BRENNEN FAMILY CHRONICLES

© Christopher Earls Brennen

Datafile 1A. Brennan Records

MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS

HEARTH MONEY ROLLS

PARISH RECORDS

WILLS

WILL ABSTRACTS OF BRENNANs FROM PRONI LIST

OTHER WILL ABSTRACTS FROM PRONI LIST

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:

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.

CARNCASTLE

BELFAST NEWS-LETTER

ULSTER GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL GUILD SUBSCRIBERS LISTS

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 decribed 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:

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:
      • ``... 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 William is nearly 17 years old and is going to a Merchant's office in November not 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.''
      • ``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.''
      • ``.. 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..''
      • ``Wishing you my dear sister, your good husband and all your worthy daughters and their husbands...''
      • ``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:
      • ``... and now you are a married woman and in time perhaps have a large family about you.''
      • ``I often think of the time I spent at your house in the country and the visit to your Aunt's ...''
      • ``I scarecely ever hear or see any of the Newburn family..''
      • ``I read your letter to Mr. [Brennan] and he was so glad to hear of you being married and comfortable.''
      • ``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 (about 1990) of Dromore include the family of Daniel Brennan (Elizabeth, Daniel junior and Rosaleen) who live at 5 Ballynahinch Road in the townland of Ballyvicknakelly.


Christopher E. Brennen