He was born in 1866 in Church Pulverbatch, Shropshire. His father was Thomas Rowson and his mother Ellen.  The 1871 census tells us that Thomas, the father was a farmer of 40 acres aged 38. His wife was ten years older and there was a 23 year old step daughter, Sarah. In addition there were the following children in the household Elizabeth 13, Jane 11,Thomas 9, John 8, Orlando 5 and George 2.

George spent a number of years in -service. In 1881 he was 16 and was an under gardener at the home of  Arthur Bather – Principal Clerk at the Admiralty.

Orlando is also mentioned on the Rhydymwyn Memorial. and Buckley