RALPH H. BURKE, Chicago 1884-1956

Question

I am searching for information on Ralph Haney Burke (1884-1956), b in Chicago to Edmund and Almira (Myra) Webster.  Specifically, I'm trying to locate any information on his WWI military service.

Answer 1

He registered for the draft and was found 'physically able'.  Maybe you can look at this Draft Registration Card online - serial numbers etc. to find out more - although by the late date of this registration in Sept. 1918  - he may never have been inducted into service.

U S World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918

Citing this Record   "United States, World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K68T-PSD 

IMAGE OF DOCUMENT:   https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-26303-30316-77?cc=1968530&wc=M9MT-5LT:n1684528991

Ralph Haney Burke

Residence:  11240 S. Irving, Chicago, Cook, IL

Civil Engineer  Employer Sanitary District of Chicago

Draft Registration date Sept. 12, 1918

event place: Chicago City, IL

Local Board no 77, Ridgefield House,  97^th and Longwood, Chicago

Male White Age Married

birth date: 22 May 1884

birthplace: , , United States

Spouse:  Mrs.  Edna Burke, (same address)

Physically qualified

country of citizenship: United States

nara publication title: World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards

nara publication number: M1509

film number: 1503986

digital folder number: 005248309

image number: 05612

Answer 2

According to his obituary in the Chicago Daily Tribune, Aug. 24, 1956, Ralph H. Burke, city planner for the City of Chicago, did not serve in WWI.

He worked at the Sanitary District of Chicago "from 1906-1920" after graduating from MIT. If he had served in WWI, this would have been mentioned in his obituary.