Legislator Details
Number of sessions served 5
Gender: Male
Age at election: 41
Vital Records Information:
Birth
Date: 11/6/1885
City: Calumet, MI
County: Houghton County, MI
Country: US
Death
Date: 5/22/1950
City: Hancock, MI
County: Houghton County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial: interred
Burial
Date: 5/24/1950
City: Baraga, MI
County: Baraga County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Baraga Cemetery
Marital Information:
married Tillie R. Kolz, dau. of William and Matilda (Peterson) or [Amanda Nel Kolz, 6/28/1911, in Baraga, MI; children:4, Leslie W., Eunice C., Stanley and Catherine; Tillie died 6/27/1937
Number of Children: 4
Background
Religion: Methodist
Military Service:
Occupation: farmer, saleman
Race: Caucasian or White
Education:
grammar schools of Calumet and L'Anse
Biographical Sketch:
Son of Andrew & Caroline (Haas) Birk of Germany. He moved to L'Anse from Calumet in 1890 following the death of his mother. He served as mayor of Baraga for 2 years; and chairman of the Co. Road Commission. Member of the Odd Fellows & the Maccabees. He served on the Conservation Commission and worked as a manufacturer's agent for 30 yrs. He also maintained 2 farms near Baraga.
Notable Facts:
Charged on 12/16/1944, with other legislators, with accepting bribes; tried in 1945 and convicted; sentenced to 3 to 5 years in prison. Died in 1950
In September primary, he defeated the only women ever elected to the legislature, Cora Andrerson, November 2, 1926.
According to House Resolution No. 27, 1950 House Journal, p. 336 he had died. No date or place of death given.
Sessions Served:
Committees Served On: Apportionment , Conservation, Highways , Michigan State College
City of Residence: Baraga
County of Residence Baraga
District Description: Counties of Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed
Notes: Chair of the Committee on Michigan State College
Committees Served On: Conservation, Michigan Employment Institution for the Blind , Northern State Teachers' College, Printing
City of Residence: Baraga
County of Residence Baraga
District Description: Counties of Baraga, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed
Notes: Chair of Northern State Teachers' College.
Committees Served On: Michigan Employment Institution for the Blind , Northern State Teachers' College, Printing , Roads and Bridges
County of Residence Ontonagon
Reason for Leaving Office:
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Notes: Chair of the Committee on the Northern State Teachers' College
Committees Served On: Michigan Employment Institution for the Blind , Northern State Teachers' College, Printing , Roads and Bridges
City of Residence: Baraga
County of Residence Ontonagon
District Description: Baraga, Keweenaw and Ontonagon Counties
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Committees Served On: Girls' Training School, Insurance , Roads and Bridges , Northern State Normal School
City of Residence: Baraga
County of Residence Ontonagon
District Description: Counties of Baraga, Keweenaw and Ontonagon
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Bibliography:
Lewis 5:287-8; Manual 1933 p.649; Manual 1941, p.662; PolGryd; Manual 1929 p.685; Manual 1931 p.656; Manual 1927 p.639; HJ 1950 p.336, HR27; Michganology; StateJL [Lansing] 5/22/1950 p.1 col.4; MIMarRec 1867-1952
