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Ellen McCarty was the firstborn of the eight known children of Patrick & Catherine Gibson McCarty. She was born in 1834 in the Canadian city of Kingston, Wellington County, Ontario Province, Canada. According the 1870 date on her father Patrick's Wisconsin death certificate, he was 35 years or older when his first child Ellen was born. Ellen's mother Catherine's age was unknown, but probably younger than 30.
Sometime shortly before 1850, when Ellen was 16, the family arrived in Watertown, Wisconsin, traveling cross-country from Canada possibly through Maine, and most definitely through New York state. The mother Catherine and baby Peter are absent in the 1850 census for unknown reasons, leaving Ellen in the position of "second mother" to her seven younger siblings, the youngest just 5 years old at the time.
In 1853, when Ellen was 19, she married 52 year old Irish immigrant John Burke, a neighbor who had also arrived in Watertown. This May-December pairing produced seven children, and lasted 38 years. After farming for many years in Kingston, Wisconsin, they sold the farm, and with their grown children moved north in 1882 to the town of Thorpe. There, they seem to have used their funds from the sale of the farm to open a hotel, living out the rest of their lives as well-known members of the community. Ellen and John's firstborn George Burke, became a prominent businessman and judge in the Thorpe vicinity.
In 1888, just a few years after the Burke family had moved to Thorpe, tragedy struck when the younger of Ellen and John's two sons, Edmund Burke, was killed by a steam locomotive train as he was trying to herd cows off of the track they had been crossing. He was 31 years old, unmarried, and left no children.
In 1891, just two years after her son Edmund was killed, 57 year old Ellen died of a stroke while seemingly healthy, predeceasing her husband John by just a few years. John Burke lived to be over 90 years old.
Besides their own children, the Burkes had also generously offered to raise Ellen's younger brother Patrick's youngest child, Nelson Edward McCarthy. In 1879, new baby "Eddie" came to live with the Burke family after his father Patrick McCarthy Jr. died at age 36 of tuberculosis and complications of a Civil War injury. After the deaths of his Aunt Ellen and Uncle John, teenage Eddie then lived with their son George, who was well-established as a business proprietor in the town of Thorpe. Sadly however, in 1898 at the tender age of 19, Eddie, like his older cousin Edmund Burke, was also killed in a freak accident -- a blow to the side as he was running during a game of sandlot baseball. He was unmarried, and left no children. Three full siblings survived him (Isabelle, Phoebe, and Benjamin), as well as two half sisters, and the mother of all six, Frances Waite McCarty, who had remarried and lived in Thorpe.
The Burke offspring all seem to have inherited their mother's genetics, rather than the genes of their hardy and long-lived Irish father John Burke. Four of Ellen's five daughters died between the ages of 58 and 69, three of them dying within a year of each other. The youngest daughter, Pearl, died at almost the same age as her mother. The eldest (and only surviving son) George Burke lived to be 64. Even some of the grandchildren ended up dying of early strokes, one granddaughter at age 48 and a grandson at 54.
Ellen and John Burke had the following children :
i. George BURKE (1854-1918, age 64) Marriage Nov 21 1888. Wife Alta, 25 Dec 1869 - 9 June 1916, died at age 47 of peritonitis. They lost one year old Alice in late 1905 to a respiratory illness. Six surviving children:
daughters :
*Margaret (or Marguerite) Burke Piper
(Married 1914 to Roy Piper; their children: Burke G., Mrs. Eileen [Anton] Papierniak, and Patricia)
*Lucille
*Ruth
*Dorothy "Dolly"
*Bernice
son :
*John Burke
(His children: John Jr., George, Ethel, Wilhelmina, Mrs. Patricia [Gerald] Giese, Eau Claire, WI)
History of Clark County, Wisconsin (1918)
GEORGE BURKE, banker and lawyer of Thorp, Wis., cashier of the Farmers Exchange Bank, was born in Kingston, Green Lake County, Wis., Oct 16, 1853. His father was John Burke, who was born at Cork, Ireland, in 1801, came to Wisconsin when a young man, and after a number of years spent in farming, died at Thorp in 1893. John married Ellen McCarty, who was born at Kingston, Canada, in 1844 (Note: 1834 is the correct date), and who died at Thorp in 1891. They had seven children-George, to whom this memoir particularly relates Mary, wife of T. S. Murphy, of Gilman, Wis. Edmund, now deceased Elizabeth, wife of John Roth, of Thorp, Ella, wife of W. E. Poppe, of Thorp Louisa, wife of E. L. Snyder, also of Thorp, and Pearl, who married Heagle, of Gilman, Wis. George Burke finished his schooling at Kingston, Wis., in 1872. He remained on his father's farm until April 1, 1882, at which time he came to Thorp. Here he first engaged in the hotel operating the Douglas House for ten or twelve years, and during this time he studied law, in the practice of which he has been engaged up to the present time. On the organization of the Farmers Exchange Bank, Sept. 15, 1913, he became its cashier, but soon after resigned that position to become postmaster of Thorp, being appointed by President Wilson. In 1915 he was again elected cashier of this bank and accepted the resigning as postmaster. He is also a stockholder and director in several local concerns, and is one of the prominent business men and citizen of Thorp. He has served several terms as village clerk and twenty years as a member of the school board, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the E. F. U. In Politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Burke was married Nov. 21, 1888, to Altie Craig, who was born Dec. 25, 1870. She died June 9, 1916, having been the mother of six children -- John, born Sept. 18, 1890; Margaret, now Mrs. Roy D. Piper, of Thorp; Lucille, who is engaged in teaching; Ruth, who is bookkeeper in the bank; Dorothy and Bernice, who reside at home with their father.
ii. Mary Ann Burke MURPHY (1855-~1925, age 69) Wife of Thomas F. Murphy, widowed at age 55. Resident of Gilman, Wisconsin.
Sons :
William T. Murphy, and George Francis Murphy
Daughters :
*Katherine (married Cleveland Beam - one son Thomas Beam)
*Ella Mae (married Orea Melvin Nye - four sons: Garnet, Melvin, Manford, and Orea Nye)
*Unknown Daughter named Mrs. Edmunds Woodward
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 12/08/1910
Murphy, Thomas F. (20 SEP 1859 - 6 DEC 1910)
Died, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Chicago, on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 1910, Thomas F. Murphy, of cancer, aged 51 years, 2 months and 16 days. Mr. Murphy was born at Harrisville, Marquette Co., Wis., on Sept. 20, 1859, where he grew to manhood. On Dec. 26, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Burke, and soon after came here (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) to reside, making his home here until about two years ago when he moved to Gilman. For many years he was a great sufferer from rheumatism. He served the town of Withee faithfully as its treasurer for fourteen years, and for several years also served as justice of the peace, and always performed his duties in an honest conscientious manner. He leaves a wife and five children: *William T., *George Francis [1893-1954, died at age 60, no children], *Mrs. Edmunds Woodward, *Mrs. Katherine (Cleveland) Beam [son Thomas] of Gilman, *Mrs. Ella Mae (Orea) Nye [Orea Melvin Nye, 75, died Nov. 28, 1957 in Stanley, Wis. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church here and burial was in the East Thorp Cemetery. Mr. Nye farmed most of his life and had lived in this area for the past 50 years. He married Ella Mae Murphy in Thorp in 1906. He is survived by his wife, four sons, Garnet of Memphis, Tenn., Melvin of Thorp, Manford of Rib Lake and Orea of Jim Falls.]
iii. Edward Edmund BURKE (1857-1888, age 31, killed by a train; unmarried, no children)
iv. Catherine Elizabeth (Lizzie) Burke ROTH (1859-1924, age 65) Wife of John Roth, resident of Thorpe, Wisconsin.
Sons : Jay Roth (daughters Dorothy and June Roth) and Bernard Roth
Daughters : Louise E. "Lulu" (Beilfuss) - son Bert Beilfuss, Pearl (Walsdorf) - children Ellen and Stewart Walsdorf, and Mary E. "Mayo" (Nealis)
ABBOTSFORD TRIBUNE (Abbotsford, Wis.) 12/11/1924
Roth, Catherine E. (9 FEB 1859 – 27 NOV 1924)
Mrs. John Roth passed away at her home in the village of Thorp, Clark County, Wis., Thursday morning at 11:30 a.m., Nov. 27, 1924, aged 65 years, 9 months and 18 days. Mrs. Roth had not enjoyed the best of health for some time. Her last illness was marked by its many changes, she would rally time and again and hopes for her recovery at the outset were strong. Everything possible was done for her by friends, relatives and medical aid could suggest. Aided by her strong constitution she battled as she lived, firm, uncomplaining and unafraid to the end. Catherine E. Burke, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Burke, was born at Kingston, Wis., on Feb. 9, 1859. She married John Roth Dec. 26, 1880. She took up her residence with her husband at Withee, Clark County, later removing to Thorp, thence to Stanley and after a time returned to Thorp, and then to Chippewa Falls, but the call of the old town was too strong and in 1909 they returned to Thorp, where she resided the rest of her life. She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, three daughters: *Mrs. Louise E. (Carl) Beilfuss of Withee [attended a teacher's college, married 1909, born Oct. 7, 1884, died May 24, 1950 of a stroke at age 65 exactly like her mother, one son Bert of Withee - Bert lived to be 96 (August 12, 1910 - January 1, 2007) survived by his daughter Lou and god-daughter Tama Ihde], **Mrs. Mary E. "Mayo" (Louis P.) Walsdorf of Thorp [born 9 March 1887, died 16 April 1935 of a post-operation pulmonary embolus, at age 48, two children Ellen and Stewart Walsdorf], ***Mrs. Pearl (Mark) Nealis of Chicago, and two sons: *Jay Roth of International Falls, Minn., and **Bernard Roth of Anita, Iowa. Besides the immediate family she leaves three sisters, Mrs. W. E. Poppe of Lansing, Mich. and Mrs. Anse Heagle of Chippewa Falls, Wis. Mrs. John Roth was a kind, motherly woman, who lived an exceptionally useful life. Devoting hours of time and effort in bringing cheer and aid to many a weary sick bed. Ever a martyr, always a help. The funeral took place from St. Bernard's Church on Sunday afternoon last, Rev. John Neises officiating. Interment followed in the St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery.
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 12/10/1942
Roth, John (16 SEP 1859 – 4 DEC 1942)
John Roth, who came to Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) in 1882, passed away at the hospital at Marshfield, at 8:20 a.m., Friday, Dec. 4th, 1942. He had reached the ripe old age of 83 years, 2 months and 18 days. Mr. Roth underwent a major operation several weeks ago but was unable to withstand the shock. He had always been in good health up to this time. Death was attributed to coronary thrombosis. John Roth was born in New York City on Sept. 16, 1859. On Dec. 26, 1880, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Burke at Kingston, Wis. He came to Withee (Clark Co.) with his wife and resided there until coming to Thorp in 1882. Mr. Roth worked on the railroad for many years as section foreman. He held sections in Stanley and Chippewa Falls for a time, but returned to Thorp after retirement to spend his remaining days. Mrs. Roth died in December 1924. He was of a quiet disposition, cheerful and hopeful to the last. He was a true friend and neighbor. Though he is gone his record has been made and will remain with us as a lasting treasure. His life was gentle but like the still waters, it was deep. In his heart he carried those he loved and his hand was never weary, his step never failed in caring for those who were in any way dependent upon him. Surviving relatives are two sons, Jay (b.~1881-1891, of International Falls, Minn., wife Pearl E. Laneville, married Sept 8 1914, Pearl died Aug 12 1937, daughters Dorothy and June), and Bernard (address unknown); two daughters, Mrs. Carl (Louise) Beilfuss, Withee, Wis., and Mrs. Mark (Pearl) Nealis of Chicago, and two brothers, Wm. Roth of Eau Claire and Albert of Mantorville, Minn. The funeral services were held at nine o'clock Monday morning, Dec. 7th, at St. Bernard's Church, Rev. A.M. Muckerheide officiating. Interment was made in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers were: Frank Broeren, John G. Bogumill, Wilfred Vanderhyden, John S. Bogumill, John Hickman and Robert Benzschawel.
v. Ellen "Ella" M. Burke POPPE (1863-1936, age 73) Wife of W. E. Poppe, resident of Thorpe, Wisconsin.
Sons John, William E. Poppe Jr.
Daughter Nellie (4 JAN 1889 - 4 FEB 1920, died at age 31 of influenza).
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 05/28/1936
Poppe, William E. (18 FEB 1863 – 20 MAY 1936)
Wm. E. Poppe, an early settler and resident of Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) for many years, died of heart disease (arteriosclerosis) at the home of his son, William in Ishpeming, Mich., on May 20th, 1936, aged 73 years, 3 months and 2 days. Mr. Poppe, who has been residing in L'Anse, Mich., since leaving Thorp several years ago, had been visiting at the home of his son. He ate a hearty meal at noon, suffered a heart attack and passed away at 3:30 o'clock the same day. The deceased was born in Canada on Feb. 18, 1863. He was united in marriage with Ella Burke on Nov. 3, 1885 at Thorp. To this union was born three children, John, William and Nellie (4 JAN 1889 - 4 FEB 1920, died at age 31 of influenza), the latter who passed away several years ago. The family made their home on a farm two miles west of the village for many years, and later in the village, Mr. Poppe being manager of the Thorp Manufacturing Co. for some time. Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, John of Marquette, Mich., William E. of Ishpeming, Mich, and many relatives and friends in Thorp. The body was brought to the L.J. Snyder home here on Thursday. Funeral services were held at St. Bernard's Catholic Church on Friday morning at nine o'clock and interment took place in the Thorp Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were John Burke, Wm. Murphy, L.P. Walsdorf, Roy Piper, Carl Beilfuss and Patrick Snyder.
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 09/24/1936
Poppe, Ella (11 AUG 1863 – 15 SEP 1936)
Mrs. Ella Poppe, died at the home of her son, Wm. E. Poppe Jr., Ishpeming, Mich., on Sept. 15th, 1936, death being caused by hardening of the arteries. She reached the age of 73 years, 1 month and 11 days. Ella Burke was born in Kingston, Wis., on Aug. 11, 1863. She was united in marriage to Wm. E. Poppe, on Nov. 3, 1885, at Edson, Wis. and he preceded her in death last May 20th. Mrs. Poppe spent the greater part of her married life in and near Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) until she moved to L'Anse, Mich., with her husband about fifteen years ago. She leaves to mourn, two sons, John of Marquette, Mich., and Wm. E. Jr., of Ishpeming, Mich. The body was brought here to the Bogumill Funeral Home last Thursday and on Friday morning funeral services were conducted by Rev. A.M. Muckerheide at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, of which congregation deceased had been a member for many years. Interment was made in the parish cemetery beside her husband and daughter. Pallbearers were: Carl Beilfuss, L.P. Wasldorf, John Burke, Manford Nye, John Roth and James P. Snyder.
vi. Louise (Lula) Burke SNYDER (1863-1924, age 60) Wife of E. L. Snyder, resident of Thorpe, Wisconsin.
Sons William, George, Lee John, Cecil Leonard, Stephen C. Snyder
Lee John Snyder's
son : James Patrick "Patrick"
daughters : Margaret (Perko), Anabel (Wilson), and Jean (Sister Mary Veronique, Catholic nun)
Cecil Leonard Snyder's
sons : Dale (died in WW II, POW in the Bataan March), John Charles "Jack", and Mark (CPL US Marine Corps WW II, Purple Heart)
daughter : Elizabeth (Pullen)
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 07/10/1924
Snyder, Louise (15 DEC 1863 - 3 JUL 1924)
Mrs. E. L. Snyder passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital at Chippewa Falls on Thursday morning last, after an illness extending over a period of several months. Taken ill in December last and confined to the house for about three months, after which she recovered somewhat, but grew worse and was taken to the hospital to secure relief, which however, proved to no avail. Louise Burke, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Burke, was born near Kingston, Green Lake County, Wis., on Dec. 15, 1863, and came to Thorp, Clark County, Wis. with her parents in 1882, which has since been her home. On June 20, 1883, she was united in marriage with E. L. Snyder, who with three sons, Lee John Snyder of Thorp, Cecil L. Snyder of L'Anse, Mich., and Stephen C. Snyder of Milwaukee survive. Among us all she ranked always as a woman of refinement, sympathy, a kind neighbor, devoted wife and mother and true friend, and a woman of heroic mould in bravely meeting the stern requirements and the disappointments of life. She also leaves to mourn four sisters, Mrs. Mary Murphy of Polley, Mrs. John Roth of Thorp, Mrs. W. E. Poppe of L'Anse, Mich., and Mrs. Anson Heagle of Chippewa Falls. The funeral took place from St. Bernard's Church on Sunday afternoon last, Rev. John Neises officiating. Interment followed in the Catholic Cemetery.
Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 04/15/1948
Snyder, Cecil (1 OCT 1893 – 7 APR 1948, age 54) Sons: Dale, John, and Mark Snyder ; Daughter: Elizabeth Snyder Pullen
Cecil L. Snyder, son of Eli and Louise Snyder, born in the village of Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) Oct. 1, 1893, died in Newberry, Mich. At 4:47 p.m., April 7, 1948, of a heart condition and was buried in the L'Anse Cemetery Sat. April 10, 1948. Cecil had many relatives and friends who held him in high regard here, for he grew to manhood, volunteered for service in World War I and on his return from overseas duty, married and was in business in Thorp. He took an active part with his father Eli Snyder, in the organization and development of Wissota Beach. Later removing to L'Anse, Mich., where he had been in the employ of the Ford Motor Co. up to the time of his death. Funeral services at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of L'Anse conducted by Father F. J. Scheringer who departed from the usual custom and gave a heart warming sermon, reassuring and comforting to the mourners and listened to with evident approval by the many friends and neighbors who filled the church to capacity. The remains throughout the ceremony were under Military Escort Color Guard and detail by the Wm. McGlue Legion Post No. 144. Most impressive in the manner in which honor and respect was rendered to a departed comrade. The pallbearers were: George Leonhardt of Madison, Francis Leonhardt of Sun Prairie, Leon Leonhardt of Madison, all brothers of Mrs. Cecil Snyder, and Charles Ricks of Baltimore, Md., Fred Pullen of Hibbing, Minn. Besides those mentioned as pallbearers, Cecil leaves to mourn his untimely passing, Irene (Leonhardt) Snyder, his beloved wife; two sons, John C. Snyder of L'Anse, Mich., Mark Snyder of Milwaukee; one daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Pullen of Hibbing, Minn.; two brothers, Stephen C. Snyder of Milwaukee, and Lee J. Snyder of Thorp; daughter-in-law Elaine Snyder of Milwaukee; sister-in-law Mrs. E. M. Leger, Marshfield; all of whom attended the funeral. It will be remembered that Cecil lost a son, Dale Snyder in the darkest hours of the Philippines – the fall of Corregidor and the torturous march from Bataan.
vii. Pearl E. (Margaret) Burke HEAGLE (1874-1932, age 58) Resident of Gilman, Wisconsin. Five daughters; son John Heagle.
Daughters :
Mrs. Verner Johnson, Chippewa Falls, Wis.
Mrs. Florence (John) Berg, Jr., Edgerton, Wis.
Beatrice Heagle, Gilman, Wis.
Ellen Heagle, St. Paul, Minn.
Mrs. Ivan Stone, Amery, Wis.
Son: Jack Heagle
Grandchildren : Billy and Elizabeth Ann Johnson
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 04/21/1932
Heagle, Pearl (13 NOV 1874 – 12 APR 1932)
Mrs. Anson Heagle, 58 years of age, a resident of Gilman, died at Midway Hospital at St. Paul Tuesday morning, April 12th, 1932. Pearl Burke was born at Kingston, Wis., Nov. 13th, 1874. She resided there until about nine years of age, when her parents moved to Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.). She was married at Boyd, Wis. to Anson Heagle on Feb. 26th, 1895. Surviving relatives are her husband, Anson Heagle of Gilman, Wis., five daughters and one son as follows: Mrs. Verner Johnson, Chippewa Falls, Wis., Mrs. Florence (John) Berg, Jr., Edgerton, Wis., Beatrice Heagle, Gilman, Wis., Ellen Heagle, St. Paul, Minn., Mrs. Ivan Stone, Amery, Wis., and Jack Heagle of Gilman; two grandchildren, Billy and Elizabeth Ann Johnson She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Wm. Poppe of L'Anse, Mich. All were present at the funeral services which were held at St. Bernard's Church, Thorp, on Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. She was a true friend, and her devotion to those she loved would make a bright chapter in any life. While she has gone from the scenes, the conflicts, the sorrows and pleasures of life, she will still live in the hearts of those who knew her best. Her retiring nature led her to hide her best qualities from public gaze, but they were revealed to those who enjoyed her acquaintance, yet it was in her home that her true worth was most conspicuous. Relatives and friends from out of town who attended the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Poppe and Mrs. John Poppe, of L'Anse, Mich., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kaiser, Portage, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Ed Heagle and family of Cadott, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Walter Fults and family of Abbotsford, Wis., Mrs. Mattie Campbell, Park Falls, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. A.R. Heagle and family of Gilman, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Johnson and daughter, Lorraine, of Gilman, Theodore Heagle, Gilman, Mrs. Alice Hayes, Gilman, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Woodward and family of Gilman, Mrs. Cleve Beam and son Thomas, Gilman, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Beilfuss, Withee, Mr. and Mrs. John Burke, Boyd, Mrs. James Boylan, Withee, Mrs. Chas. Berger, Withee, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Murphy, Withee, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Murphy, Chippewa Falls.
viii. Nelson Edward "Eddie" McCarthy (__-1898, a nephew, killed in a freak baseball game accident)
_____________________________________________________
Thorp Courier 11 June 1891
Died, at her residence in this village on June 4, 1891, Ellen A., beloved wife of John Burke, of heart disease, aged 57 years, 1 month and 8 days.
Ellen A. McCarty was born in (*Note: in or near the city of Kingston) Wellington Township, Ontario, Canada, May 1, 1834, and came to Wisconsin in 1851, landing at Watertown, where she remained two years. (*Note: The family is in fact seen in the 1850 U.S. Federal census living in the Watertown area of Wisconsin.) She was united in marriage with John Burke in 1853 and removed to Kingston, Green Lake Co., where they resided on a farm until nine years ago, since which time they have conducted the Douglas House in this village (Thorp, Clark County, Wisconsin). She was the mother of seven children, George, Mrs. Mary A. Murphy, Edmund, Mrs. Lizzie Roth, Mrs. Ella Poppe, Mrs. Lula Snyder and Miss Pearl, all with her husband surviving her except Edmund, who met his death on the railroad track in this village about two years ago.
Respected by all, her death is a sad blow to her immediate relatives and the community in which she so long resided. The funeral was conducted by Rev. C. Weikmann from The Catholic Church on Saturday morning last, twenty-seven carriages following the remains to their last resting place at the Thorp Catholic Cemetery.
Burial:
Saint Bernard Cemetery
Thorp
Clark County
Wisconsin, USA
Plot: A-27-06
Ellen McCarty was the firstborn of the eight known children of Patrick & Catherine Gibson McCarty. She was born in 1834 in the Canadian city of Kingston, Wellington County, Ontario Province, Canada. According the 1870 date on her father Patrick's Wisconsin death certificate, he was 35 years or older when his first child Ellen was born. Ellen's mother Catherine's age was unknown, but probably younger than 30.
Sometime shortly before 1850, when Ellen was 16, the family arrived in Watertown, Wisconsin, traveling cross-country from Canada possibly through Maine, and most definitely through New York state. The mother Catherine and baby Peter are absent in the 1850 census for unknown reasons, leaving Ellen in the position of "second mother" to her seven younger siblings, the youngest just 5 years old at the time.
In 1853, when Ellen was 19, she married 52 year old Irish immigrant John Burke, a neighbor who had also arrived in Watertown. This May-December pairing produced seven children, and lasted 38 years. After farming for many years in Kingston, Wisconsin, they sold the farm, and with their grown children moved north in 1882 to the town of Thorpe. There, they seem to have used their funds from the sale of the farm to open a hotel, living out the rest of their lives as well-known members of the community. Ellen and John's firstborn George Burke, became a prominent businessman and judge in the Thorpe vicinity.
In 1888, just a few years after the Burke family had moved to Thorpe, tragedy struck when the younger of Ellen and John's two sons, Edmund Burke, was killed by a steam locomotive train as he was trying to herd cows off of the track they had been crossing. He was 31 years old, unmarried, and left no children.
In 1891, just two years after her son Edmund was killed, 57 year old Ellen died of a stroke while seemingly healthy, predeceasing her husband John by just a few years. John Burke lived to be over 90 years old.
Besides their own children, the Burkes had also generously offered to raise Ellen's younger brother Patrick's youngest child, Nelson Edward McCarthy. In 1879, new baby "Eddie" came to live with the Burke family after his father Patrick McCarthy Jr. died at age 36 of tuberculosis and complications of a Civil War injury. After the deaths of his Aunt Ellen and Uncle John, teenage Eddie then lived with their son George, who was well-established as a business proprietor in the town of Thorpe. Sadly however, in 1898 at the tender age of 19, Eddie, like his older cousin Edmund Burke, was also killed in a freak accident -- a blow to the side as he was running during a game of sandlot baseball. He was unmarried, and left no children. Three full siblings survived him (Isabelle, Phoebe, and Benjamin), as well as two half sisters, and the mother of all six, Frances Waite McCarty, who had remarried and lived in Thorpe.
The Burke offspring all seem to have inherited their mother's genetics, rather than the genes of their hardy and long-lived Irish father John Burke. Four of Ellen's five daughters died between the ages of 58 and 69, three of them dying within a year of each other. The youngest daughter, Pearl, died at almost the same age as her mother. The eldest (and only surviving son) George Burke lived to be 64. Even some of the grandchildren ended up dying of early strokes, one granddaughter at age 48 and a grandson at 54.
Ellen and John Burke had the following children :
i. George BURKE (1854-1918, age 64) Marriage Nov 21 1888. Wife Alta, 25 Dec 1869 - 9 June 1916, died at age 47 of peritonitis. They lost one year old Alice in late 1905 to a respiratory illness. Six surviving children:
daughters :
*Margaret (or Marguerite) Burke Piper
(Married 1914 to Roy Piper; their children: Burke G., Mrs. Eileen [Anton] Papierniak, and Patricia)
*Lucille
*Ruth
*Dorothy "Dolly"
*Bernice
son :
*John Burke
(His children: John Jr., George, Ethel, Wilhelmina, Mrs. Patricia [Gerald] Giese, Eau Claire, WI)
History of Clark County, Wisconsin (1918)
GEORGE BURKE, banker and lawyer of Thorp, Wis., cashier of the Farmers Exchange Bank, was born in Kingston, Green Lake County, Wis., Oct 16, 1853. His father was John Burke, who was born at Cork, Ireland, in 1801, came to Wisconsin when a young man, and after a number of years spent in farming, died at Thorp in 1893. John married Ellen McCarty, who was born at Kingston, Canada, in 1844 (Note: 1834 is the correct date), and who died at Thorp in 1891. They had seven children-George, to whom this memoir particularly relates Mary, wife of T. S. Murphy, of Gilman, Wis. Edmund, now deceased Elizabeth, wife of John Roth, of Thorp, Ella, wife of W. E. Poppe, of Thorp Louisa, wife of E. L. Snyder, also of Thorp, and Pearl, who married Heagle, of Gilman, Wis. George Burke finished his schooling at Kingston, Wis., in 1872. He remained on his father's farm until April 1, 1882, at which time he came to Thorp. Here he first engaged in the hotel operating the Douglas House for ten or twelve years, and during this time he studied law, in the practice of which he has been engaged up to the present time. On the organization of the Farmers Exchange Bank, Sept. 15, 1913, he became its cashier, but soon after resigned that position to become postmaster of Thorp, being appointed by President Wilson. In 1915 he was again elected cashier of this bank and accepted the resigning as postmaster. He is also a stockholder and director in several local concerns, and is one of the prominent business men and citizen of Thorp. He has served several terms as village clerk and twenty years as a member of the school board, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the E. F. U. In Politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Burke was married Nov. 21, 1888, to Altie Craig, who was born Dec. 25, 1870. She died June 9, 1916, having been the mother of six children -- John, born Sept. 18, 1890; Margaret, now Mrs. Roy D. Piper, of Thorp; Lucille, who is engaged in teaching; Ruth, who is bookkeeper in the bank; Dorothy and Bernice, who reside at home with their father.
ii. Mary Ann Burke MURPHY (1855-~1925, age 69) Wife of Thomas F. Murphy, widowed at age 55. Resident of Gilman, Wisconsin.
Sons :
William T. Murphy, and George Francis Murphy
Daughters :
*Katherine (married Cleveland Beam - one son Thomas Beam)
*Ella Mae (married Orea Melvin Nye - four sons: Garnet, Melvin, Manford, and Orea Nye)
*Unknown Daughter named Mrs. Edmunds Woodward
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 12/08/1910
Murphy, Thomas F. (20 SEP 1859 - 6 DEC 1910)
Died, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Chicago, on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 1910, Thomas F. Murphy, of cancer, aged 51 years, 2 months and 16 days. Mr. Murphy was born at Harrisville, Marquette Co., Wis., on Sept. 20, 1859, where he grew to manhood. On Dec. 26, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Burke, and soon after came here (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) to reside, making his home here until about two years ago when he moved to Gilman. For many years he was a great sufferer from rheumatism. He served the town of Withee faithfully as its treasurer for fourteen years, and for several years also served as justice of the peace, and always performed his duties in an honest conscientious manner. He leaves a wife and five children: *William T., *George Francis [1893-1954, died at age 60, no children], *Mrs. Edmunds Woodward, *Mrs. Katherine (Cleveland) Beam [son Thomas] of Gilman, *Mrs. Ella Mae (Orea) Nye [Orea Melvin Nye, 75, died Nov. 28, 1957 in Stanley, Wis. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church here and burial was in the East Thorp Cemetery. Mr. Nye farmed most of his life and had lived in this area for the past 50 years. He married Ella Mae Murphy in Thorp in 1906. He is survived by his wife, four sons, Garnet of Memphis, Tenn., Melvin of Thorp, Manford of Rib Lake and Orea of Jim Falls.]
iii. Edward Edmund BURKE (1857-1888, age 31, killed by a train; unmarried, no children)
iv. Catherine Elizabeth (Lizzie) Burke ROTH (1859-1924, age 65) Wife of John Roth, resident of Thorpe, Wisconsin.
Sons : Jay Roth (daughters Dorothy and June Roth) and Bernard Roth
Daughters : Louise E. "Lulu" (Beilfuss) - son Bert Beilfuss, Pearl (Walsdorf) - children Ellen and Stewart Walsdorf, and Mary E. "Mayo" (Nealis)
ABBOTSFORD TRIBUNE (Abbotsford, Wis.) 12/11/1924
Roth, Catherine E. (9 FEB 1859 – 27 NOV 1924)
Mrs. John Roth passed away at her home in the village of Thorp, Clark County, Wis., Thursday morning at 11:30 a.m., Nov. 27, 1924, aged 65 years, 9 months and 18 days. Mrs. Roth had not enjoyed the best of health for some time. Her last illness was marked by its many changes, she would rally time and again and hopes for her recovery at the outset were strong. Everything possible was done for her by friends, relatives and medical aid could suggest. Aided by her strong constitution she battled as she lived, firm, uncomplaining and unafraid to the end. Catherine E. Burke, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Burke, was born at Kingston, Wis., on Feb. 9, 1859. She married John Roth Dec. 26, 1880. She took up her residence with her husband at Withee, Clark County, later removing to Thorp, thence to Stanley and after a time returned to Thorp, and then to Chippewa Falls, but the call of the old town was too strong and in 1909 they returned to Thorp, where she resided the rest of her life. She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, three daughters: *Mrs. Louise E. (Carl) Beilfuss of Withee [attended a teacher's college, married 1909, born Oct. 7, 1884, died May 24, 1950 of a stroke at age 65 exactly like her mother, one son Bert of Withee - Bert lived to be 96 (August 12, 1910 - January 1, 2007) survived by his daughter Lou and god-daughter Tama Ihde], **Mrs. Mary E. "Mayo" (Louis P.) Walsdorf of Thorp [born 9 March 1887, died 16 April 1935 of a post-operation pulmonary embolus, at age 48, two children Ellen and Stewart Walsdorf], ***Mrs. Pearl (Mark) Nealis of Chicago, and two sons: *Jay Roth of International Falls, Minn., and **Bernard Roth of Anita, Iowa. Besides the immediate family she leaves three sisters, Mrs. W. E. Poppe of Lansing, Mich. and Mrs. Anse Heagle of Chippewa Falls, Wis. Mrs. John Roth was a kind, motherly woman, who lived an exceptionally useful life. Devoting hours of time and effort in bringing cheer and aid to many a weary sick bed. Ever a martyr, always a help. The funeral took place from St. Bernard's Church on Sunday afternoon last, Rev. John Neises officiating. Interment followed in the St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery.
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 12/10/1942
Roth, John (16 SEP 1859 – 4 DEC 1942)
John Roth, who came to Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) in 1882, passed away at the hospital at Marshfield, at 8:20 a.m., Friday, Dec. 4th, 1942. He had reached the ripe old age of 83 years, 2 months and 18 days. Mr. Roth underwent a major operation several weeks ago but was unable to withstand the shock. He had always been in good health up to this time. Death was attributed to coronary thrombosis. John Roth was born in New York City on Sept. 16, 1859. On Dec. 26, 1880, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Burke at Kingston, Wis. He came to Withee (Clark Co.) with his wife and resided there until coming to Thorp in 1882. Mr. Roth worked on the railroad for many years as section foreman. He held sections in Stanley and Chippewa Falls for a time, but returned to Thorp after retirement to spend his remaining days. Mrs. Roth died in December 1924. He was of a quiet disposition, cheerful and hopeful to the last. He was a true friend and neighbor. Though he is gone his record has been made and will remain with us as a lasting treasure. His life was gentle but like the still waters, it was deep. In his heart he carried those he loved and his hand was never weary, his step never failed in caring for those who were in any way dependent upon him. Surviving relatives are two sons, Jay (b.~1881-1891, of International Falls, Minn., wife Pearl E. Laneville, married Sept 8 1914, Pearl died Aug 12 1937, daughters Dorothy and June), and Bernard (address unknown); two daughters, Mrs. Carl (Louise) Beilfuss, Withee, Wis., and Mrs. Mark (Pearl) Nealis of Chicago, and two brothers, Wm. Roth of Eau Claire and Albert of Mantorville, Minn. The funeral services were held at nine o'clock Monday morning, Dec. 7th, at St. Bernard's Church, Rev. A.M. Muckerheide officiating. Interment was made in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers were: Frank Broeren, John G. Bogumill, Wilfred Vanderhyden, John S. Bogumill, John Hickman and Robert Benzschawel.
v. Ellen "Ella" M. Burke POPPE (1863-1936, age 73) Wife of W. E. Poppe, resident of Thorpe, Wisconsin.
Sons John, William E. Poppe Jr.
Daughter Nellie (4 JAN 1889 - 4 FEB 1920, died at age 31 of influenza).
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 05/28/1936
Poppe, William E. (18 FEB 1863 – 20 MAY 1936)
Wm. E. Poppe, an early settler and resident of Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) for many years, died of heart disease (arteriosclerosis) at the home of his son, William in Ishpeming, Mich., on May 20th, 1936, aged 73 years, 3 months and 2 days. Mr. Poppe, who has been residing in L'Anse, Mich., since leaving Thorp several years ago, had been visiting at the home of his son. He ate a hearty meal at noon, suffered a heart attack and passed away at 3:30 o'clock the same day. The deceased was born in Canada on Feb. 18, 1863. He was united in marriage with Ella Burke on Nov. 3, 1885 at Thorp. To this union was born three children, John, William and Nellie (4 JAN 1889 - 4 FEB 1920, died at age 31 of influenza), the latter who passed away several years ago. The family made their home on a farm two miles west of the village for many years, and later in the village, Mr. Poppe being manager of the Thorp Manufacturing Co. for some time. Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, John of Marquette, Mich., William E. of Ishpeming, Mich, and many relatives and friends in Thorp. The body was brought to the L.J. Snyder home here on Thursday. Funeral services were held at St. Bernard's Catholic Church on Friday morning at nine o'clock and interment took place in the Thorp Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were John Burke, Wm. Murphy, L.P. Walsdorf, Roy Piper, Carl Beilfuss and Patrick Snyder.
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 09/24/1936
Poppe, Ella (11 AUG 1863 – 15 SEP 1936)
Mrs. Ella Poppe, died at the home of her son, Wm. E. Poppe Jr., Ishpeming, Mich., on Sept. 15th, 1936, death being caused by hardening of the arteries. She reached the age of 73 years, 1 month and 11 days. Ella Burke was born in Kingston, Wis., on Aug. 11, 1863. She was united in marriage to Wm. E. Poppe, on Nov. 3, 1885, at Edson, Wis. and he preceded her in death last May 20th. Mrs. Poppe spent the greater part of her married life in and near Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) until she moved to L'Anse, Mich., with her husband about fifteen years ago. She leaves to mourn, two sons, John of Marquette, Mich., and Wm. E. Jr., of Ishpeming, Mich. The body was brought here to the Bogumill Funeral Home last Thursday and on Friday morning funeral services were conducted by Rev. A.M. Muckerheide at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, of which congregation deceased had been a member for many years. Interment was made in the parish cemetery beside her husband and daughter. Pallbearers were: Carl Beilfuss, L.P. Wasldorf, John Burke, Manford Nye, John Roth and James P. Snyder.
vi. Louise (Lula) Burke SNYDER (1863-1924, age 60) Wife of E. L. Snyder, resident of Thorpe, Wisconsin.
Sons William, George, Lee John, Cecil Leonard, Stephen C. Snyder
Lee John Snyder's
son : James Patrick "Patrick"
daughters : Margaret (Perko), Anabel (Wilson), and Jean (Sister Mary Veronique, Catholic nun)
Cecil Leonard Snyder's
sons : Dale (died in WW II, POW in the Bataan March), John Charles "Jack", and Mark (CPL US Marine Corps WW II, Purple Heart)
daughter : Elizabeth (Pullen)
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 07/10/1924
Snyder, Louise (15 DEC 1863 - 3 JUL 1924)
Mrs. E. L. Snyder passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital at Chippewa Falls on Thursday morning last, after an illness extending over a period of several months. Taken ill in December last and confined to the house for about three months, after which she recovered somewhat, but grew worse and was taken to the hospital to secure relief, which however, proved to no avail. Louise Burke, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Burke, was born near Kingston, Green Lake County, Wis., on Dec. 15, 1863, and came to Thorp, Clark County, Wis. with her parents in 1882, which has since been her home. On June 20, 1883, she was united in marriage with E. L. Snyder, who with three sons, Lee John Snyder of Thorp, Cecil L. Snyder of L'Anse, Mich., and Stephen C. Snyder of Milwaukee survive. Among us all she ranked always as a woman of refinement, sympathy, a kind neighbor, devoted wife and mother and true friend, and a woman of heroic mould in bravely meeting the stern requirements and the disappointments of life. She also leaves to mourn four sisters, Mrs. Mary Murphy of Polley, Mrs. John Roth of Thorp, Mrs. W. E. Poppe of L'Anse, Mich., and Mrs. Anson Heagle of Chippewa Falls. The funeral took place from St. Bernard's Church on Sunday afternoon last, Rev. John Neises officiating. Interment followed in the Catholic Cemetery.
Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 04/15/1948
Snyder, Cecil (1 OCT 1893 – 7 APR 1948, age 54) Sons: Dale, John, and Mark Snyder ; Daughter: Elizabeth Snyder Pullen
Cecil L. Snyder, son of Eli and Louise Snyder, born in the village of Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) Oct. 1, 1893, died in Newberry, Mich. At 4:47 p.m., April 7, 1948, of a heart condition and was buried in the L'Anse Cemetery Sat. April 10, 1948. Cecil had many relatives and friends who held him in high regard here, for he grew to manhood, volunteered for service in World War I and on his return from overseas duty, married and was in business in Thorp. He took an active part with his father Eli Snyder, in the organization and development of Wissota Beach. Later removing to L'Anse, Mich., where he had been in the employ of the Ford Motor Co. up to the time of his death. Funeral services at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of L'Anse conducted by Father F. J. Scheringer who departed from the usual custom and gave a heart warming sermon, reassuring and comforting to the mourners and listened to with evident approval by the many friends and neighbors who filled the church to capacity. The remains throughout the ceremony were under Military Escort Color Guard and detail by the Wm. McGlue Legion Post No. 144. Most impressive in the manner in which honor and respect was rendered to a departed comrade. The pallbearers were: George Leonhardt of Madison, Francis Leonhardt of Sun Prairie, Leon Leonhardt of Madison, all brothers of Mrs. Cecil Snyder, and Charles Ricks of Baltimore, Md., Fred Pullen of Hibbing, Minn. Besides those mentioned as pallbearers, Cecil leaves to mourn his untimely passing, Irene (Leonhardt) Snyder, his beloved wife; two sons, John C. Snyder of L'Anse, Mich., Mark Snyder of Milwaukee; one daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Pullen of Hibbing, Minn.; two brothers, Stephen C. Snyder of Milwaukee, and Lee J. Snyder of Thorp; daughter-in-law Elaine Snyder of Milwaukee; sister-in-law Mrs. E. M. Leger, Marshfield; all of whom attended the funeral. It will be remembered that Cecil lost a son, Dale Snyder in the darkest hours of the Philippines – the fall of Corregidor and the torturous march from Bataan.
vii. Pearl E. (Margaret) Burke HEAGLE (1874-1932, age 58) Resident of Gilman, Wisconsin. Five daughters; son John Heagle.
Daughters :
Mrs. Verner Johnson, Chippewa Falls, Wis.
Mrs. Florence (John) Berg, Jr., Edgerton, Wis.
Beatrice Heagle, Gilman, Wis.
Ellen Heagle, St. Paul, Minn.
Mrs. Ivan Stone, Amery, Wis.
Son: Jack Heagle
Grandchildren : Billy and Elizabeth Ann Johnson
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 04/21/1932
Heagle, Pearl (13 NOV 1874 – 12 APR 1932)
Mrs. Anson Heagle, 58 years of age, a resident of Gilman, died at Midway Hospital at St. Paul Tuesday morning, April 12th, 1932. Pearl Burke was born at Kingston, Wis., Nov. 13th, 1874. She resided there until about nine years of age, when her parents moved to Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.). She was married at Boyd, Wis. to Anson Heagle on Feb. 26th, 1895. Surviving relatives are her husband, Anson Heagle of Gilman, Wis., five daughters and one son as follows: Mrs. Verner Johnson, Chippewa Falls, Wis., Mrs. Florence (John) Berg, Jr., Edgerton, Wis., Beatrice Heagle, Gilman, Wis., Ellen Heagle, St. Paul, Minn., Mrs. Ivan Stone, Amery, Wis., and Jack Heagle of Gilman; two grandchildren, Billy and Elizabeth Ann Johnson She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Wm. Poppe of L'Anse, Mich. All were present at the funeral services which were held at St. Bernard's Church, Thorp, on Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. She was a true friend, and her devotion to those she loved would make a bright chapter in any life. While she has gone from the scenes, the conflicts, the sorrows and pleasures of life, she will still live in the hearts of those who knew her best. Her retiring nature led her to hide her best qualities from public gaze, but they were revealed to those who enjoyed her acquaintance, yet it was in her home that her true worth was most conspicuous. Relatives and friends from out of town who attended the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Poppe and Mrs. John Poppe, of L'Anse, Mich., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kaiser, Portage, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Ed Heagle and family of Cadott, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Walter Fults and family of Abbotsford, Wis., Mrs. Mattie Campbell, Park Falls, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. A.R. Heagle and family of Gilman, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Johnson and daughter, Lorraine, of Gilman, Theodore Heagle, Gilman, Mrs. Alice Hayes, Gilman, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Woodward and family of Gilman, Mrs. Cleve Beam and son Thomas, Gilman, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Beilfuss, Withee, Mr. and Mrs. John Burke, Boyd, Mrs. James Boylan, Withee, Mrs. Chas. Berger, Withee, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Murphy, Withee, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Murphy, Chippewa Falls.
viii. Nelson Edward "Eddie" McCarthy (__-1898, a nephew, killed in a freak baseball game accident)
_____________________________________________________
Thorp Courier 11 June 1891
Died, at her residence in this village on June 4, 1891, Ellen A., beloved wife of John Burke, of heart disease, aged 57 years, 1 month and 8 days.
Ellen A. McCarty was born in (*Note: in or near the city of Kingston) Wellington Township, Ontario, Canada, May 1, 1834, and came to Wisconsin in 1851, landing at Watertown, where she remained two years. (*Note: The family is in fact seen in the 1850 U.S. Federal census living in the Watertown area of Wisconsin.) She was united in marriage with John Burke in 1853 and removed to Kingston, Green Lake Co., where they resided on a farm until nine years ago, since which time they have conducted the Douglas House in this village (Thorp, Clark County, Wisconsin). She was the mother of seven children, George, Mrs. Mary A. Murphy, Edmund, Mrs. Lizzie Roth, Mrs. Ella Poppe, Mrs. Lula Snyder and Miss Pearl, all with her husband surviving her except Edmund, who met his death on the railroad track in this village about two years ago.
Respected by all, her death is a sad blow to her immediate relatives and the community in which she so long resided. The funeral was conducted by Rev. C. Weikmann from The Catholic Church on Saturday morning last, twenty-seven carriages following the remains to their last resting place at the Thorp Catholic Cemetery.
Burial:
Saint Bernard Cemetery
Thorp
Clark County
Wisconsin, USA
Plot: A-27-06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ellen McCarty was the firstborn of the eight known children of Patrick & Catherine Gibson McCarty. She was born in 1834 in the Canadian city of Kingston, Wellington County, Ontario Province, Canada. According the 1870 date on her father Patrick's Wisconsin death certificate, he was 35 years or older when his first child Ellen was born. Ellen's mother Catherine's age was unknown, but probably younger than 30.
Sometime shortly before 1850, when Ellen was 16, the family arrived in Watertown, Wisconsin, traveling cross-country from Canada possibly through Maine, and most definitely through New York state. The mother Catherine and baby Peter are absent in the 1850 census for unknown reasons, leaving Ellen in the position of "second mother" to her seven younger siblings, the youngest just 5 years old at the time.
In 1853, when Ellen was 19, she married 52 year old Irish immigrant John Burke, a neighbor who had also arrived in Watertown. This May-December pairing produced seven children, and lasted 38 years. After farming for many years in Kingston, Wisconsin, they sold the farm, and with their grown children moved north in 1882 to the town of Thorpe. There, they seem to have used their funds from the sale of the farm to open a hotel, living out the rest of their lives as well-known members of the community. Ellen and John's firstborn George Burke, became a prominent businessman and judge in the Thorpe vicinity.
In 1888, just a few years after the Burke family had moved to Thorpe, tragedy struck when the younger of Ellen and John's two sons, Edmund Burke, was killed by a steam locomotive train as he was trying to herd cows off of the track they had been crossing. He was 31 years old, unmarried, and left no children.
In 1891, just two years after her son Edmund was killed, 57 year old Ellen died of a stroke while seemingly healthy, predeceasing her husband John by just a few years. John Burke lived to be over 90 years old.
Besides their own children, the Burkes had also generously offered to raise Ellen's younger brother Patrick's youngest child, Nelson Edward McCarthy. In 1879, new baby "Eddie" came to live with the Burke family after his father Patrick McCarthy Jr. died at age 36 of tuberculosis and complications of a Civil War injury. After the deaths of his Aunt Ellen and Uncle John, teenage Eddie then lived with their son George, who was well-established as a business proprietor in the town of Thorpe. Sadly however, in 1898 at the tender age of 19, Eddie, like his older cousin Edmund Burke, was also killed in a freak accident -- a blow to the side as he was running during a game of sandlot baseball. He was unmarried, and left no children. Three full siblings survived him (Isabelle, Phoebe, and Benjamin), as well as two half sisters, and the mother of all six, Frances Waite McCarty, who had remarried and lived in Thorpe.
The Burke offspring all seem to have inherited their mother's genetics, rather than the genes of their hardy and long-lived Irish father John Burke. Four of Ellen's five daughters died between the ages of 58 and 69, three of them dying within a year of each other. The youngest daughter, Pearl, died at almost the same age as her mother. The eldest (and only surviving son) George Burke lived to be 64. Even some of the grandchildren ended up dying of early strokes, one granddaughter at age 48 and a grandson at 54.
Ellen and John Burke had the following children :
i. George BURKE (1854-1918, age 64) Marriage Nov 21 1888. Wife Alta, 25 Dec 1869 - 9 June 1916, died at age 47 of peritonitis. They lost one year old Alice in late 1905 to a respiratory illness. Six surviving children:
daughters :
*Margaret (or Marguerite) Burke Piper
(Married 1914 to Roy Piper; their children: Burke G., Mrs. Eileen [Anton] Papierniak, and Patricia)
*Lucille
*Ruth
*Dorothy "Dolly"
*Bernice
son :
*John Burke
(His children: John Jr., George, Ethel, Wilhelmina, Mrs. Patricia [Gerald] Giese, Eau Claire, WI)
History of Clark County, Wisconsin (1918)
GEORGE BURKE, banker and lawyer of Thorp, Wis., cashier of the Farmers Exchange Bank, was born in Kingston, Green Lake County, Wis., Oct 16, 1853. His father was John Burke, who was born at Cork, Ireland, in 1801, came to Wisconsin when a young man, and after a number of years spent in farming, died at Thorp in 1893. John married Ellen McCarty, who was born at Kingston, Canada, in 1844 (Note: 1834 is the correct date), and who died at Thorp in 1891. They had seven children-George, to whom this memoir particularly relates Mary, wife of T. S. Murphy, of Gilman, Wis. Edmund, now deceased Elizabeth, wife of John Roth, of Thorp, Ella, wife of W. E. Poppe, of Thorp Louisa, wife of E. L. Snyder, also of Thorp, and Pearl, who married Heagle, of Gilman, Wis. George Burke finished his schooling at Kingston, Wis., in 1872. He remained on his father's farm until April 1, 1882, at which time he came to Thorp. Here he first engaged in the hotel operating the Douglas House for ten or twelve years, and during this time he studied law, in the practice of which he has been engaged up to the present time. On the organization of the Farmers Exchange Bank, Sept. 15, 1913, he became its cashier, but soon after resigned that position to become postmaster of Thorp, being appointed by President Wilson. In 1915 he was again elected cashier of this bank and accepted the resigning as postmaster. He is also a stockholder and director in several local concerns, and is one of the prominent business men and citizen of Thorp. He has served several terms as village clerk and twenty years as a member of the school board, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the E. F. U. In Politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Burke was married Nov. 21, 1888, to Altie Craig, who was born Dec. 25, 1870. She died June 9, 1916, having been the mother of six children -- John, born Sept. 18, 1890; Margaret, now Mrs. Roy D. Piper, of Thorp; Lucille, who is engaged in teaching; Ruth, who is bookkeeper in the bank; Dorothy and Bernice, who reside at home with their father.
ii. Mary Ann Burke MURPHY (1855-~1925, age 69) Wife of Thomas F. Murphy, widowed at age 55. Resident of Gilman, Wisconsin.
Sons :
William T. Murphy, and George Francis Murphy
Daughters :
*Katherine (married Cleveland Beam - one son Thomas Beam)
*Ella Mae (married Orea Melvin Nye - four sons: Garnet, Melvin, Manford, and Orea Nye)
*Unknown Daughter named Mrs. Edmunds Woodward
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 12/08/1910
Murphy, Thomas F. (20 SEP 1859 - 6 DEC 1910)
Died, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Chicago, on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 1910, Thomas F. Murphy, of cancer, aged 51 years, 2 months and 16 days. Mr. Murphy was born at Harrisville, Marquette Co., Wis., on Sept. 20, 1859, where he grew to manhood. On Dec. 26, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Burke, and soon after came here (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) to reside, making his home here until about two years ago when he moved to Gilman. For many years he was a great sufferer from rheumatism. He served the town of Withee faithfully as its treasurer for fourteen years, and for several years also served as justice of the peace, and always performed his duties in an honest conscientious manner. He leaves a wife and five children: *William T., *George Francis [1893-1954, died at age 60, no children], *Mrs. Edmunds Woodward, *Mrs. Katherine (Cleveland) Beam [son Thomas] of Gilman, *Mrs. Ella Mae (Orea) Nye [Orea Melvin Nye, 75, died Nov. 28, 1957 in Stanley, Wis. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church here and burial was in the East Thorp Cemetery. Mr. Nye farmed most of his life and had lived in this area for the past 50 years. He married Ella Mae Murphy in Thorp in 1906. He is survived by his wife, four sons, Garnet of Memphis, Tenn., Melvin of Thorp, Manford of Rib Lake and Orea of Jim Falls.]
iii. Edward Edmund BURKE (1857-1888, age 31, killed by a train; unmarried, no children)
iv. Catherine Elizabeth (Lizzie) Burke ROTH (1859-1924, age 65) Wife of John Roth, resident of Thorpe, Wisconsin.
Sons : Jay Roth (daughters Dorothy and June Roth) and Bernard Roth
Daughters : Louise E. "Lulu" (Beilfuss) - son Bert Beilfuss, Pearl (Walsdorf) - children Ellen and Stewart Walsdorf, and Mary E. "Mayo" (Nealis)
ABBOTSFORD TRIBUNE (Abbotsford, Wis.) 12/11/1924
Roth, Catherine E. (9 FEB 1859 – 27 NOV 1924)
Mrs. John Roth passed away at her home in the village of Thorp, Clark County, Wis., Thursday morning at 11:30 a.m., Nov. 27, 1924, aged 65 years, 9 months and 18 days. Mrs. Roth had not enjoyed the best of health for some time. Her last illness was marked by its many changes, she would rally time and again and hopes for her recovery at the outset were strong. Everything possible was done for her by friends, relatives and medical aid could suggest. Aided by her strong constitution she battled as she lived, firm, uncomplaining and unafraid to the end. Catherine E. Burke, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Burke, was born at Kingston, Wis., on Feb. 9, 1859. She married John Roth Dec. 26, 1880. She took up her residence with her husband at Withee, Clark County, later removing to Thorp, thence to Stanley and after a time returned to Thorp, and then to Chippewa Falls, but the call of the old town was too strong and in 1909 they returned to Thorp, where she resided the rest of her life. She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, three daughters: *Mrs. Louise E. (Carl) Beilfuss of Withee [attended a teacher's college, married 1909, born Oct. 7, 1884, died May 24, 1950 of a stroke at age 65 exactly like her mother, one son Bert of Withee - Bert lived to be 96 (August 12, 1910 - January 1, 2007) survived by his daughter Lou and god-daughter Tama Ihde], **Mrs. Mary E. "Mayo" (Louis P.) Walsdorf of Thorp [born 9 March 1887, died 16 April 1935 of a post-operation pulmonary embolus, at age 48, two children Ellen and Stewart Walsdorf], ***Mrs. Pearl (Mark) Nealis of Chicago, and two sons: *Jay Roth of International Falls, Minn., and **Bernard Roth of Anita, Iowa. Besides the immediate family she leaves three sisters, Mrs. W. E. Poppe of Lansing, Mich. and Mrs. Anse Heagle of Chippewa Falls, Wis. Mrs. John Roth was a kind, motherly woman, who lived an exceptionally useful life. Devoting hours of time and effort in bringing cheer and aid to many a weary sick bed. Ever a martyr, always a help. The funeral took place from St. Bernard's Church on Sunday afternoon last, Rev. John Neises officiating. Interment followed in the St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery.
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 12/10/1942
Roth, John (16 SEP 1859 – 4 DEC 1942)
John Roth, who came to Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) in 1882, passed away at the hospital at Marshfield, at 8:20 a.m., Friday, Dec. 4th, 1942. He had reached the ripe old age of 83 years, 2 months and 18 days. Mr. Roth underwent a major operation several weeks ago but was unable to withstand the shock. He had always been in good health up to this time. Death was attributed to coronary thrombosis. John Roth was born in New York City on Sept. 16, 1859. On Dec. 26, 1880, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Burke at Kingston, Wis. He came to Withee (Clark Co.) with his wife and resided there until coming to Thorp in 1882. Mr. Roth worked on the railroad for many years as section foreman. He held sections in Stanley and Chippewa Falls for a time, but returned to Thorp after retirement to spend his remaining days. Mrs. Roth died in December 1924. He was of a quiet disposition, cheerful and hopeful to the last. He was a true friend and neighbor. Though he is gone his record has been made and will remain with us as a lasting treasure. His life was gentle but like the still waters, it was deep. In his heart he carried those he loved and his hand was never weary, his step never failed in caring for those who were in any way dependent upon him. Surviving relatives are two sons, Jay (b.~1881-1891, of International Falls, Minn., wife Pearl E. Laneville, married Sept 8 1914, Pearl died Aug 12 1937, daughters Dorothy and June), and Bernard (address unknown); two daughters, Mrs. Carl (Louise) Beilfuss, Withee, Wis., and Mrs. Mark (Pearl) Nealis of Chicago, and two brothers, Wm. Roth of Eau Claire and Albert of Mantorville, Minn. The funeral services were held at nine o'clock Monday morning, Dec. 7th, at St. Bernard's Church, Rev. A.M. Muckerheide officiating. Interment was made in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers were: Frank Broeren, John G. Bogumill, Wilfred Vanderhyden, John S. Bogumill, John Hickman and Robert Benzschawel.
v. Ellen "Ella" M. Burke POPPE (1863-1936, age 73) Wife of W. E. Poppe, resident of Thorpe, Wisconsin.
Sons John, William E. Poppe Jr.
Daughter Nellie (4 JAN 1889 - 4 FEB 1920, died at age 31 of influenza).
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 05/28/1936
Poppe, William E. (18 FEB 1863 – 20 MAY 1936)
Wm. E. Poppe, an early settler and resident of Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) for many years, died of heart disease (arteriosclerosis) at the home of his son, William in Ishpeming, Mich., on May 20th, 1936, aged 73 years, 3 months and 2 days. Mr. Poppe, who has been residing in L'Anse, Mich., since leaving Thorp several years ago, had been visiting at the home of his son. He ate a hearty meal at noon, suffered a heart attack and passed away at 3:30 o'clock the same day. The deceased was born in Canada on Feb. 18, 1863. He was united in marriage with Ella Burke on Nov. 3, 1885 at Thorp. To this union was born three children, John, William and Nellie (4 JAN 1889 - 4 FEB 1920, died at age 31 of influenza), the latter who passed away several years ago. The family made their home on a farm two miles west of the village for many years, and later in the village, Mr. Poppe being manager of the Thorp Manufacturing Co. for some time. Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, John of Marquette, Mich., William E. of Ishpeming, Mich, and many relatives and friends in Thorp. The body was brought to the L.J. Snyder home here on Thursday. Funeral services were held at St. Bernard's Catholic Church on Friday morning at nine o'clock and interment took place in the Thorp Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were John Burke, Wm. Murphy, L.P. Walsdorf, Roy Piper, Carl Beilfuss and Patrick Snyder.
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 09/24/1936
Poppe, Ella (11 AUG 1863 – 15 SEP 1936)
Mrs. Ella Poppe, died at the home of her son, Wm. E. Poppe Jr., Ishpeming, Mich., on Sept. 15th, 1936, death being caused by hardening of the arteries. She reached the age of 73 years, 1 month and 11 days. Ella Burke was born in Kingston, Wis., on Aug. 11, 1863. She was united in marriage to Wm. E. Poppe, on Nov. 3, 1885, at Edson, Wis. and he preceded her in death last May 20th. Mrs. Poppe spent the greater part of her married life in and near Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) until she moved to L'Anse, Mich., with her husband about fifteen years ago. She leaves to mourn, two sons, John of Marquette, Mich., and Wm. E. Jr., of Ishpeming, Mich. The body was brought here to the Bogumill Funeral Home last Thursday and on Friday morning funeral services were conducted by Rev. A.M. Muckerheide at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, of which congregation deceased had been a member for many years. Interment was made in the parish cemetery beside her husband and daughter. Pallbearers were: Carl Beilfuss, L.P. Wasldorf, John Burke, Manford Nye, John Roth and James P. Snyder.
vi. Louise (Lula) Burke SNYDER (1863-1924, age 60) Wife of E. L. Snyder, resident of Thorpe, Wisconsin.
Sons William, George, Lee John, Cecil Leonard, Stephen C. Snyder
Lee John Snyder's
son : James Patrick "Patrick"
daughters : Margaret (Perko), Anabel (Wilson), and Jean (Sister Mary Veronique, Catholic nun)
Cecil Leonard Snyder's
sons : Dale (died in WW II, POW in the Bataan March), John Charles "Jack", and Mark (CPL US Marine Corps WW II, Purple Heart)
daughter : Elizabeth (Pullen)
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 07/10/1924
Snyder, Louise (15 DEC 1863 - 3 JUL 1924)
Mrs. E. L. Snyder passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital at Chippewa Falls on Thursday morning last, after an illness extending over a period of several months. Taken ill in December last and confined to the house for about three months, after which she recovered somewhat, but grew worse and was taken to the hospital to secure relief, which however, proved to no avail. Louise Burke, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Burke, was born near Kingston, Green Lake County, Wis., on Dec. 15, 1863, and came to Thorp, Clark County, Wis. with her parents in 1882, which has since been her home. On June 20, 1883, she was united in marriage with E. L. Snyder, who with three sons, Lee John Snyder of Thorp, Cecil L. Snyder of L'Anse, Mich., and Stephen C. Snyder of Milwaukee survive. Among us all she ranked always as a woman of refinement, sympathy, a kind neighbor, devoted wife and mother and true friend, and a woman of heroic mould in bravely meeting the stern requirements and the disappointments of life. She also leaves to mourn four sisters, Mrs. Mary Murphy of Polley, Mrs. John Roth of Thorp, Mrs. W. E. Poppe of L'Anse, Mich., and Mrs. Anson Heagle of Chippewa Falls. The funeral took place from St. Bernard's Church on Sunday afternoon last, Rev. John Neises officiating. Interment followed in the Catholic Cemetery.
Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 04/15/1948
Snyder, Cecil (1 OCT 1893 – 7 APR 1948, age 54) Sons: Dale, John, and Mark Snyder ; Daughter: Elizabeth Snyder Pullen
Cecil L. Snyder, son of Eli and Louise Snyder, born in the village of Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) Oct. 1, 1893, died in Newberry, Mich. At 4:47 p.m., April 7, 1948, of a heart condition and was buried in the L'Anse Cemetery Sat. April 10, 1948. Cecil had many relatives and friends who held him in high regard here, for he grew to manhood, volunteered for service in World War I and on his return from overseas duty, married and was in business in Thorp. He took an active part with his father Eli Snyder, in the organization and development of Wissota Beach. Later removing to L'Anse, Mich., where he had been in the employ of the Ford Motor Co. up to the time of his death. Funeral services at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of L'Anse conducted by Father F. J. Scheringer who departed from the usual custom and gave a heart warming sermon, reassuring and comforting to the mourners and listened to with evident approval by the many friends and neighbors who filled the church to capacity. The remains throughout the ceremony were under Military Escort Color Guard and detail by the Wm. McGlue Legion Post No. 144. Most impressive in the manner in which honor and respect was rendered to a departed comrade. The pallbearers were: George Leonhardt of Madison, Francis Leonhardt of Sun Prairie, Leon Leonhardt of Madison, all brothers of Mrs. Cecil Snyder, and Charles Ricks of Baltimore, Md., Fred Pullen of Hibbing, Minn. Besides those mentioned as pallbearers, Cecil leaves to mourn his untimely passing, Irene (Leonhardt) Snyder, his beloved wife; two sons, John C. Snyder of L'Anse, Mich., Mark Snyder of Milwaukee; one daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Pullen of Hibbing, Minn.; two brothers, Stephen C. Snyder of Milwaukee, and Lee J. Snyder of Thorp; daughter-in-law Elaine Snyder of Milwaukee; sister-in-law Mrs. E. M. Leger, Marshfield; all of whom attended the funeral. It will be remembered that Cecil lost a son, Dale Snyder in the darkest hours of the Philippines – the fall of Corregidor and the torturous march from Bataan.
vii. Pearl E. (Margaret) Burke HEAGLE (1874-1932, age 58) Resident of Gilman, Wisconsin. Five daughters; son John Heagle.
Daughters :
Mrs. Verner Johnson, Chippewa Falls, Wis.
Mrs. Florence (John) Berg, Jr., Edgerton, Wis.
Beatrice Heagle, Gilman, Wis.
Ellen Heagle, St. Paul, Minn.
Mrs. Ivan Stone, Amery, Wis.
Son: Jack Heagle
Grandchildren : Billy and Elizabeth Ann Johnson
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 04/21/1932
Heagle, Pearl (13 NOV 1874 – 12 APR 1932)
Mrs. Anson Heagle, 58 years of age, a resident of Gilman, died at Midway Hospital at St. Paul Tuesday morning, April 12th, 1932. Pearl Burke was born at Kingston, Wis., Nov. 13th, 1874. She resided there until about nine years of age, when her parents moved to Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.). She was married at Boyd, Wis. to Anson Heagle on Feb. 26th, 1895. Surviving relatives are her husband, Anson Heagle of Gilman, Wis., five daughters and one son as follows: Mrs. Verner Johnson, Chippewa Falls, Wis., Mrs. Florence (John) Berg, Jr., Edgerton, Wis., Beatrice Heagle, Gilman, Wis., Ellen Heagle, St. Paul, Minn., Mrs. Ivan Stone, Amery, Wis., and Jack Heagle of Gilman; two grandchildren, Billy and Elizabeth Ann Johnson She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Wm. Poppe of L'Anse, Mich. All were present at the funeral services which were held at St. Bernard's Church, Thorp, on Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. She was a true friend, and her devotion to those she loved would make a bright chapter in any life. While she has gone from the scenes, the conflicts, the sorrows and pleasures of life, she will still live in the hearts of those who knew her best. Her retiring nature led her to hide her best qualities from public gaze, but they were revealed to those who enjoyed her acquaintance, yet it was in her home that her true worth was most conspicuous. Relatives and friends from out of town who attended the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Poppe and Mrs. John Poppe, of L'Anse, Mich., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kaiser, Portage, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Ed Heagle and family of Cadott, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Walter Fults and family of Abbotsford, Wis., Mrs. Mattie Campbell, Park Falls, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. A.R. Heagle and family of Gilman, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Johnson and daughter, Lorraine, of Gilman, Theodore Heagle, Gilman, Mrs. Alice Hayes, Gilman, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Woodward and family of Gilman, Mrs. Cleve Beam and son Thomas, Gilman, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Beilfuss, Withee, Mr. and Mrs. John Burke, Boyd, Mrs. James Boylan, Withee, Mrs. Chas. Berger, Withee, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Murphy, Withee, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Murphy, Chippewa Falls.
viii. Nelson Edward "Eddie" McCarthy (__-1898, a nephew, killed in a freak baseball game accident)
_____________________________________________________
Thorp Courier 11 June 1891
Died, at her residence in this village on June 4, 1891, Ellen A., beloved wife of John Burke, of heart disease, aged 57 years, 1 month and 8 days.
Ellen A. McCarty was born in (*Note: in or near the city of Kingston) Wellington Township, Ontario, Canada, May 1, 1834, and came to Wisconsin in 1851, landing at Watertown, where she remained two years. (*Note: The family is in fact seen in the 1850 U.S. Federal census living in the Watertown area of Wisconsin.) She was united in marriage with John Burke in 1853 and removed to Kingston, Green Lake Co., where they resided on a farm until nine years ago, since which time they have conducted the Douglas House in this village (Thorp, Clark County, Wisconsin). She was the mother of seven children, George, Mrs. Mary A. Murphy, Edmund, Mrs. Lizzie Roth, Mrs. Ella Poppe, Mrs. Lula Snyder and Miss Pearl, all with her husband surviving her except Edmund, who met his death on the railroad track in this village about two years ago.
Respected by all, her death is a sad blow to her immediate relatives and the community in which she so long resided. The funeral was conducted by Rev. C. Weikmann from The Catholic Church on Saturday morning last, twenty-seven carriages following the remains to their last resting place at the Thorp Catholic Cemetery.
Burial:
Saint Bernard Cemetery
Thorp
Clark County
Wisconsin, USA
Plot: A-27-06
Ellen McCarty was the firstborn of the eight known children of Patrick & Catherine Gibson McCarty. She was born in 1834 in the Canadian city of Kingston, Wellington County, Ontario Province, Canada. According the 1870 date on her father Patrick's Wisconsin death certificate, he was 35 years or older when his first child Ellen was born. Ellen's mother Catherine's age was unknown, but probably younger than 30.
Sometime shortly before 1850, when Ellen was 16, the family arrived in Watertown, Wisconsin, traveling cross-country from Canada possibly through Maine, and most definitely through New York state. The mother Catherine and baby Peter are absent in the 1850 census for unknown reasons, leaving Ellen in the position of "second mother" to her seven younger siblings, the youngest just 5 years old at the time.
In 1853, when Ellen was 19, she married 52 year old Irish immigrant John Burke, a neighbor who had also arrived in Watertown. This May-December pairing produced seven children, and lasted 38 years. After farming for many years in Kingston, Wisconsin, they sold the farm, and with their grown children moved north in 1882 to the town of Thorpe. There, they seem to have used their funds from the sale of the farm to open a hotel, living out the rest of their lives as well-known members of the community. Ellen and John's firstborn George Burke, became a prominent businessman and judge in the Thorpe vicinity.
In 1888, just a few years after the Burke family had moved to Thorpe, tragedy struck when the younger of Ellen and John's two sons, Edmund Burke, was killed by a steam locomotive train as he was trying to herd cows off of the track they had been crossing. He was 31 years old, unmarried, and left no children.
In 1891, just two years after her son Edmund was killed, 57 year old Ellen died of a stroke while seemingly healthy, predeceasing her husband John by just a few years. John Burke lived to be over 90 years old.
Besides their own children, the Burkes had also generously offered to raise Ellen's younger brother Patrick's youngest child, Nelson Edward McCarthy. In 1879, new baby "Eddie" came to live with the Burke family after his father Patrick McCarthy Jr. died at age 36 of tuberculosis and complications of a Civil War injury. After the deaths of his Aunt Ellen and Uncle John, teenage Eddie then lived with their son George, who was well-established as a business proprietor in the town of Thorpe. Sadly however, in 1898 at the tender age of 19, Eddie, like his older cousin Edmund Burke, was also killed in a freak accident -- a blow to the side as he was running during a game of sandlot baseball. He was unmarried, and left no children. Three full siblings survived him (Isabelle, Phoebe, and Benjamin), as well as two half sisters, and the mother of all six, Frances Waite McCarty, who had remarried and lived in Thorpe.
The Burke offspring all seem to have inherited their mother's genetics, rather than the genes of their hardy and long-lived Irish father John Burke. Four of Ellen's five daughters died between the ages of 58 and 69, three of them dying within a year of each other. The youngest daughter, Pearl, died at almost the same age as her mother. The eldest (and only surviving son) George Burke lived to be 64. Even some of the grandchildren ended up dying of early strokes, one granddaughter at age 48 and a grandson at 54.
Ellen and John Burke had the following children :
i. George BURKE (1854-1918, age 64) Marriage Nov 21 1888. Wife Alta, 25 Dec 1869 - 9 June 1916, died at age 47 of peritonitis. They lost one year old Alice in late 1905 to a respiratory illness. Six surviving children:
daughters :
*Margaret (or Marguerite) Burke Piper
(Married 1914 to Roy Piper; their children: Burke G., Mrs. Eileen [Anton] Papierniak, and Patricia)
*Lucille
*Ruth
*Dorothy "Dolly"
*Bernice
son :
*John Burke
(His children: John Jr., George, Ethel, Wilhelmina, Mrs. Patricia [Gerald] Giese, Eau Claire, WI)
History of Clark County, Wisconsin (1918)
GEORGE BURKE, banker and lawyer of Thorp, Wis., cashier of the Farmers Exchange Bank, was born in Kingston, Green Lake County, Wis., Oct 16, 1853. His father was John Burke, who was born at Cork, Ireland, in 1801, came to Wisconsin when a young man, and after a number of years spent in farming, died at Thorp in 1893. John married Ellen McCarty, who was born at Kingston, Canada, in 1844 (Note: 1834 is the correct date), and who died at Thorp in 1891. They had seven children-George, to whom this memoir particularly relates Mary, wife of T. S. Murphy, of Gilman, Wis. Edmund, now deceased Elizabeth, wife of John Roth, of Thorp, Ella, wife of W. E. Poppe, of Thorp Louisa, wife of E. L. Snyder, also of Thorp, and Pearl, who married Heagle, of Gilman, Wis. George Burke finished his schooling at Kingston, Wis., in 1872. He remained on his father's farm until April 1, 1882, at which time he came to Thorp. Here he first engaged in the hotel operating the Douglas House for ten or twelve years, and during this time he studied law, in the practice of which he has been engaged up to the present time. On the organization of the Farmers Exchange Bank, Sept. 15, 1913, he became its cashier, but soon after resigned that position to become postmaster of Thorp, being appointed by President Wilson. In 1915 he was again elected cashier of this bank and accepted the resigning as postmaster. He is also a stockholder and director in several local concerns, and is one of the prominent business men and citizen of Thorp. He has served several terms as village clerk and twenty years as a member of the school board, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the E. F. U. In Politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Burke was married Nov. 21, 1888, to Altie Craig, who was born Dec. 25, 1870. She died June 9, 1916, having been the mother of six children -- John, born Sept. 18, 1890; Margaret, now Mrs. Roy D. Piper, of Thorp; Lucille, who is engaged in teaching; Ruth, who is bookkeeper in the bank; Dorothy and Bernice, who reside at home with their father.
ii. Mary Ann Burke MURPHY (1855-~1925, age 69) Wife of Thomas F. Murphy, widowed at age 55. Resident of Gilman, Wisconsin.
Sons :
William T. Murphy, and George Francis Murphy
Daughters :
*Katherine (married Cleveland Beam - one son Thomas Beam)
*Ella Mae (married Orea Melvin Nye - four sons: Garnet, Melvin, Manford, and Orea Nye)
*Unknown Daughter named Mrs. Edmunds Woodward
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 12/08/1910
Murphy, Thomas F. (20 SEP 1859 - 6 DEC 1910)
Died, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Chicago, on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 1910, Thomas F. Murphy, of cancer, aged 51 years, 2 months and 16 days. Mr. Murphy was born at Harrisville, Marquette Co., Wis., on Sept. 20, 1859, where he grew to manhood. On Dec. 26, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Burke, and soon after came here (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) to reside, making his home here until about two years ago when he moved to Gilman. For many years he was a great sufferer from rheumatism. He served the town of Withee faithfully as its treasurer for fourteen years, and for several years also served as justice of the peace, and always performed his duties in an honest conscientious manner. He leaves a wife and five children: *William T., *George Francis [1893-1954, died at age 60, no children], *Mrs. Edmunds Woodward, *Mrs. Katherine (Cleveland) Beam [son Thomas] of Gilman, *Mrs. Ella Mae (Orea) Nye [Orea Melvin Nye, 75, died Nov. 28, 1957 in Stanley, Wis. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church here and burial was in the East Thorp Cemetery. Mr. Nye farmed most of his life and had lived in this area for the past 50 years. He married Ella Mae Murphy in Thorp in 1906. He is survived by his wife, four sons, Garnet of Memphis, Tenn., Melvin of Thorp, Manford of Rib Lake and Orea of Jim Falls.]
iii. Edward Edmund BURKE (1857-1888, age 31, killed by a train; unmarried, no children)
iv. Catherine Elizabeth (Lizzie) Burke ROTH (1859-1924, age 65) Wife of John Roth, resident of Thorpe, Wisconsin.
Sons : Jay Roth (daughters Dorothy and June Roth) and Bernard Roth
Daughters : Louise E. "Lulu" (Beilfuss) - son Bert Beilfuss, Pearl (Walsdorf) - children Ellen and Stewart Walsdorf, and Mary E. "Mayo" (Nealis)
ABBOTSFORD TRIBUNE (Abbotsford, Wis.) 12/11/1924
Roth, Catherine E. (9 FEB 1859 – 27 NOV 1924)
Mrs. John Roth passed away at her home in the village of Thorp, Clark County, Wis., Thursday morning at 11:30 a.m., Nov. 27, 1924, aged 65 years, 9 months and 18 days. Mrs. Roth had not enjoyed the best of health for some time. Her last illness was marked by its many changes, she would rally time and again and hopes for her recovery at the outset were strong. Everything possible was done for her by friends, relatives and medical aid could suggest. Aided by her strong constitution she battled as she lived, firm, uncomplaining and unafraid to the end. Catherine E. Burke, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Burke, was born at Kingston, Wis., on Feb. 9, 1859. She married John Roth Dec. 26, 1880. She took up her residence with her husband at Withee, Clark County, later removing to Thorp, thence to Stanley and after a time returned to Thorp, and then to Chippewa Falls, but the call of the old town was too strong and in 1909 they returned to Thorp, where she resided the rest of her life. She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, three daughters: *Mrs. Louise E. (Carl) Beilfuss of Withee [attended a teacher's college, married 1909, born Oct. 7, 1884, died May 24, 1950 of a stroke at age 65 exactly like her mother, one son Bert of Withee - Bert lived to be 96 (August 12, 1910 - January 1, 2007) survived by his daughter Lou and god-daughter Tama Ihde], **Mrs. Mary E. "Mayo" (Louis P.) Walsdorf of Thorp [born 9 March 1887, died 16 April 1935 of a post-operation pulmonary embolus, at age 48, two children Ellen and Stewart Walsdorf], ***Mrs. Pearl (Mark) Nealis of Chicago, and two sons: *Jay Roth of International Falls, Minn., and **Bernard Roth of Anita, Iowa. Besides the immediate family she leaves three sisters, Mrs. W. E. Poppe of Lansing, Mich. and Mrs. Anse Heagle of Chippewa Falls, Wis. Mrs. John Roth was a kind, motherly woman, who lived an exceptionally useful life. Devoting hours of time and effort in bringing cheer and aid to many a weary sick bed. Ever a martyr, always a help. The funeral took place from St. Bernard's Church on Sunday afternoon last, Rev. John Neises officiating. Interment followed in the St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery.
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 12/10/1942
Roth, John (16 SEP 1859 – 4 DEC 1942)
John Roth, who came to Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) in 1882, passed away at the hospital at Marshfield, at 8:20 a.m., Friday, Dec. 4th, 1942. He had reached the ripe old age of 83 years, 2 months and 18 days. Mr. Roth underwent a major operation several weeks ago but was unable to withstand the shock. He had always been in good health up to this time. Death was attributed to coronary thrombosis. John Roth was born in New York City on Sept. 16, 1859. On Dec. 26, 1880, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Burke at Kingston, Wis. He came to Withee (Clark Co.) with his wife and resided there until coming to Thorp in 1882. Mr. Roth worked on the railroad for many years as section foreman. He held sections in Stanley and Chippewa Falls for a time, but returned to Thorp after retirement to spend his remaining days. Mrs. Roth died in December 1924. He was of a quiet disposition, cheerful and hopeful to the last. He was a true friend and neighbor. Though he is gone his record has been made and will remain with us as a lasting treasure. His life was gentle but like the still waters, it was deep. In his heart he carried those he loved and his hand was never weary, his step never failed in caring for those who were in any way dependent upon him. Surviving relatives are two sons, Jay (b.~1881-1891, of International Falls, Minn., wife Pearl E. Laneville, married Sept 8 1914, Pearl died Aug 12 1937, daughters Dorothy and June), and Bernard (address unknown); two daughters, Mrs. Carl (Louise) Beilfuss, Withee, Wis., and Mrs. Mark (Pearl) Nealis of Chicago, and two brothers, Wm. Roth of Eau Claire and Albert of Mantorville, Minn. The funeral services were held at nine o'clock Monday morning, Dec. 7th, at St. Bernard's Church, Rev. A.M. Muckerheide officiating. Interment was made in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers were: Frank Broeren, John G. Bogumill, Wilfred Vanderhyden, John S. Bogumill, John Hickman and Robert Benzschawel.
v. Ellen "Ella" M. Burke POPPE (1863-1936, age 73) Wife of W. E. Poppe, resident of Thorpe, Wisconsin.
Sons John, William E. Poppe Jr.
Daughter Nellie (4 JAN 1889 - 4 FEB 1920, died at age 31 of influenza).
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 05/28/1936
Poppe, William E. (18 FEB 1863 – 20 MAY 1936)
Wm. E. Poppe, an early settler and resident of Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) for many years, died of heart disease (arteriosclerosis) at the home of his son, William in Ishpeming, Mich., on May 20th, 1936, aged 73 years, 3 months and 2 days. Mr. Poppe, who has been residing in L'Anse, Mich., since leaving Thorp several years ago, had been visiting at the home of his son. He ate a hearty meal at noon, suffered a heart attack and passed away at 3:30 o'clock the same day. The deceased was born in Canada on Feb. 18, 1863. He was united in marriage with Ella Burke on Nov. 3, 1885 at Thorp. To this union was born three children, John, William and Nellie (4 JAN 1889 - 4 FEB 1920, died at age 31 of influenza), the latter who passed away several years ago. The family made their home on a farm two miles west of the village for many years, and later in the village, Mr. Poppe being manager of the Thorp Manufacturing Co. for some time. Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, John of Marquette, Mich., William E. of Ishpeming, Mich, and many relatives and friends in Thorp. The body was brought to the L.J. Snyder home here on Thursday. Funeral services were held at St. Bernard's Catholic Church on Friday morning at nine o'clock and interment took place in the Thorp Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were John Burke, Wm. Murphy, L.P. Walsdorf, Roy Piper, Carl Beilfuss and Patrick Snyder.
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 09/24/1936
Poppe, Ella (11 AUG 1863 – 15 SEP 1936)
Mrs. Ella Poppe, died at the home of her son, Wm. E. Poppe Jr., Ishpeming, Mich., on Sept. 15th, 1936, death being caused by hardening of the arteries. She reached the age of 73 years, 1 month and 11 days. Ella Burke was born in Kingston, Wis., on Aug. 11, 1863. She was united in marriage to Wm. E. Poppe, on Nov. 3, 1885, at Edson, Wis. and he preceded her in death last May 20th. Mrs. Poppe spent the greater part of her married life in and near Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) until she moved to L'Anse, Mich., with her husband about fifteen years ago. She leaves to mourn, two sons, John of Marquette, Mich., and Wm. E. Jr., of Ishpeming, Mich. The body was brought here to the Bogumill Funeral Home last Thursday and on Friday morning funeral services were conducted by Rev. A.M. Muckerheide at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, of which congregation deceased had been a member for many years. Interment was made in the parish cemetery beside her husband and daughter. Pallbearers were: Carl Beilfuss, L.P. Wasldorf, John Burke, Manford Nye, John Roth and James P. Snyder.
vi. Louise (Lula) Burke SNYDER (1863-1924, age 60) Wife of E. L. Snyder, resident of Thorpe, Wisconsin.
Sons William, George, Lee John, Cecil Leonard, Stephen C. Snyder
Lee John Snyder's
son : James Patrick "Patrick"
daughters : Margaret (Perko), Anabel (Wilson), and Jean (Sister Mary Veronique, Catholic nun)
Cecil Leonard Snyder's
sons : Dale (died in WW II, POW in the Bataan March), John Charles "Jack", and Mark (CPL US Marine Corps WW II, Purple Heart)
daughter : Elizabeth (Pullen)
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 07/10/1924
Snyder, Louise (15 DEC 1863 - 3 JUL 1924)
Mrs. E. L. Snyder passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital at Chippewa Falls on Thursday morning last, after an illness extending over a period of several months. Taken ill in December last and confined to the house for about three months, after which she recovered somewhat, but grew worse and was taken to the hospital to secure relief, which however, proved to no avail. Louise Burke, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Burke, was born near Kingston, Green Lake County, Wis., on Dec. 15, 1863, and came to Thorp, Clark County, Wis. with her parents in 1882, which has since been her home. On June 20, 1883, she was united in marriage with E. L. Snyder, who with three sons, Lee John Snyder of Thorp, Cecil L. Snyder of L'Anse, Mich., and Stephen C. Snyder of Milwaukee survive. Among us all she ranked always as a woman of refinement, sympathy, a kind neighbor, devoted wife and mother and true friend, and a woman of heroic mould in bravely meeting the stern requirements and the disappointments of life. She also leaves to mourn four sisters, Mrs. Mary Murphy of Polley, Mrs. John Roth of Thorp, Mrs. W. E. Poppe of L'Anse, Mich., and Mrs. Anson Heagle of Chippewa Falls. The funeral took place from St. Bernard's Church on Sunday afternoon last, Rev. John Neises officiating. Interment followed in the Catholic Cemetery.
Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 04/15/1948
Snyder, Cecil (1 OCT 1893 – 7 APR 1948, age 54) Sons: Dale, John, and Mark Snyder ; Daughter: Elizabeth Snyder Pullen
Cecil L. Snyder, son of Eli and Louise Snyder, born in the village of Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) Oct. 1, 1893, died in Newberry, Mich. At 4:47 p.m., April 7, 1948, of a heart condition and was buried in the L'Anse Cemetery Sat. April 10, 1948. Cecil had many relatives and friends who held him in high regard here, for he grew to manhood, volunteered for service in World War I and on his return from overseas duty, married and was in business in Thorp. He took an active part with his father Eli Snyder, in the organization and development of Wissota Beach. Later removing to L'Anse, Mich., where he had been in the employ of the Ford Motor Co. up to the time of his death. Funeral services at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of L'Anse conducted by Father F. J. Scheringer who departed from the usual custom and gave a heart warming sermon, reassuring and comforting to the mourners and listened to with evident approval by the many friends and neighbors who filled the church to capacity. The remains throughout the ceremony were under Military Escort Color Guard and detail by the Wm. McGlue Legion Post No. 144. Most impressive in the manner in which honor and respect was rendered to a departed comrade. The pallbearers were: George Leonhardt of Madison, Francis Leonhardt of Sun Prairie, Leon Leonhardt of Madison, all brothers of Mrs. Cecil Snyder, and Charles Ricks of Baltimore, Md., Fred Pullen of Hibbing, Minn. Besides those mentioned as pallbearers, Cecil leaves to mourn his untimely passing, Irene (Leonhardt) Snyder, his beloved wife; two sons, John C. Snyder of L'Anse, Mich., Mark Snyder of Milwaukee; one daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Pullen of Hibbing, Minn.; two brothers, Stephen C. Snyder of Milwaukee, and Lee J. Snyder of Thorp; daughter-in-law Elaine Snyder of Milwaukee; sister-in-law Mrs. E. M. Leger, Marshfield; all of whom attended the funeral. It will be remembered that Cecil lost a son, Dale Snyder in the darkest hours of the Philippines – the fall of Corregidor and the torturous march from Bataan.
vii. Pearl E. (Margaret) Burke HEAGLE (1874-1932, age 58) Resident of Gilman, Wisconsin. Five daughters; son John Heagle.
Daughters :
Mrs. Verner Johnson, Chippewa Falls, Wis.
Mrs. Florence (John) Berg, Jr., Edgerton, Wis.
Beatrice Heagle, Gilman, Wis.
Ellen Heagle, St. Paul, Minn.
Mrs. Ivan Stone, Amery, Wis.
Son: Jack Heagle
Grandchildren : Billy and Elizabeth Ann Johnson
THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 04/21/1932
Heagle, Pearl (13 NOV 1874 – 12 APR 1932)
Mrs. Anson Heagle, 58 years of age, a resident of Gilman, died at Midway Hospital at St. Paul Tuesday morning, April 12th, 1932. Pearl Burke was born at Kingston, Wis., Nov. 13th, 1874. She resided there until about nine years of age, when her parents moved to Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.). She was married at Boyd, Wis. to Anson Heagle on Feb. 26th, 1895. Surviving relatives are her husband, Anson Heagle of Gilman, Wis., five daughters and one son as follows: Mrs. Verner Johnson, Chippewa Falls, Wis., Mrs. Florence (John) Berg, Jr., Edgerton, Wis., Beatrice Heagle, Gilman, Wis., Ellen Heagle, St. Paul, Minn., Mrs. Ivan Stone, Amery, Wis., and Jack Heagle of Gilman; two grandchildren, Billy and Elizabeth Ann Johnson She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Wm. Poppe of L'Anse, Mich. All were present at the funeral services which were held at St. Bernard's Church, Thorp, on Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. She was a true friend, and her devotion to those she loved would make a bright chapter in any life. While she has gone from the scenes, the conflicts, the sorrows and pleasures of life, she will still live in the hearts of those who knew her best. Her retiring nature led her to hide her best qualities from public gaze, but they were revealed to those who enjoyed her acquaintance, yet it was in her home that her true worth was most conspicuous. Relatives and friends from out of town who attended the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Poppe and Mrs. John Poppe, of L'Anse, Mich., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kaiser, Portage, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Ed Heagle and family of Cadott, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Walter Fults and family of Abbotsford, Wis., Mrs. Mattie Campbell, Park Falls, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. A.R. Heagle and family of Gilman, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Johnson and daughter, Lorraine, of Gilman, Theodore Heagle, Gilman, Mrs. Alice Hayes, Gilman, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Woodward and family of Gilman, Mrs. Cleve Beam and son Thomas, Gilman, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Beilfuss, Withee, Mr. and Mrs. John Burke, Boyd, Mrs. James Boylan, Withee, Mrs. Chas. Berger, Withee, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Murphy, Withee, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Murphy, Chippewa Falls.
viii. Nelson Edward "Eddie" McCarthy (__-1898, a nephew, killed in a freak baseball game accident)
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Thorp Courier 11 June 1891
Died, at her residence in this village on June 4, 1891, Ellen A., beloved wife of John Burke, of heart disease, aged 57 years, 1 month and 8 days.
Ellen A. McCarty was born in (*Note: in or near the city of Kingston) Wellington Township, Ontario, Canada, May 1, 1834, and came to Wisconsin in 1851, landing at Watertown, where she remained two years. (*Note: The family is in fact seen in the 1850 U.S. Federal census living in the Watertown area of Wisconsin.) She was united in marriage with John Burke in 1853 and removed to Kingston, Green Lake Co., where they resided on a farm until nine years ago, since which time they have conducted the Douglas House in this village (Thorp, Clark County, Wisconsin). She was the mother of seven children, George, Mrs. Mary A. Murphy, Edmund, Mrs. Lizzie Roth, Mrs. Ella Poppe, Mrs. Lula Snyder and Miss Pearl, all with her husband surviving her except Edmund, who met his death on the railroad track in this village about two years ago.
Respected by all, her death is a sad blow to her immediate relatives and the community in which she so long resided. The funeral was conducted by Rev. C. Weikmann from The Catholic Church on Saturday morning last, twenty-seven carriages following the remains to their last resting place at the Thorp Catholic Cemetery.
Burial:
Saint Bernard Cemetery
Thorp
Clark County
Wisconsin, USA
Plot: A-27-06
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