BURKE, SR., Dennis Aloyious

Arizona Journal-Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory Tuesday, November 5, 1918, page 7, column 4 Reapers Realm Claims Good Citizen Dennis A. Burke A Popularly Known Pioneer Arizonan, Passes Away After Long Illness Dennis A. Burke, one of the most prominently known of Yavapai pioneers, but since 1909, a resident of Bouse, passed away at Mercy hospital in Prescott on Sunday afternoon. His fight against the inevitable was heroically endured for nearly two years, his illness being due to the bite of a vinegarroon, more commonly known among the Indians as 'The Child of The Earth,' a small- sized insect. He was attacked by this deadly creature at night while sleeping out on a cot at his hotel at Bouse during warm weather, the fangs penetrating his hand and from that day his health declined. The wound for months afterward did not appear to cause him any serious trouble, much less was there pain at the time. After the infection developed Mr. Burke consulted many specialists, but obtained little relief. He came to Prescott last summer for a change of climate, and it was noticed he was rapidly failing, symptoms of tuberculosis being pronounced. The death of this popularly known Arizonan takes away another pioneer of splendid fellowship and an exemplary citizen. He arrived in Prescott during 1878. He was an accountant of a high order and was chief clerk of the quartermaster of the military department of Arizona, when headquarters were at Fort Whipple, afterward resigning to engage in civil pursuits, when he returned to Prescott. In later years Mr. Burke began a public and business career, making a success. With M. J. Hickey, deceased, Hotel Burke was founded, giving at that time to Prescott its first hotel on modern lines. In public doings Mr. Burke entered politics and was elected to the lower house of the legislature, for two terms county treasurer, and for two terms mayor of this city. His official record was without a blemish. He was born at Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1859, and came from one of the best known families in that state. Surviving is a widow, who was with him in devotion to the end. Three daughters also are left, Mrs. J. W. Kramer, now in this city, Mrs. F A. Cartmell, and Mrs. E. Goodwin. A son, Beverly Burke arrived yesterday from Bouse, where he had been in charge of his father's business. The funeral, much to the regret of many in this city will be private, owing to the influenza situation. Burial will be given in the old Citizens' cemetery , by the side of a son whose death occurred many years ago. ------------------------------------------ Mohave County Miner, Mineral Park, Arizona Saturday, November 9, 1918, page 10, column 4 Prominent Arizonan Dies In Prescott Dennis A. Burke, one of the best known men of Arizona, died at Mercy hospital, Prescott, last Saturday afternoon, after an illness of about two years. Death was due to the bit of a vinegarroon, or what is know to the Mexicans as 'The Child of The Earth.' The bite was inflicted at Bouse about two years ago and his suffering from its effects has been intense. Mr. Burke held many offices of trust in Yavapai county and with Mike Hickey built the hotel now known as the St. Michael. After dissolving partnership with Mr. Hickey, he went to Bouse, where he erected a hotel, which he was conducting at the time of his death. ------------------------------------------- The Coconino Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona Friday, November 15, 1918, page 2, column 3 Death of Dennis A. Burke Hon. Dennis A. Burke, 59 years, a native of Wisconsin, died of tuberculosis after a lingering illness, at the Mercy hospital, this city, Nov. 3, 1919. He was one of the men who helped make Arizona history in territorial days and was prominent in business and social circles of this section. In 1878 he was attache of the quartermasters' department at Whipple, when that post was the headquarters for the Department of Colorado, which took in the southwestern tier of states, including Arizona. He stood high with such military men as, Generals Crook, Kautz and Wilcox, who were successfully in charge of that military department. Prescott Courier - ----------------------------------------- Bisbee Daily Review, Bisbee, Arizona Friday, November 15, 1918, page 4, column 4 Prescott - Dennis A. Burke, one of the best known of Arizonans, has died at Mercy hospital of a disorder declared to have started two years ago from the sting of a vinegarroon. He and his partner, Michael Hickey came to Arizona about 1877, as soldiers in an infantry command. Later, they operated the Burke hotel in Prescott, now known as the St. Michael, re erecting it after the big fire. Burke served as a member of the 24th territorial legislature from Yavapai county.