From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, publ. 
1894 - Page 157-158
 
HON. MICHAEL E. BURKE.  The bar of Dodge County, Wis., has won an enviable reputation 
throughout the State for the erudition, success and courtesy of its members, many of whom have 
achieved a national reputation for their ability and correct apprehension of what pertains to the 
profession.  Among those who stand deservedly high as members of this bar with his brother 
lawyers and with the courts is Michael E. BURKE, who has been a close student in his profession 
and has won the confidence and esteem of the community and the profession as a careful and 
efficient lawyer.  He is a native of the town in which he now lives, and was born October 15, 1863, 
a son of Michael BURKE, who was born in Tipperary, Ireland, and came to America in 1835, 
when a young man.  In 1855 he took up his residence in Beaver Dam and resided in this vicinity 
until his death, October 22, 1892.  He was married to Miss Ellen FOLEY, a native of Ireland, who 
died in March 1866.  Michael E. BURKE was placed in the public schools of Beaver Dam when 
he had attained a suitable age, and after completing his education here he entered Wayland 
University, from which he graduated in 1884.  He then taught school for two winters and labored 
on a farm during the summer months, and after deciding to make the practice of law his 
profession, he began fitting himself for this calling under Judge ELWELL.  After spending one 
year at the law school at Madison, Wis., he passed the required legal bar, after which he formed 
a partnership with his former preceptor, Judge ELWELL, which connection continued 
harmoniously and profitably until the Judge's death, in the spring of 1893, since which time Mr. 
BURKE has successfully practiced alone.  In the fall of 1890 his legal ability, intelligence and 
faithfulness to his section was recognized by his election to the State Legislature, on the 
Democratic ticket from the first district and upon the completion of his first term was re-elected, 
and made an able, incorruptible and intelligent legislator.  In 1893 he was chosen city attorney of 
Beaver Dam, was elected to succeed himself in May 1894, and in 1888 was chosen town clerk, in 
which capacity he served three years.  While a member of the Legislature he was chairman of the 
judiciary committee in the session of 1893, and at all times he took an active interest in the 
proceedings of the body of which he was a member.  Political affairs have always interested him, 
and in national, state and county politics he is well posted, is ever ready to give his reasons for 
his convictions and is at all times true to them.  A pronounced Democrat, he yet has numerous 
friends among those who differ from him politically and is exceptionally popular with those who 
differ from him in this respect.
 
Submitted by Carol