George Ronemus1,2

b. 12 February 1824, d. 27 October 1915
Family
ChartsDescendants of John Heaton of Lincolnshire, including the Immigrant Nathaniel
Birth*12 February 1824George Ronemus was born on 12 February 1824 in Virginia.1,3 
Marriage*27 September 1860He married Margaret Heaton, daughter of William H. Heaton and Hannah L. Campbell, on 27 September 1860 in Clark County, Ohio.1,2,4 
Occupation*He was a tailor in London, Madison County, Ohio.3 
Census US 1880*June 1880Margaret and George Ronemus appeared on the 1880 census taken in June 1880 in London, Madison County, Ohio. George was 54 years of age and a tailor, and Margaret was 39. Living with the couple in the household were their 8 children and Margaret's mother.5 
Death*27 October 1915He died on 27 October 1915 at age 911 
Burial* and was buried in Kirkwood Cemetery, London, Madison County, Ohio.1 

Family

 Margaret Heaton b. 6 Oct 1840, d. 28 Jun 1922

Citations

  1. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, George Ronemus Sr., Memorial# 45004528. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  2. [S45] Dean Heaton, Heaton Families II, in two volumes, with indexes in Volume II. Warning: In this researcher's opinion, the information in these volumes often proves to be inaccurate. At the same time, the information presented has provided us with valuable clues for pursuing future research strategies in our attempt to establish a factual history of our Heaton family. (Tempe, Arizona: published for the author by Graphics of Tempe, 1999), Volume I, Chapter 9, pages 363-364. Hereinafter cited as Heaton Families II.
  3. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, Household of George and Maggie Ronemus (transcribed as "Ronemous", London, Madison, Ohio; Roll: M593_1238; Page: 760A; Family History Library Film: 552737. Hereinafter cited as 1870 US Federal Census.
  4. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Margaret Jane (Heaton) Ronemus, Memorial# 45004627.
  5. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, Household of George and Margaret Ronemus (transcribed as "Roummor", London, Madison, Ohio; Roll: 1044; Family History Film: 1255044; Page: 255A; Enumeration District: 061. Hereinafter cited as 1880 US Federal Census.

Sarah Roper1

d. 26 December 1680
Family
Marriage*18 April 1669She married James Mackenab on 18 April 1669 in Dedham, Suffolk County, Massachusetts Bay Colony (New England).2 
Death*26 December 1680She died on 26 December 1680 in Dedham.3 

Family

 James Mackenab d. 16 Feb 1712/13
Children 1.Mary Mackenab4 b. 10 Apr 1671
 2.Alice Mackenab5 b. 5 Oct 1675
 3.John Mackenab+1 b. 23 Oct 1678, d. 8 Dec 1751

Citations

  1. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Dedham, Volumes 1 and 2, page 16. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS.
  2. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Dedham, Volumes 1 and 2, page 11.
  3. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Dedham, Volumes 1 and 2, page 15.
  4. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Dedham, Volumes 1 and 2, page 12.
  5. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Dedham, Volumes 1 and 2, page 14.

Albert Patrick Rorke1

b. 25 June 1882, d. 22 August 1955
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Michael Rorke1 b. 10 Jan 1857, d. 7 Feb 1917
Mother*Mary Ellen Dillon1 b. 1858, d. 25 Sep 1942
Birth*25 June 1882Albert Patrick Rorke was born on 25 June 1882 at Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
(Son) Census Ireland 19011901Albert appeared on the 1901 census in the household of his parents in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, Ireland. He was 18 years old and his occupation was recorded as "grazier's son". He could read and write and spoke both English and Irish.2 
Emigration*8 June 1908His name appeared as Albert P. Rourke on the passenger manifest when he emigrated from Southampton, Hampshire, England, on 8 June 1908. He was single, 25 years of age and a farmer. The name and address of his nearest relative in the country he had come from was recorded as his mother, Mrs. M. "Rourke", Lissadorn, Elphin, County Roscommon, Ireland.3 
Immigration*13 June 1908He arrived at Ellis Island, New York City, New York, aboard the ship Saint Louis on 13 June 1908. His final destination was recorded as New York and he named his contact person there as his uncle, James Rorke who was living at 136 East 26th Street in New York City, having immigrated 8 years earlier.4 
Description*August 1908He described himself as 5 feet 11 inches tall weighing 220 pounds with a ruddy complexion and gray hair and eyes and no visible distinctive marks in August 1908.5 
Declaration - Intent*5 August 1908 On 5 August 1908 Albert Patrick O'Rourke swore his Declaration of Intent "to become a citizen of the United States of America and to permanently reside therein." His address at the time was 3511 Warren Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He stated he was 26 years of age and a grocer clerk, that he had been born in Frenchbrook, Ireland on 25 June 1882, that he had immigrated to the United States of America from Ireland via Southampton on the SS St. Louis. He stated that his last foreign residence was Lissadorn, Ireland, and that he had arrived at the Port of New York on or about 13 June 1908.5 
Naturalization*16 April 1914He lived at 37 North Edgewood Street, Philadelphia, on 16 April 1914 when his Petition for Naturalization was granted and he became a citizen of the United States. He was not married, his occupation was clerk, and he had inadvertently given his date of birth as 25 June 1883.5 
Draft Registration12 September 1918He completed his World War I Draft Registration Card as Albert Patrick O'Rourke on 12 September 1918 in Philadelphia. His home address was reported as 230 South 40th Street, Philadelphia, his date of birth as 25 June 1882, his age as 36, and his nearest relative as his mother, Mary Ellen O'Rourke, Beach Lawn, Monkstown, County Dublin, Ireland. He was employed by the City of Philadelphia as a policeman at 3216 Woodland Avenue.6 
DescriptionSeptember 1918He was described as tall and stout with gray eyes and gray hair by the draft board registrar in September 1918 in Philadelphia.6 
(Lodger) Census US 19206 January 1920Albert was enumerated as a lodger on the 1920 census taken on 6 January 1920 in the household of Catherine Croghan at 230 South 40th Street, Ward 27, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. He was 38 years of age and worked as a patrolman for the city of Phladelphia.7 
Census US 1930*3 May 1930Albert appeared as a lodger on the 1930 census taken on 3 May 1930 in the household of Margaret Beaman in Ward 27, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. Margaret was 42 years of age and owned her home which was valued at $8,200. Her sister Catherine lived in the home as did seven lodgers. Albert was single, 48 years of age and a policeman for the city of Philadelphia. His year of immigration was recorded as 1908 and he had been naturalized. One of the other lodgers in the home was Michael O'Rourke, who was single and 45 years of age. His occupation was recorded as cashier in a bank, although he was not employed. His year of immigration was recorded as 1929 and he had obtained his first papers to be naturalized. We're thinking that Michael may have been Albert's brother Michael O'Rourke because his age and occupation fit.8,9 
Occupation*He was a police officer for the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.10 
Census US 1940*1940Albert was enumerated on the 1940 census at 3946 Market Street, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. He was single, 57 years of age and rented his house for $25 per month. He had lived in the same place in 1935 and had completed 3 years of college. His occupation was police officer, although he was not working.10 
DescriptionApril 1942He was described in April 1942 as 5' 9" tall and weighing 150 pounds, with a light complexion, blue eyes and blonde hair.11 
Draft Registration*27 April 1942He completed his World War II Draft Registration Card as Albert Patrick Orourke on 27 April 1942 in Titusville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. His home address was reported as 3946 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was 59 years of age and a retired pensioner of the Philadelphia Police Department.11 
Illness*27 August 1946He was admitted as Albert P. O'Rourke to Philadelphia State Hospital, Philadelphia, about 27 August 1946 for treatment of manic depressive psychosis.12 
Death*22 August 1955He died on 22 August 1955 at Philadelphia State Hospital at age 73. An autopsy was performed and determined that carcinoma of the prostate, for the duration of 2 ½ months, was the cause of his death and that his manic depressive psychosis was a contributing factor, but not related to the disease or condition directly causing his death.12 
Burial*24 August 1955He was buried on 24 August 1955 in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.12 

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 22 August 1882 of the birth of Albert Patrick Rorke, son of Michael Rorke, a farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 25 July 1882 in Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Michael and Mary Rorke, House#5 in Lissadorn, Creeve, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  3. [S1791] New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957, online at www.ancestry.com, Albert P. Rourke, citing the National Archives, Washington D.C., Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Microfilm Roll: Roll 1112; Line: 1; Page Number: 34, 1908 arrival, New York, New York. Hereinafter cited as New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
  4. [S1792] New York Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, Albert P. Rourke, citing Roll 1112, Volumes 2441-2442, 12 Jun 1908. Hereinafter cited as New York Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924.
  5. [S1813] Pennsylvania, Federal Naturalization Records, 1795-1931, online at www.ancestry.com, Albert Patrick O'Rourke, declaration date 16 April 1914, citing National Archives; Washington, D.C.; Record Group Title: M1522. Hereinafter cited as Pennsylvania, Federal Naturalization Records, 1795-1931.
  6. [S223] U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, online at www.ancestry.com, Albert Patrick O'Rourke, transcribed as "Orourke", born 25 June 1882, mother Mary Ellen O'Rourke. Hereinafter cited as WWI Draft Registration, 1917-1918.
  7. [S73] 1920 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, Household of "Catherin" Croghan, Philadelphia Ward 27, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: T625_1631; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 872, street transcribed as "Walnut" and was actually "South 40th". Hereinafter cited as 1920 US Federal Census.
  8. [S91] 1930 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, Albert O'Rourke (transcribed as "Orouke" by Ancestry), Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Page: 30A; Enumeration District: 0416; FHL microfilm: 2341846. Hereinafter cited as 1930 US Federal Census.
  9. [S91] 1930 US Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, Michael O'Rourke (transcribed as "Orouke" by Ancestry), Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Page: 30A; Enumeration District: 0416; FHL microfilm: 2341846.
  10. [S1441] 1940 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, Household of Albert O'Rourke, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: m-t0627-03712; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 51-808. Hereinafter cited as 1940 US Federal Census.
  11. [S1819] United States World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942, online at www.ancestry.com, Albert Patrick Orourke, born 25 June 1882 in Ireland, residence place Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hereinafter cited as United States World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942.
  12. [S1814] Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1967, online at www.ancestry.com, certificate# 73750, Albert P. O'Rourke, died on 22 August 1955 at Philadelphia State Hospital. Hereinafter cited as Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1967.

Anna Maria Rorke1

b. 5 August 1885
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*James Rorke1 b. 20 Mar 1864, d. 7 Jan 1920
Mother*Annie White1 b. 1859, d. 8 Aug 1894
Birth*5 August 1885Anna Maria Rorke was born on 5 August 1885 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
(Daughter) Death8 August 1894Annie's mother died on 8 August 1894 at age 35, leaving her husband a widower with 6 young children. Annie was 9 years old.2 
(Daughter) Life Changing EventLife changed dramatically for the Rorke family after the death of the children's mother. Their father James would immigrate to America without any of his children within two years, probably leaving at least the younger of the children with various relatives. Annie, then about age 13, was sent to a convent boarding school in Limerick County and became Annie O'Rourke. Her brothers, Timothy, Michael, James, Patrick and Joseph, were also scattered about Ireland. The three oldest, Timothy, Michael and James, who were ages 8, 6 and 5, respectively, when their father left Ireland, would be sent to an industrial boarding school in County Galway. We have yet to find Patrick in the 1901 census, and don't know where he spent his youngest years. Joseph, who was about 2 years old when their father left Ireland, lived with his aunt and uncle Margaret and Owen Farmer.3,4 
Census Ireland 1901*1901She appeared as Annie O'Rourke on the 1901 census at St. Catherine's Convent and Sisters of Mercy Boarding School, Knockane, County Limerick, Ireland. She was a pupil, 15 years old and had been born in County Roscommon. Janie O'Rourke, age 14, who had also been born in County Roscommon, was a pupil and enumerated there as well that year. We wonder who she was and if the two young ladies were related.4 
Census Ireland 1911*1911Annie had become a Sister of Mercy nun when she was enumerated on the 1911 census in St. Mary's Convent, Limerick, County Limerick, Ireland. She was 26 years of age and the only sister listed who had been born in County Roscommon.3 

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 12 August 1885 of the birth of Anna Maria Rorke, daughter of James Rorke, a shopkeeper, and Annie Kelly (her former married name, not her maiden name), born on 5 August 1885 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 11 August 1894 of the uncertified death of Anne Rorke, age 35, a shopkeeper's wife, of Tulsk, County Roscommon who died on 8 August 1894 at Tulsk of peritonitis for 2 days, her widower, James Rorke, present at her death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  3. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, St. Mary's Convent, Sisters of Mercy, house# 15 in Convent Street, Limerick No. 2 Urban, County Limerick, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Limerick/…, Annie O'Rourke, Sister of Mercy, age 26, born County Roscommon, page 4. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  4. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, St. Catherine's Convent Boarding School, house# 1.2 in Knockane, Newcastle, County Limerick, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Limerick/…, Annie O'Rourke, age 15, born County Roscommon, pupil. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.

Douglas Joseph Rorke1

b. 28 June 1891, d. 15 June 1961
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Michael Rorke1 b. 10 Jan 1857, d. 7 Feb 1917
Mother*Mary Ellen Dillon1 b. 1858, d. 25 Sep 1942
Birth*28 June 1891Douglas Joseph Rorke was born on 28 June 1891 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, Ireland. His mother's brother, Thomas Gerald Dillon of Hollywell, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Roscommon was present at his birth, possibly as a doctor, and was the registration informant.1 
(Son) Census Ireland 19011901Douglas appeared on the 1901 census in the household of his parents in Lissadorn, County Roscommon. He was recorded as 8 years old, and his occupation was "scholar". He could read and write, and spoke both English and Irish.2 
(Son) Census Ireland 19111911He appeared on the 1911 census as Douglas O'Rorke in the household of his mother in Lissadorn, County Roscommon. He was recorded as 18 years of age and a grazier.3 
Marriage*11 April 1923He married Aileen Falvey, daughter of Charles Habbert Falvey and Margaret Ellen Fallon, on 11 April 1923 in the Roman Catholic Church of Ardara, County Donegal. Douglas was 31 years of age and working as a banker and Aileen was 17. Signing as witnesses to their marriage were John Charles O'Rorke, brother of Douglas, and Moira Falvey.4 
Occupation*1923Douglas was a banker in 1923 in Ardara, County Donegal.4 
Residence*Evidence indicates that Aileen and Douglas O'Rorke divided their time, living both in County Donegal, Ireland and London, England.5,6,7,8,9 
Death*15 June 1961He died on 15 June 1961 in Meath Hospital, Dublin, at age 69.8 
Probate*7 December 1961Probate on his estate in England was granted on 7 December 1961 in London to his younger brother, John Charles O'Rorke, who was a retired bank official. His effects in England were valued at £909 13s. 3d.8 

Family

 Aileen Falvey b. 1 Apr 1906, d. 22 Feb 1987

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 17 September 1891 of the birth of Douglas Joseph Rorke, son of Michael Rorke, a gentleman farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 28 June 1891 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Michael and Mary Rorke, House#5 in Lissadorn, Creeve, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  3. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Mary O'Rorke, House# 1 in Lissadorn, Creeve, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  4. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration of the Roman Catholic marriage of Douglas Joseph O' Rorke, full age, bachelor, banker of Ardara, County Donegal, son of Michael O'Rorke, farmer, and Aileen Falvey, age 17, a spinster of Ardara, County Donegal, daughter of Charles Falvey, medical doctor, on 11 April 1923 at the Roman Catholic Church of Ardara, and witnessed by John Charles O'Rorke and Moira Falvey, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  5. [S1528] England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995, online at www.ancestry.com, O'Rorke, Aileen or Connolly, Aileen of 37 Rodenhurst Road, London SW4, died 22 February 1987, probate in London 28 September 1987, £206,737, #8751131898W. Hereinafter cited as England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations).
  6. [S1531] England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007, online at www.ancestry.com, Aileen O'Rorke, death age 80, birth date 1 April 1906, death registration date February 1987, Registration District Lambeth, county inferred Greater London, Volume 14, page 407. Hereinafter cited as England & Wales Death Index, 1916-2007.
  7. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 31 March 1947 of the certified death of Charles Habbert Falvey, widower, age 67, medical doctor, of Woodhill, Ardara, County Donegal who died at home on 23 March 1947 of myocardial degeneration erysipelas of 6 months and pneumonia of 3 days, with his daughter Aileen O'Rorke present at his death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  8. [S1528] England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), online at www.ancestry.com, O'Rorke, Douglas Joseph of the National Hotel, Donegal, County Donegal, died 15 June 1961 at the Meath Hospital, Dublin. Probate London 7 December 1961 to John Charles O'Rorke, retired bank official. Effects £909 13s. 3d. in England.
  9. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Aileen "O'Rourke", Memorial# 169275033. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.

Eleanor Rorke1

b. 25 October 1855, d. 7 September 1898
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Thady Rorke1 b. 1830, d. 28 Apr 1880
Mother*Eleanor Boyd1 b. 1831, d. 1 Mar 1858
Birth*25 October 1855Eleanor Rorke was born on 25 October 1855 in Elphin, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
(Daughter) Death1 March 1858Eleanor was 2 years old when her mother died on 1 March 1858 at about age 27. Her father was left a widower with five young children all under the age of 6.1 
(Daughter) Marriage7 February 1861Her father married a second time to Maria Forde on 7 February 1861 when Eleanor was 6 years old.2,3 
Religion*She was a Nun, and called Ellen, at St. Patrick's Convent of Mercy, Sligo, County Sligo,4 
Death*7 September 1898 and died there of phthisis of 12 months duration on 7 September 1898 at age 42.1,4 

Citations

  1. [S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1."
  2. [S1775] Ireland Marriages, 1619-1898, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, transcription details for the marriage of Thadeum Roark and Mariam Forde on 7 February 1861 in Croghan, Killukin (Boyle Barony), Roscommon, Ireland. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Marriages, 1619-1898.
  3. [S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address); reporting the date of their marriage as 9 February 1861. Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."
  4. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 27 October 1898 of the certified death of Ellen Rorke, spinster, age 42, nun of Mercy Convent, Sligo, County Sligo, who died there on 7 September 1898 of phthisis of 12 months, with Margaret Murphy, occupier, present at her death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.

Helena Mary Rorke1

b. 18 July 1883
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Michael Rorke1 b. 10 Jan 1857, d. 7 Feb 1917
Mother*Mary Ellen Dillon1 b. 1858, d. 25 Sep 1942
Birth*18 July 1883Helena Mary Rorke was born on 18 July 1883 at Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
(Great Granddaughter) Will28 January 1895Flossie was named in the will of her great grandfather, Patrick Trears, dated 28 January 1895 in Ballymoe, County Galway. The Tuam District Registry's copy was prepared without paragraphs, so we have taken the liberty of separating the thoughts where we thought appropriate for ease of reading. We have not modified any spelling or punctuation that we are aware of. Our transcription of the registry's copy follows:

In the name of God Amen, I Patrick Trears of Ballymoe in the county of Galway Farmer, being at present of sound mind, and memory, and understanding do make and publish this my last will and testament revoking all other wills and testaments made by me.

I will and bequeath unto my daughter Bedelia Dillon my fee simple estate which I hold in my possession in Corrastoony Beg in the County Roscommon on conditions that she will send Flossie Rorke, my dear little child who is living with me at present, to a convent school and give her a good education, and on leaving school I would be very well pleased if she took her to live with herself. Corrastoony Beg is held by six tenants who are supposed to pay their rents in May and November in each year. I also authorize, and empower my daughter to leave said land to her son Thomas G. Dillon M.D. on her demise.

I also will and bequeath unto my daughter Bedelia, and my granddaughter Kate A. Dillon, my house and premises at Ballymoe, and all furniture therein, i.e. the house I live in at present. I also bequeath unto my daughter Bedelia Dillon the dividend on forty-two shares, which I hold in the National Bank Ltd., none of these to be sold during her lifetime. After my daughter’s death those forty-two shares to be divided on my grandchildren and Flossie Rorke share alike.

I will and bequeath unto my daughter Bedelia Dillon my wagonette, and harness, one horse, one cow, i.e. the white one.

I will and bequeath unto my granddaughter Kate A. Dillon, six shares, which I hold in the London and Westminster Bank Ltd. I also will, and bequeath to Kate A. Dillon twenty shares which I hold in the National Bank Ltd. I also will and bequeath to Kate A. Dillon five shares which I hold in the London Joint Stock Bank which I hold.

I will, and bequeath unto Elena Mary Flossie Rorke fifteen shares which I hold in the National Bank Ltd., said shares not to be sold until she attains the age of twenty-one, the dividend to be lodged in the Post Office Savings Bank, by the executors named in this will. I also will, and bequeath unto M. Flossie Rorke one share which I hold in the Midland Great Western Railway, its present price is £135, this share not to be sold until she attains the age of twenty-one and then only with the consent of her parents, and executors named in my will.

I will and bequeath unto my grandson Richard Dillon fifteen shares which I hold in the National Bank Ltd., those fifteen shares not to be sold without the consent of the executors named below, the dividend on said shares to be paid (to) said Richard Dillon, as it falls due.

I will and bequeath unto my grandson Thomas G. Dillon M.D. five shares that I hold in the London and County Bank Ltd.

I will and bequeath to my son Thomas Trears the lands of Ballaghamurray (which I purchased under Lord Ashbourne) for his life’s use only. After his death, I will, and bequeath said lands of Ballaghamurray to my grandson Thomas G. Dillon M.D., and after the latter’s to his brother Richard if at home, if not to the next heir, this farm not to be sold.

I also will and bequeath to my son Thomas Trears fifteen shares which I hold in the National Bank.

I will and bequeath unto Mary my servant girl ten (10) pounds for her long and faithful servitude.

I will and bequeath twenty pounds for masses for the happy repose of my poor soul, that God may have mercy on me. I will unto the Reverend Father Coogan five pounds for masses for the happy repose of the souls of myself and my wife Mary, that God may have mercy on us both, Amen. I also will five pounds to Father Coogan for masses for the happy repose of the souls of my father, mother and sister, that God may have mercy on them.

The shares which I hold, ten (10) in number, in the London Joint Stock Bank I order to be sold, and all expenses for masses and burial, together with whatever debts I owe to be defrayed out of proceeds of said shares.

I will any surplus which may remain from proceeds of above shares, after expenses being paid, and also any money which may be to my credit in National Bank Ltd. Castlerea to my daughter Bedelia Dillon and my granddaughter Kate A. Dillon, to be divided equally.

I appoint Mr. James Hurley, Clerk of Petty Sessions, Corlack(an), Ballymoe and Mr. T.G. Dillon M.D., Castlecoote, County Roscommon Executors to this my last will and testament. The will was signed by Patrick Trears

Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us and in presence of each of us and of each other, and we subscribe our names as witnesses, at the request of the testator this twenty-eighth day of January one thousand eight hundred and ninety-five, and the witnesses signed, James Hurley, Corlack(an), Ballymoe, County Galway, farmer and Clerk of Petty Sessions, and Cornelius Conneffe, R.I. Constabulary, Ballymoe. Then: “I certify that the foregoing has been compared and is a correct copy of the original will lodged here” and the certification signed by the Tuam District Registry.2 
Name VariationShe was called Flossie.2 
(Niece) Census Ireland 19011901Florence appeared on the 1901 census in the household of Thomas Trears, brother of her aunt, Bedelia Dillon, in Ballymoe, County Galway, Ireland. Her aunt Delia and cousin Kate were also living with Delia's brother and he considered Florence his niece as well. She was 17 years old and a scholar.3 
(Niece) Census Ireland 19111911Florence appeared on the 1911 census in the household of her aunt, Bedelia Dillon, and her aunt's brother, Thomas Trears, in Ballymoe, County Galway. She was 25 years of age and single.4 
Residence*September 1942Flossie and her mother were living together in September 1942 at 70 Tritonville Road, Sandymount, Dublin.5 
(Daughter) Death25 September 1942Flossie, who was recorded as Florence O'Rorke and lived at the same address on Tritonville Road as her mother, was present at her mother's death on 25 September 1942 at 66 Waterloo Road, Dublin.5 

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 9 August 1883 of the birth of Helena Mary Rorke, daughter of Michael Rorke, a farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 18 July 1883 in Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1654] Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, will of Patrick Trears dated 28 January 1895 at Ballymoe, County Galway and proved on 1 March 1900, pages 1 and 2 downloaded from https://search.findmypast.com/record and page 3 downloaded from https://search.findmypast.com/record/browse. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920.
  3. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Thomas Trears, House# 27 in Ballymoe Town. Ballymoe, County Galway, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/…. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  4. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Thomas Trears, House# 9 in Ballymoe Town. Ballymoe, County Galway, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/…. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  5. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 5 October 1942 of the certified death of Mary O' Rorke, age 86, a widow of 70 Tritonville Road, Sandymount who died suddenly on 25 September at 66 Waterloo Road, Dublin of heart failure, Florence O'Rorke also of 70 Tritonville Road, Sandymount was present at her death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…

Helena Mary Rorke1

b. 3 January 1875, d. 12 August 1880
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Timothy Rorke1 b. Apr 1853, d. 22 Sep 1925
Mother*Anne McDermott1 b. 1848, d. 24 Oct 1921
Birth*3 January 1875Helena Mary Rorke was born on 3 January 1875 in Rathcave, County Roscommon, Ireland,1 
Death*12 August 1880 and died at age 5 on 12 August 1880 at Rathcave of croup of three days duraton.2 
Burial*She was buried in Tulsk Cemetery, County Roscommon.3 
(Daughter) Gravestone MemorialHelena's father erected a memorial in Tulsk Cemetery "in fond remembrance of his dear child" Helena Mary Rorke who died at the age of 5 years, 7 months. The memorial stone also recorded the deaths of her father Timothy, himself, and her mother Annie Rorke. A photo of the memorial, with many thanks to Michael Kearney, is available at the camera icon.3,4,5

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 12 March 1875 of the birth of Helena Mary Rorke, daughter of Timothy Rorke, a farmer, and Anne McDermott, born on 3 January 1875 in Rathcave, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 16 September 1880 of the certified death of Helena Mary Rorke, age 6, a farmer's daughter, of Rathcave, County Roscommon who died on 12 August 1880 at Rathcave of croup for 3 days, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Helena Mary Rorke, Memorial# 119981988, her memorial stone reporting her date of death as 13 August 1880. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  4. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Annie Rorke, Memorial# 119982069, reporting her date of death as 25 October 1921.
  5. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Timothy Rorke, Memorial# 119982020.

Hilda Mary Rorke1

b. 15 February 1898
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Michael Rorke1 b. 10 Jan 1857, d. 7 Feb 1917
Mother*Mary Ellen Dillon1 b. 1858, d. 25 Sep 1942
Birth*15 February 1898Hilda Mary Rorke was born on 15 February 1898 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
(Daughter) Census Ireland 19011901Hilda appeared on the 1901 census in the household of her parents in Lissadorn, County Roscommon. She was 3 years old, and her occupation was "infant". She could not yet write.2 
(Daughter) Census Ireland 19111911She appeared on the 1911 census as Hilda O'Rorke in the household of her mother in Lissadorn, County Roscommon. She was recorded as recorded as 12 years of age.3 
Marriage*29 August 1918She married Patrick J. Hurley, son of James Hurley and Catherine Rabbitt, on 29 August 1918 in the Roman Catholic Church of Monkstown, County Dublin.4 

Family

 Patrick J. Hurley b. 1 Jan 1884

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 2 May 1898 of the birth of Hilda Mary Rorke, daughter of Michael Rorke, a farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 15 February 1898 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Michael and Mary Rorke, House#5 in Lissadorn, Creeve, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  3. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Mary O'Rorke, House# 1 in Lissadorn, Creeve, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  4. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration of the Roman Catholic marriage of Patrick J. Hurley, age 30, a bachelor farmer of Lisserlough, County Sligo, son of James Hurley, a farmer, and Hilda Mary O'Rourke, age 19, spinster of Monkstown, County Dublin, daughter of Michael O'Rourke, farmer, on 29 August 1918 at the Roman Catholic Church of Monkstown, witnessed by James Hurley and F. O'Rourke, and the ceremony performed by Thomas P. Hurley, Parish Priest, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…

Hubert Rorke1

b. 1 June 1873
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Timothy Rorke1 b. Apr 1853, d. 22 Sep 1925
Mother*Anne McDermott1 b. 1848, d. 24 Oct 1921
Birth*1 June 1873Hubert Rorke was born on 1 June 1873 in Rathcave, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
Name VariationHe was called Hugh.2 
(Son) Census Ireland 19011901Hugh J. appeared on the 1901 census in the household of his parents in Camogue, County Roscommon. He was 27 years of age and recorded as married, although a wife was not with him. His occupation was "farmer's son", he could read and write and spoke English.2 

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 14 June 1873 of the birth of Hubert Rorke, son of Timothy Rorke, a farmer, and Anne McDermott, born on 1 June 1873 in Rathcave, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Timothy and Annie Rorke, House# 1 in "Cammoge", Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.

James Rorke1

b. 20 March 1864, d. 7 January 1920
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Thady Rorke1 b. 1830, d. 28 Apr 1880
Mother*Maria Forde1 b. 1840, d. 1890
Birth*20 March 1864James Rorke was born on 20 March 1864 in Camogue, County Roscommon, Ireland.2,3 
(Son) Will26 January 1880James's father prepared his will dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon, and named his wife Maria, his sons John Joseph, Timothy, Michael, Patrick, James and Joseph, and his granddaughter, "Eleanor" Farmer of Newtown, as her name was written in the District Registry's copy of the will. Her name was actually Ellen Mary Farmer. He named his wife's brother, John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, his brother Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and his son-in-law Owen Farmer of Newtown, as his Joint Trustees and Executors.

Finding this will was exciting and we are very grateful to Patrick Hume, a Thady Rorke descendant, for his expertise in reading and transcribing our initial copy. His knowledge of this early Rorke family, and also of Ireland generally, has been especially helpful to us. So, thank you, Patrick!

The District Registry's copy of Thady's will was prepared without paragraphs, so we have taken the liberty of separating the thoughts where we thought appropriate for ease of reading. We have also modified some place names to their current spellings, but have not modified any other spellings that we are aware of, and we've made only minor punctuation adjustments. Our transcription of the registry's copy follows:

In the Name of God Amen.

I Thady Rorke of Camogue do make this my last Will and Testament, Revoking all others that "has" been made by me.

I will to my son John Joseph Rorke the sum of Five pounds sterling.

I will to my son Timothy Rorke the sum of One Hundred pounds sterling together with the lands of Farranawillin which I hold under lease.

I will to my son Michael Rorke the sum of Two Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Cloonglasny beg.

I will my son Patrick Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Lettreen.

Note: in the next sentence of the will, the name “John” was crossed out, so the bequest was intended to read: “I will to my son Joseph Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling.”

The remaining portion of all my assets in monies, live stock and crops together with a Policy of Insurance on my own life for five hundred and odd pounds on the Alliance Office Castlerea, per Receipts and Account in my Cash Book, I will to my son James Rorke after paying the aforesaid bequests, Rents, Taxes, Funeral expenses and all other just debts due by me together with Ten pounds which I will to my granddaughter Eleanor(sic) Farmer of Newtown and Five pounds to my respected Parish Priest and Curate for Masses to be offered up for the eternal repose of my poor soul.

I will and direct that my wife Maria Rorke shall get the Annual allowance of Fifteen pounds sterling, for her support and maintenance during her natural life, together with the Room she now sleeps in, to be charged on the lands of Camogue.

It is my will and wish that none of my household furniture or farming implements be sold by Auction, but kept here for the use and benefit of this place.

But it is my will that all my other assets and effects shall be Auctioned and disposed of at a Suitable Season of the year. The monies to be secured and converted to the best purpose for each member of my family, according to the forgoing will, by my Trustees and Executors.

I give and devise to John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin and Owen Farmer of Newtown, the house, offices and lands of Camogue, leased and released as I now hold them, in trust for my son James Rorke until he reaches the age of twenty-five years, when I will that he then get into legal possession, provided he is in sound health and always guided by my Executors. Should he die before he reaches that age, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Patrick Rorke, and should neither of them survive the age of twenty-five years, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Joseph Rorke.

I give and devise to my Trustees and Executors the lands of Mullygollan and Toneragh, if they think it prudent to hold them, in trust for maintenance, clothing and education of Patrick Rorke, James Rorke and Joseph Rorke.

I also will that the profit made out of the lands of Camogue, until my son James attain the age of Twenty-Five years, shall also go to the support, clothing and education of the aforesaid Patrick, James and Joseph Rorke. The balance of profit, if any, to be divided share and share alike on them.

I hope my good friends through life, Christopher French Esq., Arthur St. George French Esq., both of Cloonyquin, and Patrick Taaffe Esq. of Foxborough, will never see an injustice done to any of my family.

I hereby appoint John Forde of Rockmount, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and Owen Farmer of Newtown as Joint Trustees and Executors of this, my Last Will and Testament.

There is a sum of one hundred pounds sterling due me by George S. O’Connor Esq. and Henry Smyth Esq. both now of Hollywell, to be allowed out of last year’s rent of Mullygollan and Toneragh. (per agreement on Stamped paper)

Agreed published and declared by the Testator as his last Will and Testament in our presence, who in his presence and in the presence of each other, have attached our names as witnesses.

Codicil: The one hundred pounds which I have willed to my Son Timothy in the body of the Will is null and void, as I have signed a bill for him for like amount which should be paid out of my means.

Dated this 26 January 1880 Eighty… and the Will was signed by Thady Rorke

Signing as witnesses were Thomas Feeney and Edward Flanagan.4,5,6 
Marriage*28 July 1884He married, as her second husband, widow Annie (White) Kelly of Tulsk, County Roscommon, daughter of Michael White, on 28 July 1884 in the Roman Catholic Chapel of Tulsk, County Roscommon. James was 20 years of age and identified as a "minor", a bachelor and farmer, and Anna, at about age 25, was identified as "full age". Signing as witnesses to their marriage were James' brother Patrick and Jane Kelly.7,8 
(Husband) Death8 August 1894James became a widower when Annie (White) Kelly Rorke died on 8 August 1894 at age 35, just three weeks after the birth of their 6th child.9 
Life Changing Event*Life changed dramatically for the Rorke family after the death of the children's mother. James would immigrate to America without any of his children within two years, probably leaving at least the younger of the children with various relatives. His daughter Annie, then about age 13, was sent to a convent boarding school in Limerick County and became Annie O'Rourke. His sons, Timothy, Michael, James, Patrick and Joseph, were also scattered about Ireland. The three oldest, Timothy, Michael and James, who were ages 8, 6 and 5, respectively, when their father left Ireland, would be sent to an industrial boarding school in County Galway. We have yet to find Patrick in the 1901 census, and don't know where he spent his youngest years. Joseph, who was about 2 years old when his father left Ireland, lived with his aunt and uncle Margaret and Owen Farmer.10,11 
Emigration*20 December 1896James was 32 years of age when, leaving his children behind, he emigrated from Ireland sailing from Queenstown, County Cork, on 20 December 1896 on the ship Campania. He was going to New York City.12 
Immigration*26 December 1896James arrived in New York City, New York, six days later on 26 December 1896. The immigrations officials, upon his arrival, spelled his surname "Orourke" and recorded his occupation as "farmer."13 
(Boarder) Census US 19007 June 1900James appeared on the 1900 census taken on 7 June 1900 as a boarder in the household of John C. McDermott at 65 East 85th Street, Borough of Manhattan, New York City, New York. His surname was spelled "Rourk". He was 35 years of age, although the transcription transposed the numbers and indicated his age as 53. He worked as a cab driver, had been in the United States for 3 years, having immigrated in 1897, and was a naturalized citizen.14 
(Father) Immigration25 August 1904His eldest sons, Thady and Michael O'Rorke, were the first two of James's children to immigrate to New York City, New York. They arrived on the ship Teutonic on 25 August 1904 with the reported purpose of joining their father whose address was recorded as c/o J. McDermott, 12 East 27th Street New York City.15 
ResidenceJune 1908James lived at 136 East 26th Street, New York City, in June 1908 when he was awaiting the immigration arrival of his nephew Albert Patrick Rorke from Ireland.16 
(Uncle) Immigration13 June 1908James was named as his contact person in New York when his nephew, Albert Patrick Rorke, arrived at Ellis Island, New York City, New York, on the ship Saint Louis on 13 June 1908.16 
(Father) Immigration1 October 1908His two younger sons, Patrick and Joseph F. O'Rorke, followed their brothers and immigrated to New York City, New York, arriving on the ship Adriatic on 1 October 1908.17 
Census US 1910*18 April 1910James appeared as a lodger in the rented boarding house of Bridget Mullen on the 1910 census taken on 18 April 1910 at 207 East 25th Street, Manhattan Ward 18, New York City, New York. He was 45 years of age and worked as a porter in the baggage industry. He was reported to have been naturalized as a citizen of the United States and his immigration year was recorded as 1894, although it was actually December of 1896. Bridget rented to a total of 18 lodgers in 1910, 15 men and 3 women.18 
Census State NY 1915*1 June 1915James appeared on the 1915 New York state census taken as of 1 June 1915 at 137 East 29th Street, New York City, with three of his sons, Thady, Patrick and Joseph. Their surname was spelled "O'Rourke", and they were boarders in the house of Bella Mullen. James was recorded as 53 years of age, in the United States for 20 years, a citizen of the country, with an occupation as a driver. Thady was indexed as "Teddy". He was 26 years of age, in the country for 10 years, a citizen, with an occupation as a bartender. Patrick was 21 years old, in the United States for 8 years, a citizen with an occupation as an express __?__. And Joseph was 20 years old, in the country for 8 years, a citizen and an occupation as a cashier.19 
(Father) Draft Registration5 June 1917When James's son Patrick completed his World War I Draft Registration on 5 June 1917 he was living with his father at 144 East 28th Street, New York City, and claimed an exemption from service because his father was solely dependent upon him for support.20,21 
Residence*James lived at New York City.21 
(Father) Death16 July 1918As the Army's designated contact person, it was James who received the notification that his son Joseph had died on 16 July 1918 in France.22,23 
(Father) Death23 August 1918As the Army's designated contact person, it was James who received the notification that a second son, Patrick, had also died in France, one month after his other son Joseph.21,24 
Occupation*He was a livery driver at New York City.25 
Death*7 January 1920James never remarried and died on 7 January 1920 at 552 West 160th Street, New York City, at age 5526,25 
Burial*10 January 1920 and was buried on 10 January 1920 in Old St. Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, Bronx County, New York.25 

Family

 Annie White b. 1859, d. 8 Aug 1894
Children 1.Anna Maria Rorke27 b. 5 Aug 1885
 2.Timothy Rorke+28 b. 20 May 1888, d. Mar 1967
 3.Michael James Rorke29 b. 26 Sep 1889, d. 28 Jun 1925
 4.James Patrick Rorke30 b. 6 Dec 1890, d. 13 Jun 1903
 5.Patrick Charles Rorke31 b. 5 Dec 1892, d. 23 Aug 1918
 6.Joseph Rorke32 b. 16 Jul 1894, d. 16 Jul 1918

Citations

  1. [S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address); . Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."
  2. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 28 March 1864 of the birth of James Rorke, son of Thady Rorke, a farmer, and Maria Forde, born on 20 March 1864 in Camogue, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  3. [S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2", noting his birth place as Elphin, which was the District of registration.
  4. [S1654] Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, will of Thady Rorke dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon at https://search.findmypast.com/record. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920.
  5. [S1812] Patrick Hume, "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)", received by LHB on 17 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)."
  6. [S1827] E-mail messages exchanged between Patrick Hume at e-mail address and LHB, on multiple dates. Hereinafter cited as "Rorke/O'Rorke Researcher Patrick Hume Email Messages."
  7. [S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1."
  8. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration of the Roman Catholic marriage of James Rorke, a minor bachelor farmer of Camogue, County Roscommon, son of Thady Rorke, a farmer, and Annie Kelly otherwise White, a full age widow of Tulsk, County Roscommon, daughter of Michael White, a farmer, on 28 July 1884 at the Roman Catholic Chapel of Tulsk, and witnessed by Patrick Rorke and Jane Kelly, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  9. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 11 August 1894 of the uncertified death of Anne Rorke, age 35, a shopkeeper's wife, of Tulsk, County Roscommon who died on 8 August 1894 at Tulsk of peritonitis for 2 days, her widower, James Rorke, present at her death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  10. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, St. Mary's Convent, Sisters of Mercy, house# 15 in Convent Street, Limerick No. 2 Urban, County Limerick, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Limerick/…, Annie O'Rourke, Sister of Mercy, age 26, born County Roscommon, page 4. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  11. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, St. Catherine's Convent Boarding School, house# 1.2 in Knockane, Newcastle, County Limerick, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Limerick/…, Annie O'Rourke, age 15, born County Roscommon, pupil. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  12. [S1799] UK Outward Passenger Lists 1890-1960, online at www.ancestry.com, James Rorke, age 32, indexed as "Jas O Rake", ship Campania, sailed from Queenstown on 20 December 1896 with ticket number 4899. Hereinafter cited as UK Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
  13. [S1791] New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957, online at www.ancestry.com, James "Orourke", on ship Campania, arrived in New York City from Queenstown, Ireland on 26 December 1896, giving his occupation as "farmer". Hereinafter cited as New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
  14. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, Household of John C. and "Catharine" McDermott, transcribed as "McDemott", Manhattan, New York, New York; Page: 6; Enumeration District: 0792; FHL microfilm: 1241116. Hereinafter cited as 1900 US Federal Census.
  15. [S1791] New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957, online at www.ancestry.com, Thady and Michael O'Rorke, on ship Teutonic, arrived in New York City from Queenstown, Ireland on 25 August 1904.
  16. [S1792] New York Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, Albert P. Rourke, citing Roll 1112, Volumes 2441-2442, 12 Jun 1908. Hereinafter cited as New York Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924.
  17. [S1791] New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957, online at www.ancestry.com, Patrick O'Rorke, age 16, scholar, and Joseph O'Rorke, age 14, scholar, on ship Adriatic, arrived in New York City from Queenstown, Ireland on 1 October 1908.
  18. [S40] 1910 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, Household of Bridget Mullen, Manhattan Ward 18, New York, New York; Roll: T624_1036; Page: 17A; Enumeration District: 0957; FHL microfilm: 1375049. Hereinafter cited as 1910 US Federal Census.
  19. [S1800] 1915 New York State Census, online at www.ancestry.com, Household of Bella Mullen, New York State Archives; Albany, New York; State Population Census Schedules, 1915; Election District: 11; Assembly District: 14; City: New York; County: New York; Page: 20. Hereinafter cited as 1915 New York State Census.
  20. [S223] U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, online at www.ancestry.com, signed by Patrick C. O'Rorke, although registrar, who wrote the information, spelled his name as Patrick C. Orourck, and Ancestry.com indexed him as Patrick C "Orourke Or O'Rorke". Hereinafter cited as WWI Draft Registration, 1917-1918.
  21. [S1797] New York, Abstracts of World War I Military Service, 1917-1919, online at www.ancestry.com, Patrick C. O'Rorke, Army serial number 1,717,188, residence 144 East 28th Street, New York City. Hereinafter cited as New York, Abstracts of World War I Military Service, 1917-1919.
  22. [S1798] WWI, WWII, and Korean War Casualty Listings, online at www.ancestry.com, Joseph F. O'Rorke, killed in action, World War I, Sergeant, U.S. Army, 165th Infantry Regiment, 42nd Infantry Division, referencing the World War I Honor Roll. Hereinafter cited as WWI, WWII, and Korean War Casualty Listings.
  23. [S1797] New York, Abstracts of World War I Military Service, 1917-1919, online at www.ancestry.com, Joseph F. O'Rorke, Service Number 90,715, enlisted in New York City on 12 October 1914, mustered on 24 July 1917 into Company H of the 69th Infantry which became the 165th Infantry in August 1917, sergeant, killed in action 16 July 1918, awarded Silver Star Citation 7 April 1923, father James O'Rorke, 137 East 29th Street, New York City; incorrectly reporting his place of birth as County Limerick , Ireland and his age at enlistment as 22, although he had just turned 23 when he was mustered in almost 3 years later.
  24. [S1798] WWI, WWII, and Korean War Casualty Listings, online at www.ancestry.com, Patrick C. O'Rorke of New York, U.S. Army 302nd Engineer Regiment, 77th Infantry Division, died 23 August 1918 in France; World War I Honor Roll.
  25. [S1801] New York, New York City Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, death of James O'Rorke on 7 January 1920 whose address was 552 West 160th Street in Manhattan, New York, New York, United States, age 56, widowed, livery driver, Annie White "mother's name", Timothy O'Rorke "father's name", burial in St. Raymond Cemetery on 10 January 1920, referencing ID# cn887 and FHL Film# 2020937; it should be noted that there are errors in the transcription and we have not yet seen a copy of his actual death certificate to verify our conclusions. It is our belief that James' son Timothy, who also lived at 552 West 160th Street in 1920, was the informant and responded to some of the questions with himself in mind instead of his father. Either that or the transcriber of the information mixed things up. Hereinafter cited as New York, New York City Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949.
  26. [S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", estimating his death between 1914-1918 in New York.
  27. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 12 August 1885 of the birth of Anna Maria Rorke, daughter of James Rorke, a shopkeeper, and Annie Kelly (her former married name, not her maiden name), born on 5 August 1885 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  28. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 27 July 1888 of the birth of Timothy Rorke, son of James Rorke, a shopkeeper, and Annie Kelly (her former married name, not her maiden name), born on 20 May 1888 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  29. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 11 December 1889 of the birth of Michael James Rorke, son of James Rorke, a shopkeeper, and Annie Kelly (her former married name, not her maiden name), born on 26 September 1889 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  30. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 1 March 1891 of the birth of James Patrick Rorke, son of James Rorke, a shopkeeper, and Annie Kelly (her former married name, not her maiden name), born on 6 December 1890 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  31. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 17 June 1893 of the birth of Patrick Charles Rorke, son of James Rorke, a shopkeeper, and Annie Kelly (her former married name, not her maiden name), born on 5 December 1892 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  32. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 15 August 1894 of the birth of Joseph Rorke, son of James Rorke, a shopkeeper, and Annie Kelly (her former married name, not her maiden name), born on 16 July 1894 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…

James Patrick Rorke1

b. 6 December 1890, d. 13 June 1903
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*James Rorke1 b. 20 Mar 1864, d. 7 Jan 1920
Mother*Annie White1 b. 1859, d. 8 Aug 1894
Birth*6 December 1890James Patrick Rorke was born on 6 December 1890 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
(Son) Death8 August 1894James's mother died on 8 August 1894 at age 35, leaving her husband a widower with 6 young children. James was 3 years old.2 
(Son) Life Changing EventLife changed dramatically for the Rorke family after the death of the children's mother. Their father James would immigrate to America without any of his children within two years, probably leaving at least the younger of the children with various relatives. Annie, then about age 13, was sent to a convent boarding school in Limerick County and became Annie O'Rourke. The brothers, Timothy, Michael, James, Patrick and Joseph, were also scattered about Ireland. The three oldest, Timothy, Michael and James, who were ages 8, 6 and 5, respectively, when their father left Ireland, would be sent to an industrial boarding school in County Galway. We have yet to find Patrick in the 1901 census, and don't know where he spent his youngest years. Joseph, who was about 2 years old when their father left Ireland, lived with his aunt and uncle Margaret and Owen Farmer.3,4 
Name VariationOn the school's census list of students, James appeared between James O'Donnell and Edward O'Brien as James O'Rorke.5 
(Pupil) Census Ireland 190131 March 1901Three Rorke brothers, Timothy, Michael and James, appeared on the 1901 census taken as of 31 March 1901 at the Industrial Boarding School, Letterfrack, County Galway. All were recorded as having been born in County Roscommon. Timothy was enumerated as "Thady" Rorke, age 12, and Michael Rorke was recorded as age 11. Both were listed on page 3, numbers 103-94 and 104-95, respectively. James was listed on page 1, number 14 of the 171-163, between James O'Donnell and Edward O'Brien, and appeared as James O'Rorke, age 9. All of the pupils were Roman Catholic males. Only two of the other boys had been born in County Roscommon.6 
Death*13 June 1903He died suddenly, with no medical attendant present, on 13 June 1903 at the Letterfrack Industrial School, County Galway, at age 12, although the school's informant, Thomas J. Stephens, Occupier and Fellow, reported James' age as 13. He also reported James' surname as "O'Rorke". We are grateful to James' extended family members who published their transcription of the registration of his death online for the benefit of other family members and researchers. We thank them for the opportunity to share their transcription, which is available at the camera icon.7
BurialHe was buried as James Rorke in the Letterfrack Industrial School Graveyard, Letterfrack, County Galway.7

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 1 March 1891 of the birth of James Patrick Rorke, son of James Rorke, a shopkeeper, and Annie Kelly (her former married name, not her maiden name), born on 6 December 1890 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 11 August 1894 of the uncertified death of Anne Rorke, age 35, a shopkeeper's wife, of Tulsk, County Roscommon who died on 8 August 1894 at Tulsk of peritonitis for 2 days, her widower, James Rorke, present at her death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  3. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, St. Mary's Convent, Sisters of Mercy, house# 15 in Convent Street, Limerick No. 2 Urban, County Limerick, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Limerick/…, Annie O'Rourke, Sister of Mercy, age 26, born County Roscommon, page 4. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  4. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, St. Catherine's Convent Boarding School, house# 1.2 in Knockane, Newcastle, County Limerick, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Limerick/…, Annie O'Rourke, age 15, born County Roscommon, pupil. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  5. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at www.census.nationalarchives.ie, College and Boarding School Return for the Industrial Boarding School, (House# 1) in Letterfrack, Ballynakilly, County Galway.
  6. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at www.census.nationalarchives.ie, College and Boarding School Return for Industrial Boarding School, (House# 1) in Letterfrack, Ballynakilly, County Galway, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/…
  7. [S1796] James O'Rorke 1903 Death Registration Transcription shared online at www.ancestry.com. Hereinafter cited as James O'Rorke 1903 Death Registration Transcription.

John Charles Rorke1

b. 6 October 1894, d. 10 December 1969
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Michael Rorke1 b. 10 Jan 1857, d. 7 Feb 1917
Mother*Mary Ellen Dillon1 b. 1858, d. 25 Sep 1942
Birth*6 October 1894John Charles Rorke was born on 6 October 1894 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
(Son) Census Ireland 19011901John appeared on the 1901 census in the household of his parents in Lissadorn, County Roscommon. He was recorded as 5 years old, and his occupation was "scholar". He could read and write, and spoke both English and Irish.2 
(Nephew) Census Ireland 19111911He appeared on the 1911 census as John O'Rorke in the household of his uncle, Thomas Gerald Dillon, in House# 1, Coolmeen, County Roscommon. He was 16 years old and could read and write.3 
(Brother) Marriage11 April 1923John signed as a witness to the marriage of his brother Douglas and Aileen Falvey on 11 April 1923 in the Roman Catholic Church of Ardara, County Donegal.4 
Probate*7 December 1961John was granted probate in London on the estate in England of his brother, Douglas Joseph O'Rorke, on 7 December 1961. His effects in England were valued at £909 13s. 3d.5 
Residence*1969John was living at 70 Tritonville Road, Sandymount, Dublin, before his death in 1969.6 
Death*10 December 1969He died on 10 December 1969 in Dublin at age 75.6 
Probate*6 July 1970His estate was probated on 6 July 1970 in London, and the value of his effects in England was £24,981.6 

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 31 December 1894 of the birth of John Charles Rorke, son of Michael Rorke, a gentleman farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 6 October 1894 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Michael and Mary Rorke, House#5 in Lissadorn, Creeve, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  3. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Thomas Gerald Dillon, House#1 in Coolmeen, Fuerty, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  4. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration of the Roman Catholic marriage of Douglas Joseph O' Rorke, full age, bachelor, banker of Ardara, County Donegal, son of Michael O'Rorke, farmer, and Aileen Falvey, age 17, a spinster of Ardara, County Donegal, daughter of Charles Falvey, medical doctor, on 11 April 1923 at the Roman Catholic Church of Ardara, and witnessed by John Charles O'Rorke and Moira Falvey, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  5. [S1528] England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995, online at www.ancestry.com, O'Rorke, Douglas Joseph of the National Hotel, Donegal, County Donegal, died 15 June 1961 at the Meath Hospital, Dublin. Probate London 7 December 1961 to John Charles O'Rorke, retired bank official. Effects £909 13s. 3d. in England. Hereinafter cited as England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations).
  6. [S1528] England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), online at www.ancestry.com, O'Rorke, John Charles of 70 Tritonville Road, Sandymount, Dublin died 10 December 1969. Administration (with Will) London 6 July 1970. Effects £24,981 in England.

John Joseph Rorke1

b. April 1852
Family
ChartsDescendants of John Hinds, including our Walters and Ralphs
Descendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Thady Rorke2 b. 1830, d. 28 Apr 1880
Mother*Eleanor Boyd2 b. 1831, d. 1 Mar 1858
Brick WallJohn Joseph Rorke went missing from his family as a very young man and has not been heard from, or sighted, since. What happened to him?..3,4 
Birth*April 1852He was born near the end of April 1852 in Camogue, County Roscommon, Ireland. He was the eldest son and heir apparent of a family that would grow to include 5 brothers and 2 sisters.5,6 
(Son) ReligionThe Rorke family's religion was Roman Catholic.7 
(Son) Death1 March 1858John was 5 years old when his mother died on 1 March 1858 at about age 27. His father was left a widower with five young children all under the age of 6.6 
(Son) Marriage7 February 1861His father married a second time to Maria Forde on 7 February 1861 when John was 8 years old.8,9 
EducationJohn's early education was at Summerhill Academy, Athlone, County Roscommon.10 
Residence*1870His home address until 1870 was with his family in Camogue, County Roscommon.11 
Brick Wall Research* In 1873 21-year-old Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke disappeared. The descendants of his siblings have wondered about him in each generation, and speculated about the many roads his life may have taken. A confusing side-note is that, until recently, these descendants believed their ancestors’ surname had always been “O’Rorke”. Current research, however, indicates the family’s surname was consistently “Rorke” until about 1910 when the branch of one of John's brothers began spelling it “O’Rorke”. Family stories about the missing John Joseph included the belief that he had studied medicine in Galway at what was then Queen’s College Galway and is now the National University of Ireland, Galway. While there he was alleged to have met a young girl named Birmingham Lynch or Lynch Birmingham with whom he eloped and disappeared.

Patrick Hume, a descendant of John Joseph's brother Michael, decided to try to answer his family's many questions and end the speculation. He gathered the family stories about the three events reported in John's life he found most bothersome and set out to find some answers.

1.     Did John become a doctor?
2.     Did he marry while still in college?
3.     Where did he go when he disappeared; where did he live and what did he do?

“Among the family”, Patrick recalled, “John's rumored marriage was always spoken of as a type of concealed, hurried, romantic, clandestine affair of a young student and a schoolgirl.” All believe that John and his young wife separated soon after they married. Speculations about John’s marriage have now traveled down through four generations of Rorkes. “Perhaps the Lynch Birmingham family disapproved of the marriage and/or the Rorke family found John's abandonment of his studies, at minimum, unacceptable.”

All their speculation over the years, however, did not help them find their missing family member. Perhaps he died. He might have joined the Army. He may have emigrated from Ireland to just about any English-speaking country. He may have gone to Scotland, Australia, South Africa, Canada or America. He might have worked as a medic, or falsely as a doctor, or in another position in the medical field. And he could have changed his name and “hid” in Ireland or anywhere else.

Patrick’s research first confirmed that John did, in fact, study medicine in County Galway, but he has not been able to determine if he actually became a doctor or worked in the medical field in another capacity.3,4 
Education*18 October 1870John entered Queen's College Galway, County Galway, Ireland, on 18 October 1870 and was enrolled to study Medicine on 21 October 1870.12,13 
ResidenceIn Galway, John's address was at William King's in the seaside area of Salt Hill.14 
Brick Wall Research Patrick next considered the “hush-hush” family story about the young John, still in college, meeting a young girl named Birmingham Lynch or Lynch Birmingham with whom John eloped and disappeared. He wasn’t sure he should believe the story until he found a newspaper announcement of the marriage.

Patrick was excited to find the name of John J. O'Rorke in an announcement of his marriage in The Galway Express newspaper of 10 May 1873. John was reported in the newspaper to have married Matilda Mary Birmingham, daughter of Edmund Lynch Birmingham and Jane Hinds, on 2 May 1873 in the Carmelite Church of St. Theresa, Clarendon Street, Dublin. John, who was 21 years of age, was described as a bachelor and a medical student living in Galway, the son of Thady O'Rorke. Matilda was 17 years, 8 months of age and described as a spinster daughter of E. L. Birmingham of Galway. John and Matilda were reported to have been married by Martin L. Murphy, O.D.C., a member of the Order of Discalced Carmelites. This is believed to be the first instance of anyone in the Rorke family changing the spelling of their surname from Rorke to O'Rorke.

A newspaper announcement, however, is not an official document. Patrick has still not found any actual proof of the marriage in a church record, or at the General Registrar's Office in Dublin, and can’t help wondering, “Was there really a marriage?” He is searching for the facts, and has other questions. Why would they marry in Dublin when both John and Matilda were living in County Galway? (Her parents were in County Galway and his were in County Roscommon.) Did they elope without their parents’ knowledge? Whom did they tell? Why would they marry so young and while they were still in school? Was it a rushed marriage? Were their parents involved? Who signed approval for the underage Matilda to marry? Was there a child?3,4 
Marriage*2 May 1873So we wonder, did John J. O'Rorke really marry Matilda Mary Birmingham, daughter of Edmund Lynch Birmingham and Jane Hinds, on 2 May 1873 in the Carmelite Church of St. Theresa, Clarendon Street, Dublin,?15,6,4 
EducationOctober 1875His name appeared as John Joseph O'Rorke who "Also Passed" in October 1875 under the title of "First University Examination in Medicine" in the "List of Candidates Who Have Passed in 1875 for Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates & c." at Queen's College Galway.13 
Brick Wall Research* It was at this stage in his research that Patrick found Jane Hinds, mother of Matilda Birmingham, on our website. He contacted us, hoping we might know something about Matilda’s missing husband, John Joseph Rorke. Unfortunately, we didn’t. His research project, though, is such a disturbingly perfect Brick Wall, complete with an actual missing person, we were “hooked” and wanted to help.

Working with Patrick, we learned that two events occurred after John disappeared and we wonder, in the case of the first, if John received his £5 and under what circumstances. Did he ever see his father again after his marriage to Matilda Birmingham? Regarding the second event, we wonder if John knew or cared that Matilda emigrated from Ireland.

     •     John’s father died in 1880 leaving a will which mentioned his eldest son, John Joseph Rorke, and bequeathed to him £5. This is significant, we believe, because to each of his other five sons he bequeathed land holdings and considerably more money. We wonder about the law of primogeniture as it applies here. Shouldn’t John, as the eldest son, have been a major, if not the major, beneficiary?

     •     Matilda, we learned, did not disappear forever. In 1882, using her maiden name, she immigrated to Australia with her widowed mother and sister. We wonder if she had been living with her parents again in County Galway – and, if so, for how long.3,4 
(Eldest Son) Will26 January 1880John Joseph's father prepared his will dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon, and named his wife Maria, his sons John Joseph, Timothy, Michael, Patrick, James and Joseph, and his granddaughter, "Eleanor" Farmer of Newtown, as her name was written in the District Registry's copy of the will. Her name was actually Ellen Mary Farmer. He named his wife's brother, John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, his brother Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and his son-in-law Owen Farmer of Newtown, as his Joint Trustees and Executors.

Finding this will was exciting and we are very grateful to Patrick Hume, a Thady Rorke descendant, for his expertise in reading and transcribing our initial copy. His knowledge of this early Rorke family, and also of Ireland generally, has been especially helpful to us. So, thank you, Patrick!

The District Registry's copy of Thady's will was prepared without paragraphs, so we have taken the liberty of separating the thoughts where we thought appropriate for ease of reading. We have also modified some place names to their current spellings, but have not modified any other spellings that we are aware of, and we've made only minor punctuation adjustments. Our transcription of the registry's copy follows:

In the Name of God Amen.

I Thady Rorke of Camogue do make this my last Will and Testament, Revoking all others that "has" been made by me.

I will to my son John Joseph Rorke the sum of Five pounds sterling.

I will to my son Timothy Rorke the sum of One Hundred pounds sterling together with the lands of Farranawillin which I hold under lease.

I will to my son Michael Rorke the sum of Two Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Cloonglasny beg.

I will my son Patrick Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Lettreen.

Note: in the next sentence of the will, the name “John” was crossed out, so the bequest was intended to read: “I will to my son Joseph Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling.”

The remaining portion of all my assets in monies, live stock and crops together with a Policy of Insurance on my own life for five hundred and odd pounds on the Alliance Office Castlerea, per Receipts and Account in my Cash Book, I will to my son James Rorke after paying the aforesaid bequests, Rents, Taxes, Funeral expenses and all other just debts due by me together with Ten pounds which I will to my granddaughter Eleanor(sic) Farmer of Newtown and Five pounds to my respected Parish Priest and Curate for Masses to be offered up for the eternal repose of my poor soul.

I will and direct that my wife Maria Rorke shall get the Annual allowance of Fifteen pounds sterling, for her support and maintenance during her natural life, together with the Room she now sleeps in, to be charged on the lands of Camogue.

It is my will and wish that none of my household furniture or farming implements be sold by Auction, but kept here for the use and benefit of this place.

But it is my will that all my other assets and effects shall be Auctioned and disposed of at a Suitable Season of the year. The monies to be secured and converted to the best purpose for each member of my family, according to the forgoing will, by my Trustees and Executors.

I give and devise to John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin and Owen Farmer of Newtown, the house, offices and lands of Camogue, leased and released as I now hold them, in trust for my son James Rorke until he reaches the age of twenty-five years, when I will that he then get into legal possession, provided he is in sound health and always guided by my Executors. Should he die before he reaches that age, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Patrick Rorke, and should neither of them survive the age of twenty-five years, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Joseph Rorke.

I give and devise to my Trustees and Executors the lands of Mullygollan and Toneragh, if they think it prudent to hold them, in trust for maintenance, clothing and education of Patrick Rorke, James Rorke and Joseph Rorke.

I also will that the profit made out of the lands of Camogue, until my son James attain the age of Twenty-Five years, shall also go to the support, clothing and education of the aforesaid Patrick, James and Joseph Rorke. The balance of profit, if any, to be divided share and share alike on them.

I hope my good friends through life, Christopher French Esq., Arthur St. George French Esq., both of Cloonyquin, and Patrick Taaffe Esq. of Foxborough, will never see an injustice done to any of my family.

I hereby appoint John Forde of Rockmount, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and Owen Farmer of Newtown as Joint Trustees and Executors of this, my Last Will and Testament.

There is a sum of one hundred pounds sterling due me by George S. O’Connor Esq. and Henry Smyth Esq. both now of Hollywell, to be allowed out of last year’s rent of Mullygollan and Toneragh. (per agreement on Stamped paper)

Agreed published and declared by the Testator as his last Will and Testament in our presence, who in his presence and in the presence of each other, have attached our names as witnesses.

Codicil: The one hundred pounds which I have willed to my Son Timothy in the body of the Will is null and void, as I have signed a bill for him for like amount which should be paid out of my means.

Dated this 26 January 1880 Eighty… and the Will was signed by Thady Rorke

Signing as witnesses were Thomas Feeney and Edward Flanagan.1,16,4 
(Son) Death28 April 1880His father died on 28 April 1880 in Camogue, County Roscommon, at age 50.17,18,6,19 
Brick Wall We don’t like it that John Joseph Rorke went missing from his family in 1873 -– or that he’s stayed missing all these years. Someone, somewhere, must know what happened to him… If you know anything that might help us find John, please let us hear from you..3 

Family

 Matilda Mary Birmingham b. 9 Sep 1855

Citations

  1. [S1654] Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, will of Thady Rorke dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon at https://search.findmypast.com/record. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920.
  2. [S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", dated 21 June 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address); page 1 of 23. Hereinafter cited as "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families."
  3. [S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", pages 1 and 2 of 23.
  4. [S1827] E-mail messages exchanged between Patrick Hume at e-mail address and LHB, on multiple dates. Hereinafter cited as "Rorke/O'Rorke Researcher Patrick Hume Email Messages."
  5. [S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", page 2 of 23, noting that John Rorke is described as three months old in a Lease dated 29th July 1852 between Christopher French and Thady Rorke, his father, and also stating that all records - Baptism in Elphin, Lease, Notice of Michael's marriage, entry to Queens College Galway, support John being born at the end of April 1852.
  6. [S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1."
  7. [S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", page 1 of 23, quoting the reply he received from Queen's College Galway in 2008 regarding John Joseph Rorke/O'Rorke which included the information that John's religion was Roman Catholic.
  8. [S1775] Ireland Marriages, 1619-1898, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, transcription details for the marriage of Thadeum Roark and Mariam Forde on 7 February 1861 in Croghan, Killukin (Boyle Barony), Roscommon, Ireland. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Marriages, 1619-1898.
  9. [S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address); reporting the date of their marriage as 9 February 1861. Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."
  10. [S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", page 1 of 23, quoting the reply he received from Queen's College Galway in 2008 regarding John Joseph Rorke/O'Rorke which included the information that John had been educated at Summerhill Academy, Athlone.
  11. [S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", page 1 of 23, quoting the reply he received from Queen's College Galway in 2008 regarding John Joseph Rorke/O'Rorke which included the information that John's home address was Camogue, Tulsk, Roscommon when he entered Queen's College, Galway on 18 October1870 to study Medicine.
  12. [S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", page 1 of 23, quoting the reply he received from Queen's College Galway in 2008 regarding John Joseph Rorke/O'Rorke which included the information that John Rorke entered Queen's College, Galway on 18 October 1870, aged 18, and matriculated on 21 October 1870.
  13. [S1779] Multiple authors, The Queen's University Calendar 1876, downloaded from Google Books at www.google.com. (Dublin, Ireland and London, England: Alexander Thom, Abbey Street, Dublin and Hodges, Foster, & Co., Grafton Street, Dublin and Longmans, Green, & Co., London, 1876), page 104, First University Examination in Medicine, October 1875, Also Passed, John Joseph O'Rorke of Queen's College Galway. Hereinafter cited as The Queen's University Calendar 1876.
  14. [S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", page 1 of 23, quoting the reply he received from Queen's College Galway in 2008 regarding John Joseph Rorke/O'Rorke which included the information that John's Galway address was William King's, Salt Hill.
  15. [S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", page 2 of 23, referencing a marriage record found on www.rootsireland.ie which cited newspaper The Galway Express of 10 May 1873.
  16. [S1812] Patrick Hume, "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)", received by LHB on 17 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)."
  17. [S1638] Ireland Calendars of Wills & Administrations 1858-1920 Transcription, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, page 593, 1881 probate of Thady Rorke, died 28 April 1880 in County Roscommon, referencing http://www.willcalendars.nationalarchives.ie/reels/cwa/…. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Calendars of Wills & Administrations 1858-1920 Transcription.
  18. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 26 May 1880 of the certified death of Thaddeus Rorke, married, age 50, farmer of Camogue, County Roscommon, who died there on 28 April 1880 of scleras of 1 month, with Michael Rorke present at his death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  19. [S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."

Joseph Rorke1

b. 16 June 1865, d. 1895
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Thady Rorke2 b. 1830, d. 28 Apr 1880
Mother*Maria Forde2 b. 1840, d. 1890
Birth*16 June 1865Joseph Rorke was born on 16 June 1865 in Camogue, County Roscommon, Ireland.3,4 
(Son) Will26 January 1880Joseph's father prepared his will dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon, and named his wife Maria, his sons John Joseph, Timothy, Michael, Patrick, James and Joseph, and his granddaughter, "Eleanor" Farmer of Newtown, as her name was written in the District Registry's copy of the will. Her name was actually Ellen Mary Farmer. He named his wife's brother, John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, his brother Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and his son-in-law Owen Farmer of Newtown, as his Joint Trustees and Executors.

Finding this will was exciting and we are very grateful to Patrick Hume, a Thady Rorke descendant, for his expertise in reading and transcribing our initial copy. His knowledge of this early Rorke family, and also of Ireland generally, has been especially helpful to us. So, thank you, Patrick!

The District Registry's copy of Thady's will was prepared without paragraphs, so we have taken the liberty of separating the thoughts where we thought appropriate for ease of reading. We have also modified some place names to their current spellings, but have not modified any other spellings that we are aware of, and we've made only minor punctuation adjustments. Our transcription of the registry's copy follows:

In the Name of God Amen.

I Thady Rorke of Camogue do make this my last Will and Testament, Revoking all others that "has" been made by me.

I will to my son John Joseph Rorke the sum of Five pounds sterling.

I will to my son Timothy Rorke the sum of One Hundred pounds sterling together with the lands of Farranawillin which I hold under lease.

I will to my son Michael Rorke the sum of Two Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Cloonglasny beg.

I will my son Patrick Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Lettreen.

Note: in the next sentence of the will, the name “John” was crossed out, so the bequest was intended to read: “I will to my son Joseph Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling.”

The remaining portion of all my assets in monies, live stock and crops together with a Policy of Insurance on my own life for five hundred and odd pounds on the Alliance Office Castlerea, per Receipts and Account in my Cash Book, I will to my son James Rorke after paying the aforesaid bequests, Rents, Taxes, Funeral expenses and all other just debts due by me together with Ten pounds which I will to my granddaughter Eleanor(sic) Farmer of Newtown and Five pounds to my respected Parish Priest and Curate for Masses to be offered up for the eternal repose of my poor soul.

I will and direct that my wife Maria Rorke shall get the Annual allowance of Fifteen pounds sterling, for her support and maintenance during her natural life, together with the Room she now sleeps in, to be charged on the lands of Camogue.

It is my will and wish that none of my household furniture or farming implements be sold by Auction, but kept here for the use and benefit of this place.

But it is my will that all my other assets and effects shall be Auctioned and disposed of at a Suitable Season of the year. The monies to be secured and converted to the best purpose for each member of my family, according to the forgoing will, by my Trustees and Executors.

I give and devise to John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin and Owen Farmer of Newtown, the house, offices and lands of Camogue, leased and released as I now hold them, in trust for my son James Rorke until he reaches the age of twenty-five years, when I will that he then get into legal possession, provided he is in sound health and always guided by my Executors. Should he die before he reaches that age, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Patrick Rorke, and should neither of them survive the age of twenty-five years, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Joseph Rorke.

I give and devise to my Trustees and Executors the lands of Mullygollan and Toneragh, if they think it prudent to hold them, in trust for maintenance, clothing and education of Patrick Rorke, James Rorke and Joseph Rorke.

I also will that the profit made out of the lands of Camogue, until my son James attain the age of Twenty-Five years, shall also go to the support, clothing and education of the aforesaid Patrick, James and Joseph Rorke. The balance of profit, if any, to be divided share and share alike on them.

I hope my good friends through life, Christopher French Esq., Arthur St. George French Esq., both of Cloonyquin, and Patrick Taaffe Esq. of Foxborough, will never see an injustice done to any of my family.

I hereby appoint John Forde of Rockmount, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and Owen Farmer of Newtown as Joint Trustees and Executors of this, my Last Will and Testament.

There is a sum of one hundred pounds sterling due me by George S. O’Connor Esq. and Henry Smyth Esq. both now of Hollywell, to be allowed out of last year’s rent of Mullygollan and Toneragh. (per agreement on Stamped paper)

Agreed published and declared by the Testator as his last Will and Testament in our presence, who in his presence and in the presence of each other, have attached our names as witnesses.

Codicil: The one hundred pounds which I have willed to my Son Timothy in the body of the Will is null and void, as I have signed a bill for him for like amount which should be paid out of my means.

Dated this 26 January 1880 Eighty… and the Will was signed by Thady Rorke

Signing as witnesses were Thomas Feeney and Edward Flanagan.5,6,7 
(Brother) Marriage27 July 1881Joseph signed the marriage certificate as a witness at the marriage of his brother Michael Rorke and Mary Ellen Dillon on 27 July 1881 in the Roman Catholic Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, Dublin.1,8 
Marriage*17 February 1885He married Lizzie Olivia McDermott of Carrowduff, County Roscommon, daughter of Michael McDermott, on 17 February 1885 in the Roman Catholic Chapel of Oran, County Roscommon. Joseph was 19 years of age, a bachelor and farmer, and Lizzie was 18 years of age and a spinster. The witnesses who signed their marriage certificate were John Connor and Lizzie's sister Anne.1,9 
Immigration*30 September 1889Joseph sailed from Queenstown, County Cork, Ireland on the ship Servia and arrived in New York City on 30 September 1889. He reported his age as 24, his occupation as "farmer" and the recorded purpose of his trip "immigration". His wife and children were not with him.10 
Occupation*1890 He may have been the 25 year old Joseph Rourke who was listed in the Police Census of 1890 in New York City.11 
(Husband) Immigration21 September 1895Joseph's wife and two children, sailing from Queenstown, Ireland on the ship Campania, arrived to join him in New York City, New York, on 21 September 1895. When they were processed, immigration officials changed the spelling of their surname from "Rorke" to "O'Rorke."12 
Death*1895According to family records, Joseph died in 1895 at about age 30. This would have been very soon after his family had arrived to join him from Ireland because his wife and children left New York City and returned to Ireland in January 1896, just 3 months after their arrival.1,13 

Family

 Lizzie Olivia McDermott b. 1867
Children 1.Timothy Thomas Rorke14 b. 15 Dec 1885
 2.Mary Ellen Rorke15 b. 12 Nov 1887

Citations

  1. [S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1."
  2. [S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address); . Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."
  3. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 28 June 1865 of the birth of Joseph Rorke, son of Thady Rorke, a grazier, and Mary Forde, born on 16 June 1865 in Camogue, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  4. [S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2", noting his birth place as Elphin, which was the District of registration.
  5. [S1654] Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, will of Thady Rorke dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon at https://search.findmypast.com/record. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920.
  6. [S1812] Patrick Hume, "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)", received by LHB on 17 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)."
  7. [S1827] E-mail messages exchanged between Patrick Hume at e-mail address and LHB, on multiple dates. Hereinafter cited as "Rorke/O'Rorke Researcher Patrick Hume Email Messages."
  8. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration of the Roman Catholic marriage of Michael Rorke, age 24, a bachelor farmer of Camogue, County Roscommon, son of Thady Rorke, a farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, age 23, a spinster farmer of Ballymore, County Roscommon, daughter of Patrick Dillon, a farmer, on 27 July 1881 at the Roman Catholic Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, and witnessed by Joseph Rorke and Delia Dillon, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  9. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration of the Roman Catholic marriage of Joseph Rorke, age 19, a bachelor, farmer of Camogue, County Roscommon, son of Thady Rorke, a farmer, and Lizzie McDermott, age 18, a spinster farmer's daughter of Carrowduff, County Roscommon, daughter of Michael McDermott, a farmer, on 17 February 1885 at the Roman Catholic Chapel of Oran, County Roscommon, and witnessed by John Connor and Anne McDermott, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  10. [S1791] New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957, online at www.ancestry.com, Joseph Rorke, on ship Servia, arrived in New York City from Queenstown, Ireland on 30 September 1889, giving his occupation as "farmer". Hereinafter cited as New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
  11. [S1807] New York, New York City, Police Census, 1890, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, Joseph Rourke, age 25, of Election District# 2, Assembly District# 14; Index referencing Volume 416, page 69, FHL Film# 1304799. Hereinafter cited as New York, New York City, Police Census, 1890.
  12. [S1791] New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957, online at www.ancestry.com, Lizzie O'Rorke, with son Tim, daughter Mary and servant Mary Beirne, on ship Campania, arrived in New York City from Queenstown, Ireland on 21 September 1895.
  13. [S1811] UK, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960, online at www.ancestry.com, Lizzie Rourke, age 28, with son Timothy, age 9, and daughter Mary, age 8 aboard the Campania arriving Queenstown, Ireland on 4 January 1896. Hereinafter cited as UK, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960.
  14. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 31 December 1885 of the birth of Timothy Thomas Rorke, son of Joseph Rorke, a farmer of Lisliddy, and Lizzie Olivia McDermott, born on 15 December 1885 in Lisliddy, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  15. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 26 December 1887 of the birth of Mary Ellen "Roarke", daughter of Joseph "Roarke", a farmer of Carraduff, and Lizzie McDermott, born on 12 November 1887 in Carraduff, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…

Joseph Rorke1

b. 16 July 1894, d. 16 July 1918
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*James Rorke2 b. 20 Mar 1864, d. 7 Jan 1920
Mother*Annie White2 b. 1859, d. 8 Aug 1894
Birth*16 July 1894Joseph Rorke was born on 16 July 1894 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, Ireland.1,2 
(Son) Death8 August 1894Joseph's mother died on 8 August 1894 at age 35, leaving her husband a widower with 6 young children. Joseph was 3 weeks old.3 
(Son) Life Changing EventLife changed dramatically for the Rorke family after the death of the children's mother. Their father James would immigrate to America without any of his children within two years, probably leaving at least the younger of the children with various relatives. Annie, then about age 13, was sent to a convent boarding school in Limerick County and became Annie O'Rourke. The brothers, Timothy, Michael, James, Patrick and Joseph, were also scattered about Ireland. The three oldest, Timothy, Michael and James, who were ages 8, 6 and 5, respectively, when their father left Ireland, would be sent to an industrial boarding school in County Galway. We have yet to find Patrick in the 1901 census, and don't know where he spent his youngest years. Joseph, who was about 2 years old when their father left Ireland, lived with his aunt and uncle Margaret and Owen Farmer.4,5 
(Nephew) Census Ireland 19011901Joseph appeared on the 1901 census in the household of his aunt and uncle, Owen and Margaret (Rorke) Farmer, in House# 7, Newtown, County Roscommon, Ireland. He was 7 years old and a scholar. He could read and not yet write.1 
Emigration*24 September 1908Rorke brothers Patrick, who was age 16, and Joseph, who was age 14, emigrated from Ireland sailing from Queenstown, County Cork, on 24 September 1908 on the ship Adriatic. They were headed to New York City to join their father.6 
Immigration*1 October 1908When Joseph and Patrick O'Rorke arrived in New York City, New York, on 1 October 1908, immigration officials changed the spelling of their surname from "Rorke" to "O'Rorke". Both boys were recorded with "scholar" as their occupations.7 
National Guard*16 October 1914He enlisted as Joseph F. O'Rorke in the New York Guard Service in New York City on 16 October 1914 and his age and place of birth were recorded incorrectly on his enlistment card. The fact that his home address of 137 East 29th Street, New York City, was correct indicates to us that he was, indeed, "our" Joseph Rorke, son of James and Annie (White) Rorke. Joseph was born in County Roscommon, Ireland and not New York City, and was 20 years old and not 22.8,9 
(Son) Census State NY 19151 June 1915Joseph appeared with his father and two of his brothers, Thady and Patrick, on the 1915 New York state census taken as of 1 June 1915 at New York City. Their surname was spelled "O'Rourke" and they were boarders in the house of Bella Mullen. Joseph was 20 years old, in the United States for 8 years, a citizen of the country with an occupation as a cashier.10 
World War I*He served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant with the National Guard Soldiers of the 165th Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard which fought as part of the 42nd “Rainbow” Division in the first World War.11,9 
Death*16 July 1918He was killed in action in France on 16 July 1918 at age 24. His father, James O'Rorke, who shared his son's address of 137 East 29th Street, New York City, was notified of his death.11,12 
Burial*He was buried in Plot G, Row 5, Grave 14 of Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial, Romagne, Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, Departement de la Meuse, Lorraine, France.11,13 
Military Award*23 April 1923Joseph was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Citation for gallantry in action, on 23 April 1923 by the United States War Department, for his acts of 16 July 1918 in the Champagne Sector of France.12 

Citations

  1. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Owen and Margaret Farmer, House# 7 in Newtown, Cloonygormican, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  2. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 15 August 1894 of the birth of Joseph Rorke, son of James Rorke, a shopkeeper, and Annie Kelly (her former married name, not her maiden name), born on 16 July 1894 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  3. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 11 August 1894 of the uncertified death of Anne Rorke, age 35, a shopkeeper's wife, of Tulsk, County Roscommon who died on 8 August 1894 at Tulsk of peritonitis for 2 days, her widower, James Rorke, present at her death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  4. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, St. Mary's Convent, Sisters of Mercy, house# 15 in Convent Street, Limerick No. 2 Urban, County Limerick, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Limerick/…, Annie O'Rourke, Sister of Mercy, age 26, born County Roscommon, page 4. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  5. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at www.census.nationalarchives.ie, St. Catherine's Convent Boarding School, house# 1.2 in Knockane, Newcastle, County Limerick, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Limerick/…, Annie O'Rourke, age 15, born County Roscommon, pupil.
  6. [S1799] UK Outward Passenger Lists 1890-1960, online at www.ancestry.com, Patrick Rorke, age 16, and Joseph Rorke, age 14, ship Adriatic, sailed from Queenstown on 24 September 1908 with same ticket number of 16994. Hereinafter cited as UK Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
  7. [S1791] New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957, online at www.ancestry.com, Patrick O'Rorke, age 16, scholar, and Joseph O'Rorke, age 14, scholar, on ship Adriatic, arrived in New York City from Queenstown, Ireland on 1 October 1908. Hereinafter cited as New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
  8. [S1810] New York, New York Guard Service Cards, 1906-1918, 1940-1948, online at www.ancestry.com, Joseph F. O'Rorke, 137 East 29th Street, New York City, enlisted in New York City on 16 October 1914 as a private in Company H of the 69th Infantry which became the 165th Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard, incorrectly recorded as born in New York City and 22 years of age, and the transcription of the document, which is very hard to read, reported his enlistment in Company M. Hereinafter cited as New York, New York Guard Service Cards, 1906-1918, 1940-1948.
  9. [S1809] New York National Guard's Rainbow Division helped end WWI, online at https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/1657104/…. Hereinafter cited as New York National Guard's Rainbow Division helped end WWI.
  10. [S1800] 1915 New York State Census, online at www.ancestry.com, Household of Bella Mullen, New York State Archives; Albany, New York; State Population Census Schedules, 1915; Election District: 11; Assembly District: 14; City: New York; County: New York; Page: 20. Hereinafter cited as 1915 New York State Census.
  11. [S1798] WWI, WWII, and Korean War Casualty Listings, online at www.ancestry.com, Joseph F. O'Rorke, killed in action, World War I, Sergeant, U.S. Army, 165th Infantry Regiment, 42nd Infantry Division, referencing the World War I Honor Roll. Hereinafter cited as WWI, WWII, and Korean War Casualty Listings.
  12. [S1797] New York, Abstracts of World War I Military Service, 1917-1919, online at www.ancestry.com, Joseph F. O'Rorke, Service Number 90,715, enlisted in New York City on 12 October 1914, mustered on 24 July 1917 into Company H of the 69th Infantry which became the 165th Infantry in August 1917, sergeant, killed in action 16 July 1918, awarded Silver Star Citation 7 April 1923, father James O'Rorke, 137 East 29th Street, New York City; incorrectly reporting his place of birth as County Limerick , Ireland and his age at enlistment as 22, although he had just turned 23 when he was mustered in almost 3 years later. Hereinafter cited as New York, Abstracts of World War I Military Service, 1917-1919.
  13. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Sgt. Joseph F. O'Rorke, Memorial# 55995620. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.

Leonora Marion Rorke1

b. 6 December 1889
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Michael Rorke1 b. 10 Jan 1857, d. 7 Feb 1917
Mother*Mary Ellen Dillon1 b. 1858, d. 25 Sep 1942
Birth*6 December 1889Leonora Marion Rorke was born on 6 December 1889 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
(Daughter) Census Ireland 19011901She appeared as Nora on the 1901 census in the household of her parents in Lissadorn, County Roscommon. She was recorded as 10 years old, and her occupation was "scholar". She could read and write, and spoke both English and Irish.2 
(Daughter) Census Ireland 19111911She appeared on the 1911 census as Leonora O'Rorke in the household of her mother in Lissadorn, County Roscommon. She was recorded as 20 years of age.3 

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 4 March 1890 of the birth of Leonora Marion Rorke, daughter of Michael Rorke, a gentleman farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 6 December 1889 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Michael and Mary Rorke, House#5 in Lissadorn, Creeve, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  3. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Mary O'Rorke, House# 1 in Lissadorn, Creeve, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.

Margaret Rorke1

b. 1854, d. 29 February 1912
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Thady Rorke1 b. 1830, d. 28 Apr 1880
Mother*Eleanor Boyd1 b. 1831, d. 1 Mar 1858
Birth*1854Margaret Rorke was born in Camogue, County Roscommon, Ireland, probably about 1854.1 
(Daughter) Death1 March 1858Margaret was 3 years old when her mother died on 1 March 1858 at about age 27. Her father was left a widower with five young children all under the age of 6.1 
(Daughter) Marriage7 February 1861Her father married a second time to Maria Forde on 7 February 1861 when Margaret was 6 years old.2,3 
Marriage*1875She married Owen Farmer about 1875, probably in County Roscommon.1 
Census Ireland 1901*1901Margaret and Owen Farmer appeared on the 1901 census in House# 7, Newtown, County Roscommon, Ireland. Owen's age was recorded as 62 and Margaret's as 48. Owen was a farmer and nine of the couple's eleven children were enumerated with their parents in 1901. Minnie's age was 23, although it was recorded on the census as 21, Annie was recorded as 19, although she was probably about 21, Matilda was 20, recorded as 18, Henry was 17, Teresa 15, Lizzie 13, Sarah 11, Eugene 9, and John 7. All in the family could read and write except John, the youngest, who could not yet write. Also living in the Farmer household in 1901 was the couple's nephew, Joseph Rorke, who was 7 years old and also could not yet write. The six youngest of the children were all scholars.4 
Census Ireland 1911*1911Margaret and Owen Farmer appeared on the 1911 census in House# 10, Newtown, County Roscommon. Owen's age was recorded as 73 and Margaret's as 54. She reported they had been married for 35 years and had given birth to 10 children, all of them still living, although our research indicates she had 11 children in all, and that their son Henry had died in 1902, which actually did leave them with 10 children living, Four of their children resided in their parents' household in 1911. Teresa's age was recorded as 20, although she was actually 26, and Sarah's age was 22, while the census recorded it as 18. Their son Eugene was recorded as 17, although he was actually 20, and John J., who was 17, was recorded as 14. Eugene's occupation was "farmer's son" and John was a "scholar" attending school. No occupations were recorded for the female members of the family.5 
Death*29 February 1912She died on Thursday morning, 29 February 1912 at about age 58 at her residence in Newtown, County Roscommon. She had been in failing health for about six months, with more serious symptoms developing about three weeks before her death. Her obituary was long, and included: "The deceased lady, who had attained the age of 60 years, was a member of one of the oldest and most respected families in County Roscommon and was sister of Mr. Timothy Rorke of Tulsk. When the sad intelligence of her death spread it occasioned a painful shock, not only in the district in which she resided but throughout a large portion of County Roscommon, where the deceased and her family were so well known and highly esteemed, and the most heartfelt sympathy was expressed with her husband and sorrowing children and relatives in their affliction. The deceased was possessed of a most amiable, kindly and charitable disposition which won for her a place in the hearts of a host of friends and acquaintances who now sincerely mourn her demise. In the circle of her family and intimate friends she was idolized, and her demise has occasioned such a deep sense of sorrow as only the final parting with a loved one causes, for she had one of those sunny, gentle dispositions that make friends without effort, and she was a devoted wife and loving and affectionate mother, and in the family circle has left a void that can never be filled."6,7,8 

Family

 Owen Farmer b. 1834, d. b 13 Jul 1918
Children 1.Ellen Mary Farmer9,10 b. 23 Jul 1875
 2.Margaret Farmer11 b. 20 Jun 1876
 3.Minnie Farmer12 b. 12 Feb 1878
 4.Annie Farmer4 b. 1880
 5.Matilda Mary Farmer4,13 b. 8 Jun 1881
 6.Henry Joseph Farmer4,14 b. 29 Mar 1883, d. 8 Mar 1902
 7.Teresa Mary Farmer4,15 b. 10 Jul 1885
 8.Lizzie Josephine Farmer4,16 b. 23 Mar 1887
 9.Sarah Mary Farmer4,17 b. 16 Jul 1889
 10.Eugene Farmer4,18 b. 25 Dec 1891
 11.John Joseph Farmer4,19 b. 15 May 1894

Citations

  1. [S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1."
  2. [S1775] Ireland Marriages, 1619-1898, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, transcription details for the marriage of Thadeum Roark and Mariam Forde on 7 February 1861 in Croghan, Killukin (Boyle Barony), Roscommon, Ireland. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Marriages, 1619-1898.
  3. [S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address); reporting the date of their marriage as 9 February 1861. Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."
  4. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Owen and Margaret Farmer, House# 7 in Newtown, Cloonygormican, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  5. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Owen and Margaret Farmer, House# 10 in Newtown, Cloonygormican, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  6. [S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", reporting her date of death as 29 February 1912 at about age 58.
  7. [S1621] Irish Newspapers, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, Roscommon Messenger, 16 March 1912, obituary, "Death and Funeral of Mrs. Owen Farmer, Newton", noting her date of death as Thursday morning, 28 February 1912, although Thursday was actually 29 February 1912. Hereinafter cited as Irish Newspapers.
  8. [S1621] Irish Newspapers, online at www.findmypast.com, Roscommon Messenger, 2 March 1912, notice of the death of Margaret Farmer at her residence Newtown House, Roscommon, noting her date of death as 29 February 1912.
  9. [S1654] Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, will of Thady Rorke dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon at https://search.findmypast.com/record. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920.
  10. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 22 September 1875 of the birth of Ellen Mary Farmer, daughter of Owen Farmer, a farmer, and Margaret Rorke, born on 23 July 1875 in Newtown, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  11. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 30 June 1876 of the birth of Margaret Farmer, daughter of Owen Farmer, a farmer, and Margaret Rorke, born on 20 June 1876 in Newtown, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  12. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 19 February 1878 of the birth of Mary Kate Farmer, daughter of Owen Farmer, a farmer, and Margaret Rorke, born on 12 February 1878 in Newtown, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  13. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 29 August 1881 of the birth of Matilda Farmer, daughter of Owen Farmer, a farmer, and Margaret Rorke, born on 8 June 1881 in Newtown, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  14. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 31 March 1883 of the birth of Henry Joseph Farmer, son of Owen Farmer, a farmer, and Margaret Rorke, born on 29 March 1883 in Newtown, County Roscommon, https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  15. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 4 September 1885 of the birth of Teresa Mary Farmer, daughter of Owen Farmer, a farmer, and Margaret Rorke, born on 10 July 1885 in Newtown, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  16. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 31 March 1887 of the birth of Lizzie Josephine Farmer, daughter of Owen Farmer, a farmer, and Margaret Rorke, born on 23 March 1887 in Newtown, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  17. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 29 November 1890 of the birth of Sarah Mary Farmer, daughter of Owen Farmer, a farmer, and Margaret Rorke, born on 16 July 1889 in Newtown, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  18. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 15 January 1892 of the birth of Eugene Farmer, son of Owen Farmer, a farmer, and Margaret Rorke, born on 25 December 1891 in Newtown, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  19. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 26 May 1894 of the birth of John Joseph Farmer, son of Owen Farmer, a farmer, and Margaret Rorke, born on 15 May 1894 in Newtown, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…

Margaret Mary Rorke1

b. 24 March 1874
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Owen Rorke1 b. bt 1837 - 1842, d. 16 Apr 1916
Mother*Margaret McDermott1 b. bt 1831 - 1836
Birth*24 March 1874Margaret Mary Rorke was born on 24 March 1874 in Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 8 April 1874 of the birth of Margaret Mary Rorke, daughter of Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, a farmer, and Margaret McDermott, born on 24 March 1874 in Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.

Mary Ellen Rorke1

b. 12 November 1887
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Joseph Rorke1 b. 16 Jun 1865, d. 1895
Mother*Lizzie Olivia McDermott1 b. 1867
Birth*12 November 1887Mary Ellen Rorke was born on 12 November 1887 in Carrowduff, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
(Daughter) Emigration15 September 1895Mary was 6 years old when she emigrated from Ireland with her mother and older brother, sailing from Queenstown, County Cork, on 15 September 1895 on the ship Campania. It is believed they were on their way to America to join the children's father who had emigrated earlier. Mary Beirne, a servant, was also traveling with the family.2 
(Daughter) Immigration21 September 1895When they arrived in New York City, New York, on 21 September 1895, immigration officials changed the spelling of the family's surname from "Rorke" to "O'Rorke."3 
(Daughter) Emigration4 February 1896Mary's father died shortly after Mary, with her mother and brother, arrived in New York City. Her mother decided to return with the children to live in Ireland and they sailed back to Queenstown, County Cork, arriving on 4 February 1896 must have experienced as she dealt, all at once, with the death of her husband, a strange new country and concerns about supporting herself and her two young children. She acted quickly. Within a few short months, she and her children sailed back.4 
Census Ireland 1911*1911She was probably the Mary Ellen O'Rorke who was enumerated on the 1911 census at St. Mary's College, Lower Dominick Street, Dublin. She was recorded as 26 years of age, a Sister, or nun, and a teacher.5 

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 26 December 1887 of the birth of Mary Ellen "Roarke", daughter of Joseph "Roarke", a farmer of Carraduff, and Lizzie McDermott, born on 12 November 1887 in Carraduff, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1799] UK Outward Passenger Lists 1890-1960, online at www.ancestry.com, Lizzie "Rourke", age 28, with her son Tim, age 8, daughter Mary, age 6, and servant Mary Beirne, age 26, ship Campania, sailed from Queenstown on 15 September 1895, all on the same ticket number 44692. Hereinafter cited as UK Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
  3. [S1791] New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957, online at www.ancestry.com, Lizzie O'Rorke, with son Tim, daughter Mary and servant Mary Beirne, on ship Campania, arrived in New York City from Queenstown, Ireland on 21 September 1895. Hereinafter cited as New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
  4. [S1811] UK, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960, online at www.ancestry.com, Lizzie "Rourke", age 28, with son Timothy, age 9, and daughter Mary, age 8 aboard the Campania arriving Queenstown, Ireland on 4 January 1896. Hereinafter cited as UK, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960.
  5. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, St. Mary's College, house# 41 in Lower Dominick Street, Dublin, County Dublin, Sister Mary Ellen O'Rorke, age 26, born County Roscommon, teacher. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.

Michael Rorke1,2

b. 10 January 1857, d. 7 February 1917
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Thady Rorke1 b. 1830, d. 28 Apr 1880
Mother*Eleanor Boyd1 b. 1831, d. 1 Mar 1858
Birth*10 January 1857Michael Rorke was born in 10 January 1857 in Camogue, County Roscommon, Ireland.1,2 
(Son) ReligionThe Rorke family's religion was Roman Catholic.3 
(Son) Death1 March 1858Michael was 1 year old when his mother died on 1 March 1858 at about age 27. His father was left a widower with five young children all under the age of 6.2 
(Son) Marriage7 February 1861His father married a second time to Maria Forde on 7 February 1861 when Michael was 4 years old.4,5 
(Son) Will26 January 1880Michael's father prepared his will dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon, and named his wife Maria, his sons John Joseph, Timothy, Michael, Patrick, James and Joseph, and his granddaughter, "Eleanor" Farmer of Newtown, as her name was written in the District Registry's copy of the will. Her name was actually Ellen Mary Farmer. He named his wife's brother, John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, his brother Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and his son-in-law Owen Farmer of Newtown, as his Joint Trustees and Executors.

Finding this will was exciting and we are very grateful to Patrick Hume, a Thady Rorke descendant, for his expertise in reading and transcribing our initial copy. His knowledge of this early Rorke family, and also of Ireland generally, has been especially helpful to us. So, thank you, Patrick!

The District Registry's copy of Thady's will was prepared without paragraphs, so we have taken the liberty of separating the thoughts where we thought appropriate for ease of reading. We have also modified some place names to their current spellings, but have not modified any other spellings that we are aware of, and we've made only minor punctuation adjustments. Our transcription of the registry's copy follows:

In the Name of God Amen.

I Thady Rorke of Camogue do make this my last Will and Testament, Revoking all others that "has" been made by me.

I will to my son John Joseph Rorke the sum of Five pounds sterling.

I will to my son Timothy Rorke the sum of One Hundred pounds sterling together with the lands of Farranawillin which I hold under lease.

I will to my son Michael Rorke the sum of Two Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Cloonglasny beg.

I will my son Patrick Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Lettreen.

Note: in the next sentence of the will, the name “John” was crossed out, so the bequest was intended to read: “I will to my son Joseph Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling.”

The remaining portion of all my assets in monies, live stock and crops together with a Policy of Insurance on my own life for five hundred and odd pounds on the Alliance Office Castlerea, per Receipts and Account in my Cash Book, I will to my son James Rorke after paying the aforesaid bequests, Rents, Taxes, Funeral expenses and all other just debts due by me together with Ten pounds which I will to my granddaughter Eleanor(sic) Farmer of Newtown and Five pounds to my respected Parish Priest and Curate for Masses to be offered up for the eternal repose of my poor soul.

I will and direct that my wife Maria Rorke shall get the Annual allowance of Fifteen pounds sterling, for her support and maintenance during her natural life, together with the Room she now sleeps in, to be charged on the lands of Camogue.

It is my will and wish that none of my household furniture or farming implements be sold by Auction, but kept here for the use and benefit of this place.

But it is my will that all my other assets and effects shall be Auctioned and disposed of at a Suitable Season of the year. The monies to be secured and converted to the best purpose for each member of my family, according to the forgoing will, by my Trustees and Executors.

I give and devise to John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin and Owen Farmer of Newtown, the house, offices and lands of Camogue, leased and released as I now hold them, in trust for my son James Rorke until he reaches the age of twenty-five years, when I will that he then get into legal possession, provided he is in sound health and always guided by my Executors. Should he die before he reaches that age, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Patrick Rorke, and should neither of them survive the age of twenty-five years, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Joseph Rorke.

I give and devise to my Trustees and Executors the lands of Mullygollan and Toneragh, if they think it prudent to hold them, in trust for maintenance, clothing and education of Patrick Rorke, James Rorke and Joseph Rorke.

I also will that the profit made out of the lands of Camogue, until my son James attain the age of Twenty-Five years, shall also go to the support, clothing and education of the aforesaid Patrick, James and Joseph Rorke. The balance of profit, if any, to be divided share and share alike on them.

I hope my good friends through life, Christopher French Esq., Arthur St. George French Esq., both of Cloonyquin, and Patrick Taaffe Esq. of Foxborough, will never see an injustice done to any of my family.

I hereby appoint John Forde of Rockmount, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and Owen Farmer of Newtown as Joint Trustees and Executors of this, my Last Will and Testament.

There is a sum of one hundred pounds sterling due me by George S. O’Connor Esq. and Henry Smyth Esq. both now of Hollywell, to be allowed out of last year’s rent of Mullygollan and Toneragh. (per agreement on Stamped paper)

Agreed published and declared by the Testator as his last Will and Testament in our presence, who in his presence and in the presence of each other, have attached our names as witnesses.

Codicil: The one hundred pounds which I have willed to my Son Timothy in the body of the Will is null and void, as I have signed a bill for him for like amount which should be paid out of my means.

Dated this 26 January 1880 Eighty… and the Will was signed by Thady Rorke

Signing as witnesses were Thomas Feeney and Edward Flanagan.6,7,8 
(Son) Death28 April 1880Michael was present at the death of his father on 28 April 1880 in Camogue, County Roscommon.9,10,2,11 
Marriage*27 July 1881He married Mary Ellen Dillon of Ballymore, County Roscommon, daughter of Patrick Dillon and Delia Dillon, on 27 July 1881 in the Roman Catholic Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, Dublin. Michael was 24 years of age, a bachelor and farmer, and Mary Ellen was 23 years of age and a spinster. Signing as witnesses to their marriage were Michael's brother Joseph Rorke and Mary Ellen's mother Delia Dillon.2,12 
Occupation*Michael was a farmer.13 
(Father) Will28 January 1895Flossie Rorke, daughter of Michael and Mary Ellen (Dillon) Rorke, was named in the will of her great grandfather, Patrick Trears, dated 28 January 1895 at Ballymoe, County Galway. The Tuam District Registry's copy was prepared without paragraphs, so we have taken the liberty of separating the thoughts where we thought appropriate for ease of reading. We have not modified any spelling or punctuation that we are aware of. Our transcription of the registry's copy follows:

In the name of God Amen, I Patrick Trears of Ballymoe in the county of Galway Farmer, being at present of sound mind, and memory, and understanding do make and publish this my last will and testament revoking all other wills and testaments made by me.

I will and bequeath unto my daughter Bedelia Dillon my fee simple estate which I hold in my possession in Corrastoony Beg in the County Roscommon on conditions that she will send Flossie Rorke, my dear little child who is living with me at present, to a convent school and give her a good education, and on leaving school I would be very well pleased if she took her to live with herself. Corrastoony Beg is held by six tenants who are supposed to pay their rents in May and November in each year. I also authorize, and empower my daughter to leave said land to her son Thomas G. Dillon M.D. on her demise.

I also will and bequeath unto my daughter Bedelia, and my granddaughter Kate A. Dillon, my house and premises at Ballymoe, and all furniture therein, i.e. the house I live in at present. I also bequeath unto my daughter Bedelia Dillon the dividend on forty-two shares, which I hold in the National Bank Ltd., none of these to be sold during her lifetime. After my daughter’s death those forty-two shares to be divided on my grandchildren and Flossie Rorke share alike.

I will and bequeath unto my daughter Bedelia Dillon my wagonette, and harness, one horse, one cow, i.e. the white one.

I will and bequeath unto my granddaughter Kate A. Dillon, six shares, which I hold in the London and Westminster Bank Ltd. I also will, and bequeath to Kate A. Dillon twenty shares which I hold in the National Bank Ltd. I also will and bequeath to Kate A. Dillon five shares which I hold in the London Joint Stock Bank which I hold.

I will, and bequeath unto Elena Mary Flossie Rorke fifteen shares which I hold in the National Bank Ltd., said shares not to be sold until she attains the age of twenty-one, the dividend to be lodged in the Post Office Savings Bank, by the executors named in this will. I also will, and bequeath unto M. Flossie Rorke one share which I hold in the Midland Great Western Railway, its present price is £135, this share not to be sold until she attains the age of twenty-one and then only with the consent of her parents, and executors named in my will.

I will and bequeath unto my grandson Richard Dillon fifteen shares which I hold in the National Bank Ltd., those fifteen shares not to be sold without the consent of the executors named below, the dividend on said shares to be paid (to) said Richard Dillon, as it falls due.

I will and bequeath unto my grandson Thomas G. Dillon M.D. five shares that I hold in the London and County Bank Ltd.

I will and bequeath to my son Thomas Trears the lands of Ballaghamurray (which I purchased under Lord Ashbourne) for his life’s use only. After his death, I will, and bequeath said lands of Ballaghamurray to my grandson Thomas G. Dillon M.D., and after the latter’s to his brother Richard if at home, if not to the next heir, this farm not to be sold.

I also will and bequeath to my son Thomas Trears fifteen shares which I hold in the National Bank.

I will and bequeath unto Mary my servant girl ten (10) pounds for her long and faithful servitude.

I will and bequeath twenty pounds for masses for the happy repose of my poor soul, that God may have mercy on me. I will unto the Reverend Father Coogan five pounds for masses for the happy repose of the souls of myself and my wife Mary, that God may have mercy on us both, Amen. I also will five pounds to Father Coogan for masses for the happy repose of the souls of my father, mother and sister, that God may have mercy on them.

The shares which I hold, ten (10) in number, in the London Joint Stock Bank I order to be sold, and all expenses for masses and burial, together with whatever debts I owe to be defrayed out of proceeds of said shares.

I will any surplus which may remain from proceeds of above shares, after expenses being paid, and also any money which may be to my credit in National Bank Ltd. Castlerea to my daughter Bedelia Dillon and my granddaughter Kate A. Dillon, to be divided equally.

I appoint Mr. James Hurley, Clerk of Petty Sessions, Corlack(an), Ballymoe and Mr. T.G. Dillon M.D., Castlecoote, County Roscommon Executors to this my last will and testament. The will was signed by Patrick Trears

Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us and in presence of each of us and of each other, and we subscribe our names as witnesses, at the request of the testator this twenty-eighth day of January one thousand eight hundred and ninety-five, and the witnesses signed, James Hurley, Corlack(an), Ballymoe, County Galway, farmer and Clerk of Petty Sessions, and Cornelius Conneffe, R.I. Constabulary, Ballymoe. Then: “I certify that the foregoing has been compared and is a correct copy of the original will lodged here” and the certification signed by the Tuam District Registry.14 
Census Ireland 1901*1901Mary and Michael Rorke appeared on the 1901 census in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, Ireland. Michael's age was recorded as 45 and his occupation was grazier, and Mary was recorded as 39 years of age, although she was actually about 43. Six of the couple's children resided with their parents in 1901. Albert was 18, Pauline 13, Nora 10, Douglas 8, John 5 and Hilda 3. Michael's brother, Patrick F. Rorke, was also enumerated in the household as a visitor. He was recorded as a commercial traveler and 35 years of age, although he was actually about 39. Two general servants, Patrick McDermott, age 33, and Kate Beirne, age 17, also resided in the household. Everyone in the Rorke household, with the exception of baby Hilda, could read and write and spoke both English and Irish.15 
Census Ireland 1911*1911Michael was not enumerated with his wife, who appeared as Mary Ellen O'Rorke, and their family on the 1911 census and we are unsure of where he was. He may have been the Michael Rorke who appeared on the 1911 census on Thomas Street, Merchant's Quay, Dublin. If so, he was identified as 54 years of age, and a widower, working as a general labourer. That Michael Rorke lived as a boarder in the household of Elizabeth Maxwell, a widow aged 52, who ran a dispensary. Mary Maxwell, age 22, and Francis Maxwell, age 19, also lived with their mother in 1911.

A second thought we have is that Michael may have been seriously ill by 1911 and have already been a patient in the mental hospital where he would die 6 years later. He may not have been enumerated at all. We are further confused by his wife's change of surname from Rorke to O'Rorke and wonder if it was a mistake of the census taker or a deliberate action by Mary Ellen or another member of the household who gave the information. When she was appointed his administrator in 1917, her surname was Rorke again.16 
Residence*At the time of his death, Michael's place of residence was reported as Hartfield House, Dublin.13 
Death*7 February 1917He died of acute bronchitis he had suffered for 15 days, and cardiac failure, on 7 February 1917 in Richmond District Lunatic Asylum, Dublin, at age 60, although Thomas Fagan, an inmate at the asylum who was the Official Informant, reported Michael's age as 62.1,2,13 
Burial*He was buried in Plot QJ 337 in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.2 
Probate*24 December 1917Administration of his estate was granted to his widow, Mary Ellen Rorke, on 24 December 1917 at Tuam, County Galway. He was identified as a farmer of Lissadorn, Elphin, County Roscommon, who had died on 7 February 1917. His effects were valued at £3,695 1s. 7d.17 

Family

 Mary Ellen Dillon b. 1858, d. 25 Sep 1942
Children 1.Albert Patrick Rorke18 b. 25 Jun 1882, d. 22 Aug 1955
 2.Helena Mary Rorke19 b. 18 Jul 1883
 3.Michael Dillon Rorke20 b. 24 Aug 1884, d. 15 Dec 1961
 4.Pauline Rorke21 b. 14 Dec 1886
 5.Leonora Marion Rorke22 b. 6 Dec 1889
 6.Douglas Joseph Rorke23 b. 28 Jun 1891, d. 15 Jun 1961
 7.John Charles Rorke24 b. 6 Oct 1894, d. 10 Dec 1969
 8.Hilda Mary Rorke25 b. 15 Feb 1898

Citations

  1. [S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", dated 21 June 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address); page 1 of 23. Hereinafter cited as "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families."
  2. [S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1."
  3. [S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", page 1 of 23, quoting the reply he received from Queen's College Galway in 2008 regarding John Joseph Rorke/O'Rorke which included the information that John's religion was Roman Catholic.
  4. [S1775] Ireland Marriages, 1619-1898, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, transcription details for the marriage of Thadeum Roark and Mariam Forde on 7 February 1861 in Croghan, Killukin (Boyle Barony), Roscommon, Ireland. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Marriages, 1619-1898.
  5. [S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address); reporting the date of their marriage as 9 February 1861. Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."
  6. [S1654] Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, will of Thady Rorke dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon at https://search.findmypast.com/record. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920.
  7. [S1812] Patrick Hume, "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)", received by LHB on 17 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)."
  8. [S1827] E-mail messages exchanged between Patrick Hume at e-mail address and LHB, on multiple dates. Hereinafter cited as "Rorke/O'Rorke Researcher Patrick Hume Email Messages."
  9. [S1638] Ireland Calendars of Wills & Administrations 1858-1920 Transcription, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, page 593, 1881 probate of Thady Rorke, died 28 April 1880 in County Roscommon, referencing http://www.willcalendars.nationalarchives.ie/reels/cwa/…. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Calendars of Wills & Administrations 1858-1920 Transcription.
  10. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 26 May 1880 of the certified death of Thaddeus Rorke, married, age 50, farmer of Camogue, County Roscommon, who died there on 28 April 1880 of scleras of 1 month, with Michael Rorke present at his death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  11. [S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."
  12. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration of the Roman Catholic marriage of Michael Rorke, age 24, a bachelor farmer of Camogue, County Roscommon, son of Thady Rorke, a farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, age 23, a spinster farmer of Ballymore, County Roscommon, daughter of Patrick Dillon, a farmer, on 27 July 1881 at the Roman Catholic Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, and witnessed by Joseph Rorke and Delia Dillon, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  13. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 9 February 1917 of the certified death of Michael Rorke, married, age 62, a farmer, of Hartfield House, Dublin, who died at the Richmond District Lunatic Asylum,
    Dublin on 7 February 1917 of acute bronchitis, for 15 days, and cardiac failure, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  14. [S1654] Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920, online at www.findmypast.com, will of Patrick Trears dated 28 January 1895 at Ballymoe, County Galway and proved on 1 March 1900, pages 1 and 2 downloaded from https://search.findmypast.com/record and page 3 downloaded from https://search.findmypast.com/record/browse
  15. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Michael and Mary Rorke, House#5 in Lissadorn, Creeve, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  16. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Elizabeth Maxwell, House# 52.2 in Thomas Street, Merchant's Quay, Dublin, County Dublin, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Dublin/…'s_Quay/Thomas_St./71273. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  17. [S1663] National Archives of Ireland, Calendar of Wills and Administrations, 1858-1922, online at http://www.willcalendars.nationalarchives.ie, 1917 Administration of the estate of Michael Rorke, viewed at http://www.willcalendars.nationalarchives.ie/reels/cwa/…. Hereinafter cited as National Archives of Ireland, Calendar of Wills and Administrations, 1858-1922.
  18. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 22 August 1882 of the birth of Albert Patrick Rorke, son of Michael Rorke, a farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 25 July 1882 in Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  19. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 9 August 1883 of the birth of Helena Mary Rorke, daughter of Michael Rorke, a farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 18 July 1883 in Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  20. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 6 September 1884 of the birth of Michael Dillon Rorke, son of Michael Rorke, a farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 24 August 1884 in Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  21. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 30 December 1886 of the birth of Paulina Rorke, daughter of Michael Rorke, a farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 14 December 1886 in Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  22. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 4 March 1890 of the birth of Leonora Marion Rorke, daughter of Michael Rorke, a gentleman farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 6 December 1889 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  23. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 17 September 1891 of the birth of Douglas Joseph Rorke, son of Michael Rorke, a gentleman farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 28 June 1891 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  24. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 31 December 1894 of the birth of John Charles Rorke, son of Michael Rorke, a gentleman farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 6 October 1894 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  25. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 2 May 1898 of the birth of Hilda Mary Rorke, daughter of Michael Rorke, a farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 15 February 1898 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…

Michael Dillon Rorke1

b. 24 August 1884, d. 15 December 1961
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Michael Rorke1 b. 10 Jan 1857, d. 7 Feb 1917
Mother*Mary Ellen Dillon1 b. 1858, d. 25 Sep 1942
Birth*24 August 1884Michael Dillon Rorke was born on 24 August 1884 at Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
Census Ireland 1901*31 March 1901He was enumerated as Dillon Rorke on the 1901 census taken as of 31 March 1901 at Blackrock College and Boarding School, Williamstown, County Dublin. He was 16 years of age, born in County Roscommon and his rank in the institution was "Pupil". He was number 210 on the list of 268, and found on page 8. All of the pupils were Roman Catholic males.2,3 
Census Ireland 1911*1911Michael appeared as "Michael D. Dillon O'Rourke" on the 1911 census in Church Street, Listowel Urban, County Kerry, Ireland. He was a boarder in the house of Bridget O'Meara who was 66 years of age and a widow. She had been married for 24 years and had not given birth to any children. Her occupation was "boarding house keeper". Bridget provided the census information and signed that she believed all her answers were accurate. According to Bridget, all four of the residents of her boarding house, which consisted of herself, two boarders, and one servant, had been born in County Kerry, could read and write, and were Roman Catholic. At least with Michael, we know he was born in County Roscommon and not County Kerry, and that she had trouble with his name. His age was recorded as 27, he was single, and his occupation as "Bank Clerk". The other boarder in the house was James A. Smith, who may or may not have been born in County Kerry. He was single, and reported to be 30 years of age. Like Michael, his occupation was "Bank Clerk". Enumerated as a servant in the house was Bridget Granville, who was 22 years of age and single.4 
Occupation*2 April 1911He was working as a bank clerk in County Kerry when the census was taken on 2 April 1911.5 
(Brother) Census US 19303 May 1930Was he the Michael O'Rourke who was enumerated as a lodger in the United States of America on the 1930 census taken on 3 May 1930 in the household of Margaret Beaman in Ward 27, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania,? Michael was recorded as single and 45 years of age, and his occupation was cashier in a bank, although he was not employed. His year of immigration was recorded as 1929 and he had obtained his first papers to be naturalized. Another lodger in the home was Albert O'Rourke, who was single, 48 years of age and a policeman for the city of Philadelphia. His year of immigration was 1908 and he had been naturalized and was a citizen of the United States.6,7 
Death*15 December 1961He died as Michael Dillon O'Rorke on 15 December 1961 in Royal Hospital, Baggot Street, Dublin, at age 778 
Burial and was buried in Row 6 of Templeogue Cemetery, Templeogue, County Dublin. A photo of his memorial gravestone is available at the camera icon.9
Probate*1 June 1962Probate on his estate was granted on 1 June 1962 in London, England, to Charles Robert Rich Magrath, retired bank manager, and Henry Victor Lynam, solicitor. His effects in England were valued at £1,058 16s. 9d.8 

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 6 September 1884 of the birth of Michael Dillon Rorke, son of Michael Rorke, a farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 24 August 1884 in Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, College and Boarding School Return for Blackrock College, (House# 14.2) in Castledawson Avenue, Blackrock, County Dublin. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  3. [S1794] Ireland, Census, 1901, Ancestry Transcription Notes, online at www.ancestry.com, Dillon Rorke, residence date 31 March 1901. Hereinafter cited as Ireland, Census, 1901, Ancestry Transcription Notes.
  4. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Bridget O'Meara, House# 68 in Church Street, Listowel Urban, County Kerry; viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Kerry/…. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  5. [S1793] Ireland, Census, 1911, Ancestry Transcription Notes, online at www.ancestry.com, Michael D Dillon O Rourke, residence date 2 April 1911. Hereinafter cited as Ireland, Census, 1911, Ancestry Transcription Notes.
  6. [S91] 1930 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, Albert O'Rourke (transcribed as "Orouke" by Ancestry), Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Page: 30A; Enumeration District: 0416; FHL microfilm: 2341846. Hereinafter cited as 1930 US Federal Census.
  7. [S91] 1930 US Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, Michael O'Rourke (transcribed as "Orouke" by Ancestry), Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Page: 30A; Enumeration District: 0416; FHL microfilm: 2341846.
  8. [S1528] England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995, online at www.ancestry.com, O'Rorke, Michael Dillon of 41 Dartmouth Square, Rathmines, Dublin died 15 December 1961 at the Royal Hospital, Baggot Street, Dublin. Probate London 1 June 1962 to Charles Robert Rich Magrath retired bank manager and Henry Victor Lynam solicitor. Effects £1,058 16s. 9d. in England. Hereinafter cited as England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations).
  9. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Michael Dillon O'Rorke, Memorial# 112679627. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.

Michael James Rorke1

b. 26 September 1889, d. 28 June 1925
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*James Rorke1 b. 20 Mar 1864, d. 7 Jan 1920
Mother*Annie White1 b. 1859, d. 8 Aug 1894
Birth*26 September 1889Michael James Rorke was born on 26 September 1889 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
(Son) Death8 August 1894Michael's mother died on 8 August 1894 at age 35, leaving her husband a widower with 6 young children. Michael was 4 years old.2 
(Son) Life Changing EventLife changed dramatically for the Rorke family after the death of the children's mother. Their father James would immigrate to America without any of his children within two years, probably leaving at least the younger of the children with various relatives. Annie, then about age 13, was sent to a convent boarding school in Limerick County and became Annie O'Rourke. The brothers, Timothy, Michael, James, Patrick and Joseph, were also scattered about Ireland. The three oldest, Timothy, Michael and James, who were ages 8, 6 and 5, respectively, when their father left Ireland, would be sent to an industrial boarding school in County Galway. We have yet to find Patrick in the 1901 census, and don't know where he spent his youngest years. Joseph, who was about 2 years old when their father left Ireland, lived with his aunt and uncle Margaret and Owen Farmer.3,4 
Census Ireland 1901*31 March 1901Three Rorke brothers, Timothy, Michael and James, appeared on the 1901 census taken as of 31 March 1901 at the Industrial Boarding School, Letterfrack, County Galway. All were recorded as having been born in County Roscommon. Timothy was enumerated as "Thady" Rorke, age 12, and Michael Rorke was recorded as age 11. Both were listed on page 3, numbers 103-94 and 104-95, respectively. James was listed on page 1, number 14 of the 171-163, between James O'Donnell and Edward O'Brien, and appeared as James O'Rorke, age 9. All of the pupils were Roman Catholic males. Only two of the other boys had been born in County Roscommon.5 
Emigration*18 August 1904Brothers Michael and Timothy Rorke emigrated together from Ireland to New York City, sailing from Queenstown, County Cork, on 18 August 1904 on the ship Teutonic. Thady was age 15 and Michael age 14.6 
Immigration*25 August 1904When they arrived in New York City, New York, on 25 August 1904, immigrations officials changed the spelling of their surname from "Rorke" to "O'Rorke" and processed Timothy as "Thady", very likely at his request. Each of the boys had $5.00 in his possession and Michael was recorded as having "sore eyes". The brothers reported they were in New York City to join their father, James O'Rorke, whose address was c/o J. McDermott, 12 East 27th Street New York City.7 
Occupation*At the time of his death, Michael worked as a clerk and lived at 30 Post Street, New York City.8 
Death*28 June 1925He died unmarried on 28 June 1925 in Manhattan, New York City, at age 358 
Burial*1 July 1925 and was buried on 1 July 1925 in Old St. Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, Bronx County, New York.8 

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 11 December 1889 of the birth of Michael James Rorke, son of James Rorke, a shopkeeper, and Annie Kelly (her former married name, not her maiden name), born on 26 September 1889 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 11 August 1894 of the uncertified death of Anne Rorke, age 35, a shopkeeper's wife, of Tulsk, County Roscommon who died on 8 August 1894 at Tulsk of peritonitis for 2 days, her widower, James Rorke, present at her death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  3. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, St. Mary's Convent, Sisters of Mercy, house# 15 in Convent Street, Limerick No. 2 Urban, County Limerick, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Limerick/…, Annie O'Rourke, Sister of Mercy, age 26, born County Roscommon, page 4. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  4. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, St. Catherine's Convent Boarding School, house# 1.2 in Knockane, Newcastle, County Limerick, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Limerick/…, Annie O'Rourke, age 15, born County Roscommon, pupil. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  5. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at www.census.nationalarchives.ie, College and Boarding School Return for Industrial Boarding School, (House# 1) in Letterfrack, Ballynakilly, County Galway, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/…
  6. [S1799] UK Outward Passenger Lists 1890-1960, online at www.ancestry.com, Thady Rorke, age 16, indexed as "Shary Rorke", and Michael Rorke, age 14, indexed as "Michl Rorke", ship Teutonic (although indexed by Ancestry as "Tentonic"), sailed from Queenstown on 18 August 1904, both with ticket number 2885. Hereinafter cited as UK Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
  7. [S1791] New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957, online at www.ancestry.com, Thady and Michael O'Rorke, on ship Teutonic, arrived in New York City from Queenstown, Ireland on 25 August 1904. Hereinafter cited as New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
  8. [S1801] New York, New York City Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, death of Michael "O'Rourke", age 35, single, of 30 Post Street, New York City, on 28 June 1925; father's name James O'Rourke and mother's name Annie White, referencing certificate number 17279 and FHL Film# 2046900. Hereinafter cited as New York, New York City Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949.

Michael Patrick Rorke1

b. 5 February 1881
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Timothy Rorke1 b. Apr 1853, d. 22 Sep 1925
Mother*Anne McDermott1 b. 1848, d. 24 Oct 1921
Birth*5 February 1881Michael Patrick Rorke was born on 5 February 1881 in Rathcave, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
(Son) Census Ireland 19011901Michael P. appeared on the 1901 census in the household of his parents in Camogue, County Roscommon. He was 20 years old and his occupation was "farmer's son". He could read and write and spoke English.2 

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on12 March 1881 of the birth of Michael Patrick Rorke, son of Timothy Rorke, a farmer, and Anne McDermott, born on 5 February 1881 in Rathcave, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Timothy and Annie Rorke, House# 1 in "Cammoge", Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.

Owen Rorke1

b. between 1837 and 1842, d. 16 April 1916
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Timothy Rorke2
Birth*between 1837 and 1842Owen Rorke was born between 1837 and 1842, according to three conflicting records of his age at various dates, in County Roscommon, Ireland.3,4,5 
Relationship Note*Owen and Thady Rorke were brothers.1,2,6 
Marriage*9 September 1872He married, as her second husband, Margaret (McDermott) Murray of Carrowmore, daughter of Hugh McDermott, on 9 September 1872 in the Roman Catholic Chapel of Elphin, County Roscommon. Owen was full age, a bachelor and farmer, and Margaret was full age and a widow. Signing as witnesses to their marriage were John Rorke and Mary Slevin.7,2 
(Brother) Will26 January 1880Owen was appointed a Joint Trustee and Executor in the will of his brother, Thady Rorke of Camogue, County Roscommon, dated 26 January 1880. The will named Thady's wife Maria, his sons John Joseph, Timothy, Michael, Patrick, James and Joseph, and his granddaughter, "Eleanor" Farmer of Newtown, as her name was written in the District Registry's copy of the will. Her name was actually Ellen Mary Farmer. He named his wife's brother, John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, his brother Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and his son-in-law Owen Farmer of Newtown, as his Joint Trustees and Executors.

Finding this will was exciting and we are very grateful to Patrick Hume, a Thady Rorke descendant, for his expertise in reading and transcribing our initial copy. His knowledge of this early Rorke family, and also of Ireland generally, has been especially helpful to us. So, thank you, Patrick!

The District Registry's copy of Thady's will was prepared without paragraphs, so we have taken the liberty of separating the thoughts where we thought appropriate for ease of reading. We have also modified some place names to their current spellings, but have not modified any other spellings that we are aware of, and we've made only minor punctuation adjustments. Our transcription of the registry's copy follows:

In the Name of God Amen.

I Thady Rorke of Camogue do make this my last Will and Testament, Revoking all others that "has" been made by me.

I will to my son John Joseph Rorke the sum of Five pounds sterling.

I will to my son Timothy Rorke the sum of One Hundred pounds sterling together with the lands of Farranawillin which I hold under lease.

I will to my son Michael Rorke the sum of Two Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Cloonglasny beg.

I will my son Patrick Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Lettreen.

Note: in the next sentence of the will, the name “John” was crossed out, so the bequest was intended to read: “I will to my son Joseph Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling.”

The remaining portion of all my assets in monies, live stock and crops together with a Policy of Insurance on my own life for five hundred and odd pounds on the Alliance Office Castlerea, per Receipts and Account in my Cash Book, I will to my son James Rorke after paying the aforesaid bequests, Rents, Taxes, Funeral expenses and all other just debts due by me together with Ten pounds which I will to my granddaughter Eleanor(sic) Farmer of Newtown and Five pounds to my respected Parish Priest and Curate for Masses to be offered up for the eternal repose of my poor soul.

I will and direct that my wife Maria Rorke shall get the Annual allowance of Fifteen pounds sterling, for her support and maintenance during her natural life, together with the Room she now sleeps in, to be charged on the lands of Camogue.

It is my will and wish that none of my household furniture or farming implements be sold by Auction, but kept here for the use and benefit of this place.

But it is my will that all my other assets and effects shall be Auctioned and disposed of at a Suitable Season of the year. The monies to be secured and converted to the best purpose for each member of my family, according to the forgoing will, by my Trustees and Executors.

I give and devise to John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin and Owen Farmer of Newtown, the house, offices and lands of Camogue, leased and released as I now hold them, in trust for my son James Rorke until he reaches the age of twenty-five years, when I will that he then get into legal possession, provided he is in sound health and always guided by my Executors. Should he die before he reaches that age, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Patrick Rorke, and should neither of them survive the age of twenty-five years, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Joseph Rorke.

I give and devise to my Trustees and Executors the lands of Mullygollan and Toneragh, if they think it prudent to hold them, in trust for maintenance, clothing and education of Patrick Rorke, James Rorke and Joseph Rorke.

I also will that the profit made out of the lands of Camogue, until my son James attain the age of Twenty-Five years, shall also go to the support, clothing and education of the aforesaid Patrick, James and Joseph Rorke. The balance of profit, if any, to be divided share and share alike on them.

I hope my good friends through life, Christopher French Esq., Arthur St. George French Esq., both of Cloonyquin, and Patrick Taaffe Esq. of Foxborough, will never see an injustice done to any of my family.

I hereby appoint John Forde of Rockmount, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and Owen Farmer of Newtown as Joint Trustees and Executors of this, my Last Will and Testament.

There is a sum of one hundred pounds sterling due me by George S. O’Connor Esq. and Henry Smyth Esq. both now of Hollywell, to be allowed out of last year’s rent of Mullygollan and Toneragh. (per agreement on Stamped paper)

Agreed published and declared by the Testator as his last Will and Testament in our presence, who in his presence and in the presence of each other, have attached our names as witnesses.

Codicil: The one hundred pounds which I have willed to my Son Timothy in the body of the Will is null and void, as I have signed a bill for him for like amount which should be paid out of my means.

Dated this 26 January 1880 Eighty… and the Will was signed by Thady Rorke

Signing as witnesses were Thomas Feeney and Edward Flanagan.1,8,9 
Census Ireland 1901*1901Margaret and Owen Rorke appeared on the 1901 census in House# 6, Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, Ireland. Owen was recorded as 59 years of age and a farmer, and Margaret was recorded as 65 years of age. Residing with the couple in 1901 was Ellen McDonagh, who was single, 30 years of age and working as a general servant. Everyone in the Rorke household had been born in County Roscommon, was Roman Catholic and could read and write.3,7 
Census Ireland 1911*1911Margaret and Owen Rorke appeared on the 1911 census in House# 4, Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, Ireland. Owen was 76 years of age and a farmer, and Margaret was 80 years of age. They had been married for 38 years and Margaret had had one live birth, and the child was still living. Residing with the couple in 1911 was Anne Molloy who had been born in Kings County, was single and 40 years of age, and worked as a cook and domestic servant.4,10 
Death*16 April 1916He died of heart disease of six months duration and dropsy of one month duration on 16 April 1916 in Cloonyquin at age 78.5 

Family

 Margaret McDermott b. bt 1831 - 1836
Child 1.Margaret Mary Rorke11 b. 24 Mar 1874

Citations

  1. [S1654] Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, will of Thady Rorke dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon at https://search.findmypast.com/record. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920.
  2. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration in the district of Elphin, County Roscommon of the Roman Catholic marriage of Owen Rorke, full age, bachelor, farmer of Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, son of Tim Rorke, farmer, and Margaret (McDermott) Murray, full age, widow, of Carrowmore, County Roscommon, daughter of Hugh McDermott, deceased, farmer, on 9 September 1872 in the Roman Catholic Chapel of Elphin, County Roscommon, witnessed by John Rorke and Mary Slevin; viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  3. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Owen and Margaret Rorke, house# 6 in Cloonyquin, Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…, recording his age as 59 and estimating his year of birth as 1842. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  4. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Owen and Margaret Rorke, house# 4 in Cloonyquin, Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Roscommon/…, recording his age as 76, although the transcriber reported it as 74 and estimated his year of birth incorrectly as 1837 instead of 1839. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  5. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 29 May 1916 of the certified death of Owen Rorke, married, age 78, a farmer, of Cloonyquin, who died there on 16 April 1916 of heart disease of 6 months and dropsy of 1 month, with Michael O'Connor of Strokestown present at his death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  6. [S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1."
  7. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Owen and Margaret Rorke, house# 6 in Cloonyquin, Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…, recording her age as 65 and estimating her year of birth as 1836.
  8. [S1812] Patrick Hume, "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)", received by LHB on 17 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)."
  9. [S1827] E-mail messages exchanged between Patrick Hume at e-mail address and LHB, on multiple dates. Hereinafter cited as "Rorke/O'Rorke Researcher Patrick Hume Email Messages."
  10. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Owen and Margaret Rorke, house# 4 in Cloonyquin, Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Roscommon/…, recording her age as 80 and estimating her year of birth as 1831.
  11. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 8 April 1874 of the birth of Margaret Mary Rorke, daughter of Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, a farmer, and Margaret McDermott, born on 24 March 1874 in Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…

Patrick Charles Rorke1

b. 5 December 1892, d. 23 August 1918
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*James Rorke1 b. 20 Mar 1864, d. 7 Jan 1920
Mother*Annie White1 b. 1859, d. 8 Aug 1894
Birth*5 December 1892Patrick Charles Rorke was born on 5 December 1892 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
(Son) Death8 August 1894Patrick's mother died on 8 August 1894 at age 35, leaving her husband a widower with 6 young children. Patrick was 20 months old.2 
(Son) Life Changing EventLife changed dramatically for the Rorke family after the death of the children's mother. Their father James would immigrate to America without any of his children within two years, probably leaving at least the younger of the children with various relatives. Annie, then about age 13, was sent to a convent boarding school in Limerick County and became Annie O'Rourke. The brothers, Timothy, Michael, James, Patrick and Joseph, were also scattered about Ireland. The three oldest, Timothy, Michael and James, who were ages 8, 6 and 5, respectively, when their father left Ireland, would be sent to an industrial boarding school in County Galway. We have yet to find Patrick in the 1901 census, and don't know where he spent his youngest years. Joseph, who was about 2 years old when their father left Ireland, lived with his aunt and uncle Margaret and Owen Farmer.3,4 
Emigration*24 September 1908Rorke brothers Patrick, who was age 16, and Joseph, who was age 14, emigrated from Ireland sailing from Queenstown, County Cork, on 24 September 1908 on the ship Adriatic. They were headed to New York City to join their father.5 
Immigration*1 October 1908When Patrick and Joseph F. O'Rorke arrived in New York City, New York, on 1 October 1908, immigration officials changed the spelling of their surname from "Rorke" to "O'Rorke". Both boys were recorded with "scholar" as their occupations.6 
(Son) Census State NY 19151 June 1915Patrick appeared with his father and two of his brothers, Thady and Joseph, on the 1915 New York state census taken as of 1 June 1915 at 137 East 29th Street, New York City. Their surname was spelled "O'Rourke" and they were boarders in the house of Bella Mullen. Patrick was 21 years of age, in the United States for 8 years, a citizen of the country with an occupation as an express __?__.7 
Description*When he was 24 years old, Patrick was described as tall and slender with blue eyes and light hair.8 
Draft Registration*5 June 1917Patrick's World War I Draft Registration Card was completed on 5 June 1917 at Precinct 25 in New York City by the registrar who spelled his surname "Orourke". Patrick's signature on the card read "Patrick C. O'Rorke". He had been born in County Roscommon, Ireland, was 24 years of age and his date of birth was 5 December 1892. He was a naturalized citizen of the United States and his home address was 144 East 28th Street, New York City. ("106 E. 101" was written in small print beneath his address without additional information or explanation.) Patrick worked as a conductor for the 5th Avenue Coach Company at 10 East 102nd Street. He claimed an exemption from service because his father was solely dependent on him for his support.8,9 
World War I*29 September 1917Patrick was inducted into the Army on 29 September 1917 and served in the first World War with Company C of the 302nd Engineer Regiment, 77th Infantry Division. He was a Private until 10 March 1918 when he was promoted to Wagoner, and then sent overseas on 29 March 1918.9,10 
Death*23 August 1918He died in France on 23 August 1918 of wounds received in action at age 25. His father, who shared his son's home address of 144 East 28th Street, New York City, was notified of his death.9,10 
Burial*He was memorialized in the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery and Memorial, Fere-en-Tardenois, Aisne, Picardie, France.10,11 

Citations

  1. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 17 June 1893 of the birth of Patrick Charles Rorke, son of James Rorke, a shopkeeper, and Annie Kelly (her former married name, not her maiden name), born on 5 December 1892 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  2. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 11 August 1894 of the uncertified death of Anne Rorke, age 35, a shopkeeper's wife, of Tulsk, County Roscommon who died on 8 August 1894 at Tulsk of peritonitis for 2 days, her widower, James Rorke, present at her death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  3. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, St. Mary's Convent, Sisters of Mercy, house# 15 in Convent Street, Limerick No. 2 Urban, County Limerick, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Limerick/…, Annie O'Rourke, Sister of Mercy, age 26, born County Roscommon, page 4. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
  4. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, St. Catherine's Convent Boarding School, house# 1.2 in Knockane, Newcastle, County Limerick, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Limerick/…, Annie O'Rourke, age 15, born County Roscommon, pupil. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  5. [S1799] UK Outward Passenger Lists 1890-1960, online at www.ancestry.com, Patrick Rorke, age 16, and Joseph Rorke, age 14, ship Adriatic, sailed from Queenstown on 24 September 1908 with same ticket number of 16994. Hereinafter cited as UK Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
  6. [S1791] New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957, online at www.ancestry.com, Patrick O'Rorke, age 16, scholar, and Joseph O'Rorke, age 14, scholar, on ship Adriatic, arrived in New York City from Queenstown, Ireland on 1 October 1908. Hereinafter cited as New York, Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
  7. [S1800] 1915 New York State Census, online at www.ancestry.com, Household of Bella Mullen, New York State Archives; Albany, New York; State Population Census Schedules, 1915; Election District: 11; Assembly District: 14; City: New York; County: New York; Page: 20. Hereinafter cited as 1915 New York State Census.
  8. [S223] U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, online at www.ancestry.com, signed by Patrick C. O'Rorke, although registrar, who wrote the information, spelled his name as Patrick C. Orourck, and Ancestry.com indexed him as Patrick C "Orourke Or O'Rorke". Hereinafter cited as WWI Draft Registration, 1917-1918.
  9. [S1797] New York, Abstracts of World War I Military Service, 1917-1919, online at www.ancestry.com, Patrick C. O'Rorke, Army serial number 1,717,188, residence 144 East 28th Street, New York City. Hereinafter cited as New York, Abstracts of World War I Military Service, 1917-1919.
  10. [S1798] WWI, WWII, and Korean War Casualty Listings, online at www.ancestry.com, Patrick C. O'Rorke of New York, U.S. Army 302nd Engineer Regiment, 77th Infantry Division, died 23 August 1918 in France; World War I Honor Roll. Hereinafter cited as WWI, WWII, and Korean War Casualty Listings.
  11. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, WAGR Patrick C. O'Rorke, Memorial# 56639489
    . Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.

Patrick Francis Rorke1,2

b. 1862, d. 9 March 1908
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Thady Rorke1 b. 1830, d. 28 Apr 1880
Mother*Maria Forde1 b. 1840, d. 1890
Birth*1862Patrick Francis Rorke was born in 1862 in Elphin, County Roscommon, Ireland.1 
(Son) Will26 January 1880Patrick's father prepared his will dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon, and named his wife Maria, his sons John Joseph, Timothy, Michael, Patrick, James and Joseph, and his granddaughter, "Eleanor" Farmer of Newtown, as her name was written in the District Registry's copy of the will. Her name was actually Ellen Mary Farmer. He named his wife's brother, John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, his brother Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and his son-in-law Owen Farmer of Newtown, as his Joint Trustees and Executors.

Finding this will was exciting and we are very grateful to Patrick Hume, a Thady Rorke descendant, for his expertise in reading and transcribing our initial copy. His knowledge of this early Rorke family, and also of Ireland generally, has been especially helpful to us. So, thank you, Patrick!

The District Registry's copy of Thady's will was prepared without paragraphs, so we have taken the liberty of separating the thoughts where we thought appropriate for ease of reading. We have also modified some place names to their current spellings, but have not modified any other spellings that we are aware of, and we've made only minor punctuation adjustments. Our transcription of the registry's copy follows:

In the Name of God Amen.

I Thady Rorke of Camogue do make this my last Will and Testament, Revoking all others that "has" been made by me.

I will to my son John Joseph Rorke the sum of Five pounds sterling.

I will to my son Timothy Rorke the sum of One Hundred pounds sterling together with the lands of Farranawillin which I hold under lease.

I will to my son Michael Rorke the sum of Two Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Cloonglasny beg.

I will my son Patrick Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Lettreen.

Note: in the next sentence of the will, the name “John” was crossed out, so the bequest was intended to read: “I will to my son Joseph Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling.”

The remaining portion of all my assets in monies, live stock and crops together with a Policy of Insurance on my own life for five hundred and odd pounds on the Alliance Office Castlerea, per Receipts and Account in my Cash Book, I will to my son James Rorke after paying the aforesaid bequests, Rents, Taxes, Funeral expenses and all other just debts due by me together with Ten pounds which I will to my granddaughter Eleanor(sic) Farmer of Newtown and Five pounds to my respected Parish Priest and Curate for Masses to be offered up for the eternal repose of my poor soul.

I will and direct that my wife Maria Rorke shall get the Annual allowance of Fifteen pounds sterling, for her support and maintenance during her natural life, together with the Room she now sleeps in, to be charged on the lands of Camogue.

It is my will and wish that none of my household furniture or farming implements be sold by Auction, but kept here for the use and benefit of this place.

But it is my will that all my other assets and effects shall be Auctioned and disposed of at a Suitable Season of the year. The monies to be secured and converted to the best purpose for each member of my family, according to the forgoing will, by my Trustees and Executors.

I give and devise to John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin and Owen Farmer of Newtown, the house, offices and lands of Camogue, leased and released as I now hold them, in trust for my son James Rorke until he reaches the age of twenty-five years, when I will that he then get into legal possession, provided he is in sound health and always guided by my Executors. Should he die before he reaches that age, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Patrick Rorke, and should neither of them survive the age of twenty-five years, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Joseph Rorke.

I give and devise to my Trustees and Executors the lands of Mullygollan and Toneragh, if they think it prudent to hold them, in trust for maintenance, clothing and education of Patrick Rorke, James Rorke and Joseph Rorke.

I also will that the profit made out of the lands of Camogue, until my son James attain the age of Twenty-Five years, shall also go to the support, clothing and education of the aforesaid Patrick, James and Joseph Rorke. The balance of profit, if any, to be divided share and share alike on them.

I hope my good friends through life, Christopher French Esq., Arthur St. George French Esq., both of Cloonyquin, and Patrick Taaffe Esq. of Foxborough, will never see an injustice done to any of my family.

I hereby appoint John Forde of Rockmount, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and Owen Farmer of Newtown as Joint Trustees and Executors of this, my Last Will and Testament.

There is a sum of one hundred pounds sterling due me by George S. O’Connor Esq. and Henry Smyth Esq. both now of Hollywell, to be allowed out of last year’s rent of Mullygollan and Toneragh. (per agreement on Stamped paper)

Agreed published and declared by the Testator as his last Will and Testament in our presence, who in his presence and in the presence of each other, have attached our names as witnesses.

Codicil: The one hundred pounds which I have willed to my Son Timothy in the body of the Will is null and void, as I have signed a bill for him for like amount which should be paid out of my means.

Dated this 26 January 1880 Eighty… and the Will was signed by Thady Rorke

Signing as witnesses were Thomas Feeney and Edward Flanagan.3,4,5 
(Brother) Marriage28 July 1884Patrick signed as a witness to the marriage of his brother James and Annie (White) Kelly on 28 July 1884 in the Roman Catholic Chapel of Tulsk, County Roscommon.6,7 
(Brother) Census Ireland 19011901He was enumerated as Patrick F. Rorke, and appeared as a visitor, on the 1901 census in the household of his brother, Michael Rorke, in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, Ireland. He was recorded as 35 years of age and a commercial traveler. He could read and write and spoke both English and Irish.8 
Residence*He lived in Hillstreet, Drumsna, County Roscommon.1 
Death*9 March 1908He died a bachelor on 9 March 1908 of cardiac disease of two years duration in Toomore, County Roscommon, at age 45.1,2 

Citations

  1. [S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address); . Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."
  2. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 30 April 1908 of the certified death of Patrick Francis Rorke, bachelor, age 45, a publican, of Toomore, County Roscommon, who died at home on 9 March 1908 of cardiac disease of 2 years, with Patrick Brady present at his death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  3. [S1654] Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, will of Thady Rorke dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon at https://search.findmypast.com/record. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920.
  4. [S1812] Patrick Hume, "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)", received by LHB on 17 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)."
  5. [S1827] E-mail messages exchanged between Patrick Hume at e-mail address and LHB, on multiple dates. Hereinafter cited as "Rorke/O'Rorke Researcher Patrick Hume Email Messages."
  6. [S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1."
  7. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration of the Roman Catholic marriage of James Rorke, a minor bachelor farmer of Camogue, County Roscommon, son of Thady Rorke, a farmer, and Annie Kelly otherwise White, a full age widow of Tulsk, County Roscommon, daughter of Michael White, a farmer, on 28 July 1884 at the Roman Catholic Chapel of Tulsk, and witnessed by Patrick Rorke and Jane Kelly, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  8. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Michael and Mary Rorke, House#5 in Lissadorn, Creeve, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.

Pauline Rorke1

b. 14 December 1886
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Michael Rorke2 b. 10 Jan 1857, d. 7 Feb 1917
Mother*Mary Ellen Dillon2 b. 1858, d. 25 Sep 1942
Birth*14 December 1886She was born on 14 December 1886 at Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, Ireland, and her name was registered as Paulina Rorke.2 
(Daughter) Census Ireland 19011901She was enumerated as Pauline and appeared on the 1901 census in the household of her parents in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, Ireland. She was recorded as 13 years old, and her occupation was "scholar". She could read and write, and spoke both English and Irish.1 
(Niece) Census Ireland 19111911She appeared on the 1911 census as Pauline O'Rorke in the household of her uncle, Thomas Gerald Dillon, in House# 1, Coolmeen, County Roscommon. She was 23 years of age, single and could read and write.3 

Citations

  1. [S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Michael and Mary Rorke, House#5 in Lissadorn, Creeve, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
  2. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 30 December 1886 of the birth of Paulina Rorke, daughter of Michael Rorke, a farmer, and Mary Ellen Dillon, born on 14 December 1886 in Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, viewed at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  3. [S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, Household of Thomas Gerald Dillon, House#1 in Coolmeen, Fuerty, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.

Thady Rorke1

b. 1830, d. 28 April 1880
Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Father*Timothy Rorke2
Mother*Margaret ______2
Birth*1830Thady Rorke was born about 1830 in Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, Ireland.3,2 
Relationship Note*Thady and Owen Rorke were brothers.4,5,2 
Marriage*13 May 1849He married first Eleanor Boyd, daughter of Douglas Boyd and Eleanor Early, on 13 May 1849 in Parish of Killucan and Ballinameen, Ballinameen, County Roscommon.6,2,7 
Religion*The Rorke family's religion was Roman Catholic.8 
(Husband) Death1 March 1858Thady became a widower with five young children, all under the age of 6, when Eleanor (Boyd) Rorke died on 1 March 1858 at about age 27.2 
Marriage*7 February 1861He married second Maria Forde on 7 February 1861 in Croghan, County Roscommon.9,10 
Will26 January 1880Thady prepared his will dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon, and named his wife Maria, sons John Joseph, Timothy, Michael, Patrick, James and Joseph, and his granddaughter, "Eleanor" Farmer of Newtown, as her name was written in the District Registry's copy of the will. Her name was actually Ellen Mary Farmer. He named his wife's brother, John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, his brother Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and his son-in-law Owen Farmer of Newtown, as his Joint Trustees and Executors.

Finding this will was exciting and we are very grateful to Patrick Hume, a Thady Rorke descendant, for his expertise in reading and transcribing our initial copy. His knowledge of this early Rorke family, and also of Ireland generally, has been especially helpful to us. So, thank you, Patrick!

The District Registry's copy of Thady's will was prepared without paragraphs, so we have taken the liberty of separating the thoughts where we thought appropriate for ease of reading. We have also modified some place names to their current spellings, but have not modified any other spellings that we are aware of, and we've made only minor punctuation adjustments. Our transcription of the registry's copy follows:

In the Name of God Amen.

I Thady Rorke of Camogue do make this my last Will and Testament, Revoking all others that "has" been made by me.

I will to my son John Joseph Rorke the sum of Five pounds sterling.

I will to my son Timothy Rorke the sum of One Hundred pounds sterling together with the lands of Farranawillin which I hold under lease.

I will to my son Michael Rorke the sum of Two Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Cloonglasny beg.

I will my son Patrick Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling together with the Farm of Lettreen.

Note: in the next sentence of the will, the name “John” was crossed out, so the bequest was intended to read: “I will to my son Joseph Rorke the sum of Three Hundred pounds sterling.”

The remaining portion of all my assets in monies, live stock and crops together with a Policy of Insurance on my own life for five hundred and odd pounds on the Alliance Office Castlerea, per Receipts and Account in my Cash Book, I will to my son James Rorke after paying the aforesaid bequests, Rents, Taxes, Funeral expenses and all other just debts due by me together with Ten pounds which I will to my granddaughter Eleanor(sic) Farmer of Newtown and Five pounds to my respected Parish Priest and Curate for Masses to be offered up for the eternal repose of my poor soul.

I will and direct that my wife Maria Rorke shall get the Annual allowance of Fifteen pounds sterling, for her support and maintenance during her natural life, together with the Room she now sleeps in, to be charged on the lands of Camogue.

It is my will and wish that none of my household furniture or farming implements be sold by Auction, but kept here for the use and benefit of this place.

But it is my will that all my other assets and effects shall be Auctioned and disposed of at a Suitable Season of the year. The monies to be secured and converted to the best purpose for each member of my family, according to the forgoing will, by my Trustees and Executors.

I give and devise to John Forde of Rockmount, Croghan, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin and Owen Farmer of Newtown, the house, offices and lands of Camogue, leased and released as I now hold them, in trust for my son James Rorke until he reaches the age of twenty-five years, when I will that he then get into legal possession, provided he is in sound health and always guided by my Executors. Should he die before he reaches that age, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Patrick Rorke, and should neither of them survive the age of twenty-five years, I will and devise the aforesaid house, offices and lands of Camogue to my son Joseph Rorke.

I give and devise to my Trustees and Executors the lands of Mullygollan and Toneragh, if they think it prudent to hold them, in trust for maintenance, clothing and education of Patrick Rorke, James Rorke and Joseph Rorke.

I also will that the profit made out of the lands of Camogue, until my son James attain the age of Twenty-Five years, shall also go to the support, clothing and education of the aforesaid Patrick, James and Joseph Rorke. The balance of profit, if any, to be divided share and share alike on them.

I hope my good friends through life, Christopher French Esq., Arthur St. George French Esq., both of Cloonyquin, and Patrick Taaffe Esq. of Foxborough, will never see an injustice done to any of my family.

I hereby appoint John Forde of Rockmount, Owen Rorke of Cloonyquin, and Owen Farmer of Newtown as Joint Trustees and Executors of this, my Last Will and Testament.

There is a sum of one hundred pounds sterling due me by George S. O’Connor Esq. and Henry Smyth Esq. both now of Hollywell, to be allowed out of last year’s rent of Mullygollan and Toneragh. (per agreement on Stamped paper)

Agreed published and declared by the Testator as his last Will and Testament in our presence, who in his presence and in the presence of each other, have attached our names as witnesses.

Codicil: The one hundred pounds which I have willed to my Son Timothy in the body of the Will is null and void, as I have signed a bill for him for like amount which should be paid out of my means.

Dated this 26 January 1880 Eighty… and the Will was signed by Thady Rorke

Signing as witnesses were Thomas Feeney and Edward Flanagan.4,11,12 
Death*28 April 1880He died of scleras (scleritis?) of one month duration on 28 April 1880 in Camogue, County Roscommon, at age 50. His son Michael was present at his death.1,13,2,14 
Probate*16 April 1881His will was probated on 16 April 1881 at Tuam, County Galway, by John Forde of Rockmount and Thady's son-in-law Owen Farmer of Newtown, Ballnaheglish, both in County Roscommon, gentlemen, two of Thady's Executors. His effects were valued at under £1,500.1 

Family 1

 Eleanor Boyd b. 1831, d. 1 Mar 1858
Children 1.John Joseph Rorke6 b. Apr 1852
 2.Timothy Rorke+2 b. Apr 1853, d. 22 Sep 1925
 3.Margaret Rorke+2 b. 1854, d. 29 Feb 1912
 4.Eleanor Rorke2 b. 25 Oct 1855, d. 7 Sep 1898
 5.Michael Rorke+6 b. 10 Jan 1857, d. 7 Feb 1917

Family 2

 Maria Forde b. 1840, d. 1890
Children 1.Patrick Francis Rorke14 b. 1862, d. 9 Mar 1908
 2.James Rorke+14 b. 20 Mar 1864, d. 7 Jan 1920
 3.Joseph Rorke+14 b. 16 Jun 1865, d. 1895

Citations

  1. [S1638] Ireland Calendars of Wills & Administrations 1858-1920 Transcription, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, page 593, 1881 probate of Thady Rorke, died 28 April 1880 in County Roscommon, referencing http://www.willcalendars.nationalarchives.ie/reels/cwa/…. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Calendars of Wills & Administrations 1858-1920 Transcription.
  2. [S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1."
  3. [S1776] Transcriptions of Irish Deaths 1864 - 1958, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, registration of the death of Thaddeus Rorke, age 50, born about 1830, registered during the April-June Quarter of 1880 at Strokestown, County Roscommon, Volume 3, page 334. Hereinafter cited as Transcriptions of Irish Deaths 1864 - 1958.
  4. [S1654] Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, will of Thady Rorke dated 26 January 1880 at Camogue, County Roscommon at https://search.findmypast.com/record. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Original Will Registers, 1858-1920.
  5. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration in the district of Elphin, County Roscommon of the Roman Catholic marriage of Owen Rorke, full age, bachelor, farmer of Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, son of Tim Rorke, farmer, and Margaret (McDermott) Murray, full age, widow, of Carrowmore, County Roscommon, daughter of Hugh McDermott, deceased, farmer, on 9 September 1872 in the Roman Catholic Chapel of Elphin, County Roscommon, witnessed by John Rorke and Mary Slevin; viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
  6. [S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", dated 21 June 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address); page 1 of 23. Hereinafter cited as "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families."
  7. [S1749] Ireland, Select Marriages, 1619-1898, online at www.ancestry.com, Roman Catholic marriage of Thadeum Roarke and Eleonoram Boyd on 13 May 1849 in Killucan and Ballinameen, County Roscommon, Ireland, referencing FHL Film# 989741, Reference ID: 2:2D4WKN3, and we note that prior to 1859, parishioners of Ballinameen were recorded in the Killucan Parish. Hereinafter cited as Ireland, Select Marriages, 1619-1898.
  8. [S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", page 1 of 23, quoting the reply he received from Queen's College Galway in 2008 regarding John Joseph Rorke/O'Rorke which included the information that John's religion was Roman Catholic.
  9. [S1775] Ireland Marriages, 1619-1898, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, transcription details for the marriage of Thadeum Roark and Mariam Forde on 7 February 1861 in Croghan, Killukin (Boyle Barony), Roscommon, Ireland. Hereinafter cited as Ireland Marriages, 1619-1898.
  10. [S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address); reporting the date of their marriage as 9 February 1861. Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."
  11. [S1812] Patrick Hume, "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)", received by LHB on 17 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Thady Rorke Last Will 1880 (transcription with comments and notes)."
  12. [S1827] E-mail messages exchanged between Patrick Hume at e-mail address and LHB, on multiple dates. Hereinafter cited as "Rorke/O'Rorke Researcher Patrick Hume Email Messages."
  13. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration on 26 May 1880 of the certified death of Thaddeus Rorke, married, age 50, farmer of Camogue, County Roscommon, who died there on 28 April 1880 of scleras of 1 month, with Michael Rorke present at his death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
  14. [S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."

Timothy Rorke1

Family
ChartsDescendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke
Marriage*He married Margaret ______.1 

Family 1

 Margaret ______
Child 1.Thady Rorke+1 b. 1830, d. 28 Apr 1880

Family 2
Child 1.Owen Rorke+2 b. bt 1837 - 1842, d. 16 Apr 1916

Citations

  1. [S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", received by LHB on 7 July 2019. (The author may be contacted at e-mail address). Hereinafter cited as "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1."
  2. [S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Registration in the district of Elphin, County Roscommon of the Roman Catholic marriage of Owen Rorke, full age, bachelor, farmer of Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, son of Tim Rorke, farmer, and Margaret (McDermott) Murray, full age, widow, of Carrowmore, County Roscommon, daughter of Hugh McDermott, deceased, farmer, on 9 September 1872 in the Roman Catholic Chapel of Elphin, County Roscommon, witnessed by John Rorke and Mary Slevin; viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.