Brennen Family Chronicles - Christopher E. Brennen

BRENNEN FAMILY CHRONICLES
© Christopher Earls Brennen

Appendix 2C. BRENNANS OF ISLANDMAGEE

The surname Brennan, Brenan, Brannion or Brynan appears very early in the records of Islandmagee. In the Hearth Money Roll of 1669 John Brinan is one of 11 residents of the townland of Temple-effin which is at the south end of the peninsula, just north of Castletown. This may be an ancestor of the John whose death is recorded on a gravestone in the Ballykeel graveyard which reads: ``Here lyeth ye body of John Brynan who departed this life ye 9th of December 1729 aged 70 years.'' Several other Brennan gravestones in Ballykeel date from the early 1700s. We construct here a number of partial family trees for Brennan families in Islandmagee and Templecorran. These constructions are by no means complete and there are many individual records which have not been listed.

Henry Brennan was born about 1700 and married a woman named Sarah born about 1709. Henry died in 1753 and Sarah in 1786. They are buried in Ballykeel graveyard, Islandmagee, where their gravestone inscription reads: ``Here lyeth the body of Henry Brynan who departed this life 3d July 1753 aged 53 years. Also his wife Sarah Brynan who departed this life April 12th 1786 aged 77 years....'' The inscription continues on both the front and back. It seems very likely that Sarah is the Widow Brannon whose lease of 44 acres, 2 roods and 2 perches in the townland of Gransha was renewed in 1770. Henry and Sarah Brennan had at least one son:

William Brennan was born about 1749 and married a woman named Jenny Neiper, born about 1750. In April 1772, a William Brennin signed the letter of loyalty from the residents of Islandmagee which appeared in the Belfast News-Letter. William and Jenny's deaths are recorded in the following continuation of the above gravestone inscription: ``Also Jenny Neiper, wife to William Brennan, who departed this life 1st November 1818 aged 68 years. Likewise the aforesaid William Brennan who died 28th January 1837 aged 88 years.....''. The remainder of the inscription lists others whose relation to William and Jenny Brennan is not clear. William and Jenny had no children.

A man named XXX Brynan, born in the early 1700s, lived in Islandmagee and had at least two sons:

YYY Brynan, born about the 1740s or 1750s, had at least seven children, six of whom emigrated to Philadelphia:

Elizabeth Brynan in about 1808 married Captain S.J. McCartney of the 28th regiment of the British army and remained in Ireland when her siblings emigrated.
Edward Brynan was born in Ireland in 1773 and emigrated to Philadelphia in the early 1800s. There he became an umbrella maker and a wealthy man. He became a US citizen in 1806 and never married. Edward lived at 80 Crown Street, Philadelphia. He died in Philadelphia in March 1852 and left a substantial will which helped in the construction of the present genealogy. He was originally buried at 3rd Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia; he was later reinterred at North Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, on Nov.17, 1856, in a Brynan family plot.
John Brynan was born in Ireland in Nov. 1784. He emigrated to Philadelphia in 1807 and became a citizen in 1818. John married Mary Manlove Watson of Cedar Creek Hundred, Sussex County, Delaware. They lived there for a few years and moved to Philadelphia to join John's siblings. John was also an umbrella maker and merchant. According to his obituary, they lived on "South Second Street, 3rd door above Lombard". John died on Dec.28, 1853; originally buried at 3rd Presbyterian Church, he was reinterred at Laurel Hill in the Brynan family plot on Jan.3, 1860. His wife, Mary, continued the family business as an umbrella merchant after John's death and lived with her son Edward at 230 Lombard Street, Philadelphia. She died on Aug.9, 1861, and is buried in the family plot in Laurel Hill. John and Mary's children were:

Edward Brynan, born Mar.3, 1824, in Philadelphia, became a successful commission merchant based in Philly. He received a gift in his uncle Edward's will. Edward lived at 230 Lombard Street and never married. He died on Feb.9, 1861, in Philadelphia and was buried in Laurel Hill.
Elizabeth Brynan, born on Nov.8, 1825, in Delaware was a mute who never married. In 1857 she was declared an "alleged lunatic" and her mother and brothers were appointed her guardians. She lived at 417 McKean Street, Philadelphia. She died on Sep.22, 1889, and was buried in Laurel Hill.
John Brynan, Junior, born on Feb.8, 1828, in Delaware, was initially employed as an umbrella merchant with his parents in the 1850's. He received a gift in his uncle Edward's will. By 1860, John had become an engraver of bank notes for the American Bank Note Company 327 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. There is a reference to John in "The NY Historical Society's Dictionary of Artists in America, 1564-1860" written by George C. Groce and David H. Wallace and published by Yale University Press in 1957. This reads: "Brynan, John. Copperplate, steel and banknote engraver; born in Pennsylvania c. 1828; working in Philadelphia 1859 and after. John Brynan (spelled Brennan in 1860 Census) was the son of John and Mary Brynan, umbrella merchants. In 1860 he was living in Philadelphia with his widowed mother (age 56, born in PA), his brother Edward, a commission merchant (age 35), and a mute sister (age 25). The mother owned $5,000 in realty and $10,000 in personalty. Reference 8 Census (1860), PA., LII, 221 (as Brennan), Phila, CD 1854-62." (Note: The birthplace cited in this Dictionary for both John and his mother are incorrect.) By the 1880 Census John was living in Washington DC as a bank note engraver. John never married and died on Jan.14, 1893, in Philadelphia; he was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery.
William Mortimer Brynan was born on Jun.3, 1831, in Delaware and did not marry. He died in Calcutta, India, on Oct.24, 1850. His obituary in the Philadelphia Ledger reads: "On the 24 October 1850, in Calcutta, East Indies of inflammatory rheumatism, William M. Brynan, aged 19 years, son of John Brynan of this city."
Mary Ellen Brynan and
Anna Marie Brynan were twins, born on Nov.8, 1833, in Pennsylvania. They both died in infancy, Mary Ellen on Jun.28, 1834, and Anna Marie on Jun.24, 1834.
Charles Pollard Brynan, born Dec.9, 1838, in Philadelphia, also received a gift in his uncle Edward's will. He held several jobs during his life including ad salesman for Jaynes Medicine, a wholesale produce importer and merchant, a carpenter and a watchmaker. He was also a volunteer fireman of the Southwark Hose Fire Company of Philadelphia. His hat and belt of the Southwark Hose Fire Company is a part of the Atwater Kent Museum in the Philadelphia collection. In 1857 Charles married Emma Pollard Ruley, born in 1841 in Philadelphia. Emma died on May 7, 1890, in Philadelphia and both she and Charles are buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery. Charles and Emma had 4 children:

Charles Ruley Brynan was born in Philadelphia in July 1863 and was a professional baseball player for a time, playing for a few minor league clubs (including St. Paul and Des Moines). He was a right-handed pitcher and played for two major league teams: Chicago White Stockings in 1888 and the Boston Bean Eaters (which later became the Boston Reds). His nickname was "Tod". There is a baseball card of him in the Library of Congress in Washington DC. [Call No. LOT 13163-05, #433]. Charles died on May 10, 1925. He and his wife Mary Jackson Long (and their 4 children) are buried in Fernwood Cemetery in Yeadon, PA, in a large Brynan plot purchased by Charles Ruley Brynan.
Mary Rose Brynan was born in Philadelphia in 1859 and married William M. Rowan; they had 3 children. Mary converted to Catholicism after her marriage. Mary died on Jan.15, 1915, and she and William are buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, PA.
William Edward Brynan was born in Philadelphia on Jan.7, 1861, and held a variety of jobs including shipyard worker, pile driver and steamfitter. He married twice, first to Josephine Benkert, born in 1862. They had 4 children. Josephine died in 1890 and was buried in the Brynan plot in Laurel Hill. Later William married Emma Hart Hamilton, born in 1867, and they had 8 children. William died on Nov.11, 1921, and is buried in Laurel Hill in the Brynan plot. Emma died in the 1930s and is buried in Mt. Moriah, Philadelphia.
Emma V. Brynan was born in Philadelphia in 1866.

Thomas Brynan was born in Ireland and emigrated to Philadelphia with his siblings in the early 1800s. He is reputed to have ventured further west and died in 1834, possibly in Ohio.
Ann Brynan was born in Ireland in 1787 and emigrated to Philadelphia with her siblings in the early 1800s. She and her sister Jane were storekeepers. Ann lived at #312 Crown Street, which is still standing and is occupied by a family; most of the street was torn down to make way for bridge ramps, but this one small slice of the neighborhood remains. With sister Jane, she also inherited 80 Crown Street, Philadelphia from her brother Edward. Ann died in 1859. Ann is buried in Laurel Hill.
Eleanor Brynan was born in Ireland and emigrated to Philadelphia with her siblings in the early 1800s. Eleanor died in 1848 and is buried in Laurel Hill.
Jane Brynan was born in Ireland in 1781 and emigrated to Philadelphia with her siblings in the early 1800s. She and her sister Ann were storekeepers. With sister Ann, she also inherited 80 Crown Street, Philadelphia from her brother Edward. Jane died in 1856 and is buried in Laurel Hill.

ZZZ Brynan, born about the 1740s or 1750s, had a son:

Alexander Brennan (I) was born about 1780. He married a woman named Jane and it appears they had a farm in the townland of Bentra (or Bella Bentra), parish of Templecorran. Alexander died on Feb.11, 1848, at the age of 68 and is buried in Ballykeel graveyard, Islandmagee where his gravestone reads: ``Erected by Elizabeth Esler in memory of her father Alexander Brennan who died 11th February 1848 aged 68 years. Of her mother Jane Brennan who died 19th March 1870 aged 67 years. Of her brother Alexander who died 11th Feby. 1852 aged 26 years. Of her sister Hannah who died 3rd Dec. 1854 aged 24 years. Of her sister Margaret Getty who died 18th March 1863 aged 22 years. And of her brother William who died 4th June 1874 aged 32 years.'' As this attests Jane long outlived her husband and is listed as Jane ``Brannionn'' in the Griffith Valuation of about 1860 as holding a house worth 30 shillings and a farm of 19 acres, 2 roods and 20 perches worth 18 pounds and ten shillings in the townland of Bentra. The owner is David S. Ker. All seven of the children of Alexander and Jane Brennan are named in the will of Alexander's cousin, Edward Brynan, and received a small sum. The children are:

Alexander Brennan (II) was born about 1826 and died at the age of 26 as the above gravestone inscription attests.
Hannah Brennan was born about 1830 and died at the age of 24 as the above gravestone inscription attests.
James Brennan was born on Mar.1, 1830, and married a woman named Mary, born Jun.7, 1830. In the Griffith Valuation of about 1860, James ``Brannion'' is listed as holding a house worth 25 shillings and a farm of 28 acres, 3 roods and 25 perches worth 27 pounds from David S. Ker. This is immediately adjacent to the farm of Jane ``Brannionn'' and suggests that, in his will, Alexander divided the original farm between his wife and his eldest son. James died on Dec.23, 1865, and is buried in Ballykeel graveyard, Islandmagee, where his gravestone inscription reads: ``In memoriam. Erected by Mary Brennan in affectionate remembrance of her husband James Brennan, born 1st March 1830, died 23rd Dec. 1865. Also their son James, born 1st March 1860, died 1st December 1891. Also their daughter Emily Lewis, born 6th April 1864, died 2nd May 1910. The above-named Mary Brennan, born 7th June 1830, died 10th Feb. 1914. Also of Alexander Brennan of Ardrahan, died October 1944 in his 87th year. And his wife Edith Sara, born in Capetown 1870, died 12th March 1957 in her 87th year.'' James left a will which is now in the PRONI [D300/1/5/384] and in which he left all his estate to his wife, Mary. She is instructed to get trades for their sons James and William Albert and for their three daughters. The farm is to go to his son Alexander after his wife dies. Jane Brennan, perhaps James's mother, witnessed the will. The children of James and Mary Brennan:

Alexander Brennan (III) was born on Jul.3, 1858, and inherited his parents farm in the townland of Bentra, parish of Templecorran. He must have travelled to Capetown in what is now South Africa but was then the Cape Colony for his wife, Edith Sara, was born there on May 17, 1869. They were married on May 9, 1894, in St. Saviour's Church, Claremont, Capetown, and their four eldest children were also born in the Cape Colony. They must have returned to Ulster about 1901 for in the Census of that year Alexander and Edith Sarah, aged 42 and 31 respectively, are recorded as living with Alexander's 71-year-old mother Mary Brennan on the farm in Bentra. Also resident in the house are their four children, Alexander, Theresa, Kathleen and William as well as a 10-year-old servant Sarah Gapok who had been born in the Cape Colony. Alexander died in Oct., 1944, aged 87, and Edith died on Mar.12, 1957, aged 87. Both are buried in Ballykeel graveyard, Islandmagee, as the above gravestone inscription attests. The children of Alexander and Edith Sara Brennan:

Alexander Brennan (IV)
and wife at the Palace
(courtesy of Alexander Brennen (VI))

Alexander Doveton John Brennan (IV) was born in the Cape Colony on Feb.16, 1895, and is listed as a 6-year-old living with his parents in Bentra in the 1901 Census. Known as ``Lex'', Alexander served in the North Irish Horse in WWI and subsequently became a vet rising to be the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for United Kingdom for which services he received the CBE at Buckingham Palace. Alexander had a son:

Alexander Brennan (V) studied PPE at Brasenose Collge, Oxford. He has a son Alexander Charles Croxall Brennan (VI) (acc.brennan@gmail.com) who provided information on this family.

Evelyn Therese Brennan was born in the Cape Colony on May 5, 1896, and is listed as a 4-year-old living with her parents in Bentra in the 1901 Census. She died on Feb.26, 1926.
Kathleen Laura Brennan was born in the Cape Colony on Dec.8, 1897, and is listed as a 3-year-old living with her parents in Bentra in the 1901 Census.
William Hart Brennan was born in the Cape Colony on Jun.10, 1900, and is listed as a 9-month-old living with his parents in Bentra in the 1901 Census.
Olive Edith Brennan was born on Sep.26, 1902.

James Brennan was born on Mar.1, 1860, and died on Dec.1, 1891. His is buried alongside his parents in Ballykeel graveyard, Islandmagee, as the above gravestone inscription attests.
William Albert Brennan is mentioned in his father's will.
Emily Brennan was born on Apr.6, 1864, and married a man named Lewis. She died on May 2, 1910, and is buried alongside her parents in Ballykeel graveyard, Islandmagee, as the above gravestone inscription attests.
and F. Two other daughters are mentioned in their father's will.

Elizabeth Brennan was born about 1837 and married Patrick Esler, born about 1837, the son of William and Margaret Esler. Elizabeth inherited the farm in the townland of Bentra from her brother William when he died in 1874. Elizabeth died Nov.2, 1905, aged 68 and Patrick died one week later on Nov.9, 1905, aged 68. They are buried together in Ballypriormore graveyard, Islandmagee.
Margaret Brennan was born about 1841. She married a man named Getty and died at the age of 22 as the above gravestone inscription attests.
Jane Brennan married a man named Steenson or Stevenson. She was left 5 pounds by her brother William when he died in 1874.
William Brennan was born about 1842. We believe he never married and inherited the farm from his mother Jane when she died in 1870. William himself died in Templecorran on Jun.4, 1874, at the age of 32 and left the farm to his sister Eliza. William's will is in the PRONI [D300/1/5/635] and he is buried in Ballykeel graveyard, Islandmagee (see above gravestone inscription).

Robert Brennan was born about 1729 and married a woman named Margaret. Robert Brannon's lease from Lord Dungannon of 36 acres, 2 roods and 4 perches of land in the townland of Gransha was renewed in 1770. In April 1772, Robert Brennin signed the letter of loyalty from the residents of Islandmagee which appeared in the Belfast News-Letter. Robert died in 1802 and Margaret in 1807. They are buried in Ballykeel graveyard, Islandmagee, where their gravestone inscription reads: ``Here lyeth the body of Robert Brynan who departed this life April 3d 1802 aged 73 years. Also Margaret Brynnan his wife who departed this life the 16th of October 1807 aged 78 years....'' (Continued below.) The children of Robert and Margaret Brennan:

Henry Brennan was born about 1757 and is commemorated in the continuation of the above gravestone: ``Also his son Henry Brenan who departed this life 17th Feby. 1845 aged 88 years....''. It is possible that the second Henry mentioned in the gravestone inscription was the elder Henry's son; that record reads: ``Also Henery Brenan died the 3d June 1847 aged 54 years.''
John Brennan was born about 1759 and is commemorated in the continuation of the above gravestone: ``And of John Brenan, his son, who departed this life in Feby. 1837 aged 78 years....''.
Robert Brennan was probably also a son. He was born about 1764 and is commemorated in the continuation of the above gravestone: ``Also Robert Brenan died the 21st September 1851 aged 87 years.''

Alexander Brennan was born about 1735. He lived in Islandmagee and married Abigail Wilson born about 1738. They had at least five children listed below. Alexander Brannon's lease from Lord Dungannon of 9 acres and 3 perches of land in the townland of Gransha was renewed in 1770. In April 1772, an Alexander Brennin signed the letter of loyalty from the residents of Islandmagee which appeared in the Belfast News-Letter. Alexander died on Mar.10, 1787, aged 52 and Abigail died on Jan.10, 1807, aged 69. They are both buried in Ballykeel graveyard, Islandmagee, where a gravestone commemorates them. Their children:

Joseph Brennan was born about 1760 and died on May 24, 1824, aged 64. He is also buried in Ballykeel graveyard.
James Brennan is buried in Ballykeel graveyard.
William Brennan is buried in Ballykeel graveyard.
Sarah Brennan was born about 1765 and died on Jun.7, 1847, aged 82. She is also buried in Ballykeel graveyard.
Thomas Brennan was born about 1773 and died on Aug.18, 1851, aged 78. He is also buried in Ballykeel graveyard.

Henry Brennan was born about 1763 and married a woman named Margaret. Henry died in 1829 and Margaret in 1838. They are buried in Islandmagee Church of Ireland graveyard where their gravestone reads: ``Erected to the memory of Henry Brennan who departed this life 22nd August 1829 aged 66 years. Also his wife Margaret who departed this life 25th of Feb. 1838 aged 80 years. Also Elizabeth Wilson who died 2nd July 1870 aged 70 years.'' This gravestone is in a high-railed enclosure with that quoted below. Henry and Margaret Brennan may have had children as follows:

Elizabeth Brennan, born about 1800, may have been a daughter who married a man named Wilson and thus was buried with Henry and Margaret as the above gravestone suggests.
It seems likely that a son either was or was the father of Henry Brennan, born about 1810, who married a woman named Jane, born about 1800. This is probably the Henry Brennen, senior, of Gransha who is included in the list of residents of Islandmagee in the 1886 County Antrim directory. Henry died on Sep.15, 1888, and Jane in 1886. They are buried in Islandmagee Church of Ireland graveyard where their gravestone which is in the same high-railed enclosure with that quoted above reads: ``Erected by Henry Brennan in memory of his only son William who departed this life on the 24th March 1853 aged 21 years. Also his beloved wife Jane who departed this life 23rd Octr. 1886 aged 86 years. Also the above Henry Brennan who died 15th Sept. 1888 aged 78 years.'' In his will Henry leaves most of his land to Frederick William Niblock but he also leaves some money to James Niblock and to Samuel Wilson Niblock of Templecorran. He also leaves land to William, Mary and Jane Milliken. As the above gravestone attests Henry and Jane Brennan had only one son:

William Brennan, born about 1832, was the only son of Henry and Jane. He died in 1853 at the age of 21 as the above gravestone inscription attests.

John Brennan of Gransha, Islandmagee, was born about 1799 and became a farmer. He married Esther Hill, born about 1802, and they had several children listed below. John died on Dec.7, 1858, aged 59 and Esther died on Oct.16, 1874, aged 72. They are both buried in Ballykeel graveyard, Islandmagee, where a gravestone bears their names. Their children:

Mary Brennan was born about 1826. On May 31, 1847, Mary Brennan, a full-aged spinster of Gransha whose father was farmer John Brennan, was married in the First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church to James McGowan, a bachelor farmer from Gransha whose father was farmer John McGowan. It is possible that this is the same John and Mary McGowan who lived at the Gobbins, Islandmagee, and are buried in the Islandmagee Church of Ireland graveyard. If so they had a daughter Ellen who died on May 19, 1871, aged 12, a son Henry who died May 25, 1875, aged 19 and a son John who was drowned at sea on Oct.10, 1876, aged 28. This James died on Mar.22, 1875, aged 60 and Mary died on Aug.10, 1893, aged 74.
Jane Brennan was born about 1827. On Sep.5, 1846, Jane Brennan, a minor from Gransha whose father was farmer John Brennan, was married in the First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church to John Smith, a bachelor farmer from Ballystruddor, Islandmagee, whose father was farmer David Smith.
Robert Brennan was born about 1828. On Apr.20, 1854, Robert Brennan, a bachelor farmer from Gransha whose father was farmer John Brennan was married in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church to Jenny Napier Brennan Kane of Ballykeel, Islandmagee, whose father was farmer William Brennan Kane. Robert and Jenny farmed in Ballykeel and he is included in a list of the residents of Islandmagee in the 1886 County Antrim Directory. Robert died on Dec.3, 1894, aged 66 and Jenny died on Sep.5, 1888, aged 58. They are both buried in Ballykeel graveyard where a gravestone commemorates them. They had many children:

William Kane Brennan who was born about 1855 was probably the eldest son of Robert Brennan and Jenny Napier Brennan Kane though we have no definite data to substantiate this. William became a farmer in Gransha, Islandmagee, and is included in a list of residents of Islandmagee in the 1886 County Antrim Directory. He married a woman named Jane, born about 1857. In the 1901 census 46-year-old William, a farmer, and 44-year-old Jane are recorded as living in the townland of Gransha, Islandmagee, with four of their children. They are listed as Presbyterians. William died in 1920 and Jane in 1936. They are buried in the Islandmagee Church of Ireland graveyard where their gravestone reads in part: ``Erected by William Kane Brennan in loving memory of his children.... (see below). Also the above named William Kane Brennan who died 8th June 1920 aged 65 years. And his wife Jane who died 11th Jan. 1936 aged 79 years...'' The children of William and Jane Brennan:

William Kane Brennan was born about 1881 and died on May 20, 1907, at the age of 26. William registered at Kilcoan National School on at least two occasions.
Henry Brennan was born about 1883 and died on Sep.22, 1884, at the age of one and a half.
Robert Brennan was born about 1885 and drowned on Nov.12, 1907, at the age of 22. Robert registered at Kilcoan National School on at least two occasions.
John Brennan was born about 1888. He registered at Kilcoan National School at least once and is recorded as a 13-year-old living in Gransha with his parents in the 1901 census. John died on Feb.18, 1913, at the age of 25.
Esther Brennan was born about 1891 and is recorded as a 10-year-old living in Gransha with her parents in the 1901 census. Esther married John McGowan. John died on Aug.20, 1960, and Essie on May 4, 1972.
Henry Brennan, known as Harry, was born about 1897. He registered at Kilcoan National School at least twice and is recorded as a 5-year-old living in Gransha with his parents in the 1901 census. Harry died on Jul.14, 1913, at the age of 16.
Hill Brennan was born on Jun.4, 1899. He registered at Kilcoan National School at least twice and is recorded as a 3-year-old living in Gransha with his parents in the 1901 census.

Esther Brennan was born in 1857 and was baptized in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church on Nov.18, 1857. She died on Jan.29, 1895, aged 37 and is buried with her parents in Ballykeel graveyard.
Sarah Nelson Brennan was born in 1861 and baptized in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church. Sarah married John Hill, born about 1856, and they had several children listed below. John Hill died on Jun.9, 1938, aged 82 and Sarah died on Jun.25, 1950, aged 89. They are buried in Ballypriormore graveyard where a gravestone commemorates them and some of their children.

Robert Hill was born in 1887 and died in infancy on Sep.13, 1889, aged two and a half years. He is buried with his parents in Ballypriormore graveyard.
Samuel Hill was born in 1888 and died in infancy on Sep.11, 1889, aged one and a half years. He is buried with his parents in Ballypriormore graveyard.
Jenny Napier Brennan Hill was born about 1890 and died on Apr.23, 1909, aged 19. She is buried with her parents in Ballypriormore graveyard.
David Hill was born about 1898 and was drowned in Regent Canal, London, on Apr.27, 1925, aged 27. He was interred in Bow Cemetery, London, on May 10, 1925.

John Brennan was born in 1863 and was baptized in First Presbyterian Church, Islandmagee. He registered as a 5-year-old pupil in Kilcoan National School in January, 1869, and again as an 11-year-old in May, 1876. His father is listed as a farmer in Ballykeel. We believe this is the same John who is listed in the 1901 Census as a 35-year-old farmer living in the townland of Ballystruddor, Islandmagee. Living with him are his 33-year-old wife Lizzie, two servants and two daughters:

Mary Agnes Brennan, born about 1896, is listed in the 1901 Census as a 5-year-old living with her parents in Ballystruddor.
Jenny N. Brennan, born about 1898, is listed in the 1901 Census as a 3-year-old living with her parents in Ballystruddor.

Henry Brennan was born on Sep.6, 1865, in Ballykeel and was baptized in First Presbyterian Church, Islandmagee. He died in infancy and is buried with his parents in Ballykeel graveyard.
Robert Brennan was born on Dec.8, 1866, in Ballykeel and was baptized in First Presbyterian Church, Islandmagee.
Henry Brennan was born on May 27, 1869, in Ballykeel and was baptized in First Presbyterian Church, Islandmagee. In the 1901 Census Henry is listed as a 31-year-old unmarried farmer living with his sister Mary Hill Brennan and three servants in Ballykeel, Islandmagee. Henry married Elizabeth Wilson at some time after 1901. He died on Feb.3, 1933, aged 63 and Elizabeth died on Jul.2, 1948, aged 67. They are buried in Ballykeel graveyard.
Mary Hill Brennan was born in 1874 and was baptized in First Presbyterian Church, Islandmagee. In the 1901 Census she is listed as unmarried and living with her brother Henry in Ballykeel.

Henry Brennan was born in 1831 and became a farmer in Gransha. He is probably the Henry Brennan, junior, of Gransha who is included in a list of residents of Islandmagee in the 1886 County Antrim Directory. Henry and his 57-year-old wife Sarah are listed as living in Gransha in the 1901 Census along with their three sons. Henry died on Jun.1, 1908, at the age of 77. He is buried with his parents in Ballykeel graveyard. The children of Henry and Sarah Brennan:

William Brennan was born about 1872 and registered at least twice at Kilcoan National School. In the 1901 Census he is recorded as a 29-year-old living with his parents in Gransha.
James Brennan was born about 1878 and registered at least twice at Kilcoan National School. In the 1901 Census he is recorded as a 23-year-old living with his parents in Gransha.
Robert Brennan was born about 1880 and registered at least twice at Kilcoan National School. In the 1901 Census he is recorded as a 21-year-old living with his parents in Gransha.

Eliza Brennan was born about 1838. On Apr.26, 1860, Eliza Brennan, a full-aged spinster from Gransha whose father was farmer John Brennan, was married in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church to William Long, a bachelor shoemaker of Gransha whose father was farmer Robert Long.
William Hill Brennan was born in 1839 and baptized in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church on Apr.3, 1839. He died in infancy on Jun.4, 1840 and is buried with his parents in Ballykeel graveyard.

Robert Brennan was born about 1798 in Islandmagee and became a sailor resident in Gransha. Robert married Sarah Auld, born about 1800, and they had at least four children listed below. At the age of 53, Robert was lost at sea on Oct.18, 1851, while aboard the schooner ``Isabella'' near Tory Island. Sarah died on Dec.8, 1874, at the age of 74 and was interred in Maryport Cemetery. A gravestone in the Islandmagee Church of Ireland graveyard commemorates them and their three sons. Their children:

William Brennan was born about 1828 and died on Apr.2, 1856, aged 28. He is buried in Islandmagee Church of Ireland graveyard where a gravestone commemorates his family.
Robert Brennan was born in 1829 and was baptized in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church on Dec.25, 1829. He was killed at the age of 20 aboard the schooner ``Ocean Child'' on Apr.28, 1849.
Joseph Brennan was born in 1832 and was baptized in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church on Apr.2, 1832. He was lost at sea on Dec.4, 1859, at the age of 26.
Abigail Brennan was born in 1838 and was baptized in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church on Jan.22, 1838. On Aug.26, 1862, Abigail Brennan, a full-age spinster from Gransha whose father was Robert Brennan, mariner, was married in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church to David Templeton, a bachelor mariner from Portmuck, Islandmagee whose father was farmer Samuel Templeton. Mary Brennan was a witness.

Henry Brennan was a sailor in Islandmagee, probably from Balloo. Henry's wife may have been Elizabeth Morrow. In the Griffith Valuation of about 1860, Henry ``Brannion'' is listed as holding a house worth ten shillings and about 8 acres of land (jointly with George Kane) in the townland of Balloo. This could be a reference to Henry, the father or the son below. Henry was the father of:

Henry Brennan was born about 1826. It is probably this Henry who was baptized in 1826 in St.Cedma's Church of Ireland, Larne, the son of Henry Brennan and Elizabeth Morrow. On Oct.10, 1850, Henry Brennan, a bachelor mariner of Balloo, Islandmagee, whose father was mariner Henry Brennan was married in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church to Mary Ellen Duff. Mary Ellen was born in 1829 in Ballyharry, Islandmagee, the daughter of mariner and farmer William Duff. Henry and Mary Ellen had many children listed below. At the time of the birth of their younger children the family was living in Kilcoan, Islandmagee. Henry must have died sometime after after 1874, the date of the birth of their youngest son, Robert. Sometime before 1893, Henry and Mary Ellen's son Henry George Brennen emigrated to Brisbane, Australia. Later (and before 1913) his brother Robert and his mother Mary Ellen followed him to Brisbane. Mary Ellen died in Brisbane on Oct.19, 1913, and is buried in the South Brisbane Bulimba Cemetery. The children of Henry and Mary Ellen Brennan:

William Brennan was baptized on Jul.13, 1851, in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church. He registered as a pupil at Kilcoan National School a number of times including as a 14-year-old in May, 1865.
Henry Brennan was baptized on Jan.23, 1854, in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church. He registered as a pupil at Kilcoan National School on at least three occasions. His father is listed as a sailor and as a shipowner. He is listed as resident in Gransha, Hillhead and Kilcoan.
Samuel Brennan was baptized on Nov.17, 1857, in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church. He registered as a 4-year-old pupil at Kilcoan National School in February, 1862, listing his father as a sailor of Hillhead.
John Brennan was baptized on Jul.6, 1859, in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church. He registered as a pupil at Kilcoan National School on three occasions, listing his father as a sailor from Hillhead or Ballyharry. John emigrated to Brisbane, Australia, before 1896, perhaps with his brothers Henry George and Robert as well as their mother. John married Annie Isabella Gray Magill. Annie died on Jan.11, 1929, in Brisbane. John and Annie had at least nine children:

Elizabeth Jane Brennan was born in 1896 in Queensland, Australia. Elizabeth died in Brisbane on Oct.20, 1925.
John Brennan was born on Jun.18, 1898.
Isabella Brennan was born on Nov.22, 1900, in Queensland, Australia. She died in Brisbane on Feb.20, 1928.
Annie Brennan was born on Jan.3, 1903, in Queensland, Australia. Annie married Edward Emin Albert Dombrowsky.
Henry Brennan was born on Apr.2, 1905, in Queensland, Australia.
James Edward Brennan was born on Jul.23, 1908, in Brisbane.
George Retford Brennan was born on Sep.5, 1910, in Queensland, Australia. George married Glady Edna Muir .
Samuel Raymond Walter Brennan was born on Oct.21, 1912.
Doris May Brennan was born in Mar. 1915 in Brisbane and died a few months later on Nov.15, 1915.

Eliza Jane Brennan was baptized in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church in 1861. She registered as a 11-year-old pupil at Kilcoan National School in February, 1873, listing her father as a sailor living in Kilcoan.
James Brennan was born on Mar.14, 1864.
Ellen Brennan was born on Oct.15, 1866, and was baptized in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church. She registered as a 6-year-old pupil at Kilcoan National School in June, 1872, listing her father as a sailor living in Kilcoan.
Henry George Brennan was born on Sep.15, 1869, in Kilcoan and was baptized in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church. Sometime before 1893 Henry emigrated to Brisbane, Australia. He married Leah Emma Pratt and they had at least nine children:

Maud Brennan was born on Dec.29, 1893, in Brisbane, Australia.
Henry Brennan was born on Jun.16, 1895, in Queensland. He died as an infant in 1896.
Mary Ellen Brennan was born in Queensland on Dec.25, 1896. Mary Ellen was married in Queensland on Mar.21, 1922, to Charles Strickland.
Thomas Frederick Brennan was born in Queensland on Sep.21, 1898. Thomas was married in Queensland on Aug.14, 1920, to Violet Isabella Castle.
William Henry Brennan was born in Queensland on Jun.6, 1900, and died as an infant on Jan.26, 1901.
Lucy Elizabeth Brennan was born on Jul.17, 1901, in Queensland and died as an infant on Aug.11, 1901.
Violet Rachel Brennan was born on May 3, 1903, in Queensland. On May 4, 1921, Violet was married in Queensland to Peter John Hutchins.
John Brennan was born in Queensland on Jul.16, 1903, and died a few days later on Jul.23, 1905.
James Edward Brennan was born on Jan.23, 1913.

Mary Isabella Brennan was born in 1873 and was baptized in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church.
Robert Brennan was born in 1874 and was baptized in First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church. Robert emigrated to Brisbane, Australia, and married Annie Burgess White, the daughter of John William White and Alice Rebecca (Skipper). Robert died on Feb.15, 1923, in Brisbane, Australia, and is buried in Bulimba Cemetery, Brisbane. Robert and Annie Brennan had at least five children:

Ethel Brennan and
William Lait
(courtesy of Clayton Newlove)

Ethel Elizabeth Brennan was born in Brisbane, Australia, on May 11, 1898. On Mar.31, 1920 Ethel married William Edward Lait, born on Mar.12, 1898, in Toowoomba, Queensland. They lived at 7 Dibsbury Street, East Brisbane, Brisbane. William died on Oct.3, 1937, in Brisbane and Ethel died on Dec.18, 1950, in Brisbane; they are buried in South Brisbane Cemetery. Ethel and William Lait had at least four children:

Ethel Elizabeth Lait was born on Oct.27, 1923, in Brisbane. Ethel married Robert Milton Newlove, the son of Milton Newlove and Jessie (Gray), on Sep.6, 1947. They had at least three children:

Jeffery Milton Newlove
Kennith Robert Newlove
Christopher William Newlove married and subsequently divorced Helen Patricia Newlove (?). Christopher and Helen have two sons, Clayton Lee Newlove and Travis Jay Newlove.

Audrey Sarah Annie Lait was born on Feb.11, 1921, in Brisbane. Audrey married Owen Cecil Kington, born in 1919. They had at least four children:

Audrey June Kington
Robyn Dawn Kington
Lorraine Dale Kington
Leslie Anne Kington

William Edward Lait was born on Oct.20, 1922, in Brisbane. On Oct.11, 1947, William married Jean Martha Murray. William died in Brisbane on Aug.2, 1954, and is buried in South Brisbane Cemetery. William and Jean had a son:

Wayne Darryl Lait married Olga Leo. They had four children, Belinda Jane Lait, Jeremy Shane Lait, Matthew James Lait and Russel Timothy Lait.

Ronald John Lait was born on Nov.28, 1936, in Brisbane. Ronald died on Dec.5, 1943, in Brisbane.

Alice Mary Ellen Brennan was born in Queensland on Sep.29, 1895. On May 8, 1915 in Queensland, Alice married Albert Edward Mitchell. They had at least five children:

Alice Arroy Mitchell
Ethel Merle Mitchell
Gwenneth Mitchell
Beryl Noreen Mitchell
Netta Jean Mitchell

Robert Kingwell Brennan was born in Queensland on Jul.17, 1900. Robert married Annie Louisa Schonrock, born Nov.3, 1926, in Queensland and they had at least two children:

Robert Brennan was born in Queensland.
Coigne Brennan was born in Queensland and married Keith Ball. They had a daughter Karen Ball.

Noreen Brennan was born on Apr.11, 1906. Noreen married Frederick John McLeod, born on Mar.30, 1929, in Queensland. They had at least three children:

Colin McLeod was born in Queensland.
John McLeod was born in Queensland.
Heather McLeod was born in Queensland.

Herbert Brennan was born in Queensland on Mar.11, 1910. Herbert married Edna Bath in Brisbane. Herbert died in Brisbane on Mar.14, 1950, and is buried in Bulimba Cemetery, Brisbane. Edna died in 2001. Herbert and Edna had at least two children:

Robert Brennan was born in Queensland.
Coralie Brennan was born in Queensland.

William Brennan of Castletown was probably born about 1800. He was a mariner and is referred to as Capt. Brennan in the small genealogical record of this family [LDS Film 258618]. He married Margaret Wilson, the daughter of a man called Wilson who lived in Gransha, Islandmagee. Margaret had a sister, Sarah Wilson, who was born about 1807 and who married John Brown of ``Springvale'', Islandmagee. They had a son, James Brown, born about 1839, who appears a little later in this genealogy. Incidentally John and Sarah Brown were buried in Islandmagee Church of Ireland graveyard where a gravestone commemorates them. To return to the subject, William and Margaret Brennan lived in Castletown just outside Whitehead and had a number of children:

Margaret Brennan was baptized in the First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church on Jun.17, 1832. She must had died in infancy.
Margaret Brennan was baptized in the First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church on Oct.2, 1834.
John Brennan was born about 1831. On Feb.22, 1854, as a full-aged bachelor mariner of Castletown whose father was mariner William Brennan John was married in the First Presbyterian Church, Islandmagee, to Isabella Long, a full-aged spinster of Gransha whose father was farmer John Long. John and Bella Brennan are listed in the 1901 Census as living in Gransha with a boarder, 13-year-old Joseph Mann.
Mary Brennan was born about 1827. As a full-aged spinster of Castletown whose father was mariner William Brennan she was married on Oct.12, 1849, in the First Presbyterian Church, Islandmagee, to James Duff, a full-aged bachelor mariner of Ballykeel, Islandmagee, whose father was mariner William Duff. James died on Nov.27, 1895, aged 73 and Mary on Oct.10, 1895, aged 68. They are buried in Ballykeel graveyard, Islandmagee, where a gravestone commemorates them and their children:

Robert Duff was born about 1866 and became a mariner. He married a woman named Charlotte. Robert died on Jul.26, 1905, and is buried beside his parents. Charlotte died in Florida on Mar.2, 1966, aged 92. They had several children:

Stanley Duff died in Australia on May 26, 1954, aged 54.
Mollie Duff died on Jan.23, 1956, aged 50.
John Duff died Dec.27, 1971.

James A. Duff was born about 1858 and married a woman named Mary. James died on May 20, 1941, aged 83, and Mary on Dec.4, 1965, aged 87. They are both buried beside his parents.

Sarah Brennan was born about 1817 and married John Auld of Port Davey. Sarah died on Jun.18, 1891. They had five children:

John Auld
Nanny Auld
Sarah Auld was born about 1847 and married her second cousin James Brown who was described above. Sarah died on Apr.15, 1894, aged 47, and James died on Oct.22, 1915, aged 86. They are buried with his parents in the Islandmagee Church of Ireland graveyard where a gravestone commemorates them and their family. James and Sarah Brown had several children:

Eleanor E. Brown was born about 1870 and died on Feb.16, 1949, aged 79.
Robert Brown was born about 1871 and died on Apr.30, 1953, aged 82.
John Brown was born about 1874 and died in Pasadena, California, on Sep.13, 1946, aged 72.
Sara Brown was born about 1876 and died on Nov.21, 1944, aged 68.
James Brown was born about 1879 and died in Los Angeles, California, on Apr.1, 1923.
Alice Brown was born about 1886 and died on Jul.9, 1944, aged 58.

Elizabeth Auld
Robert Auld who was the grandfather of Eleanor Auld (who married ? Rimmer).

Joseph Brennan of Castletown was born about 1806 and may well have been a brother of the above William Brennan. Joseph was also a mariner and married a woman named Margaret, born about 1809. They may have moved to Belfast for the family grave is in the Shankill graveyard, Belfast. Margaret died on Mar.8, 1858, aged 49, and Joseph on Mar.26, 1890, aged 84. A gravestone in the Shankill graveyard commemorates them and their children:

Nancy Brennan was baptized in the First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church on Jul.1, 1829.
Henry Brennan was baptized in the First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church on May 4, 1835. He died at sea on Jan.12, 1857, aged 21.
Robert Brennan was born about 1839 and died at Aspinall on on Apr.9, 1886, aged 47.
Joseph Brennan was born about 1840 and died at sea in Dec., 1884, aged 44 and is buried at Tynemouth Cemetary, North Shields, England.
Mary Brennan was born about 1846 and died on Mar.1, 1890, aged 54.

Abigail Brennan was born in 1803 and married a miller, William Hamilton born about 1804. They are remembered by a gravestone inscription in Ballykeel graveyard which reads: ``Erected by William Hamilton in memory of his wife Abigaill Brennan who departed this life 8th Jan. 1838 aged 34 years. Also the above named William Hamilton who departed this life in Glasgow on the 15th March 1878 aged 73 years.'' William and Abigail had at least two children:

Abigail Hamilton was born in 1830 and probably died young.
James Hamilton was born in 1836 and became a sailor. He married Ann Greenlees born about 1837 and they are remembered by a gravestone inscription in Ballykeel graveyard which reads: ``Erected by James Hamilton in memory of his son William who died 10th April 1894 aged 27 years. Also his wife Ann Greenlees who died 10th February 1917 in her 80th year. Also the above named James Hamilton who died 3rd May 1920 in his 85th year.'' James and Ann had at least five children:

Abigail Hamilton was born in 1862 and married James Arthurs, born in 1860. Abigail died in 1937 and James in 1943. They had at least two daughters:

Abigail Arthurs was born in 1918.
Audrey Arthurs was born in 1920.

Thomas Hamilton was born in 1864 and became a customs officer. He married Margaret Hill, born about 1873. Margaret died in 1949, Thomas in 1958. They had at least seven children:

William Hamilton was born in 1895 and died in 1970.
Agnes Hamilton was born in 1896 and died in 1979.
Thomas Hamilton was born in 1899 and died in 1918.
James Hamilton was born in 1901 and died in 1939.
Margaret Hamilton was born in 1903.
Samuel Greenlees Hamilton was born in 1908. He became a teacher and emigrated to Liverpool in 1910. Samuel died in 1981. He had two sons, Colin (1937-1962) and David Ian Sutton Hamilton who was born in 1947, became an education officer and currently lives in Cheshire, England.
Katherine Hamilton was born in 1912.

William Hamilton was born in 1867 and died in 1894.
Andrew Hamilton was born in 1869 and died in 1957.
Robert Hamilton was born in 1873 and died in 1947.

Robert Brennan of Kilwaughter.

Robert Brennan was born about 1880. On Mar.6, 1901, he married Susan Moore, born Sep.27, 1880, the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Moore, Main Street, Larne. In the 1911 Census of Ireland they are listed as living at 2 Carsons Street, Larne, along with their children listed below and Susan's 20-year-old brother, John Moore, a barman, and her 11-year-old brother, Nelson Moore. Robert Brennan is listed as a plasterer's labourer. Their children:

Elizabeth Jane Brennan was born on Apr.19, 1901, and is listed in the 1911 Census of Ireland as a 9-year-old living with her parents at 2 Carsons Street, Larne.
Mary Moore Brennan was born on Aug.28, 1902, and is listed in the 1911 Census of Ireland as a 8-year-old living with her parents at 2 Carsons Street, Larne.
Robert Moore Brennan was born on Dec.17, 1904, and is listed in the 1911 Census of Ireland as a 6-year-old living with his parents at 2 Carsons Street, Larne.
John Brennan was born on Aug.23, 1907, and is listed in the 1911 Census of Ireland as a 3-year-old living with his parents at 2 Carsons Street, Larne.
Rosanna Donaldson Brennan was born on Sep.17, 1909, and is listed in the 1911 Census of Ireland as a 1-year-old living with her parents at 2 Carsons Street, Larne.
William Brennan was born on Feb.15, 1911, and is listed in the 1911 Census of Ireland as living with his parents at 2 Carsons Street, Larne.
Susan Brennan was born on Sep.4, 1913.
Rubena Nelson Brennan was born on May 15, 1915.
Nelson Brennan was born on Dec.2, 1916.

Last updated 9/9/2020.
Christopher E. Brennen