Genealogy Brick Walls

Hilda Mary Rorke¹

b. 15 February 1898

Family

Charts

Descendants 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 1898

Hilda Mary Rorke was born on 15 February 1898 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

(Daughter) Census Ireland 1901

1901

Hilda was enumerated on the 1901 census taken as of the night of 1901 in the household of her parents on Lissadorn, County Roscommon. She was 3 years old, and her occupation was "infant". She could not yet write.²

(Daughter) Census Ireland 1911

1911

She 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 1918

She 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

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[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.
[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.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, marriage 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

Charts

Descendants 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 1873

Hubert Rorke was born on 1 June 1873 in Rathcave, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

Name Variation

He was called Hugh.²

(Son) Census Ireland 1901

1901

Hugh 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

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[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

Charts

Descendants 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 1864

James Rorke was born on 20 March 1864 in Camogue, County Roscommon, Ireland.^2,3

(Son) Will

26 January 1880

James'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 1884

He 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) Death

8 August 1894

James 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 1896

James 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 1896

James 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 1900

7 June 1900

James 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, 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) Immigration

25 August 1904

His 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

Residence

June 1908

James 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) Immigration

13 June 1908

James 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) Immigration

1 October 1908

His 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 1910

James 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, Ward 18, Manhattan, 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 1915

James 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 Registration

5 June 1917

When 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) Death

16 July 1918

As 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) Death

23 August 1918

As 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 1920

James never remarried and died on 7 January 1920 at 552 West 160th Street, New York City, at age 55^26,25

Burial*

10 January 1920

and was buried on 10 January 1920 in Old St. Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, New York City, 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

[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."
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2", noting his birth place as Elphin, which was the District of registration.
[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.
[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)."
[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."
[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."
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, marriage registration of the Roman Catholic marriage of James Rorke, 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/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death 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/…
[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.
[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.
[S1799] UK and Ireland, 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 and Ireland, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
[S1791] New York, U.S. Arriving 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, U.S. Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
[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 United States Federal Census.
[S1791] New York, U.S. Arriving 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.
[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.
[S1791] New York, U.S. Arriving 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.
[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 United States Federal Census.
[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.
[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 U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", estimating his death between 1914-1918 in New York.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…

James Patrick Rorke¹

b. 6 December 1890, d. 13 June 1903

Family

Charts

Descendants 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 1890

James Patrick Rorke was born on 6 December 1890 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

(Son) Death

8 August 1894

James'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 Event

Life 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 Variation

On 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 1901

31 March 1901

Three 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 1903

He 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

Burial

He was buried as James Rorke in the Letterfrack Industrial School Graveyard, Letterfrack, County Galway.⁷ $JAMES RORKE DIED 19-6-1903 Letterfrack Industrial School Graveyard Letterfrack, Gounty Galway, Ireland$

Citations

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death 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/…
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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/…
[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

Charts

Descendants 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 1894

John Charles Rorke was born on 6 October 1894 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

(Son) Census Ireland 1901

1901

John was enumerated on the 1901 census taken as of the night of 1901 in the household of his parents on 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 1911

1911

He 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) Marriage

11 April 1923

John 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 1961

John 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*

1969

John was living at 70 Tritonville Road, Sandymount, Dublin, before his death in 1969.⁶

Death*

10 December 1969

He died on 10 December 1969 in Dublin at age 75.⁶

Probate*

6 July 1970

His estate was probated on 6 July 1970 in London, and the value of his effects in England was £24,981.⁶

Citations

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[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.
[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.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, marriage 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/…
[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).
[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

Charts

Descendants 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 Wall

John 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 1852

He 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) Religion

The Rorke family's religion was Roman Catholic.⁷

(Son) Death

1 March 1858

John 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) Marriage

7 February 1861

His father married a second time to Maria Forde on 7 February 1861 when John was 8 years old.^8,9

Education

John's early education was at Summerhill Academy, Athlone, County Roscommon.¹⁰

Residence*

1870

His 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 1870

John entered Queen's College Galway, County Galway, Ireland, on 18 October 1870 and was enrolled to study Medicine on 21 October 1870.^12,13

Residence

In 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 1873

So 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

Education

October 1875

His 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) Will

26 January 1880

John 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) Death

28 April 1880

His 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

[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.
[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."
[S1774] Patrick Hume, "Hinds and Lynch Birmingham Families", pages 1 and 2 of 23.
[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."
[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.
[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."
[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.
[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.
[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."
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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)."
[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.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death 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.
[S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."

Joseph Rorke¹

b. 16 June 1865, d. 1895

Family

Charts

Descendants 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 1865

Joseph Rorke was born on 16 June 1865 in Camogue, County Roscommon, Ireland.^3,4

(Son) Will

26 January 1880

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.^5,6,7

(Brother) Marriage

27 July 1881

Joseph 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 1885

He 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 1889

Joseph 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) Immigration

21 September 1895

Joseph'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*

1895

According 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

Timothy Thomas Rorke¹⁴ b. 15 Dec 1885

Mary Ellen Rorke¹⁵ b. 12 Nov 1887

Citations

[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."
[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."
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2", noting his birth place as Elphin, which was the District of registration.
[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.
[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)."
[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."
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, marriage 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/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, marriage 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/…
[S1791] New York, U.S. Arriving 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, U.S. Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
[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.
[S1791] New York, U.S. Arriving 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.
[S1811] UK and Ireland, 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 and Ireland, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…

Joseph Rorke¹

b. 16 July 1894, d. 16 July 1918

Family

Charts

Descendants 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 1894

Joseph Rorke was born on 16 July 1894 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, Ireland.^1,2

(Son) Death

8 August 1894

Joseph'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 Event

(Nephew) Census Ireland 1901

1901

Joseph 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 1908

Rorke 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 1908

When 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 1914

He 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 1915

1 June 1915

Joseph 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 1918

He 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, Département de la Meuse, Lorraine, France.^11,13

Military Award*

23 April 1923

Joseph 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

[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.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death 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/…
[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.
[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.
[S1799] UK and Ireland, 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 and Ireland, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
[S1791] New York, U.S. Arriving 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, U.S. Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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

Charts

Descendants 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 1889

Leonora Marion Rorke was born on 6 December 1889 in Lissadorn, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

(Daughter) Census Ireland 1901

1901

She 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 1911

1911

She 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

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[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.
[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

Charts

Descendants 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*

1854

Margaret Rorke was born in Camogue, County Roscommon, Ireland, probably about 1854.¹

(Daughter) Death

1 March 1858

Margaret 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) Marriage

7 February 1861

Her father married a second time to Maria Forde on 7 February 1861 when Margaret was 6 years old.^2,3

Marriage*

1875

She married Owen Farmer, son of Henry Farmer, about 1875, probably in County Roscommon.¹

Census Ireland 1901*

1901

Margaret 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*

1911

Margaret 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 that she 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 1912

She 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. 1839, d. b 13 Jul 1918
Children	1.	Ellen Mary Farmer^9,10 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 Farmer^4,13 b. 8 Jun 1881
	6.	Henry Joseph Farmer^4,14 b. 29 Mar 1883, d. 8 Mar 1902
	7.	Teresa Mary Farmer^4,15 b. 10 Jul 1885
	8.	Lizzie Josephine Farmer^4,16 b. 23 Mar 1887
	9.	Sarah Mary Farmer^4,17 b. 16 Jul 1889
	10.	Eugene Farmer^4,18 b. 25 Dec 1891
	11.	John Joseph Farmer^4,19 b. 15 May 1894

Citations

[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."
[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.
[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."
[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.
[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.
[S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", reporting her date of death as 29 February 1912 at about age 58.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…

Margaret Mary Rorke¹

b. 24 March 1874

Family

Charts

Descendants 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 1874

Margaret Mary Rorke was born on 24 March 1874 in Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

Citations

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.

Mary Ellen Rorke¹

b. 12 November 1887

Family

Charts

Descendants 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 1887

Mary Ellen Rorke was born on 12 November 1887 in Carrowduff, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

(Daughter) Emigration

15 September 1895

Mary 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) Immigration

21 September 1895

When 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) Emigration

4 February 1896

Mary'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*

1911

She 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

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[S1799] UK and Ireland, 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 and Ireland, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
[S1791] New York, U.S. Arriving 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, U.S. Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
[S1811] UK and Ireland, 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 and Ireland, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960.
[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 Rorke^1,2

b. 10 January 1857, d. 7 February 1917

Family

Charts

Descendants 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 1857

Michael Rorke was born in 10 January 1857 in Camogue, County Roscommon, Ireland.^1,2

(Son) Religion

The Rorke family's religion was Roman Catholic.³

(Son) Death

1 March 1858

Michael 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) Marriage

7 February 1861

His father married a second time to Maria Forde on 7 February 1861 when Michael was 4 years old.^4,5

(Son) Will

26 January 1880

Michael'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) Death

28 April 1880

Michael was present at the death of his father on 28 April 1880 in Camogue, County Roscommon.^9,10,2,11

Marriage*

27 July 1881

He 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) Will

28 January 1895

Flossie 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*

1901

Mary and Michael Rorke were enumerated on the 1901 census taken as of the night of 1901 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*

1911

Michael 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 1917

He 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 1917

Administration 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

[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."
[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."
[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.
[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.
[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."
[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.
[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)."
[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."
[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.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death 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.
[S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, marriage 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/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death 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/…
[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
[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.
[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.
[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.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…

Michael Dillon Rorke¹

b. 24 August 1884, d. 15 December 1961

Family

Charts

Descendants 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 1884

Michael Dillon Rorke was born on 24 August 1884 at Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

Census Ireland 1901*

31 March 1901

He 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*

1911

Michael 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 1911

He was working as a bank clerk in County Kerry when the census was taken on 2 April 1911.⁵

(Brother) Census US 1930

3 May 1930

Was 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 1961

He 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 1962

Probate 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

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[S1793] Web: Ireland, Census, 1911, Ancestry Transcription Notes, online at www.ancestry.com, Michael D Dillon O Rourke, residence date 2 April 1911. Hereinafter cited as Web: Ireland, Census, 1911, Ancestry Transcription Notes.
[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 United States Federal Census.
[S91] 1930 United States 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.
[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).
[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

Charts

Descendants 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 1889

Michael James Rorke was born on 26 September 1889 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

(Son) Death

8 August 1894

Michael'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 Event

Census Ireland 1901*

31 March 1901

Emigration*

18 August 1904

Brothers 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 1904

When 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 1925

He 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, New York City, Bronx County, New York.⁸

Citations

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death 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/…
[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.
[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.
[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/…
[S1799] UK and Ireland, 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 and Ireland, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
[S1791] New York, U.S. Arriving 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, U.S. Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
[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

Charts

Descendants 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 1881

Michael Patrick Rorke was born on 5 February 1881 in Rathcave, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

(Son) Census Ireland 1901

1901

Michael 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

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth of Michael Patrick Rorke on 5 February 1881 in Rathcave, County Roscommon, son of Timothy Rorke, farmer, and Anne McDermott, registered on 12 March 1881 in the registration district of Strokestown, County Roscommon, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[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

Charts

Descendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke

Father*

Timothy Rorke²

Birth*

between 1837 and 1842

Owen 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 1872

He 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) Will

26 January 1880

Owen 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*

1901

Margaret and Owen Rorke were enumerated on the 1901 census taken as of the night of 1901 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*

1911

Margaret and Owen Rorke were enumerated on the 1911 census taken as of the night of 1911 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 1916

He 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

Margaret Mary Rorke¹¹ b. 24 Mar 1874

Citations

[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.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, marriage 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.
[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.
[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.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death 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/…
[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."
[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.
[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)."
[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."
[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.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…

Patrick Charles Rorke¹

b. 5 December 1892, d. 23 August 1918

Family

Charts

Descendants 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 1892

Patrick Charles Rorke was born on 5 December 1892 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

(Son) Death

8 August 1894

Patrick'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 Event

Emigration*

24 September 1908

Immigration*

1 October 1908

When 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 1915

1 June 1915

Patrick 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 1917

Patrick'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 1917

Patrick 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 1918

He 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, Fère-en-Tardenois, Aisne, Picardy, France.^10,11

Citations

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death 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/…
[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.
[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.
[S1799] UK and Ireland, 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 and Ireland, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
[S1791] New York, U.S. Arriving 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, U.S. Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
[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.
[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 U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918.
[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.
[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.
[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 Rorke^1,2

b. 1862, d. 9 March 1908

Family

Charts

Descendants 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*

1862

Patrick Francis Rorke was born in 1862 in Elphin, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

(Son) Will

26 January 1880

Patrick'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) Marriage

28 July 1884

Patrick 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 1901

1901

He 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 1908

He died a bachelor on 9 March 1908 of cardiac disease of two years duration in Toomore, County Roscommon, at age 45.^1,2

Citations

[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."
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death 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.
[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.
[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)."
[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."
[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."
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, marriage registration of the Roman Catholic marriage of James Rorke, 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/…
[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

Charts

Descendants 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 1886

She was born on 14 December 1886 at Frenchbrook, County Roscommon, Ireland, and her name was registered as Paulina Rorke.²

(Daughter) Census Ireland 1901

1901

She 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 1911

1911

She 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

[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.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[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

Charts

Descendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke

Father*

Timothy Rorke²

Mother*

Margaret __?__²

Birth*

1830

Thady 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 1849

He 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) Death

1 March 1858

Thady 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 1861

He married second Maria Forde on 7 February 1861 in Croghan, County Roscommon.^9,10

Will

26 January 1880

Thady 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 1880

He 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 1881

His 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

John Joseph Rorke⁶ b. Apr 1852

Timothy Rorke+² b. Apr 1853, d. 22 Sep 1925

Margaret Rorke+² b. 1854, d. 29 Feb 1912

Eleanor Rorke² b. 25 Oct 1855, d. 7 Sep 1898

Michael Rorke+⁶ b. 10 Jan 1857, d. 7 Feb 1917

Family 2

Maria Forde b. 1840, d. 1890

Children

Patrick Francis Rorke¹⁴ b. 1862, d. 9 Mar 1908

James Rorke+¹⁴ b. 20 Mar 1864, d. 7 Jan 1920

Joseph Rorke+¹⁴ b. 16 Jun 1865, d. 1895

Citations

[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.
[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."
[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.
[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.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, marriage 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.
[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."
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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."
[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)."
[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."
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death 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/…
[S1789] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 2."

Timothy Rorke¹

Family

Charts

Descendants of Timothy Rorke, grandfather of Brick Wall John Joseph Rorke

Marriage*

He married Margaret __?__.¹

Family 1

Margaret __?__

Child

Thady Rorke+¹ b. 1830, d. 28 Apr 1880

Family 2

Child

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

Citations

[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."
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, marriage 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.

Timothy Rorke¹

b. April 1853, d. 22 September 1925

Family

Charts

Descendants 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*

April 1853

Timothy Rorke was born about April 1853 in Camogue, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

(Son) Death

1 March 1858

Timothy was 4 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 6.¹

(Son) Marriage

7 February 1861

His father married a second time to Maria Forde on 7 February 1861 when Timothy was 7 years old.^2,3

Marriage*

20 July 1872

He married, as her second husband, widow Anne (McDermott) Connor, daughter of Hugh McDermott, on 20 July 1872 in the Roman Catholic Chapel of Tulsk, County Roscommon.^1,4

Occupation*

Timothy was a farmer.⁵

(Son) Will

26 January 1880

Timothy'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

Public Service*

1891

Timothy Rorke Esq. Of Camogue, County Roscommon, was listed as Chairman of the Strokestown Union of County Roscommon in the 1894 edition of Thom's Official Directory. Strokestown Union had a population in 1891 of 18,458, 20 Electoral Divisions, and a valuation of £50,765. The Board of Guardians met on Fridays.⁹

Census Ireland 1901*

1901

Anne and Timothy Rorke were enumerated on the 1901 census taken as of the night of 1901 in Camogue, County Roscommon. Timothy was 47 years of age and a farmer, and Annie was 52. The couple lived with their three children in 1901. Hugh j. was 27 and recorded as married, although a wife was not with him, Charles was 23, and Michael P. was 20. Julia Barrett, age 55, was a visitor in the household and Bedelia "Morriss", age 19, was a domestic servant, and also resided with the family in 1901. Everyone in the household could read and write with the exception of Bedelia, who could read only. Everyone spoke English.¹⁰

Census Ireland 1911*

1911

Anne and Timothy Rorke appeared on the 1911 census in Camogue, County Roscommon. Timothy was a farmer, and his age was recorded as 54, although he was actually about 58. Annie's age was 63. The couple had been married for 35 years, and Annie had given birth to four children, three of whom were living. Their son Charles, age 30, lived with his parents in 1911. Also residing with the family in 1911 were Patt McDermott, age 56, a clerk and probable relative of Annie's, and two servants, Bridget Hill, age 25, and Michael Lyall, age 49.¹¹

(Brother) Death

29 February 1912

Timothy was mentioned in the obituary for his sister Margaret that appeared in the Roscommon Messenger on 16 March 1912.^12,13,14

Residence*

Anne and Timothy lived with their family at Boro-View, Camogue, County Roscommon.^5,15,1

(Husband) Death

24 October 1921

Timothy became a widower when Anne McDermott died on 24 October 1921 at about age 73.^15,16

Death*

22 September 1925

He died at Boro-View on 22 September 1925 of a hernia of four months with paralysis at age 72. His son Michael was present at his death and the Informant for the record. He gave his father's age as 71.^1,5

Burial*

He was buried in Tulsk Cemetery, County Roscommon.^1,17

Gravestone Memorial*

Timothy 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 Timothy, himself, and his wife Annie Rorke. A photo of the memorial, with many thanks to Michael Kearney, is available at the camera icon.^18,19,17

Family

Anne McDermott b. 1848, d. 24 Oct 1921

Children

Hubert Rorke²⁰ b. 1 Jun 1873

Helena Mary Rorke²¹ b. 3 Jan 1875, d. 12 Aug 1880

Timothy Charles Rorke²² b. 22 May 1877

Michael Patrick Rorke²³ b. 5 Feb 1881

Citations

[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."
[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.
[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."
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, marriage registration of the Roman Catholic marriage of Timothy Rorke, age 19, a bachelor, farmer of Camogue, County Roscommon, son of Thady Rorke, a grazier, and Anne Connor, alias McDermott, full age, a widow farmer of Rathcave, County Roscommon, daughter of Hugh McDermott, deceased, a farmer, on 20 July 1872 at the Roman Catholic Chapel of Tulsk, and witnessed by John Connor and Jane Rogers, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death registration on 3 October 1925 of the certified death of Timothy Rorke, widower, age 71, a farmer, of Boro-view, who died at home on 22 September 1925 of a hernia of 4 months with paralysis, with his son Michael Rorke present at his death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[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.
[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)."
[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."
[S1790] Thom's Official Directory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, 1894, online at Find My Past, www.findmypast.com, Irish Section, Strokestown Union, County Roscommon. Hereinafter cited as Thom's Official Directory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, 1894.
[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.
[S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, household of Timothy and Anne Rorke, House# 15 in "Cammoge", Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Roscommon/…. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.
[S1786] Patrick Hume, "Family Group for Thaddeus O'Rorke - Wife 1", reporting her date of death as 29 February 1912 at about age 58.
[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.
[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.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death registration on 2 January 1922 of the uncertified death of Anne Rorke, married, age 75, a farmer's wife, of Boro-view, Camogue, who died at home on 24 October 1921 without a medical attendant of old age for a period of one year, with her daughter-in-law Mary Rorke present at her death, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at www.census.nationalarchives.ie, household of Timothy and Anne Rorke, House# 15 in "Cammoge", Cloonyquin, County Roscommon, viewed online at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Roscommon/…
[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, Timothy Rorke, Memorial# 119982020. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
[S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Helena Mary Rorke, Memorial# 119981988, her memorial stone reporting her date of death as 13 August 1880.
[S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Annie Rorke, Memorial# 119982069, reporting her date of death as 25 October 1921.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth registration on 6 June 1877 of the birth of Timothy Charles Rorke, son of Timothy Rorke, a farmer, and Anne McDermott, born on 22 May 1877 in Rathcave, County Roscommon, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth of Michael Patrick Rorke on 5 February 1881 in Rathcave, County Roscommon, son of Timothy Rorke, farmer, and Anne McDermott, registered on 12 March 1881 in the registration district of Strokestown, County Roscommon, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…

Timothy Rorke¹

b. 20 May 1888, d. March 1967

Family

Charts

Descendants 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*

20 May 1888

Timothy Rorke was born on 20 May 1888 in Tulsk, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

(Son) Death

8 August 1894

Timothy's mother died on 8 August 1894 at age 35, leaving her husband a widower with 6 young children. Timothy was 6 years old.²

(Son) Life Changing Event

Name Variation

At school he was called Thady.⁵

Census Ireland 1901*

31 March 1901

Emigration*

18 August 1904

Brothers Timothy and Michael 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 14.⁷

Immigration*

25 August 1904

(Son) Census State NY 1915

1 June 1915

Thady appeared with his father and two of his brothers, Patrick 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. Thady was indexed as "Teddy". He was 26 years of age, in the United States for 10 years, a citizen of the country with an occupation as a bartender.⁹

Description*

May 1917

In May 1917 he was described as slender, of medium height, with gray eyes and brown hair with a tendency to bald.¹⁰

Draft Registration*

5 May 1917

Using his full name of Timothy Patrick O'Rorke, he completed his World War I Draft Registration Card on 5 May 1917. His home address was reported as 544 West 147th Street, New York City. He was 29 years of age, single, a naturalized citizen, and worked as a barkeeper at Thaley's Restaurant, 145th and Broadway, New York City.¹⁰

Marriage*

12 September 1917

He married Marion V. Carthy, daughter of Thomas Carthy and Elizabeth Garray, on 12 September 1917 in Manhattan, New York City. Timothy was 29 years of age and Marion was 24.¹¹

Census US 1920*

20 January 1920

Marion and Timothy O'Rorke appeared on the 1920 census taken on 20 January 1920 at 552 West 160th Street, New York City. Timothy was recorded as 30 years of age, although he was actually 32, and Marion was 27. Timothy's immigration year was 1904 and he was naturalized in 1911. The couple rented their home, and Timothy worked as a salesman for a restaurant. Their new baby, Joseph P., was 3 months old.¹²

Draft Registration

1942

He completed his World War II Draft Registration Card as Timothy Patrick O'Rorke in 1942. He lived at 1071 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York City, and his mailing address was the same. He didn't have a telephone. The person who would always know his address was his wife, Marion O'Rorke, and he worked for Joseph McDonald at 1076 Third Avenue, New York City.¹³

Death*

March 1967

He died in March 1967 in the Bronx, New York City, Bronx County, New York, at age 78.¹⁴

Family

Marion V. Carthy b. Sep 1894

Child

Joseph P. O'Rorke¹² b. Sep 1919

Citations

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, death 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/…
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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/…
[S1799] UK and Ireland, 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 and Ireland, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
[S1791] New York, U.S. Arriving 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, U.S. Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
[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.
[S1803] United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, Timothy Patrick O'Rorke, born 20 May 1888 in County Roscommon, Ireland. Hereinafter cited as United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918.
[S1802] New York, New York City Marriage Records, 1829-1940, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, marriage of Timothy P. O'Rorke and Marion V. Carthy on 12 September 1917 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States, referencing Certificate# 24734, FHL Film# 1642857. Hereinafter cited as New York, New York City Marriage Records, 1829-1940.
[S73] 1920 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Timothy and Marion O'Rorke, Manhattan Assembly District 22, New York, New York; Roll: T625_1226; Page: 34A; Enumeration District: 1482. Hereinafter cited as 1920 United States Federal Census.
[S1805] United States World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, Timothy Patrick O'Rorke, age 54, born 20 May 1888 in Roscommon, Ireland. Hereinafter cited as United States World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942.
[S1804] United States Social Security Death Index, online from the Family History Library, www.familysearch.org, Timothy Ororke, born 20 May 1888, died March 1967, age 79, Bronx, New York. Hereinafter cited as United States Social Security Death Index.

Timothy Charles Rorke¹

b. 22 May 1877

Family

Charts

Descendants 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*

22 May 1877

Timothy Charles Rorke was born on 22 May 1877 in Rathcave, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

Name Variation

He was called Charles.²

(Son) Census Ireland 1901

1901

Charles was enumerated on the 1901 census taken as of the night of 1901 in the household of his parents on Camogue, County Roscommon. He was 23 years of age and his occupation was "farmer's son". He could read and write and spoke English.²

Citations

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth registration on 6 June 1877 of the birth of Timothy Charles Rorke, son of Timothy Rorke, a farmer, and Anne McDermott, born on 22 May 1877 in Rathcave, County Roscommon, viewed online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[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.

Timothy Thomas Rorke¹

b. 15 December 1885

Family

Charts

Descendants 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*

15 December 1885

Timothy Thomas Rorke was born on 15 December 1885 in Lisliddy, County Roscommon, Ireland.¹

(Son) Emigration

15 September 1895

Tim was 8 years old when he emigrated from Ireland with his mother and younger sister, 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

(Son) Immigration

21 September 1895

When 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

(Son) Emigration

4 February 1896

Timothy's father died shortly after Tim, with his mother and sister, arrived in New York City. His 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

(Nephew) Census Ireland 1901

1901

Timothy appeared on the 1901 census in the household of his aunt Margaret McDermott in Carrowduff Upper, County Roscommon, Ireland. He was 16 years old and his occupation was recorded as "scholar."⁵

(Nephew) Census Ireland 1911

1911

Timothy appeared on the 1911 census in the household of his aunt Margaret McDermott in House# 1, Carrowduff Upper, County Roscommon, Ireland. He was single, 25 years of age and worked as a labourer.⁶

Citations

[S1659] IrishGenealogy.ie, online at https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/, Civil Records, birth 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 online at https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/…. Hereinafter cited as IrishGenealogy.ie.
[S1799] UK and Ireland, 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 and Ireland, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.
[S1791] New York, U.S. Arriving 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, U.S. Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957.
[S1811] UK and Ireland, 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 and Ireland, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960.
[S1522] 1901 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, household of Margaret "Mac Dermott", house# 3 in Carrowduff Upper, Carrowduff, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai003845979/. Hereinafter cited as 1901 Ireland Census.
[S1536] 1911 Ireland Census, online at the National Archives of Ireland, www.census.nationalarchives.ie, household of Margaret McDermott, house# 1 in Carrowduff Upper, Carrowduff, County Roscommon, viewed at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai003195961/. Hereinafter cited as 1911 Ireland Census.

Charles Rose¹

b. January 1878, d. 1953

Family

Birth*

January 1878

Charles Rose was born in January 1878 in Pennsylvania.^1,2

Marriage*

6 October 1898

He married Sallie E. Severns on 6 October 1898 in Hatboro, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Charles, son of William E. and Emma Rose, was 21 years of age, a farmer and resident of Davisville, Pennsylvania, and Sallie, daughter of John R. and Ella A. Severns, was 18 years old and residing with her parents in Southampton, Pennsylvania. Her father filed his consent for their marriage.^3,4,1

Census US 1900*

12 June 1900

Sallie and Charles Rose were enumerated on the 1900 census taken on 12 June 1900 in Northampton, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Charles was 22 years of age and working as a farm laborer, and Sallie was 19 years old. They had been married for two years and Sallie had given birth to one child, and they rented their home, which was a house. Their daughter, Emma Elsie, was one year old.²

Census US 1920*

6 January 1920

Sarah and Charles Rose were enumerated on the 1920 census taken on 6 January 1920 on Hampton Street, Southampton, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Charles was 40 years of age and worked as a house carpenter, and Sarah was 37 years of age. They rented their house. Residing with the couple in 1920 were their two sons, two daughters, a son-in-law and a grandson. Their son Frank was 17 years old and working as a printer in a printing office; son Earl was 15 years old and attending school; and daughter Evelyn was 3 years old. Their married Elsie Heaton, who was 20 years old, was with her husband, Raymond Sickles Heaton, who was 22 years of age and a storekeeper in his own general store. Elsie's and Raymond's baby boy, George A. Heaton was three months old.⁵

(Father-in-Law) Census US 1930

3 April 1930

Charles and Sarah (Severns) Rose were enumerated with their younger daughter, Evelyn, on the 1930 census taken on 3 April 1930 in the household of their married daughter and son-in-law, Elsie and Raymond Heaton, at 47 Sylvania Avenue, Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Charles was 52 years of age and a house carpenter, and Sarah was 47 years of age. They had been ages 19 and 16, respectively, when they married. Their daughter, Evelyn, who was also enumerated in the Heaton household, was 13 years old and attending school.⁶

Death*

1953

He died in 1953 at about age 75¹

Burial*

and was buried in Davisville Baptist Church Cemetery, Davisville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.¹

Family

Sarah E. Severns b. Oct 1880, d. 1963

Children

Emma Elsie Rose+^1,7 b. 23 Feb 1899, d. 25 May 1975

Frank Rose⁵ b. 1903

Earl Rose⁵ b. 1905

Evelyn Rose⁵ b. 1917

Citations

[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, Charles Rose, Memorial# 68995931. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
[S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Charles and Sallie Rose, Northampton, Bucks, Pennsylvania; Page: 8; Enumeration District: 0030; FHL microfilm: 1241385. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.
[S1816] Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1852-1968, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage of Charles Rose and Sallie E. Severns on 6 October 1898 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA, referencing Film# 000927187. Hereinafter cited as Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1852-1968.
[S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Sarah (Severns) Rose, Memorial# 68995932.
[S73] 1920 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Charles and Sarah S. Rose, Southampton, Bucks, Pennsylvania; Roll: T625_1543; Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 55. Hereinafter cited as 1920 United States Federal Census.
[S91] 1930 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Raymond and Elsie R. Heaton, Abington, Montgomery, Pennsylvania; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0128; FHL microfilm: 2341818. Hereinafter cited as 1930 United States Federal Census.
[S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Elsie (Rose) Heaton, Memorial# 103127842.

Charlotte Rose¹

b. 6 August 1817, d. 7 February 1897

Family

Birth*

6 August 1817

Charlotte Rose was born on 6 August 1817 in Nicholas County, Virginia.¹

Marriage*

1836

She married William C. Barnett in 1836 in Virginia.^2,1,3

(Wife) Death

18 April 1896

Charlotte became a widow when William C. Barnett died on 18 April 1896 at about age 81.³

Death*

7 February 1897

She died less than one year after her husband on 7 February 1897 in Birch River, Nicholas County, West Virginia, at age 79^1,3

Burial*

and was buried with her husband in Barnette Cemetery, Birch River.^1,3

Family

William C. Barnett b. 1815, d. 18 Apr 1896

Child

Susan Barnett+^2,1,4 b. 15 Sep 1847, d. 1 Jul 1923

Citations

[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, Charlotte (Rose) Barnett, Memorial# 234331721. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
[S1386] West Virginia, U.S., Deaths Index, 1853-1973, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Susan Hines on 1 July 1923 in Braxton County, West Virginia, married, housework, age 72, born about 1851 in Braxton County, Virginia, daughter of William Barnett and Charlotte Rose, both born in Braxton County, Virginia, burial in Skidmore Cemetery, referencing FHL Film# 1953103. Hereinafter cited as West Virginia, U.S., Deaths Index, 1853-1973.
[S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, William C Barnett, Memorial# 234331700.
[S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Susan (Barnett) Hines, Memorial# 117273855.

Earl Rose¹

b. 1905

Family

Father*

Charles Rose¹ b. Jan 1878, d. 1953

Mother*

Sarah E. Severns¹ b. Oct 1880, d. 1963

Birth*

1905

Earl Rose was born about 1905 in Pennsylvania.¹

(Son) Census US 1920

6 January 1920

Earl was enumerated on the 1920 census taken on 6 January 1920 in the household of his parents on Hampton Street, Southampton, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He was 15 years old and attending school.¹

Citations

[S73] 1920 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Charles and Sarah S. Rose, Southampton, Bucks, Pennsylvania; Roll: T625_1543; Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 55. Hereinafter cited as 1920 United States Federal Census.

Elijan Bing Rose¹

b. 1851

Family

Birth*

1851

Elijan Bing Rose was born about 1851 in Virginia.²

Marriage*

1870

He married Malinda Miriam Melvina Dobbins in 1870 in Braxton County, West Virginia.^1,2,3

Family

Malinda Miriam Melvina Dobbins b. 1834

Child

William H. Rose¹ b. 31 Aug 1874

Citations

[S2522] West Virginia, U.S., Births Index, 1804-1938, online at www.ancestry.com, birth of William Henry Rose on 31 August 1874 in Braxton County, West Virginia, son of Elijah Bing Rose and Miriam Melvina Rose, referencing FHL Film# 573797. Hereinafter cited as West Virginia, U.S., Births Index, 1804-1938.
[S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Elijah B. and Miriam Rose, Year: 1880; Census Place: Birch, Braxton, West Virginia; Roll: 1400; Page: 388A; Enumeration District: 006. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
[S1387] West Virginia, Marriages Index, 1785-1971, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage of Malinda M Dobbins and Elijah B Rose in 1870 in Braxton County, West Virginia, United States. Hereinafter cited as West Virginia Marriages Index 1785-1971.