John O'Rourke (politician)

John O'Rourke
Mayor of Plattsmouth, Nebraska
In office
April 1881 – May 5, 1882 (died)
Preceded byJ. W. Johnson
Succeeded byJoseph V. Weckbach
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
from the Juneau County district
In office
January 6, 1868 – January 4, 1869
Preceded byEzra C. Sage
Succeeded byJerome B. Potter
Personal details
Born(1834-12-01)December 1, 1834
DiedMay 5, 1882(1882-05-05) (aged 47)
Resting placeOak Hill Cemetery, Plattsmouth, Nebraska
PartyDemocratic
Spouse
Anna Marie Gilmore
(m. 1875⁠–⁠1882)
Children
  • Helen Mary "Nellie" (Parmele)
  • (b. 1876; died 1956)
  • John Gilmore O'Rourke
  • (b. 1878; died 1914)
  • Anna Louise (Bird)
  • (b. 1880; died 1949)
  • Joseph Thomas O'Rourke
  • (b. 1882)
RelativesPatrick Gilmore (brother-in-law)
OccupationMiller, banker
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Volunteers
Union Army
Years of service1861–1865
RankCaptain, USV
Unit6th Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry
CommandsBty. L, 1st Reg. Ill. Lt. Artillery
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War
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John O'Rourke (December 1, 1834 – May 5, 1882) was an Irish American immigrant, businessman, and Democratic politician. O'Rourke is most notable for being "Johnny", the subject of the Civil War era song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home", written by his brother-in-law Patrick Gilmore. After the war, he served one term in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Juneau County during the 1868 term. Later he was a pioneer of Nebraska and was mayor of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, from 1881 until his death in 1882.