RORKE, John ^{1 3}

   Other names for John were O'ROURK, John,⁴ ROURK, John ^{5 6} and ROURKE, John.⁷

  General Notes:

John was a bricklayer. He lived in the Bothwell parish area from about 1855.

When his son, Patrick, died in 1874, John's occupation was recorded as being that of bricklayer. ^{4 6}

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Census: residence, 1861, Bothwell Parish, Lanarkshire, Scotland. All of the brothers except Francis were listed. John was recorded as aged 20.

John married Isabella WILSON, daughter of William John WILSON and Margaret KEIR, on 27 June 1864 in St Margaret's RC Chapel, Airdrie, Lanarkshire, Scotland.¹ (Isabella WILSON was born about 1845 ¹ and died before 24 October 1872.)

  Marriage Notes:

The marriage was celebrated after banns according to the rites and forms of the Roman Catholic Church. Fr Duncan McNab CC of St Margaret's Airdrie was the celebrant. The witnesses were Charles Clark, who made his X mark, and Mary Ann Tomie.

John Rorke, who made his X mark, was aged 23 years. He was a journeyman bricklayer by occupation and lived at 51 High Street Airdrie. He was unmarried. John's father, Patrick, was deceased.

Isabella Wilson was a power loom weaver aged 19 years. She was of the same address as John and was also single. Her mother, Margaret, was deceased.

The marriage was registered at Airdrie on 27 June 1864, William Taylor signing as registrar. ¹

John next married Bridget DINNAN, daughter of Peter DINNAN and Mary BOYLE, on 24 October 1872 in Mossend, Bothwell Parish, Lanarkshire, Scotland.^{2 3} (Bridget DINNAN was born about 1843 ³.)

  Marriage Notes:

The marriage was celebrated after banns according to the rites and forms of the Roman Catholic Church. Thomas Milne CC was the celebrant. James Dinnan and Mary Dinnan were the witnesses and both made their X mark.

John Rorke was a widower of 31 years. He was a bricklayer journeyman and of Mossend. Both of his parents were deceased.

Bridget Dinnan was a widow aged 29 years and also of Mossend. She made her X mark.

The marriage was registered on 26 October 1872, John Pearson being the signing registrar. ³