Martin Patrick Durkin

Martin Patrick Durkin (March 18, 1894 – November 13, 1955) was a U.S. administrator. He served as Secretary of Labor from January 21, 1953 to September 10, 1953, where he was the "plumber" of President Dwight Eisenhower's "Nine Millionaires and a Plumber"[1] cabinet.

For the television director of the same name, see Martin Durkin (television director).
Martin Durkin
7th United States Secretary of Labor
In office
January 21, 1953 – September 10, 1953
PresidentDwight D. Eisenhower
Preceded byMaurice J. Tobin
Succeeded byJames P. Mitchell
Personal details
Born(1894-03-18)March 18, 1894
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedNovember 13, 1955(1955-11-13) (aged 61)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Anna McNicholas
Children3

Biography

Durkin was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 18, 1894, the son of James J. Durkin and Mary Catherine (née Higgins). At the age of 17, Durkin became involved in the plumber's and pipe fitter's union.[2] On August 29, 1921, Durkin married the former Anna H. McNicholas. They had three sons: Martin Patrick Jr., William Joseph and John Francis Durkin. He eventually became president of that union, and then served as Director of Labor for the State of Illinois from 1933 to 1941. He worked closely with the President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins.

Durkin served as the Secretary of Labor during the Eisenhower administration. A Democrat among Republicans, he unsuccessfully pushed for his revisions in the Taft-Hartley Act. This led to his resignation after less than eight months in office, the shortest tenure of any Secretary of Labor.[2]

He died in Washington D.C., from complications of cancer surgery. He was interred in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Evergreen Park, Illinois.[3]

See also
  • List of U.S. political appointments that crossed party lines

References
  1. Jonathan Martin (2008-11-23). "Whither the Cabinet Republicans?". Politico.
  2. "U.S. Department of Labor -- History -- Portraits: Martin P. Durkin". Retrieved 27 January 2017.
  3. "Martin Patrick Durkin (1894 - 1955) - Find A Grave Memorial". Retrieved 27 January 2017.
Political offices
Preceded by
Maurice J. Tobin		 U.S. Secretary of Labor
Served under: Dwight D. Eisenhower
January 21–September 10, 1953		 Succeeded by
James P. Mitchell


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