MARTIN P. DURKIN, 58, president of the A.F.L. Plumbers & Pipe Fitters.
Family & Early Years: Born in Chicago, son of an Irish immigrant stationary fireman (boilers) and ardent trade unionist. He went through grade school and three years of night school, at 17 started work as an apprentice steam fitter, became a journeyman, then went off to World War I as a private in the 332nd Field Artillery. .
Career: Like the A.F.L.'s new boss (see Labor), he got his start in union politics as a business agent for the Plumbers & Pipe...
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