did Thomas E. Burke die?

Thomas E. Burke died in 1941.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Thomas E. Burke

· Wikidata: Q117487899

· DBpedia: Thomas E. Burke

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Thomas E. Burke. https://biography.guide/thomas-e-burke/

MLA: "Thomas E. Burke." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/thomas-e-burke/.

Chicago: "Thomas E. Burke." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/thomas-e-burke/.

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