Rorke family from Clontuskert, Galway

[nthnyds]

I know that 3 Rorke brothers, sons of James and Julia Rorke of Clontuskert sailed to Cape Town South Africa aboard the vessel "Chatham" in 1823.
Can anyone point me to, or give me the complete passenger list of that voyage, and tell me the embarkation port and date of sailing?

[Bluewaters2812]

Hi there, I have just come upon your post and have joined this forum as a result. I am Len Rorke, a descendent of James & Julia Rorke. I always knew that the Rorke's had emigrated from Ireland to South Africa around the 1820's but did not know which ship they went on or the year it sailed. This is very interesting info you have and I would be grateful if you could say what more you know on the Rorke's. How did you establish the name of the ship they sailed on and the year?

[nthnyds]

Hi,
Not sure where the information on the vessel came from, but most probably from a web site "A Rorke Family Research Project" founded by an American school teacher April Blakeley. I started researching my wife's family in 2005 and found some interesting information on April's site. I have subsequently identified a lot more information, and have been to the ancestral home in County Galway, Eireland.
I have published this, amongst my own family research on our website.
http://ateades.tripod.com/
Unfortunately the majority of the information is concerned with James Rorke, one of five sons of James and Julia. These were, in no particular order, James, Michael, Benjamin, Thomas and John.
Michael, James, and Thomas emigrated to South Africa in 1823, as single persons. Benjamin arrived some time later with his wife, and John stayed in Eireland and took over the farm his parents rented from the Earl of Clancarty.
Have a look at the site and if there is more information you require, I will try and answer your queries.

[Bluewaters2812]

Now that is an interesting reply. I traced April Blakely about 5-6 years ago through my research into my ancestors. It turned out that she is my 5th cousin (that was worked out by my 3rd cousin, who I also traced 5-6 years ago in Zimbabwe). I haven't been doing much on the Rorke research over the last few years so maybe it is time I had a look at what April has. Just about to go on summer holidays etc etc so will have a look when I get back. Thanks for the response.

[Bluewaters2812]

Oh, and I am descended from James & Julia and their son Benjamin, who as you rightly point out, there appears to be not too much research on.

[nthnyds]

Unfortunately I think you will find that April's site has been shut down.
I corresponded with her for a couple of months back in 2005, and pointed out one or two anomalies she had on the site compared to my research. I must confess she didn't seem too keen to correct these and then about a year or so ago I found the site had disappeared, along with her email address.

[Bluewaters2812]

Hi Anthony, I have had a quick look at your site. Well done, it is a nicely laid out one. I am obviously particularly interested in Maggie Lilly Rork'es page on "Ancestors pages". It is a bit small to read the tree. Are you able to send me a copy of it? If so : * Thanks. Len

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