Thomas and Catharine O'Rourke (1800's)

Question

I need to pinpoint Thomas and Catherine O'Rourke in Ireland. There were so many O'Rourkes in NY in the 1800-1900 that tracing the names has been very daunting and frustrating, but I think I have weeded out most of the incorrect information. 

I haven't imported all information to wikitree yet, most of my information is still on familysearch. I will include the link after.

Thomas and Catharine O'rourke

Thomas~abt 1818 Ireland~1883 Wilna, Jefferson County, NY

Catharine~ abt 1820 Ireland~ 1896 Wilna Jefferson County NY

https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/KG93-6MH/details

The earliest census I have found with them on it was 1855 in Philadelphia NEW YORK. I would explain more but there's so many Thomas and Catharine Orourke's, it really starts to get Confusing. If you could, please take a look at my Tree on Family Search. I will include a link right to Thomas's page. the pages are still a work in progress. Let me know if you have anything to add!! Thank you!

Answer 1

Perhaps there are clues by looking at the neighbors or other relatives? In 1850 Wilna or Philadelphia weren’t really on a major transportation route (was that the time of the Black River Canal?) so there must have been some reason to get them to Carthage.

You might also find some clues (or just interesting family stories) in old newspapers. Have you tried http://www.fultonhistory.com/