Capetown Assault with intent to murder

[Nookie]

Perhaps he was feeling as frustrated as we all are here regarding the lack of postal deliveries    I think there are a number of South Africans who would gladly do the same!

I am amazed that you actually received the information - we are still waiting for post dating back to August.

Will see what I can find out.

[km1971]

Regimental number: 15,  Private Michael Rourke of the 87th Foot awarded Indian Mutiny medal. Notes says he was discharged 9th April 1861.

Another record says the medal was returned (to the Medal Office, reason – man discharged)

Ken

[rusted]

Thanks for that information Ken.
We knew he would have been eligable for the Indian Mutiny Medal, also a medal for Canton in China after that. But its nice to get his discharge date and that he didn't get the medal. Reading the history of the unit and fitting it with his timeline things don't often add up, most histories dont have the unit in China after India for example, but the 1861 Census included the military who were in Canton and they were there for sure.

Rusted

[Ina K]

Hi, were his parents Michael and Sara Rorke? If so found a baptism of Mary Ann Rorke 30 th October 1830 Fort Beaufort, occupation of the father listed as Segt.Mayor of the Mounted Riffel Corps.
regards, Ina

[rusted]

Thanks Ina
From his death certificate his Father is certainly Michael Rourke, No mothers name. He was born in Kilkenny. His diary says born in St Marys parish Kilkenny.
We have not been able to find a trace of him there though so having a military father could perhaps explain why he was so elusive. We haven't found any siblings, but I think we may eventually find a herd of them.
What record have you found with Mary Anns birth? It sounds intriguing. Mary Ann seems to be a fairly common family name, though Michael Johns wife was also Mary Ann so that could be why as well.
Lastly where is Fort Beaufort?
It is very strange to know so much about one person after a particular date, 1857 when he went to the Indian Mutiny, yet he is a blank before then.
Thanks for your help.
Rusted

[rusted]

Google is your friend isn't it?
I found Fort Beaufort, I wonder if that may be why he settled in South Africa, he may have been born in Kilkenny but had family ties in South Africa, not just a sweetheart.

[km1971]

I have two sources that have them in China after India. One says Hong Kong. The other says they were there for almost a year. They arrived back in Dublin in July 1861. They did not take part in the China War.

South Africa had a number of Mounted Rifle Corps. Usually named after a town or district. You should ask on the South Africa section.

Ken

[Ina K]

Here is the link, don't know if it is his family, if you say he was born in Kilkenny? There is also a Thomas James baptised 25 th March 1832 also Fort Beaufort - Eastern Cape.
https://familysearch.org/search/record/results?count=20&query=%2Bgivenname%3Amichael~%20%2Bsurname%3Arorke~%20%2Brecord_country%3A%22South%20Africa%22
What year was Michael Rourke born do you know?

..Ina..

[Ina K]

Another link to a site in South Africa.. It is a paid member service only but I heard it is only 30 US dollars for a month with unlimited access.
South African Death Records.
http://www.identitynumber.org/death-notices-results.php?surname

..Ina..