John O'Rourke (politician)

John O'Rourke (December 1, 1834 – May 5, 1882) was an American politician and businessman.

Career

Born in Ireland, O'Rourke emigrated to the United States in 1857 and settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was a book-keeper for the John Fitzgerald firm of Milwaukee and a time conductor for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. He served in the 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment and in the 1st Illinois Light Artillery, Battery L during the American Civil War. He then moved to Juneau County, Wisconsin and continued to work for the John Fitzgerald firm. In 1868, he served in the Wisconsin State Assembly for Juneau County and lived in the town of Kildare, Wisconsin. He also served as Juneau County treasurer. In November 1874, O'Rourke moved to Plattsmouth, Nebraska and was the assistant cashier for the First National Bank. He was elected treasurer of the Plattsmouth Board of Trade in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. In April 1881, O'Rourke was elected mayor of Plattsmouth and served until 1882 just before his death. He was involved with the Democratic Party. O'Rourke died in St. Louis, Missouri.[1][2][3][4]

Legacy

O'Rourke was the subject of the American Civil War song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home."[5] The lyrics were written by Patrick Gilmore, the brother of his future wife, Annie Maria Gilmore.[4]

Notes
  1. 'Collections of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin,' Volume X, Reuben Golden Thwaites-editor, Wisconsin Historical Society: Madison, Wisconsin: 1909, Wisconsin Necrology 1882, Col. John O'Rourke of Plattsmouth, Nebraska
  2. 'The Legislative Manual of the State of Wisconsin 1868, pg. 173
  3. The History of the State of Nebraska. A. T. Andreas, Western Historical Society, Chicago, Illinois: 1882, Cass County section, biographical section, Biographical Sketch of Captain John O'Rourke
  4. "Captain John O'Rourke House". National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. United States Department of the Interior | National Park Service. February 25, 2007. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
  5. "Plattsmouth Mayor Was Subject of Historic Song". KETV-TV. 2 October 2006. Retrieved 15 January 2019.


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