Hi, First I need to offer accurate names. The Johanna was Honora, so sorry that I did not cathc that error. Our records state Limerick, including his burial headstone which reads William Bourke born in Co. Limerick, Ireland died Feb 8, 1902 aged 78 years, however family records state 1825. I used the date from his headstone. We have many records with the family history, published stories, bibles, land records etc..which is really alot to have dates and information passed down. Most of my family I do not have such info. He arrived in the states at the port of New York on 17 March 1856. (He lived in New York one year than Ill. where he married in 1858 and finally in 1862 to Nebraska but thisinformation is not important to you) 1856 would be the year that he emigrated from Ireland.He was a gardener in the old country.
Only one record state he was born in Morroe, however, all records state Co. Limerick. This is the spelling as it was written. I had thought it was Munroe and realized it was Murroe.
In June of 1858 Bridget Corbett accompanied by Honora Bourke and Patrick Bourke arived in New York and within a month they had joined William. William and Bridget were married on 11 July 1858. She was engaged to William in the old country. He had come ahead to secure employment and make way for them to join him.
Bridget Corbett was born 11 July 1836 to John and Ceila Corbett. Now, I will tell you that family history states she was related to Jim Corbett the heavy weight champion boxing in the early part of the 20th century, however, he is not from Limerick, to my knowledge.Research shows that this James Corbett was from Co. Mayo although his parents and family did emigrate and live in Ill. for a time period before going west. Wether this is just a false claim I do not know, or wether the Bourkes moved to Mayo or the Corbetts were originally from Limerick I do not know. I am stil researching this.
Our family records do state that Bridget was born in Limerick, no town listed. I am sorry but this is the only information I have. Thak you for all your effort in helping us- would be great to meet family. Kathy