The Plumber

Best known for being the odd man out on President Eisenhower's "Nine Millionaires and a Plumber" Cabinet, Martin Durkin (March 18, 1894-Nov. 13, 1955) was, literally, a plumber's apprentice who rose to become president of his union. As secretary of labor, Durkin tries to eliminate loyalty oath requirements listed in the Taft-Hartley Act but fails. He resigns after less than a year in office and is the shortest-serving secretary in the department's history. With the help of former Secretary Frances Perkins, he goes on to serve as director of labor for the state of Illinois.