Thanks for that Nookie, at least we now know where the Archives stuff is then, Oh well.
An outline of what documentation we do have, its quite a lot of his personal paperwork.
It gives a really good idea of some of his life.
The Bearer Corp J Rourke came on from England to India in /57 in a detachment under my charge. I have known him since in the regiment and consider him to be a good man. He has been drill instructor to the Regt. for some time. FF Devereux. Leut 87 Regt Royal Irish Fusiliers.
1861 he appears on the Census in Canton China with the regt
28 Mar 1861. A reference from Cap J R Todd of 10th Co 87th Reg Royal Irish Fusiliers, Written on the ship Bosphorus stating that Michael Rourke had served in his company for 5 years and was a sturdy, intelligent man and would recommend him for any employment.
13 Aug 1861 Extract from the marriage register at St Marys RC cathedral, Cape Town. Marriage to Mary Kilday, witnesses Michael Moran, Margaret Neil. purchased 11 Mar 1897
28 Dec 1862 a page in his diary. The Captains Ball Port Elizabeth.
5 Shillings to Pay, Men put up tent, Wagon 1 pound, 11/2 gallons Brandy, 1 cask sherry, 1 old wine, 14 dozen beer, 6 Lemonade, 6 lemons, 3 Ginger beer.
Oct 5 1863 reference from ???Pauling Resident Engineer of Cape Town Railway & dock company.
I have known Michael Rourke of the Police Force for the past 18 months. etc.
16 Oct 1863 letter to the Chairman and directors of the Standard Bank recommending Michael John Rourke Police Sergeant I think for a position as messenger, from R Johnson Dutton ,with R J Duttons titles but they are unreadable.
10 Jul 1864 Baptism cert St Marys Cape Town for son Michael John Rourke born 5 Jul 1864.
10 Apr 1865 Cape Town, reference by R Gibson Lieut Col. late adjutant 87th Fusiliers.
27 Aug 1867 reference from the late Post Master General J A H Sawer (hard to read) stating that Michael John Rourke was employed from 7 Jan 1863 to 15 Oct 1866 as a messenger and was of exemplary character etc.
I think this character reference and the Oct 1866 end of his service could possibly have something to do with the intent to murder charge.
Aug 1867. Character reference from W W Balls Lt Commanding No2 Company, Cape Volunteer Rifles for Sgt Major Rourke.
Died Jul 1875 Cape Town age 41
As you can see we know so much about him, yet he is our brick wall, we just can't get past his Army days to anything earlier.
Later family documentation says he was born in St Marys Parish Kilkenny but a post on the Kilkenny board some months ago has had no replies. Lets hope the documentation from Cape Town Archives will give us something. We have ordered a copy of everything we could find.
Rusted