BRENNEN FAMILY CHRONICLES

© Christopher Earls Brennen

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Datafile 1A. Brennan Records

HEARTH MONEY ROLLS AND OTHER LISTS

• The 1664 Hearth Money Roll or list of householders for the parish of Armagh includes Rory O'Brennan in the townland of ``ffoghilltragh''. The 1666 Hearth Money Roll for the townland of Kilbride, parish of Kilbride, County Antrim, includes John Brenan and that for the townland of Temple-effin, parish of Islandmagee, includes John Brynan who, in 1669, is listed as John Brinan.
• Thomas Brenan was a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church of Carrickfergus in 1711 and 1715 according to the book entitled ``Scotch-Irish Pioneers'' by Bolton (page 343).
• The 1740 Hearth Money Roll or list of householders for the parish of Kilbroney, County Down includes Fran. Branon and Arth. Branan, both protestants. A similar list for the parish of Derrynuse, County Armagh includes Murta Breinan and John Branan.
• The 1766 Hearth Money Roll for the parish of Rossory, Diocese of Clogher includes Christ Breenan, a protestant. That for the parish of Kilbroney, County Down includes three Roman Catholics, Peter Brennan, Hugh Grennan and Edward Brannan. That for the parish of Tullanisken, County Tyrone includes Edward Branon, a Roman Catholic from the townland of Derry.
• A list of the inhabitants of Armagh in 1770 includes Dan. Brennan and his wife and Richard Brennan and his wife. Both are ``papists'' living on English Street and both are listed as ``pump-mak.'' or ``pump-man''.
• The 1788 Poll of Electors in County Fermanagh includes William Brenan of Killterney with freehold in Carnaglare and Christopher Brandon of Ballynant with freehold in Latherstown. There are about a dozen other Brandons.
• A letter [PRONI D562/1325] dated Jan.27, 1785, and signed by Edward Brenan and five others testifies that as the principal manufacturers (in Dublin?) of white worsted goods Harvey Fairbrother is the best whitner of said goods.
• John Brennon is recorded in the 1818 rental of 14 acres, 3 roods and 32 perches of land in Drumkeeragh, County Down for 18 pounds, 7 shillings rent [PRONI D566/305].
• In 1901 Mr. Brennan is a signalman of the Killough Lifeboat crew, Parish of Bright.
• On Feb.25, 1828, Captain Brenan of Newry paid a one pound fine to the Mendicity Society for the fraudent packing of oats.

PARISH RECORDS

• The stipend and account books of Carncastle Presbyterian Church contain the following Brennan references. The collector of the accounts in 1872, 1876, 1888 is Samuel Brennan and the books include a Mrs. Brennan. Also John Brennan of Carnfunnock is listed in the accounts for 1876. In May 1896 it is noted that Robert Brennan was admitted by exam. Sam Brennan and Mrs. S. Brennan are listed for Nov. 1915, Mr. R (Annie) Brennan of Carnfunnock is listed for Nov. 1919 and Mary Brennan of Ballyhackett is listed for Nov.1922.
• The records of the Parish of Arboe, County Tyrone, contain a list of the poor of the parish in 1789. Included in this list is Winifred Brannan of Farsnagh who has the ominous word ``removed'' added after her name. The same Parish Records also contain lists of individuals responsible for the cess in various townlands. In 1803, Bernard Branin is listed as Collector of the Cess for Kiltagh; in 1804, Bernard Branen is again listed as Collector for Kinrush, Lis..(?) and Kiltagh. In the 1810 list of Cess Collectors, Bart(?) Branan is listed for Annaghmore and Bernd. Branan for Kiltagh.
• The records of the Parish of Kilbroney, Diocese of Dromore, record the presence of Peter Brennan, papist, in 1766 [PRONI T808/15010].
• The Roman Catholic records for the Moy area in the Parish of Clonfeacle, County Tyrone list the marriage of Robert Quigley in October, 1832, at which Edward Brannan was a witness.
• Rev. Andrew Brennan was the curate of the Roman Catholic Parish of St. Michael, Dromara, from 1851 to 1853.
• Father Geoffrey Brennan is the parish priest of Killough, Parish of Bright, County Down. About 1890, he drove a pony and trap. In 1898, he was a member of Killough Lifeboat Committee. He died before 1902.
• The Lisburn Cathedral records contain the following information pertaining to burials at the Kilrush Burying Ground near Millbrook Road, Lisburn. Samuel Brennan of Lisburn aged 25, son of William Brennan, mason, was buried Apr.16, 1821. William Brennan of Belfast Gate was buried Nov.6, 1828.

WILLS

• From the index of wills for the Diocese of Connor:

  John Brennan	Kilbreed, Co. Antrim		1687	PRONI T828/15
  John Brennan	Tarnabreck		1710
  Arthur Brennan	Rasharkin		1795
  William Brennan	Carrickfergus		1819	PRONI T2501/1838
  Henry Brennan	Islandmagee		1829
  (or Brynan)
  Robert Brennan	Carrickfergus		1833
  Michael Brennan	Belfast		1842
  John Brennan	Carrickfergus		1843
  Alexander Brenan	Belfast		1855

  Details:

  PRONI T2501/1838: William Brannon, farmer of Boydtown, Carrickfergus, died in 1819 and left to his eldest brother John Brannon's daughter Jane Brannon's daughter Jane Brannon otherwise Simpson some land in Boydtown. Also left to his brother's son John Brennon some land. Probate granted Jun.14, 1819.

• General name reference to copy wills:

  James Brennan	Templecorran		1866	PRONI D300/1/5/384
  William Brennan	Templecorran		1874	PRONI D300/1/5/635

  Details:

  PRONI D300/1/5/384: James Brennan of the townland of Bella Bentra, parish of Templecorran, County Antrim died in 1866 and left all his estate to his wife. She is instructed to get trades for their sons James and William Albert and for their three daughters. The land is to go to his son Alexander after his wife dies. Will signed in the presence of Jane Brennan. Solicitors William McNeill of Larne.

  PRONI D300/1/5/635: William Brennan died Jun.4, 1874, at Templecorran and left five pounds to his sister Jane Steenson or Stevenson and the farm to his sister Eliza Brennan.

• From the index of wills for the Diocese of Down, 1685-1858, [LDS Ref. reel SL 100,915]:

  John Branion	Saintfield		1775
  William Brannan	Strangford		1800
  Thomas Brannon	Carryduff, Drumbo		1845
  [exec. Jas. Branon and Alexander Mc?, May 30, 1845]

  Details:

  The index of Admons. Bonds for 1772-1858 for the Diocese of Dromore lists John Brannan, 1760.

• From a list of prerogative wills:

  Edmond Quin	Cork merchant		1754	SL 100,894
  Edward Brennan	Intestacy, Principal Registry (Dublin)		1862	SL 100,965

• The 1852 will of Edward Brynan of Philadelphia:

  I Edward Brynan in this my last will and testament made this day Feb.23, 1852, do give and bequeath to my brother John Brynan ... United States Bank Stock, the interest commencing from the date of my decease, one $10,000 of the Northern Liberties Loan, during his lifetime. The principal at his death to go to aforesaid John Brynan's three sons: Edward Brynan, John Brynan and Charles Brynan. I give and bequeath to my sisters Ann Brynan and Jane Brynan, 100 shares of North America Bank Stock, 32 shares of Nothern Liberties Bank Stock, one ground rent of $1000 on Ontario Street, $2000, 6 percent City Loan, $700, 5 per ct City loan, $1000 City Gas Stock, $1000 Southwark 5 percent loan, one ground rent of $42 per year on West Street and my house, #80 Crown Street and household goods now in the same, I give to Ann and Jane Brynan during their lifetime. At their decease said house #80 Crown Street shall go to Charles Brynan, my brother's youngest son, his heirs and assigns forever. I give to Catherine E. Dodge the $100 to be paid by Ann Brynan immediately after my decease. I give to the children of my first cousin Alexander Brynan, deceased, late of Ireland: James, William, Jane, Hannah, Elizabeth, Margaret and Alexander (Jnr.) Brynan, the sum of $700 to be equally divided between them, the aforesaid sum of $700 to be paid by my sister Ann Brynan. I do hereby create and appoint Doctor Ebenezer Neal and Ann Brynan my true and lawful executors of this my last will and testament. The interest now due and unpaid and all interest which may accrue upon all of the above investments up to the time of my decease out of which sums they shall pay or cause to be paid my physicians bill and all the expenses unpaid of my sickness and funeral. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal in this the Northern Liberties County of Philadelphia on this the 23rd day of February 1852.

LIST OF FREEHOLDERS IN COUNTY DOWN

The list of freeholders contained in the Books of Registries for County Down, 1813-1821 lists the following Brennan freeholders in the Barony of Upper Iveagh:

• John Brennan holds property worth more than 40 shillings in Leganany. The landlord is Robert Armstrong and the tenure is given as the lives of John Armstrong, snr. and jnr. and Robert Armstrong. Registered in Castlewellan on May 26, 1813.
• Bryan Brannon holds property worth more than 40 shillings in Ballycarrickcrossan. The landlord is Rev. Joseph McCormick and the tenure is given as the lives of Terence, Nancy and Bernard Brannon. Registered in Banbridge on May 7, 1814.
• Michael Brannan holds property worth more than 40 shillings in Crossan. The landlord is Rev. Joseph McCormick and the tenure is given as the lives of Michael, Peter and John Brannan. Registered in Rathfriland on Feb.22, 1815.
• Peter Brannan holds property worth more than 40 shillings in Crossan. The landlord is Rev. Joseph McCormick and the tenure is given as the lives of Michael, Peter and John Brannan. Registered in Rathfriland on Feb.22, 1815.
• Richard Brannan holds property worth more than 40 shillings in Crossan. The landlord is Rev. Joseph McCormick and the tenure is given as the lives of Richard, Terence and Owen Brannan. Registered in Rathfriland on Feb.22, 1815.
• James Brennan holds property worth more than 40 shillings in Aughnamoira. The landlord is Roger Hall, esq., and the tenure is given as the lives of James Brennan. Registered in Warrenpoint on Aug.29, 1813.
• Francis Brennan holds property worth more than 40 shillings in Aughnamoira. The landlord is Roger Hall, esq., and the tenure is given as the lives of Francis Brennan. Registered in Warrenpoint on Aug.29, 1813.
• Patrick Brennan holds property worth more than 40 shillings in Gransha. The landlord is Lord Dungannon and the tenure is given as the lives of Charles, James and John Brennan. Registered in Dromore on Feb.28, 1817.

TITHE APPLOTMENT BOOKS

The 1834 tithe applotment book for the parish of Dromore, County Down, [PRONI FIN 5A/113] includes Peter Brannen in the townland of Ballyricknacally with 8 acres and 35 perches and a separate parcel of 1 acre and 2 roods. It also lists Pat Brenan in the townland of Ballymagendless, town of Dromore, with 1 rood and 10 perches.

Hillsborough tithe applotments [FIN 5A/152] include Patrick, James and David Murray in the townland of Clogher, M. Murray in the townland of Edenticullo, Thomas, Robert and Henry Murray in Hillsborough and Jeremiah Woods, Robert Mercer and Bernard Mercer in Taughblane.

The tithe applotment books for Islandmagee include the following Brennans. William K. Brennan is listed with two parcels of over 37 acres in the townland of Ballykeel and a parcel of 15 acres in Mullaghdoo which a footnote says is now held by Arch. Brown. Thomas Brennan holds two parcels of 7 acres in Gransha and, in that same townland, Henry and Robert Brennan are listed as holding two parcels of 29 acres and Henry Brennan, junior, is listed as holding just under 5 acres. Henry Brennan is also listed as holding a parcel of 13 acres and one of 5 acres. In the townland of Castletown Elizabeth Brennan holds nine acres of land.

Tithe applotment books for Larne [FIN 5A/197], Carncastle [FIN 5A/66] and Moira [FIN 5A/222] contain no Brennans. A John Murray was noted in the Moira tithe applotment book.

The tithe applotment book for Tartaraghan, County Armagh, [FIN 5A/255/1] lists Robert Brennan with 9 acres, 2 roods and 16 perches in the townland of Derryaugh (a subdenomination of Ballinary).

Enniskillen Parish, County Fermanagh: Bernard Branon with 10 acres and 1 rood in the townland of Carrowkeel, Patrick Brannon with 7 acres and 2 roods and Mary Branon with 5 acres and 1 rood in the townland of Mullyknock and Terence Branon with 17 acres in the townland of Edinmore.

The tithe applotment book for the parish of Inishmacsaint, County Fermanagh, lists David Brannan with 8 acres and 3 roods in the townland of Shronanure.

RECORDS OF CARNCASTLE MASONIC LODGE

The records of St. John's Masonic Lodge in Carncastle, founded in 1807, show that John Brannan was one of the 20 founder members of the Lodge. The records also indicate that the following served as pastmasters of the Lodge: E.I. Brennan in 1953, R. Brennan in 1954 and S. Brennan in 1987.

BELFAST NEWS-LETTER

• Jan. 28, 1791. On Sunday, Mr. Brennan, Tailor, married Miss Eliza Gilmer, both of Belfast. (from listing in Linenhall library)
• Aug. 1, 1817. Bernard Brannin was convicted of the felony of stealing linen at the Monaghan Assizes and transported to New South Wales, Australia.

ULSTER GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL GUILD SUBSCRIBERS LISTS

• Nathaniel English, born c.1790 in Castletown, Islandmagee, married ? Brennan and had son William.
• Alex Brenan, a merchant in Belfast about 1810-1860, had a sister Jane Brenan (1790-1880) who married William Warwick (1782-1857), born in Saintfield.

KILWAUGHTER

1. A circulated letter [PRONI D282/153] requesting information on children who might enroll in a planned school. It reads ``As the schoolhouse will soon be ready to receive a schoolmaster, Mr. James is desirous of knowing and ascertaining the number of children that may be expected to enter as soon as a Master is provided. Kilwaughter. Nov.4, 1797.'' There follows a list of names with numbers of children in parentheses. Among these is ``Robert Brennan (1)''
2. The tithe applotment index for Kilwaughter [PRONI FIN 5A/192] yielded no Brennan or similar names.

HISTORY OF ISLANDMAGEE

The Ordnance Survey Memoirs of Ireland for the Parish of Islandmagee contain the following references to the Brennans of Islandmagee:

1. Lists William Brennan as having died in 1837, without issue, at the age of 88.
2. Lists James Brannan as one of the seamen lost by drowning in the period 1815-1839.

According to a genealogy contained in LDS records [Film No. 258618] a man called Wilson of Gransha, Islandmagee, had two daughters Sarah and Margaret Wilson. Margaret married Capt. Brennan and their daughter, Sarah Brennan, married John Auld of Port Davey and had a daughter, Sarah Auld (see below). The other daughter, Sarah Wilson, married John Brown and their son married Sarah Auld. This marriage produced at least one child, Alice Brown of Springvale, Islandmagee.

The ``Historical, Traditional and Descriptive Account of Islandmagee'' by Dixon Donaldson contains the following information on the Brennan families of Islandmagee:

1. The first mention appears to be the name of John Brinan who appears in the Hearth Money Roll of the year 1669. He is one of 11 names listed for the townland of ``Temble-Juan'' (Temple-effin).
2. In the accounts of St. John's Parish Church, Islandmagee, there following entry appears: ``Recd. from Robt. M'Crakan fourteen shillings in full of his tithes for the year 1770. Due to the Revd. Dean Benson. Recd. by me. Robt: Brynan''.
3. In 1770 Lord Dungannon negotiated the renewal of leases involving large parts of Islandmagee with the tenants, a list of whom appearred in the Belfast News-Letter. This list contains the following names in the townland of Ballykeel with the acreage included in parentheses (acres/roods/perches): Widow Brannon (44/2/2), Robert Brannon (36/2/4), Alexander Brannon (9/0/3).
4. Shortly thereafter, in April 1772, a letter or address of loyalty from the residents of Islandmagee appeared in the News-Letter. This decried the activities of the lawless ``Hearts of Steel'' bands and was signed by Robert Brennin, William Brennin, Henry Brennin, Alex. Brennin, John Brennin and James Brennin.
5. There is a surviving Roll Book which belonged to the schoolmaster John Montgomery which is dated 1826-31 and includes pupils Henry Brennan of Gransha and Abby Brennan of Ballymulldrogh.
6. Henry Brennan of Gransha and Robert Brennan of Ballykeel were members of a committee which was set up in 1857 to reorganize the financial affairs of the First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church.
7. Henry Brennan of Gransha Upper was a member of the Kirk Session of the Presbyterian Church sometime during the period 1841-1860. In 1870 he contributed 20 pounds toward new seating for the First Islandmagee Presbyterian Church.
8. Robert Brennan of Ballykeel was first elected a churchwarden of St. John's Parish Church, Islandmagee, in 1863.
9. James Cameron, 32, the son of William and Ann Jane Cameron of Blackhead, Castletown and husband of Lizzie Brennan of Carrickfergus died when the ``Bray Head'' was shelled by a German submarine on Mar.17, 1917.
10. At the time of writing in 1927 a John Brennan was in possession of a farm called ``The Ford'' which he acquired from Thomas Houston who had it from the Rev. David Potter who bought it from Luke Jackson.

DIRECTORIES

1. The 1805 Cork Directory lists Wm. Quin, soap manufactory, Blarney Lane, and Edward Quin, coach maker, Thomas Street.
2. The 1809 Cork Directory lists Wm. Quin, chandler, Blarney Lane, and Simon Quin, coach maker, South Mall.
3. The 1824 Piggott and Company Provincial Directory lists M. Brannan, publican, Caddel's entry, and Alex Brenan, merchant (provisions), 29 York St, in the city of Belfast. It also lists Jane and Ann Brennan, Scotch St., grocers and agents to Kinnahan and Sons tea warehouse, Dublin, in the town of Dungannon.
4. The 1839 Enniskillen Directory lists James Brennan, clothes broker, Main St, Thomas Brennan, clothes broker, Main St., and Bernard Brennan, publican, Toneystick, in the city of Enniskillen.
5. The 1846 Slater's Directory lists Bernard Brannen, Church Street, spirit and porter dealer, Henry Napier, Dromore Square, blacksmith, and Henry Napier, Gallows Street, blacksmith, in the town of Dromore, County Down. It also lists Anne Jane Brennan, Scotch St., earthenware dealer, in the town of Dungannon.
6. The 1852 Ulster Directory lists D.J. Pece, as master of Donaghmore Church Society's School in the list for Dungannon. It also lists Bernard Brennan, spirit dealer and porter dealer, in the town of Dromore, County Down.
7. The 1856 Slater's Directory lists John Leitch as master of Donaghmore Church Society's School and Stephen Porter as master of Donaghmore National School, both in Donaghmore, County Tyrone. It also lists James Brenan, clothes broker, 14 Townhall St., and Thomas Brannan, clothes broker, East Bridge St., in the city of Enniskillen.
8. The 1858-9 Ulster Directory lists D.J. Pece, as master of Donaghmore Church Society's School in the list for Dungannon. It also lists Bernard Brannan, spirit dealer, Ardery, in the town of Dromore, County Down.
9. The 1863-4 Ulster Directory lists Mr. Brennan as master and Miss Brennan as mistress of Donaghmore Church Society's School and Stephen Porter as master of Donaghmore National School, both in Donaghmore, County Tyrone. It also lists Bernard Brennan, spirit dealer, in the town of Dromore, County Down. It also lists William Brennan, painter, Main St., in the town of Antrim.
10. The 1865-6 Ulster Directory lists Mr. Brennan as master and Miss Brennan as mistress of Donaghmore Church Society's School.
11. The 1870 Ulster Directory lists Mr. and Miss Brennan as teachers in Donaghmore Church Society School and Stephen Porter as teacher in Donaghmore National School.
12. The 1877 Ulster Directory lists W. Walker as teacher in Donaghmore Church Society School and Francis Hurzon as teacher in Donaghmore National School.
13. The 1880 Ulster Directory lists W. Walker as teacher in Donaghmore Church Society School and Francis Hurzon as teacher in Donaghmore National School. It also lists Peter Brennan, spiritdealer and grocer, Wm. Brennan, spiritdealer and grocer, and Wm. Napier, hotelkeeper, in the town of Dromore, County Down. It also lists W.H.N. Brennian, law clerk, Church Place, in the town of Lurgan. It also lists Thomas Brennan, clothes broker, Main St., in the city of Enniskillen.
14. The 1880 Enniskillen Directory lists J. Brennan, Queen St., boot and shoe maker, T. Brannan, 4 Townhall St., pawnbroker (advertizes ``Money''), and Michael Brennan, Tempo, wine and spirit merchant, flour goods.
15. In 1881, Bridget Brennan is a grocer and tea dealer at 73 Castle Street, Newry.
16. The 1884 Ulster Directory lists W. Walker as teacher in Donaghmore Church Society School and Francis Hurzon as teacher in Donaghmore National School. It also lists Peter Brennen, spiritdealer and grocer, in the town of Dromore, County Down.
17. The 1886 County Down Directory lists Jeremiah Woods, Taughblane, in the list for Hillsborough, County Down.
18. The 1890 Ulster Directory lists B. Brennan and Mrs. Brennan as teachers in Donaghmore National School, Donaghmore, County Tyrone. It also lists Peter Brennan, spiritdealer and grocer, in the town of Dromore, County Down.

NATIONAL SCHOOL RECORDS

1. The register of Donaghmore (Down) National School [PRONI SCH/243/1/2] includes male students for the period 1864-1941. It includes three sons of a Roman Catholic labourer living in Tullymurry: John Brennan who entered on June 1, 1868 aged 4, Thomas Brennan who entered on May 4, 1874 aged 4 and Edward Brennan who entered on July 30, 1878 aged 4. The Roll Book for 1860-1867 [PRONI SCH/243/2/1] includes in July 1877 John Brennan, aged 13, and Margaret Brennan, aged 12 years and 3 months, both Roman Catholics.
2. The Donaghmore (Tyrone) National School records do not begin until 1885 and include the Roll Book, 1885-1888, [PRONI SCH/1065/2/1] and the Daily Report Book, 1894-1898, [PRONI SCH/1065/6/1]. The former contains many of Bernard Brennen's children including May, Alfred, Wilfred and Herbert.
3. The earliest records of St. John's, Kilwarlin, National School [PRONI SCH/1032] are for 1933. For Hillsborough, Downshire [PRONI SCH/808] the earliest date is 1885 and for Hillsborough, Hillsborough [PRONI SCH/809] it is 1864.
4. The records of Kilcoan National School, Islandmagee, and the Kilcoan (lower) National School contain the following references to Brennan children in Islandmagee. Listed is the age at the given date of registration, estimated year of birth, home townland and the occupation of their father:

First Name + [Age]:	Date of reg.:	Est. year of birth:	Home townland
			and father's job:
William [5.75]	Aug. 9, 1858	1852	Ballyharry, shipowner
William [9.5]	Jan. 1, 1862	1852	Hillhead, sailor
William [9]	Dec. 9, 1862	1853	Gransha, sailor
William [14.25]	May. ?, 1865	1851	Ballyharry, sailor
William [12]	Nov. ?, 1867	1855	Ballykeel, farmer
William [13.5]	Jan.14, 1869	1855	Gransha, farmer
Henry [4]	Sep.20, 1858	1854	Gransha, shipowner
Henry [7.5]	Jan. 1, 1862	1854	Hillhead, sailor
Henry [14]	Jan.14, 1867	1867	Kilcoan, sailor
Samuel [4]	Feb.10, 1862	1858	Hillhead, sailor
John [3]	--- --, 1862	1859	Hillhead, sailor
John [4]	Jul.25, 1864	1860	Ballyharry, sailor
John [4.5]	May --, 1865	1860	Ballyharry, sailor
John [5]	Jan.26, 1869	1864	Ballykeel, farmer
William [3]	Apr. 8, 1878	1874	Gransha, farmer
William [6]	Jan.12, 1880	1873	Gransha, farmer
William [4]	Jul.13, 1886	1882	Gransha, farmer
William [7]	Jan.14, 1888	1881	Gransha, farmer
John [4]	Apr. 8, 1878	1873	Gransha, farmer
John [7]	Jun. 2, 1879	1872	Ballykeel, farmer
John [6]	Jan.22, 1881	1875	Gransha, farmer
John [15]	Jan. 1, 1889	1874	Gransha, farmer
John [11]	May 22, 1876	1865	Ballykeel, farmer
John [5]	Oct.30, 1893	1888	Gransha, farmer
James [5]	Jun. 4, 1883	1878	Gransha, farmer
James [6]	Jan.31, 1885	1879	Gransha, farmer
Robert [4]	May 11, 1885	1881	Gransha, farmer
Robert [7]	Jul. 5, 1887	1880	Gransha, farmer
Robert [4]	May 18, 1891	1886	Gransha, farmer
Robert [6]	Feb.13, 1893	1887	Gransha, farmer
Hill [5]	Jul. 5, 1904	1899	Gransha, farmer
Hill [9]	Jul. 1, 1908	1899	Gransha, farmer
Harry [8+10m]	May. 8, 1906	1897	Gransha, farmer
Harry [10]	Jul. 1, 1907	1897	Gransha, farmer
Eliza [11]	Feb.17, 1873	1862	Kilcoan, sailor
Ellen [6]	Jun. 4, 1872	1866	Kilcoan, sailor

Other records not yet consulted are Blaris [PRONI SCH/184], Kilkeel [PRONI SCH/720] and Moira [PRONI SCH/654 and 239].

KILWARLIN ESTATE RECORDS

There are extensive records of the Kilwarlin Estate of the Marquis of Downshire in PRONI. I have checked several of the Estate Rental Books as follows:

1. Estate Rental Book for July 1, 1848 - Jan.1, 1849 [PRONI D/671/R8/70]. Just checked the townlands of Corcreeny, Culcavy, Toghblane and Ballynock in which no Brennans appear. James Woods is listed for 5 acres, 1 rood and 15 perches and a second parcel of 16 acres, 2 roods and 4 perches in Toghblane.
2. Estate Rental Book for July 1, 1858 - Jan.1, 1859 [PRONI D/671/R8/90]. Fully checked. Daniel Brennan is listed for the townland of Ballyknock with 10 acres, 1 rood and 19 perches, with arrears remaining of 4.3.3 pounds and a half-years rent of 4.4.0 pounds. Ed. J. Bowman is listed in the townland of Begny with 7 acres, 3 roods and 26 perches. St. John's School is listed in the townland of Corcreeny with 16 acres, 3 roods and 4 perches. Daniel Murray is listed in Lurganville with 7 acres, 2 roods and 19 perches.
3. Estate Rental Book for July 1, 1863 - Jan.1, 1864 [PRONI D/671/R8/100]. Fully checked. I originally read an entry for the townland of Begny (7 acres, 3 roods and 26 perches, half-year's rental of 2.13.0 pounds) as Ed. J. Brennan. However, the above rental book, /90, clearly reads Ed. J. Bowman rather than Brennan. This book includes Jeremiah Woods with 19 acres and 3 roods in Taughblane.

CHARLEMONT ESTATE RECORDS

In the accounts of the Armagh Estates of the Earl of Charlemont for 1840 and 1849 the following Brennans appear. Hugh Brennan leases 9 acres, 1 rood and 36 perches in the townland of Anagha, parish of Armagh, for an annual rent of 9 pounds, 10 shillings. The lease began on Nov.1, 1838, and was to last one life or 20 years. Arthur Brennan leases just over 8 acres in the townland of Ballymacnabb, parish of Armagh, for an annual rent of 5 pounds, 19 shillings and 2 pence. In 1840 and 1841, widow Brennan was an occupying tenant. John Brennan leases 2 acres and 1 rood in the townland of Grangeblundells, parish of Armagh, for an annual rent of 2 pounds, 9 shillings and 10 pence. The lease extends for the life of his wife Susan among others.

PRONI LETTERS

There some additional letters lodged in the PRONI under PRONI T/2140 and T/2403:

1. PRONI T/2140 contains two connected letters, the first from Alexander Brennen of Belfast to his sister Jane in Pittsburg, PA, dated Apr.1, 1852, and the second from Letitia Agnew of Belfast to Sarah Brennan in Pittsburg dated Apr.21, 1853. These letters came from the possesion of Miss E. Winsor, 3345 E. 2nd Street, Zucroa (no such place - might be Tucson), Arizona, USA.
   1. In the first letter dated Apr.1, 1852, Alexander (who in 1852 was a member of the Committee of Management of the Belfast General Hospital, Frederick Street, Belfast) writes to his sister Jane (and Jane's husband William). Excepts:
      1. ``... As to myself I have little to say being stay with Dr. Stewart, Number 51 York Street. Eliza has 2, a boy and a girl aged 3 1/2 , the boy called for me, the little girl is called Eliza and is 2 1/2 years. He is still professor of medicine in the Queen's College. Robert Patterson her son by Williamis nearly 17 years old and is going to a Merchant's office in Novembernot having to go on with his learning at College to become a learned profession. He is a quiet good boy and as yet very steady to his business and has five years to serve. [Hugh] Armstrong's health is no better or likely ever to be. Letitia is quite well and seems content with her lot which was of her own choosing. Her only son noe 14 years old is in the Belfast Bank at a salary of 20 pounds per year which will nearly pay for his meat and clothing.''
      2. ``I have not seen Letitia [Newburn] since shortly after the death of my dear and much-lamented wife by myself and all her friends and acquaintances. James [Newburn] and Mary I have seen once or twice but they are seldom in town but in good health and is very worldly in looking after the affairs of this world The last time James was in town it was to get a new lease....'' ``Mary seems a very good little girl and very different. Wm. I know very little about but seems to follow his father's footstepsin being careful. Poor Letitia Agnew is in a very desolate way since her grandmother died about 9 months ago. She still lives in the house and has a lodger that has long been with them but pays very little. She is threatened to be turned out and it put in chancery. The money left by her uncle Alexander Agnes is lost. She was left by her grandfather 250 pounds but it is paid. .... What will become of her I cannot say as none of her uncles can do anything for her and I have to help Letitia Armstrong all I can afford.''
      3. ``.. considering my age, now entering my 79th year. I attend the General Hospital [gratis] and our bakery ...'' ``... remember me most kindly to [Sarah] who was always a favorite with me and indeed with her aunt, but I will not reply to her letter at present as Letitia Agnew is corresponding with her..''
      4. ``Wishing you my dear sister, your good husband and all your worthy daughters and their husbands...''
      5. ``I remain dearest Jane your affectionate brother, Alexander Brennan.''
   2. In the second letter from 10 Great George's Street, Belfast, and dated Apr.21, 1853, Letitia Agnew writes to Sarah, her same-age companion during her youth. Excerpts:
      1. ``... and now you are a married woman and in time perhaps have a large family about you.''
      2. ``I often think of the time I spent at your house in the country and the visit to your Aunt's ...''
      3. ``I scarecely ever hear or see any of the Newburn family..''
      4. ``I read your letter to Mr. [Brennan] and he was so glad to hear of you being married and comfortable.''
      5. ``I have been thinking, Sarah, whether you or I is the older. I will be 23 on the 3rd May. James Brennan is not going out to America...''
2. PRONI T/2403 involving J.J.Brennan was not checked as yet.

DROMORE RESIDENTS

Current residents of Dromore include the family of Daniel Brennan (Elizabeth, Daniel junior and Rosaleen) who live at 5 Ballynahinch Road in the townland of Ballyvicknakelly.

Last updated 1/1/00.

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Christopher E. Brennen