BRENNEN FAMILY CHRONICLES

© Christopher Earls Brennen

Appendix 2B. BRENNANS OF THE DROMORE AREA

  1. Peter Brennan of Dromore was born about 1745 and, according to the Roman Catholic records, died on Feb.5, 1839, at the age of 95. This may be the same Peter Brennan of Ballyvicknakelly whose wife, Cicilia, died on Mar.13, 1828. They may also be the parents of one or all of Peter, Bernard, William, Daniel, Catherine, Sarah or Bridget Brennan listed below.

  1. John Brennan is listed in the Griffith Valuation of about 1860 as holding just over 24 acres of land worth 27 and a half pounds and a house worth 30 shillings in the townland of Ballvicknakelly just east of Dromore. The landlord is Mary Vaughan. John also lets three small houses to Daniel Morgan, John Guiney and James McDonnell. This might be the same John Brennan who resided in the townland of Tullindoney, just southeast of Dromore, married a woman named Anne and had a daughter, Susan Ann, born Apr.28, 1823.

  1. Peter Brennan was born about 1800 and lived in the townland of Ballyvicknakelly, just to the east of Dromore and including parts of eastern Dromore such as Mount Street. On Feb.19, 1823, Peter married Jane Whyte or White according to the records of the Roman Catholic parish of Dromore and Garvaghy. The tithe applotment of 1834 lists Peter as holding a parcel of 8 acres and 35 perches and another of 1 acre and 2 roods in the townland of Ballyvicknakelly. Peter and Jane Brennan had six children of whom we are aware:
    1. Jane(?) Brennan was born in Ballyvicknakelly on Oct.8, 1823. Her sponsors are listed in the records of the Roman Catholic parish of Dromore and Garvaghy as Patrick Brennan and ? White.
    2. Peter Brennan was born in Ballyvicknakelly on Jul.9, 1825. His sponsors are listed in the records of the Roman Catholic parish of Dromore and Garvaghy as Neil McKey and Bridget Brennan. Peter married Catherine Brennan, born about 1838, who was perhaps a cousin. Peter is listed in the 1860 Griffith Valuation as renting a house and small garden at 50 Mount Street, Dromore, worth five pounds and ten shillings and they were living in Mount Street during the time when their children were born (1865-74). He is also listed as a spirit dealer and grocer in the Ulster Directories for 1880, 1884 and 1890. Catherine died on Feb.7, 1882, and Peter on Dec.11, 1892. A gravestone in the Dromore Roman Catholic graveyard reads: ``Erected by Peter Brennan, Dromore, in memory of his beloved wife Catherine Brennan who died February 7th 1882 aged 44 years. The above named Peter Brennan died December 11th 1892 aged 66 years. R.I.P.'' The will of Peter Brennan who died on Dec.11, 1892, was granted at Belfast daughter Rose Brennan of Dromore, a spinster. He left his pub to daughter Rose, some land in Ballyvicknakelly to daughter Maggie Brennan and some money to daughter Annie, wife of James Conlon. The children of Peter and Catherine Brennan:
      1. William Brennan was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Apr.15, 1859. His sponsors were Peter and Ann Brennan, probably his grandparents.
      2. Rose Brennan was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Sep.19, 1860. Her sponsors were Patrick and Ann Brennan. Rose inherited the pub in Dromore from her father in 1892.
      3. John(?) Brennan was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on May 19, 1864. His sponsors were Hugh Smyth and Mary Brannan. In the baptismal record the father's name is given as John and the son's as Peter but this seems likely to have been a clerical error. If so then this John died in infancy for a later son was named John.
      4. James Brennan was born on Nov.30, 1865, in Mount Street, Dromore.
      5. John Brennan was born on Oct.11, 1867, in Mount Street, Dromore. He was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Oct.13, 1867, his sponsors being Patrick Brennan and Sarah Scott.
      6. Anne Brennan was born on Mar.13, 1869, in Mount Street, Dromore. Apparently she was baptized the same day, her sponsors being John Downey and Bridget Donaldson. Annie married James Conlon. She was left some money in her father's will.
      7. Mary Catherine Brennan was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Aug.12, 1871. Her sponsors were William and Rose Brennan, perhaps her brother and sister. Mary Catherine died in 1876 at the age of 5.
      8. Margaret Brennan was born on Jan.29, 1874, in Mount Street, Dromore. She was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Feb.3, 1874, her sponsors being Matthew Fitzpatrick and J. Donaldson. Margaret inherited land in Ballyvicknakelly from her father.
    3. Patrick Brennan was born in Ballyvicknakelly on Aug.27, 1826. His sponsors are listed in the records of the Roman Catholic parish of Dromore and Garvaghy as James Lavery and Elizabeth White.
    4. Margaret Brennan was born in Ballyvicknakelly on Sep.15, 1829. Her sponsors are listed in the records of the Roman Catholic parish of Dromore and Garvaghy as John and Catherine Reilly.
    5. Alice Anne(?) Brennan was born in Ballyvicknakelly on May 11, 1834. Her godparents are listed in the records of the Roman Catholic parish of Dromore and Garvaghy as Charles and Catherine Roach.
    6. Catherine Brennan was born in Ba... on Jul.24, 1836, the daughter of "Patrick" (probably Peter) and Jane Brennan. Her godparents are listed in the records of the Roman Catholic parish of Dromore and Garvaghy as John Bryce and Elizabeth Donaldson. On Oct.6, 1853 in St.Michael's, Dromara, Catherine Brennan of Drumnaconnor married Patrick Dalton from Dromore (both are listed as from Muninabane in the Dromara Parish Record). The witnesses were David Brannen and Elizabeth Ann Brannen. A couple by the name of Patrick and Cathrine Dalton had a child in Newtownards and two in Belfast. Their great great great grandson is Chris Degan (chrisdegan@gmail.com). Tradition has it that the bridesmaid Elizabeth Ann Brannen married a man named Davey and had a son Pat Davey.
    7. Bernard Brennan was born in Dromore on Apr.29, 1839. His sponsors are listed in the records of the Roman Catholic parish of Dromore and Garvaghy as Patrick and Bridget Brennan.

  1. William Brennan may have been a brother of the above Peter or Bernard (below). William married Mary Anne Pullin and they lived first in Ballykeel where their elder children were born and later in Ballyvicknakelly. In the Griffith Valuation of about 1860, William Brennan is listed as holding just over 13 acres of land worth 14 and a half pounds with a house worth 30 shillings in the townland of Ballyvicknakelly. The landlord is Mary Vaughn. He also rents another 6 acres or so from Charles Douglass. William and Mary Anne had at least nine children:
    1. Margaret Brennan was born in 1830 in Ballykeel.
    2. Anne(?) Brennan was born in Ballykeel and baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Oct.9, 1831. Her sponsors were Terence and Sarah Lavery.
    3. Mary Brennan was born in Ballykeel and baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Mar.17, 1834. Her sponsors were Robert and Anne Rutherford.
    4. Hugh Brennan was born in Ballykeel and baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Feb.21, 1836. His sponsors were Peter Brennan and Hannah McKern(?). This could well be the Hugh Brennan, a labourer of Mount Street, Dromore, who married Margaret Magennis in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Aug.15, 1860. The witnesses were Peter Brennan and Catherine ?. Hugh and Margaret had at least two children:
      1. William Brennan was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Apr.14, 1861. His sponsors were William Brennan and Anne Brennan.
      2. Mary Anne Brennan was born on Jan.14, 1864, in Mount Street, Dromore. She was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Jan.17, 1864, the witnesses being Patrick and Ellen Brennan.
      3. John Brennan was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Feb.7, 1873. He was sponsored by Mary Larkin. His parents are given as Patrick Brennan and Margaret (Magennis). It is possible that John's father's name is listed incorrectly. Alternatively Hugh may have died and Margaret married Patrick.
    5. James Brennan was born in Ballyvicknakelly and baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Feb.11, 1838. His sponsors were John and Elizabeth Lavery. This may be the James Brennan who was married to Mary McKey in that same church on Apr.30, 1858. The marriage was witnessed by Patrick Lavery and Ann Brennan.
    6. Margaret Brennan was born in Ballyvicknakelly and baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Dec.1, 1839. Her sponsors were Neil and Catherine McKey.
    7. John Brennan was born in Ballyvicknakelly and baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Nov.6, 1841. His sponsors were James and Elizabeth Whyte. This may be the John Brennan of Church Street, Dromore, who died as a child and was buried on Apr.18, 1847.
    8. Elizabeth Brennan was born in Ballyvicknakelly and baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Sep.16, 1843. Her sponsors were John Brennan and Alice Whyte.
    9. William Brennan was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore on Aug.9, 1845. His sponsors were John and Ann Brennan of Dromore.

  1. Catherine Brennan may have been a sister of the above Peter, Bernard or William. According to the Roman Catholic records of the parish of Dromore she married John White (or Whyte) of Ballyvicknakelly on May 26, 1823. They had at least three children:
    1. Alice White was born in Ballyvicknakelly and baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Apr.20, 1824. Her sponsors were Daniel Lavery and Eliza White.
    2. Jane White was born in Ballyvicknakelly and baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Oct.4, 1826. Her sponsors were Neil McKey and Eleanor White.
    3. George White was born in Ballyvicknakelly and baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Aug.12, 1832. His sponsors were James Whyte and Jane Brennan.

  1. Sarah Brennan may have been a sister of the above Peter, Bernard or William. She married John Mooney(?) and they lived in Ballyvicknakelly. They had at least one child:
    1. Bernard Mooney(?) was born in Ballyvicknakelly and baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Oct.7, 1826. His sponsors were Alex Mallon and Mary Donaldson.

  1. Bridget Brennan may have been a sister of the above Peter, Bernard or William. She married James Moore. They lived in Dromore and had at least two children:
    1. Bridget Moore was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on May 30, 1824. Her sponsors were Patrick Smyth and Mary Smyth.
    2. Catherine Moore was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Oct.8, 1836. Her sponsors were Morris Hood and Alice Brennan.

  1. Bernard Brennan, born about 1780, married a woman named A. (Alice?) Magrady. Their sons are linked by the fact that letters written by their son Daniel seem to refer to their son Bernard's family and to their daughter, Agnes. According to the Roman Catholic records of the parish of Dromore and Garvaghy, County Down, Alice, wife of Bernard Brennan of Dromore died on May 6, 1838. The children of Bernard Brennan and his wife:
    1. Patrick Brennan was born on Aug.6, 1825, the son of Bernard Brennan of Dromore and A. Magrady. His sponsors were John White and Margaret Smyth.
    2. Alice Brennan, born Oct.12, 1829, to Bernard Brennan of Ballyvicknakelly and his wife Jane formerly White and whose sponsors were James Kelly(?) and Mary McCullough. Perhaps the scribe made an error with this entry by confusing Bernard's wife with Peter's wife whose name was Jane White.
    3. Agnes Brennan listed her father as Bernard Brennan, a farmer in Ballyvicknakelly, on her marriage certificate. According to her death certificate Agnes was aged 43 when she died in 1875 which would mean she was born about 1832 (we do not know who Agnes's mother was). Agnes was married on Nov.4, 1856, to Henry Bell Napier, born about 1829, a bachelor and a farmer in the townland of Ballymacormick. Henry's father, James Napier, was a farmer. John Davidson and Elizabeth Sarah Napier witnessed the marriage which took place in the Registry Office, Banbridge. Henry Bell Napier is listed in the 1901 Census as a 72-year-old farmer living in the townland of Ballyvicknakelly. He is also listed as belonging to the Church of Ireland. A 60-year-old servant, Eliza McCullough, is living with him. Henry and Agnes had the following children:
      1. William John Napier was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Nov.10, 1856. In the 1880 Ulster Directory William Napier is listed as a hotelkeeper in Dromore. In the 1901 Census he is listed as a 38-year-old Roman Catholic spiritdealer living on Princes Street, Dromore, with his wife, Martha Napier, and two servants, Christopher Walsh, a 27-year-old barman and Susan Ferguson, an 18-year-old cook. Martha Napier is listed as 23 years old and an assistant in the bar.
      2. James Napier was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on May 10, 1857. His sponsors were John Brennan and Esther Grennet(?).
      3. Mary Anne Napier was born on Dec.12, 1859, and baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Dec.30, 1859. Her sponsors were John Brennan and Catherine Rorke.
      4. Henry Bell Napier was born on Jan.12, 1861, in Dromore.
      5. Mary Anne Napier was born on Aug.10, 1862, in Dromore.
      6. James Napier was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on May 18, 1865. His sponsor was Sarah Mussin.
      7. Agnes Napier was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Sep.13, 1867.
    4. Bernard Brennan may well belong in this genealogy. It seems particularly likely that Bernard and Daniel of the next family were brothers for letters written by Daniel seem to refer to Bernard's family. On Feb.1, 1838, Bernard Brennan ``of Dromore'' was married to Catherine Fraser in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore. The witnesses were John O'Neill and John Fegan. Bernard and Catherine had at least nine children. Bernard is listed in the 1860 Griffith Valuation as renting a house at 31 Church Street, Dromore, worth eight pounds and ten shillings. He is also listed as renting about 7 acres of land in the townland of Ballyvicknakelly from George M. Vaughan. This land does not have a house on it. Bernard is listed as a spirit dealer and porter dealer in the Ulster Directory between 1852 and 1864. In 1859 he is listed as resident in Ardery. The records of the Dromore Roman Catholic Church include the burial of a Bernard Brennan on Jan.10, 1868, and of a Mrs. Brennan on Oct.7, 1870. The children of Bernard and Catherine Brennan:
      1. Bernard Brennan, son of Bernard and Catherine (Frazer) Brennan, was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Dec.10, 1838. His sponsors were William Donelly and Elizabeth O'Neill.
      2. John Brennan, son of Bernard and Catherine (Frazer) Brennan, was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Nov.29, 1840. His sponsors were John McDade and Jane O'Neill.
      3. Elizabeth Brennan, daughter of Bernard and Catherine (Frazer) Brennan, was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Apr.9, 1843. Her sponsors were Hugh Haughan and Catherine Burns. This is probably the Elizabeth Brennan who was married in the same church on Aug.24, 1862, to Fintone Fitzpatrick, the witnesses being John Fegan and Elizabeth Lenaghan. Their children:
        1. Patrick Finton Fitzpatrick was baptized in the Dromore Roman Catholic Church on Mar.19, 1864. His sponsors were Catherine Byrne and James Murphy.
        2. Finton Leopold Fitzpatrick was baptized in the Dromore Roman Catholic Church on Nov.25, 1875. His sponsor was Ellen Cargan.
      4. Anna Catherine Brennan, daughter of Bernard and Catherine (Frazer) Brennan, was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Jun.3, 1845. Her sponsors were James Woods and Catherine M. King. Anne C. Brennan married Robert Guinea of Dromore and had a son, James Alexander Guinea, who was baptized in Dromore Roman Catholic Church on May 1, 1880. They went to live in Scotland, at least for a time.
      5. William Brennan, son of Bernard and Catherine (Frazer) Brennan, was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Apr.8, 1847. His sponsors were John and Agnes Brennan of Dromore. It seems he must have died as an infant since another son called William was born in 1857.
      6. Teresa Mary Brennan, daughter of Bernard and Catherine (Frazer) Brennan, was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Aug.24, 1851. Her sponsors were Henery Morgan and Mary McGrath of Dromore. She was married in the same church on Jan.26, 1882, to William J. Rooney.
      7. Lucy Brennan, daughter of Bernard and Catherine (Frazer) Brennan, was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Jan.20, 1854. Her sponsors were Rose Anne and James O'Neil of Dromore. On Nov.21, 1881, she was married in the same church to Henry Monaghan, the witnesses being James McCartan and Jane Thompson. Their children:
        1. Catherine Monaghan was born prior to her parents marriage and was baptized in the Dromore Roman Catholic Church on Apr.11, 1881. Her sponsor was M. Cargin.
      8. William Patrick Brennan, son of Bernard and Catherine (Frazer) Brennan, was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Nov.2, 1857. His sponsors were named Joseph and Rose.
      9. James Brennan, son of Bernard and Catherine (Frazer) Brennan, was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Apr.30, 1860. His sponsors were Arthur Gilmor(?) and Mary Mullan.
    5. Daniel Thomas Brennan was born about 1805-6. The proof that Daniel and Bernard were brothers lies in the fact that the letters written to Australia by Daniel's daughter Catherine refer to their Agnes (Brennan) Napier as Mary (Brennan) McKee's aunt. Daniel became a bootmaker in Dromore. On Apr.20, 1828, Daniel Brennan and Mary Magee were sponsors for Robert Graham, son of John Graham, a protestant, and Esther King. This was 4 years before Daniel and Mary were married. Note that in 1815 a Mary Magee was baptised to Edward Magee and Frances McNally in 1815, a couple who had been clandestinely joined in 1812. On May 1 or 2, 1832, (or Jan.3, 1832) Daniel Brennan of Ballyvicknakelly (born about 1803) was married to Mary Anne McGee (first name also given as Anne, surname also written as McKern, McHenry or McGiveran) in Magheralin Roman Catholic Church, St. Colman's, Kilwarlin. The witnesses were James and Arthur Lavery. In the 1858/59 Rental Book for the Kilwarlin Estates of the Marquis of Downshire, Daniel Brennan is listed as holding just over 10 acres in the townland of Ballyknock, parish of Moira. Ballyknock is just a mile northwest of Taughblane and the Kilwarlin churches. Also in the Griffith Valuation of about 1860, Daniel ``Brannon'' is listed as holding 10 plus acres (worth 9.5 pounds) and a house worth 30 shillings in Ballyknock. He is also listed in the Griffith Valuation as leasing a house and yard at 96 Hillsborough Street (formerly known as Gallows Street) worth 2 pounds and 10 shillings from George Phillips. In the La Trobe Library in Melbourne, Australia, there is a collection of letters written by Daniel, his daughter Catherine and other family and friends in Ireland to the emigrants Mary and Joseph McKee in Victoria, Australia. They tell of the deaths of many children from tuberculosis, of neighbours named Lavery, Catney, Devlin, Murray, and Herron and the passing of many that, in Daniel's words, ``cleared the hill''. They also tell of a plan for daughters Eliza Jane and Sarah Ann Brennan to join Joseph and Mary in Victoria, a plan that was never followed through. There is also mention of an Eliza Jane Brennan who emigrated to New Zealand, a reference that must surely be Samuel and Eliza Jane Miller and most likely indicates a relationship with our family. According to his death certificate, Daniel Brennan, aged 73, died at Ballyknock on Aug.14, 1879, and was buried in Magheralin Roman Catholic Church, St. Colman's, Kilwarlin. He is listed as married so it may be that his wife survived him. The records of St. Colman's records deaths of a Mary McGee in 1877 and in 1879. The children of Daniel and Mary (McGee) Brennan of Ballyknock:
      1. Mary Brennan was born in Ballyknock on May 5, 1833; at her baptism in St. Colman's Roman Catholic Church, Magheralin, her sponsors were Rowland McGuigan and Rose Gilmer. On Jun.21, 1857, Mary Brennan of Ballyknock was a sponsor at the baptism of William John Rourke, son of Hugh Rourke and Mary Johnson. On Apr.18, 1860, Mary Brennan, a 27-year-old spinster from Ballyknock whose father was farmer Daniel Brennan was married in the Lurgan Registry Office to Joseph McKee, a 24-year-old labourer from Ballyknock whose father was weaver Joseph McKee of Newtownards and whose mother was Jane formerly Catney. The younger Joseph was born in Newtownards on Apr.8, 1836. Note that Joseph McKee junior received one pound in the will of Joseph Catney. Indeed Joseph McKee junior may have worked as a ploughman for Joseph Catney. Joseph McKee won a ploughing competition in County Down and listed himself as a ploughman in his emigration papers. Mary and Joseph McKee emigrated to Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, in 1863 aboard the ship ``Caduceus'' and stayed for two years with Thomas Herron and his wife in Germanstown (now Grovedale near Geelong) when they first arrived in Victoria (Rebecca McKee, Joseph's sister, married Thomas's brother Isaac Herron). Their son William was born there. They then moved to Riddell's Creek and, in the years 1864 to 1868, they lived on the edge of the black forest near Macedon, Victoria. There Mary would dress her children in bright reds and yellows so that they could be seen in the dense forest. About 1868, they moved to land near Rochester just south of Echuca, Victoria. Later they moved to Mystic Park nearer Kerang. Mary died in 1898 aged 64 as a result of being thrown from a buggy; she spent 6 months in a coma before passing away. She is buried in Echuca Cemetery, Victoria. Joseph lived with his daughter Catherine Murphy at Piangil in his later years. He lived beyond 1916 (when he was aged 80) and is buried in Nyah West. The children of Joseph and Mary:
        1. William McKee died as an infant in Ireland.
        2. Mary Sarah McKee was born at Ballyknock on Sep.6, 1861; at her baptism in St. Colman's Roman Catholic Church, Magheralin, her sponsors were Thomas and Catherine Brennan, brother and sister. As a two-year-old, Mary Sarah McKee emigrated to Victoria with her parents in 1863. She married Peter Thornton and lived in the mining town of Broken Hill, New South Wales; they had no children.
        3. William Dec McKee was born in Victoria in 1864 and predeased his parents at the age of 19 in 1883.
        4. Catharine McKee was born in Victoria in 1865 and married John William Murphy who died in 1910 and left Catherine to raise their eight children. The Murphys were one of the first settlers at Piangil on the Murray river. Catherine died in 1936 and is buried in Kerang cemetery. Catherine and John Murphy had eight children:
          1. Joseph Murphy joined the army at the age of 18 and served overseas in WW1. He married Winnifred Gleeson.
          2. Sarah Agnes Murphy died as an infant.
          3. Alice Murphy married Norman Griffiths.
          4. John William Murphy married Jean McDonald.
          5. Eileen Murphy married Arthur Heath.
          6. Peter Thornton Murphy married Dorothy Lee.
          7. Daniel Murphy
          8. George James Murphy was the youngest child of Catherine and John William Murphy. He lived into his 90s. His children:
            1. Margaret Murphy married Marko Mueller in 1956 and had 8 children and 13 grandchildren. Margaret Mueller (mem@tadaust.org.au) provided information on this family. One of the daughters is Paula Mueller.
        5. Agnes McKee was born in Victoria in 1866 and married John J. Gleason. They had six children.
        6. Joseph McKee was born in Victoria in 1871 and married Maggie Gray.
        7. Eliza Jane McKee was born in Victoria in 1872 and married John R. Evans. They lived at Piangil on the Murray river and had 7 children.
        8. Daniel Thomas McKee was born in Victoria in 1874 and fought in both the Boer War and in WWI. He married Myra O'Bree and they lived at Piangil on the Murray river. The McKees had 8 children. Daniel was the mayor of Swan Hill for a time. Later they moved with his family to Mildura where he died at the age of 86. The McKees were the grandparents of Damien McKee who is a teacher at St. Patrick's College in Ballarat.
        9. John George McKee was born in Victoria in 1876 and married Maggie Quin.
      2. Anne Brennan was born in Ballyknock on Aug.7, 1835; at her baptism in St. Colman's Roman Catholic Church, Magheralin, her sponsors were Patrick King and Margaret Murray. Anne died in 1857 aged 22.
      3. Bridget Brennan was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Feb.16, 1837. Her sponsors were James McGivrin(?) and Bridget Moore. This may be the Bridget Brennan who, according to the records of the Roman Catholic Church in Dromore, was married on Jun.13, 1860, to Matthew Kelly. The marriage was witnessed by Hugh and Catherine Kelly.
      4. Catherine Brennan was born in Ballyknock on Apr.4, 1838; at her baptism in St. Colman's Roman Catholic Church, Magheralin, her sponsors were Bernard Brennan and his wife. She was the writer of at least one letter to the McKee family in Victoria, Australia. In the 1901 Census she is listed as an unmarried 60-year-old Roman Catholic cambric weaver living in Ballyknock with her sister Eliza Jane. In the 1911 Census she is listed as an unmarried 73-year-old Roman Catholic farmer living in Ballyknock with her sister Eliza Jane. Catherine died in Ballyknock on Jan.11, 1912, and left a will. Probate was granted to James Byrne and Edward Kearney, farmers.
      5. Edward Brennan, known to the family as Thomas (perhaps because of another Edward Brennan who was a close relation) was born at Ballyknock on May 6, 1842; at his baptism in St. Colman's Roman Catholic Church, Magheralin, his sponsor was Margaret Munro? Thomas emigrated to Brisbane, Australia, at the age of 22, probably in the ``Dover Castle''. Initially he stayed in Brisbane with Patrick Berry Goodman and probably worked as a schoolteacher. Later he became the private secretary to Archbishop Dunne. But his pioneering spirit led him out west to the Thompson and Barcoo country where he worked on stations and learnt the art of droving. From there he came back to the Ferndale and Ipswich districts. He married Margaret (or Mary) Hanley of Cork, Ireland, in 1880 and they spent some years at Mt. Esk (Murrumba) where they settled on the land. They then moved to the Stanley River where they lived for 50 years, owning the 7000 acre Silverton property on which they ran 600 head of cattle. At first they built a small dwelling which, over the years, grew into a large rambling house. Later a new house was built in front of it. The land now belongs to the Queensland Water Board and the Somerset Dam is adjacent to it. Thomas was a member of tke Esk Shire Council and was active in local and state politics. He died in 1929 at the age of 86 and was buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Kilcoy. The children of Thomas and Margaret Brennan:
        1. Mary Jane Brennan was born in 1881 and married James Joseph Kennedy in 1916. They farmed in Kumbia near Kingaroy, Queensland.
        2. Patrick Brennan
        3. Agnes Bridget Brennan was born on Apr.7, 1883, and, in 1913, married Harry Kennedy, the brother of her sister's husband. They farmed at Kumbia near Kingaroy, Queensland. Agnes was still alive in 1972 and living in Kumbia. Harry and Agnes had at least two children:
          1. Winifred Agnes Kennedy was born in 1914.
          2. Thomas Kennedy who became a Redempterist priest and died in June 2007 aged 92.
        4. Margaret Brennan became a nurse.
        5. Bernard Francis Brennan, known as Frank, who became a constable in Bilolea, Mt. Morgan. He married Gwendoline Edna Dickens in 1929.
        6. Thomas Jeremiah Brennan became a constable in Adavale.
        7. Joseph Andrew Brennan
        8. Patrick Hanley Brennan
      6. Daniel Brennan was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Aug.30, 1843; his sponsors were James Downey and Elizabeth Wiers. On Dec.30, 1866, he married Eliza McGrath (or Megraw), a 25-year-old from Dromore whose father, James, was a farmer. The marriage took place in the Roman Catholic Chapel of Dromore though it was not registered until Jan.6, 1867. Their first child was born in Scarva. After this Daniel, whose trade is given as ?rague maker, must have left for America. Their second child was born on Princes Street, Dromore. Their children:
        1. Elizabeth Ann Brennan was born in Scarva in 1867.
        2. John Brennan was born on Oct.3, 1869, in Princes Street, Dromore. Nancy Brennan (perhaps his grandmother) of Gallows Street, Dromore, was present.
      7. Eliza Jane Brennan (or Elizabeth) was born at Ballyknock on Apr.17, 1846; at her baptism in St. Colman's Roman Catholic Church, Magheralin, her sponsor was Mary McGarry. She is mentioned in one of her father's letters to her sister Mary McKee. In the 1901 Census Eliza Jane is listed as an unmarried 55-year-old Roman Catholic cambric weaver living in Ballyknock with her sister Catherine. In the 1911 Census she is listed as an unmarried 65-year-old Roman Catholic living in Ballyknock with her sister Catherine. Eliza Jane Brennan of Ballyknock, Co. Down, spinster, died on Nov.28, 1925, at Downpatrick, Co. Down; probate was granted in Belfast on Jan.21 to James Byrne and Edward Kearney, farmers; her effects were £63 2s. 8d.
      8. Mary Anne Brennan was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Jun.15, 1847. Her sponsor was Alice Cooney of Dromore.
      9. John Brennan was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church of Dromore on Aug.11, 1850. His sponsor was Jane Downey of Dromore.
      10. Sarah Ann Brennan was born at Ballyknock on Sep.5, 1852; at her baptism in St. Colman's Roman Catholic Church, Magheralin, her sponsors were Bernard Connolly and Mary Anne Kennedy. She is mentioned in one of her father's letters to her sister Mary McKee. On Jun.4, 1875, she married James Lavery and they lived at #10 Main Street in Moira. In the 1901 Census Sarah Ann is listed as a 48-year-old wife living there with her husband James Lavery, a 53-year-old Roman Catholic damask weaver, and their children as indicated below. In the 1911 Census 63-year-old damask weaver James Lavery and his 58-year-old wife Sarah Ann are listed as living in Carnalbanagh East (Moira, County Down) with four of their children as indicated below. James Lavery died on Feb.24, 1919; Sarah Ann died in 1923 or 1926. James and Sarah Ann Lavery are buried in the churchyard of St. Colman's Roman Catholic Church where there is a plain weathered stone gravemarker. They had 11 children of whom only 7 lived to adulthood:
        1. Catherine Lavery was born about 1877 and is listed in the 1901 Census as a Roman Catholic 23-year-old working in domestic employment and living with her parents in the town of Moira. Catherine married James Taggart at St. Paul's, Belfast, in 1911.
        2. John Edward Lavery was born about 1878 and is listed in the 1901 Census as a 22-year-old unmarried Roman Catholic postman living with his parents in the town of Moira. Later he married and enlisted in a mounted regiment in WWI.
        3. Hugh Patrick Lavery was born about 1881 and is listed in the 1901 Census as an 18-year-old unmarried Roman Catholic damask weaver living with his parents in the town of Moira. In the 1911 Census he is listed as an unmarried 28-year-old damask weaver living in Carnalbanagh East with his parents. Later he worked in the Moira Post Office.
        4. Thomas Lavery was born about 1882 and is listed in the 1901 Census as an 17-year-old unmarried Roman Catholic damask weaver living with his parents in the town of Moira. He may be the son who, by family tradition, was born in 1884 and enlisted in the Irish Guards and was shipped to France in 1916 during World War I.
        5. James Lavery was born about 1888 and is listed in the 1901 Census as an 12-year-old unmarried Roman Catholic schoolboy living with his parents in the town of Moira. In the 1911 Census he is listed as an unmarried 22-year-old postman living in Carnalbanagh East with his parents.
        6. Mary Lavery was born about 1890 and is listed in the 1901 Census as an 10-year-old schoolgirl living with her parents in the town of Moira. In the 1911 Census she is listed as an unmarried 20-year-old dressmaker living in Carnalbanagh East with her parents. In 1916 she was working at home as a dressmaker.
        7. Sarah Ann Lavery, known as Anne, was born about 1891 and is listed in the 1901 Census as an 9-year-old schoolgirl living with her parents in the town of Moira. In the 1911 Census she is listed as an unmarried 18-year-old living in Carnalbanagh East with her parents. In 1916 she was working at home as a dressmaker.
        8. Joseph Lavery
        9. Daniel Lavery

  1. Roger Brennan is listed in the Griffith Valuation of about 1860 as holding from Bernard Mercer a house and small garden worth ten shillings in the townland of Ballykeel/ Artifinny, northeast of Dromore. This may be the same Roger Brennan who was married in 1844 to Margaret Truesdale. If they are the same then Roger and Margaret had at least two children:
    1. Hugh Brennan, born Jun.10, 1844 in Ballysallough just southeast of Dromore, was a son of Roger Brennan and Margaret Truesdale.
    2. Mary Anne Brennan, the daughter of labourer Roger Brennan of Ballykeel/ Artifinny, was married in the Parish Church of Hillsborough on Jul.9, 1862, to Thomas Stewart, a bachelor labourer from Killyman, diocese of Clogher, and the son of James Stewart.

  1. John Brennan was born in County Down in 1817 according to a surviving piece of the 1851 Census. John married Jane/Ann Gamble in Dromara. Their children:
    1. Francis Brennan was born in 1853 in Dromara, County Down, and was married in Belfast on Jan.8, 1876, to Sarah Carlyle (or Carlile) who was born in 1856 in Dromara, the daughter of William Carlyle (or Carlile) and Ann Renee. Tradition has it that Francis left Ireland to meet up with brothers in Ayrshire, Scotland. Francis and Sarah emigrated to Australia arriving on Aug.27, 1878, aboard the ship "Rodell Bay". They arrived in the Ipswich district and settled in Redbank Plains, Queensland, Australia in 1878 where Francis worked as a miner. Their children:
      1. William John Carlyle Brennan, their eldest child, was born on Mar.4, 1877, in Kersley, Ayrshire, Scotland.
      2. Francis Brennan was born on Feb, 25, 1886. He married Annie Yarrow born on Aug.21, 1885. Francis and Annie had a son:
        1. Edward Brennan married Doreen Siedofsky and they had a daughter
          1. Glenys Brennan married Maxwell Smith who lived in Redbank Plains, Queensland, Australia. They were the parents of Dianne Smith (tigertails2006@hotmail.com) who grew up in Redbank Plains.

  1. ?? Brennan had three sons:
    1. David Brennan
    2. Bernard Brennan
    3. Patrick Brennan. Patrick Brennan and Ellen McEvoy (born about 1837) were married on Dec.25, 1878, according to the Roman Catholic records of the parish of Dromore and Garvaghy. Witnesses were Peter Doyle and Rose McIllenean. [Strange coincidence: On 28 Aug 1914 , Patrick Brennan was married to Ellen McEvoy in Banbridge Roman Catholic Church , Parish of Seapatrick , County Down.] The Will (with one Codicil) of Patrick Brennan of Ballyvicknakelly, Co. Down, farmer, who died Dec.15, 1886, at the same place was proved at Belfast by executors, John M'Dade of Market Square, Dromore, merchant, and Peter M'Evoy of Kilkinamurry, farmer. Patrick left most of his estate to his wife (her brother is Peter McEvoy), some to the children of his brothers David and Bernard Brennan and made a small gift to Patrick Brennan, the son of Elizabeth McGready??. In the 1901 Census, 63-year-old widowed farmer Ellen Brennan is listed as living in Ballyvicknakelly, Co. Down, with her 17-year-old unmarried neice, Mary K. McCevoy. In the 1911 Census, 72-year-old widowed farmer Ellen Brennan is listed as living in Ballyvicknakelly, Co. Down, with her 27-year-old unmarried neice, Mary Catherine McEvoy.

Last updated 9/9/12.

Christopher E. Brennen