Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1891
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 693
JAMES P. O'ROURKE

James P. O'ROURKE, one of the enterprising farmers living on section 29, of LaGrange Township, is a native of the Hawkeye State, and was born in Dubuque County on October 15, 1860 and came to Harrison County in 1873 with his parents, John O'ROURKE and Bridget SLOAN. His father purchased a half of section 29, when it was wild land. They built a frame house 18x24 feet, with an ell 14x16 feet; also a barn 32x50 feet, the latter being built in 1890. One hundred and forty acres of this farm is under the plow, while the balance is in pasture and meadow land. The farm is always kept well supplied with stock.

Our subject was married in Dubuque County, July 17, 1888, to Miss Katie Agnes MULLEN, and by whom one child has been born, Margaret A., born December 10, 1889. Mrs. O’ROURKE is also a native of Dubuque County, born August 29, 1867.

John O'ROURKE, father of our subject, was born in County Down, Ireland on April 22, 1822 and came to America with his parents in 1847, and remained in Dubuque County until 1873, when he sold and came to Harrison County. He was married in Ireland, April 24, 1845 to Miss Bridget SLOAN, and they were the parents of eight children, Michael, died on the ocean; a girl baby, died in infancy; Charles, Ellen, William, John, Mary J., and James.

Bridget (SLOAN) O’ROURKE was born in Ireland in 1822, and remained there until the date of her marriage. She died in Harrison County, Iowa, March 22, 1888. Both her and her husband held to the Roman Catholic faith, their family also following the teachings of their parents in this respect. Politically, Mr. O’ROURKE is identified with the Democratic party.

James P., of whom we write this sketch, is the owner of the home farm of three hundred and twenty acres, besides two good residences in Missouri Valley. His father lives with him at this time.

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