Edward Bourke
| First name | Edward |
|---|---|
| Last name | Bourke |
| Country of Origin | Ireland |
| Date of Birth | 1847 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1857 |
| Submitted by | Gary Bourke |
Story
My Great Grandfather, Edward Bourke immigrated to Austrlalia in 1858 on the vessel Fitzjames.
The “potato famine” was the reason Edward left Ireland.
Edward was accompanied by his brother Michael, who was fifteen years older. I am unsure if their parents, Patrick and Ellen died in Ireland prior to them leaving their homeland but I am to assume that this was the case.
As this was in the early days of the Colony, I have not notes on their impressions, however I am aware that Edward was unable to write, as his signature on his wedding cerfificate, when he married Bridget Carrol, dated 1880 had an “x as his mark.” He gained work as a labourer. In 1884 his unmarried older brother, Michael died of a ruptured appendix in Sydney Hospital and was burried at Waverely Cemetry. In 1881 Edward’s first son, John died at three months. They went on to have another two boys and three girls. Only one of the sons married, continuing the Bourke name – he was the youngest, Joseph Bourke, my Grandfather. My father, John, who died in Nov. 2000, was named after Edward’s first born, John who died in 1881. Gary F Bourke.