Eleanor's mother's maiden name was Wilcox.

Known professionally as Eleanor Durkin, she was a vaudeville performer and wife of vaudevillian-actor James Burke. Eleanor was in vaudeville for years as one of the Durkin Sisters. She later teamed with her husband as Burke and Durkin which played the major circuits.Contributor: TLS - Find A Grave ID #372

In the 1900 U. S. census, 6 yr. old Nellie M. Durkin, b. Aug. 1893 in KS., was attending school and living at 826 Pyle St. in Kansas City Ward 6, Wyandotte, KS. with her

37 yr. old father, Thomas Durkin, a car repairer, b. Nov. 1862 in KS.

31 yr. old mother, Emily A Durkin, b. Feb. 1869 in VT.

9 yr. old brother, Edmond P Durkin, b. Jun., 1890 in KS.

4 yr. old sister, Katie E. Durkin, b. Dec. 1875

19 yr. old uncle, Morris J. Wilcox, a laborer, b. Jan. 1881 in KS.

20 yr. old boarder, Samuel Smiley, a teamster, b. May, 1880 in Ireland.

Thomas and Emily had been married for 12 years.

Emily was the mother of 5 children, only 3 still alive at the time of this census.

Emily & Morris' father was b. in VT. and their mother in OH.

Thomas' father was b. in Ireland and his mother in England.

In the 1910 U. S. census, 16 yr. old Nellie M. Durkin, a musician in the theater, b. in KS., was living at 720 Woodland Av. in Kansas City Ward 8, Jackson, MO. with her

46 yr. old father, Thomas P Durkin, a carpenter in the car industry, b. in KS.

39 yr. old mother, Emma A. Durkin, b. in VT.

19 yr. old brother, Edmund P Durkin, a teamster for an express company, b. in KS.

14 yr. old sister, Catherine E Durkin, a musician in the theater, b. in KS.

28 yr. old uncle, Maurice J Wilcox, a railroad inspector, b. in KS.

36 yr. old roomer, Owen Robinson, a teamster for a transfer co., b. in OH.

Nellie was out of work for 7 wks.

This was a first marriage for Thomas and Emma. They had been married for 22 years.

Emma was the mother of 5 children, only 3 still alive by this census.

The Kansas City Globe (Kansas City, Kansas), P. 4, Col. 2

Fri., Jun. 14, 1912

DURKIN SISTERS Have A Musical Sketch Which They Will Present at the Victor.

Misses Nellie and Katie Durkin have been booked for the latter part of next week at the Victor theater. A musical sketch has been written for them and those who have seen the rehearsals say it is a very clever and entertaining piece. The Durkin sisters are young, good singers and of very pleasing appearance and in their theatrical appearances have been very popular.

The Morning News (Coffeyville, KS.), P. 1, Col. 3

Thu., Sep. 19, 1912

THE DREXEL THEATER - "THE DURKIN SISTERS"

Direct from Chicago. Elegant wardrobe. Singers and some dancers. We can easily boast of having one of the best sister teams ever in Coffeyville today.

The Leavenworth Times (Leavenworth, KS.), P. 3, Col. 3

Tue., Oct. 8, 1912

Item from: WHAT THE ORPHEUM HAS FOR FIRST HALF OF WEEK

Durkin Sisters, singing, dancing and small talk, have an offering that contains some good features, and they are good lookers too. One, the smaller, is a good dancer, but can't sing; the other can sing, but can't dance, but in team work what one lacks is made up for by the other and the sum total is an act that pleases.

According to James Michael Burke's Jun. 1, 1917 WWI Draft Registration card, he was still unmarried and employed as a vaudeville performer. He had previously served 2 years in the military and was now requesting exemption from the draft on the grounds he had a physical disability.

The Salt Lake Tribune (Salt Lake City, UT.), P. 5, Col. 5 -

Thu., Mar. 13, 1919

SOLDIER-HUSBAND JOINS ENTERTAINER

Pantages Player Greeted by Spouse Just as Curtain Falls on Act

The audience at the Pantages theater last night probably wondered why the Durkin Sisters vocal and piano entertainers, did not respond to the applause that lasted several minutes after their act was finished. But there wasn't even the usual bow from the young women. When a vaudeville act refuses to "take a bow" there must be some very good reason.And there was a reason last night. It was a soldier. He was Quinn L. Martin of the staff of the New York Herald, who, until a few days ago, was a full-fledged buck private in the army, having enlisted about a year ago. He came to Salt Lake yesterday to meet his wife, who is the "Kathryn" of the Durkin Sisters, and just at the time the young women ordinarily would have been "taking the bows" Miss Kathryn Durkin, or rather, Mrs. Martin, was saying "Hello" and all that sort of thing just behind the scenes to the man she hadn't seen all this time.

Mrs. Martin appeared here at the Orpheum theater two years ago in her single singing and dancing act, and later left the stage. When her husband left New York in a uniform she asked her sister, Miss Nellie Durkin, who was doing concert work in the East and who has studied under Professor Herbert Henrich of New York, to join her and together they would "pass the time" until the war was over. The war being over, you have the full story of "the bow that wasn't took."

In the 1920 U. S. census, 26 yr. old Nellie N. Durkin, a stage actress working on her own account, b. in KS., was unmarried and living on Villa Road C in North Hempstead, Nassau, NY. with her

28 brother-in-law, Quinn L. Martin, a special writer for a newspaper, b. in KS.

24 yr. old sister, Kathryn Martin, b. in KS.

50 yr. old mother, Emma A. Durkin, (listed as married, not widowed), b. in VT.

Nellie and Kathryn's father was b. in KS. Emma's father was b. in VT. and her mother in OH.

Akron Evening Times (Akron, OH.), P. 14, Col. 2

Thu., Oct. 21, 1920

Item from: HAPPENINGS ON STAGE AND SCREEN COLONIAL - Irish songs always meet with popular approval but it seems that the selections presented by James Burke and Eleanor Durkin have been received with more warmth than anything in that line in several seasons. The piano accompaniment by Miss Durkin adds materially to the charm of the offering.

The Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, OH.), P. 26, Col. 3

Fri., Oct. 22, 1920

Item from: THEATERS

James Burke and Eleanor Durkin have several Irish songs that make a big hit, and Burke's singing of "You Can't Shimmy on Tea" proves a center shot.

The Tampa Times (Tampa, Florida), P. 2, Col. 3

Mon., Apr. 4, 1921

Excerpt from: VAUDEVILLE AT THE VICTORY

Big variety bill at the Victory will open tonight with new ideas in vaudeville. James Burk and Eleanor Durken offer "A Tête-à-Tête in Song," a new departure in vaudeville that is filled with bright and witty lines introduced in song.

The Pittsburgh Press (Pittsburgh, PA.), P. 26, Col. 1 - 3

Tue., Aug. 29, 1922

Inaugurating the list of unusual entertainments planned for PRESS radio fans during the next few months, will be the program of songs and readings given this evening from the Kaufman & Baer station, WCAE by Miss Juliet, James Burke and Eleanor Durkin, big stars on the Keith vaudeville bill at the Davis theater this week, starting at 6 p.m. Burke and Durkin are a nifty couple who sing songs in a crooning, syncopated manner that is sure to make capital radio entertainment. Miss Durkin also handles the piano work exceptionally well.

Dayton Daily News (Dayton, OH.), P. 20, Col. 1

Wed., Mar. 19, 1924

We have been wondering for some time what had become of the Durkin Sisters, a clever vaudeville team which had quite a vogue a number of years ago. But we did not find our until James Burke and Eleanor Durkin came to B.F. Keith's theater the first part of this week. The Durkin Sisters are no longer together because they are both married. Coincidental matrimony served to part the pair. Eleanor a few years ago met James Burke, of Burke and Harris, a New York boy who served in France with the old Twelfth Regiment, was gassed and shell-shocked and condemned to spend ten months in a hospital. Her pretty sister, Katherine likewise became enamored of Quinn Martin, motion pictures editor of the New York World. Neither sister confessed her romance until it "came to a showdown" - should they separate or continue in vaudeville together. Love decided for them because both are now happily wedded to the men of their choice. Katherine, Mr. Martin's wife, has been helping him with a future publication the past year or so. Now she plans to write under her own name and try to get a little fame on her own account.

Reading Times (Reading, PA.), P. 6, Col. 1

Mon., Dec.8, 1924

Excerpt from: CAMEO RAMBLERS TOPLINE AT RAJAH

James Burke and Eleanor Durkin, top liners in many big theatrical bills, appear in a comedy skit, "If I Only Could Think." The title is only a shell, however, this pair using it cover a series of very good lyrics and some lively unmaking. Their songs were written by Gilbert Wells, and J. Rosamund Johnson, orchestra leader and big time headliner himself, in Reading only last month, wrote the music. The skit itself was assembled by Tedy Wild, who has built numerous other successes.

Dayton Daily News (Dayton, OH.), P. 25, Col. 1 & 2

Wed., Apr. 22, 1925

The romance of James Burke and Eleanor Durkin, now at B. F. Keith's theater, would seem to have been planned and ordained by forces over which they have no control. Indeed, the strangest thing about their love story is that it is true. Burke first beheld the vision of loveliness, whose we know as Eleanor Durkin, when he was playing at one Pittsburgh vaudeville theater and she at another, and was engaged at the time in the very prosaic occupation of eating her dinner. But he succumbed to the fascination of her charms immediately. However, he had no opportunity to speak to her then. He merely knew that she was one of the Durkin sisters who played the piano, and he merely felt that she was the one woman for him.

On Sunday of that week both Burke and Durkin played in a benefit performance at the Hippodrome, Cleveland. However, she scarcely spoke to him. Another time he met her on Broadway. But she was in company with a friend of his and there was no opportunity for him to do anything more than raise his hat politely and pass on. After the war, however, they were brought together by the determination of their agent. Burke, who was wounded and gassed and in the hospital for 10 months after his return, was looking for a male partner and Eleanor was in search of a woman pianist. Her mother was quite determined that the pianist should be of the feminine persuasion.

However, after the agent brought them together each forgot his or her original order and proceeded to discuss terms with the agent. Six months they were together before Eleanor Durkin was persuaded to become Mrs. James Burke. And, wonder of wonders, the marriage took place in Pittsburgh, where Burke had first seen his wife. The next week they were sent to Keith's Hippodrome in Cleveland, where, several years before, they exchanged their first words.

The Morning Call (Allertown, PA.), P. 10, Col. 1

Mon., Jul. 6, 1925

FINE GOOD KEITH ACTS AT COLONIAL THEATER

Five high class vaudeville acts will be a three day engagement at the Colonial theater today. James Burke and Eleanor Durkin will be seen in "If I Could Only Think." Burke and Durkin are a well known vaudeville team and their current vehicle is one of the best in vaudeville.

The Dayton Herald (Dayton, OH.), P. 8, Col. 2

Mon., May 23, 1927

Excerpt from: COMEDY AND THE DANCE ARE ON KEITH BILL

James Burke and Eleanor Durkin are two most attractive people who have a little talky act that is a bit different and one which is certainly done differently from most that is seen here. Both Burke and Miss Durkin are very genuine in their appearance and in their method, and they have half the battle won before they start to do anything for that reason. Then they have some good stuff to offer (not meaning what's in the walking stick tube, no chance for trying that having been offered).

The way Burke sings "I Miss My Miss," is awfully clever and his Whispers song is original and also funny. Yet their fun is the sort one might encounter in meeting two such clever and personable people offstage and not the kind which throws the house into a panic. They are not the obvious sort.

Sing praises.

Miss Durkin plays a most delicate and understanding accompaniment for her partner whose voice is not big but whose style of acting is delightful - as is hers.

The Indianapolis Star (Indianapolis, IN.), P. 5, Col. 4

Mon., Jan. 16, 1928

Item from: LYRIC - Vaudeville and Pictures

James Burke and Eleanor Durkin in a delightfully humorous skit. "If I could only think," tops the Lyric theater program this week. The skit gives Mr. Burke an opportunity to sing several character songs and it is brim full of really clever lines. Miss Durkin has the role of a girl who pretends to be an amnesia victim and Mr. Burke is the man she meets. The skit provides plenty of good entertainment.

The Indianapolis Star (Indianapolis, IN.), P. 12, Col. 5

Mon., Jan. 20, 1928

Went as Chaperon; Now an Actress.

Eleanor Durkin, current Lyric player, is one actress who doesn't try to "get over" the idea that she had an ambition since childhood to get on the stage and work toward a career. Eleanor says she was head of a music department in a Kansas City shop several years ago. Her younger sister had stage ideas and carried them out. Then came the time when the sister was to leave home. She had to have a chaperon so it came about that Eleanor was the only one to go. Before she knew it, Eleanor was taking small speaking parts. "It just came about gradually," says Miss Durkin.

In the 1930 U. S. census, 35 yr. old Eleanor M Burke, an actress in the theatrical industry, b. in KS., was living at 65 Rhodes St. in New Rochelle, Westchester, NY. with her

41 yr. old husband, James M. Burke, an actor in the theatrical industry, b. in NY.

1 yr. old adopted daughter, Marylee Burke, b. in MI.

67 yr. old father, Thomas P Durkin, retired, b. in KS.

61 yr. old mother, Emma A Durkin, b. in VT.

Eleanor was 24 yrs. old, James was 30, Thomas was 24 and Emma was 19 at the time of their respective first marriages.

Thomas' parents were both b. in the Free State of Ireland.

Emma's father was b. in VT. and her mother in OH.

James' parents were both b. in NY.

The Winnipeg Tribune (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), P. 24, Col. 1

Sat., Jul. 26, 1930

Item from: FUNSTER AND BEAUTY STARS CAPITOL BILL

But starting from scratch, too, are the humorous James Burke and Eleanor Durkin. Back again with their familiar but ever new "Tête In Song", these veteran harmonies and humorists are in tip-top shape. They carry away a set of honors and winning wreaths all their own. Jimmie Burke and Eleanor Durkin are vaudevillians to the core and as such are always welcome with vaudeville audiences - especially RKO ones.

The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, GA.), P. 5, Col. 3

Mon., Dec. 29, 1930

Excerpt from: KEITH VAUDEVILLE PROVES DIVERTING

Burke and Durkin team together in an assortment of songs and wisecracks. Burke is at his best when telling a yarn. His mimicry of an excited German extolling his views on love and marriage bears this out. His partner and, incidentally, his wife, Eleanor Durkin, spun to the R. K. O. circuit from a Kansas City store where she managed the music department. Their earnest efforts gained a big hand.

Then came "It." Milton Berle takes charge with "Chasin' the Blues," and how he takes charge.

In the 1940 U. S. census, 47 yr. old Eleanor Burke, b. in KS., was living at 5266 Alta Canada Rd. in Glendale, Los Angeles, CA. with her

53 yr. old husband, James H Burke, a motion picture actor, b. in NY.

11 yr. old (*adopted) daughter, Mary Lee Burke, b. in MI.

75 yr. old widowed father, Thomas P Durkin, b. in KS.

23 yr. old maid, Ruby Moton, b. in Louisiana

In 1935, everyone in the family, except the maid, was living in a home (not a farm) in Glendale, Los Angeles county, CA.

The highest grade Eleanor had completed was 8th; James had finished 3 years of high school. Thomas had gone as far as 3rd grade, and Mary Lee, 5th.

Eleanor did not work outside the home at all in 1939 and had no income from other sources.

Star News (Pasadena, CA.)

Sept. 24, 1957

BURKE - Eleanor M. Burke, wife of James M. Burke, 5266 Alta Canyada Road, La Cañada, passed away Sept. 23, 1957. She was a native of Kansas and a resident of La Cañada for the past 21 years.

Besides her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Mary Lee Kofahl of Montrose

and four grandchildren.

She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and the Third Order of Carmelites, Alhambra. (*Note: Lay Carmelites (historically known as the Third Order) are lay people who, in response to a special call from God, freely and deliberately promise to live the evangelical life in the spirit of the Carmelite Order and under its direction.)

Recitation of the Rosary this evening at 8 p.m. and Requiem Mass Wednesday, 9 a.m., both at St. Bede's Church, 215 W. Foothill Blvd., La Cañada. Interment Calvary Cemetery. Wendell P. Cabot & Sons, directors.