Breretons of Ireland Volume V

Brereton Family of Ireland (Vol V) Edward Brereton of Knock, co. Offaly and the Breretons of Tipperary Page 1 of 84

Star identifies the approximate location of Knock

EDWARD BRERETON of Knock, Offaly/Kings

and

BRERETONS FAMILIES of Tipperary

Also GEORGE BRERETON OF OLD COURT, THE PARISH OF FINNOE, COUNTY TIPPERARY

Author: Faye Brereton-Goodwin, Ontario, Canada I was born in Canada, daughter of Albert (Bert) Lionel Brereton and Mabel Doak. Dad’s paternal grandparents, James Westropp Brereton and Ursula Harnett (along with four children) arrived in Canada from Listowel, Ireland in 1878 after the Captain had been appointed a Dominion Commissioner of Police by Queen Victoria. Dad’s maternal grand-parents were Dan Martin of Northern Ireland and Julia Crowley identified as of the Province of Munster, Ireland. My mother’s great grandparents, both the Willis and Doak families, also immigrated to Canada from Northern Ireland. So it is little wonder that I went in search of my Irish ancestors.

As my great grandfather Captain James W. Brereton kept a diary and there were family tales and newspaper clippings of Brereton and Handford Halls, I became intrigued with my Irish Brereton ancestors at an early age. While all my ancestors were Irish, to date it is the Brereton line that continues to intrigue me. They certainly were a fascinating family who travelled the world, were knighted and held positions of power. Also, as with many Landed Gentry families, their sons went into the clergy (some rising to senior positions), became involved in local politics and certainly there were many in the Military throughout the centuries. So there is lots of interesting reading which is becoming so much more available thanks to the digitization of many library collections.

While the interest was always there, it took three visits to Brereton Hall, including one in 2001 to attend the World Wide Brereton Reunion (which included a wonderful tour of Brereton churches, monuments, Halls and Manors) before I put pen to paper. The result was my 1st history In Search of My Ancestors. While this story focused on the Breretons of Cheshire, it also contained information about Breretons around the world.

Since that time I have travelled to Ireland three times and in 2014 was able to find my g-g-g-g-g- grandfather’s grave marker in St. Mary’s Anglican Church Cemetery in Geashill. His name was David Brereton and he lived in Killurin, Offaly, Ireland. Consequently for the past couple of years I have focused on the numerous Brereton branches in Ireland – and their travels to other parts of the world. Currently there are twelve Brereton Histories on my website breretonhistory.ca

In Search of my Family

Breretons of Cheshire, England

Brereton Hall, Sandbach, Cheshire, England

Breretons of Bedford, England

Breretons of Helmingham, England

Brereton Family of Ireland (Vol I) - Edward Brereton of Loughtioge

Brereton Family of Ireland Vol II) – David Brereton of Killurin

Brereton Family of Ireland (Vol III) - Pennsylvania Breretons

Brereton Family of Ireland (Vol IV) - William Henry Brereton of Dublin & Hong Kong

Breretons of Ireland (Vol V) – Edward Brereton of Knock and Breretons of Tipperary Also George Brereton of Old Court, Finnoe, Tipperary

Canadian Family of Abel Brereton - Cloudsley Brereton

Breretons of Malpas and Burrosham, Wales - Randulphus Brereton

While I am very particular with respect to the information provided in the histories and make appropriate references to source documents, my work is not intended as an authoritative guide nor should it be used for commercial purposes. Basically, the stories are being made available on my website in the hope that others may enjoy them and perhaps we can begin a dialogue which will help write yet another story. I would ask that when using my work, other writers will, as appropriate, reference my documents. I can be reached at [email protected]

Acknowledgements While making new contacts and expanding my history well beyond my original idea – I am also mindful of the help I received initially, starting with Ann Beverly Coltman who shared, with me some genealogical research and stories gathered by Patrick Montague-Smith. It was invaluable. Similarly, Ann’s 1977 thesis which was titled A Comparative Study of the Breretons of Wisconsin and the Breretons of South Africa their pedigrees and biographies helped me in so many ways, when I tackled my Cheshire Brereton Family History.

For those who have not heard of Patrick Montague-Smith; he was a genealogist, editor of Debrett’s Peerage and a Brereton on his mother’s side. Patrick had planned to track the Brereton Hall title and so, in the spring of 1948, letters and articles appeared in major newspapers throughout the British Empire and its former colonies appealing for information to help solve the mystery of the unclaimed title of Lord Brereton, Baron of Leighlin, created by King James I. Patrick was interested in biographies, life stories and reminiscences as well as pedigrees, and over the years he gathered a significant amount of information from Breretons all over the world. Apparently he also had visits from some who hoped to discover where they fit into the Brereton lexicon. Patrick died in 1986, and to the best of my knowledge never published his planned Brereton book. By incorporating some of his research into this volume, Patrick’s typewritten notes will not be lost and I sincerely hope he would be pleased to see the information shared with his Brereton kin.

Some of you may have accessed my histories via Bruce Brereton’s website Brereton.org. Having access to this website and being able to upload my stories has worked well; however given the amount of inquiries and additional information that I have been receiving in response to my histories, I decided to host my own site breretonhistory.ca. As many of the people who correspond with me are searching for their Irish ancestors, the primary focus at this time will be Breretons

© Researched and written by Faye Brereton-Goodwin, Canada – March 2018 website: breretonhistory.ca email: [email protected] Brereton Family of Ireland (Vol V) Edward Brereton of Knock, co. Offaly and the Breretons of Tipperary Page 4 of 84 who settled in Ireland (most from England) and families who left Ireland and travelled to many other countries around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Zimbabwe and South Africa. I will, however, continue to update/revise British Brereton histories as information becomes available.

This history has been updated to make minor corrections that I or others have identified – and also to include new information about family members. As always there are others who have helped me in gathering and editing the stories including Rosemary Jewers (a fellow Brereton researcher and writer of history). She continues to provide wonderful new information particularly with respect to Brereton ties to England. Thanks also to Heather Robinson for the story of her grandmother Beatrice Geraldine Brereton.

Research Anyone who has ever attempted to research their family knows there is a great deal of information readily available on the web; however, finding specific, validated and relevant information is not an easy task. Over time I have become quite proficient in finding interesting Brereton data, in the form of books, newspaper clippings, church records, certificates and particularly on the web. The difficulty became finding a format for capturing this information and limiting the scope of the history so it remained a manageable task.

Reading this history you will find footnotes identifying sources, whenever possible, and adding details that enhance the Brereton story. While working my way through the various papers and records it became apparent that not all family records agree. While the amount of source documents available on the web continues to expand there are many items which require extensive periods of time to read through pages of a book – only to find that little information is actually provided. In other words it can be a frustrating experience. However, from time to time new information comes to light, either from another Brereton or as a result of my research which connects people or questions current connections. This happened recently with respect to William and Henry Brereton who married the Blount sisters.

Tracking Family Histories Initially I included a Table of Contents, identifying individual family members by branch/lineage. In addition, wherever possible I identified a location/place name(s) for each Brereton and when appropriate identified places outside Ireland by a specific location and Country. This information is often critical when linking branches of the Worldwide Brereton family. One of the problems becomes keeping this table up to date as new information is added – or information is moved within the history. Consequently, in this version I include only a brief Table of Contents listing various branches.

Within the narrative portion of the history, individual members are identified by numbering the generation, e.g. 1) first generation, 1.1) second generation, 1.1.1) third generation etc. The numbering continues within each family when sufficient information is available regarding family members; consequently, at times individuals are identified without being numbered.

To help track families and possible links between families (particularly when two Breretons married) my husband Bob and I painstakingly numbered each individual and charted them using a CAD programme (the information is actually printed on a very large role of paper). At

© Researched and written by Faye Brereton-Goodwin, Canada – March 2018 website: breretonhistory.ca email: [email protected] Brereton Family of Ireland (Vol V) Edward Brereton of Knock, co. Offaly and the Breretons of Tipperary Page 5 of 84 times I have identified individuals in the footnotes with a number which corresponds to the chart numbering. This information has been included for my reference purposes. Needless to say Bob’s chart, his proof reading at various times and his patience through this long process has been invaluable to my research and writing.

Sharing There are very interesting stories of Breretons to be found. They served in the military, were clergy, doctors, lawyers, law makers and law enforcers, merchants, vintners, scholars and so much more. It is also a story of families who bravely travelled the world. I hope you find this a fun, interesting and enlightening history! For me, sharing the history and corresponding with other Brereton continues to be an important part of my history projects.

This history was written for my own family and for sharing with other interested Breretons, consequently, it must not be used for commercial purposes without the written permission of the author. The document has been uploaded in a PDF format to discourage alteration by others. I would also ask that you reference this history, as a source document, when using any part of it for your history; as I have attempted to do throughout this history.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

Background 8

Sir William Brereton of Cheshire 9

Writings of Sir Fortunatus Dwarris of old Cheshire Brereton 10 Including family charts prepared by Faye Goodwin

Writings of Sir Fortunatus Dwarris of Breretons of Ireland 22 Including family charts prepared by Faye Goodwin

Sir William Brereton of England and Ireland 26 - William Brereton and Anne Boothe 27 - Sir John Brereton 28 - Andrew Brereton of Moyle Abbey and Catherine Fitzgerald 28 - Edward Brereton of Loughtioge and Edythe Byrche 31

John Brereton of Rahamargue and Amy Barrington 34

Lieutenant (Major) Thomas Brereton of Borris-in-Ossory, co. Queen’s/Laois 40

Thomas Brereton of Sharavogue, co King’s/Offaly & Rathmore 48

William Brereton of Kilmartin and Borris-in-Ossary & Sarah Holland 48

Thomas Brereton of Clonanchy, co. Tipperary & Mary Carroll 53

Daniel Brereton of Tombricane, co. Tipperary & Mary Nesbitt 54

John Brereton of Rathurles, co. Tipperary & Margaret Watson 57

Edward Brereton and Judith Cleary of Knock 67

George Brereton of Finnoe, Old Court, co. Tipperary 77

EDWARD BRERETON (born 1785) of Knock1 Electoral Division of Aghancon, Civil Parish of Ettagh, Barony of Ballybritt co. of Offaly (formerly Kings) also of co. Tipperary

BACKGROUND: When I wrote my first Brereton history ‘In Search of my Ancestors’ (2002) my intent was to gather as many Brereton branches as possible into one document – and to try and find my ancestors. A very brief history of the descendants of Edward Brereton (based on the notes of Patrick Montague Smith) was included in that document.

Over the past 15 years, I have continued to gather Brereton information and to write more stories. The newer histories, on my website, were often researched and prepared, after receiving an email from a fellow Brereton – or upon finding a bit of new information2. Such is the case with Edward.

In April of this year (2017) I received two emails inquiring about Edward Brereton of Knock and a third email asking about the Breretons of Tipperary. When I started looking for answers to their questions it became apparent that there was a relationship between Edward of Knock; John Brereton of Parsonstown (later Birr) (1811-1882); Simpson Hackett Brereton of Clongowna (co. Tipperary); Anne Brereton, daughter of Daniel Brereton and wife of Thomas Brereton of Rathmore (parents of Black Jack Brereton) and John Brereton of Liverpool (also known as Black Jack). Given the challenges presented in writing this story and introducing new family connections I was so pleased when William and Elizabeth Brereton of Luckington, England (William is a Tipperary Brereton descendant), agreed to review my first draft and offer their insights and suggestions.

Fortunately, as I began my research into the Breretons of Tipperary, I remembered the writings of Sir Fortunatus Dwarris; his document (excerpts are included in this history) proved to be invaluable.

After many hours of research and analysis, it is my opinion the Rathurles Breretons were descended from Edward Brereton of Loughtioge, son of Sir William Brereton of Cheshire. Documenting my research and conclusions was much more difficult and I decided that family charts were critical to helping the reader following this history.

You will note that I have been selective in following only the descendants who are pertinent to this history - otherwise the story would become too complex. More complete information about other branches of Brereton families of Ireland can be found on my website www.breretonhistory.ca – including Volumes I and II of the Breretons of Ireland.

This history, which begins with Sir William Brereton of Cheshire, is also about Edward Brereton of Knock and his relationship with the Breretons of Tipperary. His story begins on page 66.

Note: The Story of George Brereton of Finnoe, Old Court, Tipperary begins on page 76

1 South of Birr 2 My ancestors are recorded in the Breretons Of Ireland, Volume 2 – David Brereton of Killurin

SIR WILLIAM BRERETON OF CHESHIRE

As a means of providing a context for this story of the Breretons of Ireland, I have included information about the British ancestors of Sir William Brereton of Cheshire, patriarch of the Irish Brereton (who arrived in Ireland in the 16th century).

Many Brereton ancestors assume that the Irish family was directly related to Brereton Hall. This is not the case – although both can be traced to William Brereton who arrived in England during the Conquest (details and a family chart follows).

From their initial settlement in England, it is evident that the early Breretons married into a fairly small group of families and the practice continued for many year. This is apparent, not only in Cheshire, England but it is also true for the families who settled in Ireland during the settlement of the ’plantation’ area (which included part of the co. of Dublin).

Consequently, it is interesting to look at names that were initially common within the British Brereton family, such as William, ralph, Gilbert and Hugh and see the change as the names of spouses and their family (given and surname) came into Brereton naming pattern.

Recently I came across a resource on a Laois, Ireland website which suggests a practice of naming descendants using the following naming pattern

Irish Naming Pattern

1st son was named after the father's father 2nd son was named after the mother's father 3rd son was named after the father 4th son was named after the father's eldest brother

1st daughter was named after the mother's mother 2nd daughter was named after the father's mother 3rd daughter was named after the mother 4th daughter was named after the mother's eldest sister

This pattern is not set in stone; it was also considered bad luck to have 3 people with the same name.

You will see throughout this history, family names do provide an important clue to relationships to following. In my experience the naming of descendants often provides important clues to relationships, when tracing families – and this was true with respect to Edward Brereton.

SIR FORTUNATUS DWARRIS

While a lot of the information contained in this section of the history has been taken from my early writing, I did refer back to an excellent history written by Sir Fortunatus Dwarris for confirmation, and was pleased to find some new information.

The history written in 1848, by Sir Fortunatus Dwarris3, B.A, F.R.S (Fellow of the Royal Society), F.S.H.4 is titled: Observations upon the History of one of the old Cheshire Familie’, written in 1848. I have included an excerpt from the Dwarris document and the details are identified by ‘italics’.

Additional information, including footnotes and family charts which I have added, is identified in blue print. The family charts were produced by the author using her own records as well as the lineage provided in the Dwarris history.

The story begins……… Ormerod, in his History of Cheshire, mentions Grosvenor, Davenport, and Brereton as "three grantees who can be proved by ancient deeds to have existed at or near the Conquest, though unnoticed in Domesday." Of these the family least favoured by fortune in later times (the peerage and the baronetage in the Brereton family having both become extinct, and the heirship in lands and manors in all the principal English lines having descended to females) was, during the earliest centuries after the Conquest, among the most distinguished in the palatinate5, and, by its fortunate and splendid marriages, became entitled to prefer for its issue the highest claims, even to ducal and regal descent…… The Breretons appear to have arrived in England from Normandy with William the Conqueror, under Gilbert or Gislebert de Venables, surnamed Venator (the hunter), afterwards Baron of Kinderton, in the retinue of that grim leader, Hugh Lupus (the wolf) afterwards Earl of Chester6. The names of Venables and of Breton (but not of Brereton) are to be found in the roll of Battle Abbey, a sufficiently cited and very memorable list of the names of Norman barons, knights, and esquires who were present at the battle of Hastings, which was hung up at Battle Abbey….

After the Conquest the manor of Brereton (called Bretone in Domesday), was one of the six dependencies of the barony of Kinderton. The Norman grantee of this barony was supposed to have been a younger brother of Stephen Earl of Blois. …..

"Very shortly after this period," says Ormerod, "the manor of Brereton was granted to a family which assumed the local name, and was probably descended from the same stock as the Norman grantee of the barony of Kinderton if an opinion may be formed from the arms which the Breretons subsequently used: argent, two bars sable, differing only in tincture from the coat which the barons of Kinderton had adopted.

This theory, as to the family connection and use of arms, seems rational, and is probably well founded. And the more so, as it is found in the pedigree that the Church patronage of the Venables provided for such

3 His full name is Fortunatus William Lilley Dwarris 4 The Dwarris document can be found in its entirety, on the web. 5 Initially it referred to areas in Germany; however in this instance it probably relates to a territory ruled by a palatine prince or noble or count palatine. 6 Harl.MS. 1925. Brereton temp. Hugonis, cognom. Lupi, com. Palat. Cestr. post Conquest, primi, ex dono magni regis Gulielmi

© Researched and written by Faye Brereton-Goodwin, Canada – March 2018 website: breretonhistory.ca email: [email protected] Brereton Family of Ireland (Vol V) Edward Brereton of Knock, co. Offaly and the Breretons of Tipperary Page 11 of 84 of the Breretons as took holy orders. Thus, temp. Edw. I (in the time of Edward I), we find that Gilbert Brereton was Rector of Astbury on the presentation of Roger de Venables; while, in 1344, Hamo Brereton was rector of Brereton.

Again, (what seems a decisive test of consanguinity) it is ascertained that upon any intermarriage of the Venables with the Breretons, a dispensation was required. Upon these grounds, both solid and plausible, it is not unreasonably inferred that the first grantee of the manor of Brereton, who assumed the local name, was a Venables, or a nameless scion of that house. For, in early days, the landless man of gentle blood was compelled to find a lord who would accept his fealty. To him the youthful aspirant to military honours remained attached till he gained a grant of lands in requital of his services. If, by distinguished exertions in the battle-field, he won his spurs, he usually received a territorial qualification to enable him to one of the Old Cheshire Families support his rank. Then had the new landed proprietor, what the attentive poet, who marked every "change of many-coloured life," has spoken of as concomitant. "A local habitation—and a name."

"For," says Ormerod, "the manner of those ages was, to style men from the places where they lived, and for their posterity afterwards wholly to retain the local name. The title of the feud was written over (sur—super) the name; thus: Brereton Dutton de de Ralph Hugh

Whether the first of the family, heard of in England, were a Venables, or a youthful kinsman engaged in the Norman adventure, with a promise of provision and advancement out of the territorial spoils, and not entitled to a surname till he acquired a local habitation, must remain uncertain. What we first find as a fact is, that in the reign of William Rufus, Ralph de Brereton witnessed a deed of Gilbert de Venables, and was therefore most probably his esquire, attendant upon his person. Again, another Ralph de Brereton appears as a witness to the grant of Marton in 1176. He is found in a pedigree in the Harl. MS7 mentioned as Sir Ralph Brereton. Then comes William de Brereton, with whom the Brereton pedigree in Ormerod commences

Sir Ralph Brereton8, 1176 had issue:

William de Brereton (temp9. John and Henry III) married Margery daughter of Ralph FitzPeter of Thornton

Gilbert de Brereton (2nd son) rector of Ashbury on the presentation of Roger de Venables

Isolda Brereton who married Gilbert de Stoke to whom her father gave Brindley in free marriage.

7 Harley Manuscripts 8 According to the document, The Landed Gentry of Ireland; Ralph de Brereton was the son of William de Brereton and grandson of William de Brereton. He was the father of Gilbert (who had a son Henry Brereton and daughter Sibela Brereton, wife of William de Bouthe) and a daughter Isolda Brereton, wife of Gilbert de Stoke and an elder son and heir. 9 It appears to have been used in Feudal time and could mean the formally appointed regent (acting for the monarch) is unavailable or cannot serve on a temporal

Sir Ralph of Ralph de Brereton, 1176

married Cecile St. George

Gilbertus de Brereton (1) Sir William Brereton Isolda de Brereton

married 1st Margery Thornton

married 2nd Margaret Groes

(1) Sir William Brereton of Brereton, married Margery daughter of Randle de Thornton (or Thornton) and had a son Ralph Brereton and a daughter who married Thurstan de Smethwick.

The allegiance, dependence, tie, or bond which bound the Breretons to the Venables, whatever it was (and it clearly was more than the ordinary territorial feudal obligation of military service), lasted in its integrity till 1336, when it was almost entirely bought off. In that year Hugh Venables, Baron of Kinderton, released to Sir William Brereton his right in all services by which the said William Brereton held lands from him within the demesne or fee of Brereton, except the service due for one knight's fee. Soon after this, in the time of King Richard I. Sir William Brereton procured the grant of a weekly market and of an annual fair to the township of Brereton. About the same time the village church was built. Such was the date of the old church of Brereton, though it was only in the reign of Henry VIII that it was made parochial, instead of continuing a chapel of ease to Astbury, and a domestic chapel to the Brereton family; and at this time the advowson of the rectory was attached to the manor.

Sir Willliam Brereton I

married 1st Margery de Thornton & 2nd Margaret Groes

(4) (1) Jane (2) Margaret (3) Ralph Hugh (5) William John Brereton Brereton Brereton Brereton Gilbert Brereton m. Brereton Brereton Margaret de Sandbach

1. Jane Brereton wife of Adam de Bostock, Lord of Bostock. 2. Margaret Brereton, wife of Henry brother of Sir John Delves 3. Ralph Brereton, Rector of Davenham

A neighbouring knight, Sir Richard de Sandbach, had grant of the wardship of William Brereton from William de Venables, Baron of Kinderton (exercising the known right of a superior lord), to marry such William or his younger brother Gilbert Brereton (if William died under age) to one of the legitimate daughters of the said Richard de Sandbach. Such were the precious servitudes of our ancestors; and great must have been the docility and tractability of the adults (and it is a remarkable trait in feudal manners) in submitting their inclinations in the serious article of marriage, to the inscrutable wisdom of their seniors. Accordingly we find that William, the heir of Brereton was (nolens volens10) married to the daughter of Sir Richard de Sandbach.

4. Gilbert Brereton married Alice and was Rector of St. Mary's Church, Astbury, in Cheshire. They had a son Henry Brereton and daughter Sibilla Brereton who married William de Boothes11

5. William Brereton, son of Sir William and Margery Groes became Sir William Brereton II and married Margaret de Sandbach.

10 Means: whether willing or not 11 Spelling as per Burke’s Peerage

Sir William Brereton

Margaret de Sandbach

(1) Hamo Brereton (2) William Brereton married Roesia (Rohese) de Vernon in 1321

(1) Hamo Brereton became Rector of Brereton in 1344 during the reign of Edward III

(2) In 1321, Sir William Brereton married Roesia de Vernon, daughter of Ralph de Vernon (wife Mary) of Shipbrook. In 1336, the feudal bond between the Venables and the Breretons was broken when Hugh Venables, Baron of Kinderton, released to Sir William Brereton his right in all services by which the said William Brereton held lands from him within the demesne or fee of Brereton, except the service due for one Knights fee.

During the time of Richard the Lionheart, Sir William procured the grant of a weekly market and an annual fair to the township of Brereton. This weekly market and annual fair was held for 400 years, and continued until the last Lord Brereton of Brereton Hall died.

In the next generation, Sir William Brereton of Brereton, Knight, (15 Edw. II, 1321)12 married Roesia, daughter of Ralph de Vernon, of the family of the ancient barons of Shipbrook. In the case of his grandson, who succeeded him, the next Sir William Brereton, by his first marriage (27 Edw. III) with the daughter of Philip, and sister and ultimate heir of David de Egerton, representative of the Norman barons of Malpas, derived the greater part of the barony of Malpas, with other large possessions; but at the time of the marriage (David de Egerton being then probably living) the portion of the lady was only £100 for which Sir William Brereton gave his receipt, still preserved at Egerton.

12 During the 15th year of the reign of Edward II, 1321

Sir William Brereton, died 1346

married, in 1321, Roesia (Rohese) de Vernon

(3) Richard John (1) 2) Peter (4) William Brereton, m. Brereton Matilda Margery Nicholas Brereton Brereton, Agnes Brereton Brereton Brereton Rector of (died1347 in Wallasey Cheshire) m. Margery de Bosley

Sir William Brereton, married (1) Ellen Egerton and (2) Margaret Donne

(1) Matilda Brereton married John Domville13 (2) Margery Brereton married John Davenport in 1302, divorced in 1303/05 (5) Nicholas Brereton married Margaret; sons: John Brereton and William Brereton. (4) William Brereton married Margery de Bosley, daughter Jane Fulford and Richard de Bosley. William died in 1343, prior to the death of his father. When his father died in 1346, his son William became the heir (see 4.1) (4.1) Sir William Brereton, the son of William Brereton and Margery de Bosley, became Sir William Brereton upon the death of his grandfather He married Ellen Egerton daughter of Philip de Egerton, in 1348. William also succeeded to the title of Baron of Malpas following the death of his wife’s brother, David de Egerton who died without issue. Sir William Brereton and Ellen Egerton had one child; William Brereton, born at Egerton. Sir William Brereton married 2nd Margaret Donne and had issue Elizabeth Brereton who married William de Cholmondeley, Joan Brereton, Alice Brereton and Randall Brereton married Alicia Ipstones (daughter of William of Ipstones). Randall became founder of the Malpas Breretons.14

13 Spelling as per Burke’s Peerage 14 Malpas is located thirteen miles northeast of Chester and southwest of Brereton Hall.

This history will follow the descendants of William Brereton and Ellen Egerton. For a more complete history see ‘Breretons of Cheshire’ on my website: breretonhistory.ca

Sir William Brereton, Baron of Malpas, married (1) Ellen Egerton, heiress of Philip de Egerton

Sir William Brereton, born at Egerton - died 10 Jan 1426 (during Battle of Pontoisan)

Initially I referred to Ellen as the daughter and heiress of David de Egerton however after I was brought to my attention that her father was Philip de Egerton. The following information in support of the change to Philip is taken from:

A Genealogical History of the dormant, abeyant, forfeited and extinct peerages of the British Empire:

EGERTON – BARON GREY DE WINTON, by letters Patent, dated 15 May, 1784

Lineage

This, and the noble house of Bridgewater, originated with a common ancestor; but the branch Grey de Wilton was the senior.

David De Malpas, alias De Egerton, son and heir of Phillip Goch, 2nd son of David de Malpas, surnamed Le Clerk, m. Cecilla, daughter of Randle le Roter, and was father of Philip de Egerton, sheriff of Cheshire 23rd and 24t Edward I, who m. Margaret, daughter of Richard de Wrnbury and was father, with other issue, of

David his heir Urian, Lord of Caldecote, ancestor of the Egertons of Betley. The eldest son and heir, David de Egerton , sheriff of Cheshire 7th Edward III, m. Isabella, daughter of Ric de Fulleshurst, Lor of Crewe, and had issue:

Philip, who m. twice, and whose only son David, d.s.p, leaving his two sisters as co-heiresses. The elder of Elena, became eventually sole heiress. She married Sir William Brereton, Knight of Brereton and had issue:

David d.s.p. and Urian (the history of Urian’s line continues)

Following the death of Ellen Egerton, Sir William married 2nd Margaret Donne, they had issue:

By his second marriage, Sir William had a son, Randal, the founder of the Malpas Hall (contra- distinguished from the Malpas Castle) branch of the Breretons, which family afterwards attained to great rank, wealth, and consideration. By the same marriage, Sir William Brereton had a daughter, the wife of William Cholmondeley. Cholmondeley15 dying in his father-in-law's lifetime, in consideration of the sum of £66116 (payable to the Crown in seven years, Sir William Brereton (in lieu of some powerful stranger) obtained from the King the guardianship of his own grandson (the heir Richard Cholmondeley) and his marriage."

Sir William Brereton , Baron of Malpas

married 2nd Margaret Donne

(2) Randle Brereton of Malpas (1) Elizabeth Brereton Joan Brereton Ipstones

The marriage of the next Sir William Brereton with his cousin Anilla Venables was confirmed by a dispensation, which indulgence states that it was granted in consequence of the services of Sir William Brereton, his father, in the crusade against Henry of Castile, under Edward the Black Prince, Earl of Chester. The husband of Anilla served with great distinction in the French wars of Henry V. Chandler, in his Life as Bishop Wainfleet, speaks of this Sir William Brereton, who, through his daughter Margery, was grandfather of the founder of Magdalen College. Chandler states Sir William Brereton to have been afterwards governor of Caen, and to have routed, under the auspices of Lord Scales, a numerous army of the French near Mont St. Michel, and to have returned home" with glory and increase of fortune." Through Sir William Brereton, according to Chandler, Wainfleet became acquainted with the brave and munificent Sir John Fastolfe and Lord Cromwell, the former of whom had served with Brereton under Lord Scales. In the battle of Pontoisan, Holinshed mentions Sir William Brereton as the "Bailiff of Caen." That battle was fought in 4 Henry VI, 1425 and as Sir William Brereton died in this year probably of honourable wounds.

15 See Collins's Peerage; title, Cholmondeley. 16 pounds sterling

Sir William Brereton of Malpas (son of Sir Wm. and Ellen Egerton)

married 1st Anylla Venables daughter of Hugh Venables

(2) Hugh (3) (3) (1) William Margery Brereton Matthew Henry Elizabeth LadyElen Brereton Brereton Brereton Brereton Brereton Brereton married m. Alyse Dokenfield Corbett

(1) Sir William Brereton, married Alyse Corbett, born Leighton. She died 08 September 1458 (2) Margery Brereton: In the biography, William Waynflete, Bishop and Educationalist, written by Virginia Davis (1993) there are references to both Brereton and Waynflete. The source of the following information is the Davis biography.

William Waynflete, was one of two sons of Richard Patten, also called Barbour. His mother was Margery Brereton, daughter of Sir William Brereton of Cheshire.

The Breretons held a Lincolnshire Manor at Dalby which lay near Wainfleet and which certainly makes the marriage plausible. Waynflete had connections with the Brereton family in the 1450s and 1470s which suggests he was related to them.

There are four (interesting) references: MCDEEDS Candlesby – dated 5 April 1451 - Waynflete, his brother John and others were made feoffees17 to use for Alice Brereton of the manor of Dalby.

June 1474 – Conveyance from William Brereton knight and William Waynflete, his brother John and Robert Brereton of Brereton Parish, Cheshire.

The one attested Brereton relation of William Waynflete was Juliana his cousin, daughter of his paternal uncle Robert of all manors and other lands in Lincolnshire. Juliana held the manor of Dagenham, in Essex and according to a lost deed cited in ‘Budden’s Life’, Juliana was identified as…”the widow of Richard Churchstile deceased, kinswoman and heir of Master William de Waynflete, late bishop of Winchester; to wit sole daughter and heir of Robert Patten, brother and heir of Richard Patten, otherwise called Barbour, of Waynflete, father of the bishop.

17 A feoffee is a trustee who holds a fief (or "fee"), that is to say an estate in land,

PRO C1/76/27, 1485-86 – Dame Maud, late wife of William Brereton, brings a case against William Bishop of Winchester concerning ownership of the Manor of Dalby in Lincolnshire. Note Dalby is identified as in Waynflete

Alice, William and Robert Brereton may have been Waynflete’s cousins

(3) Elizabeth Brereton, married Sir John Savage (4) Lady Elen/Hellen Brereton married Robert de Dokenfied of Lancaster (1380-1442). They had issue Lady Margareta Dokenfield of Lancaster and Agnes Dokenfield (born 1407)

NOTE: Sir William Brereton of Malpas married 2nd Ellen Massey and they had issue: Thomas Brereton, Rector of Brereton, born 1433

William Brereton died 1415, in Harfleur

married Alice (Alyse) Corbett

Ralph Joan (1) Sir William Brereton heir to his Alice Brereton Brereton Brereton of grandfather at 12 years of age married Peter Corbett Park Hall married 1st Phillipa Hulse, of Leighton and 2nd Jane Massey

Elizabeth Brereton

(3) Hugh Brereton of Hassal Green

Matilda Brereton

Henry Brereton

(2) William Brereton married Katharine Byron

(4) Sir Andrew Brereton, married Agnes Legh in 1495

1) Sir William Brereton (1414-1954). As his father died in 1415, this William became heir upon his grandfather’s death, in 1425. He married 1st Phillipa Hulse, daughter of Sir Hugh Hulse and d 2nd Jane Massey. Upon Sir William’s death the title passed directly to his grandson, William Brereton, second son of Andrew Brereton and Agnes Legh. 2) William Brereton married Katherine Byron, daughter of Sir John Byron. William died without issue and their heir became William’s brother Andrew Brereton who married Agnes Legh, daughter of Robert Legh of Adlington. He became Sir Andrew Brereton. 3) Hugh Brereton of Hassall Green, Cheshire (1451-after 1534) was also known as Hugh of Wilmeslow. He married Anne Donne of Flaxton, daughter of Robert Donne of Flaxton, Parish of Ryedale, North Yorkshire. He was Vicar of St. Mary’s, Sandbach from 1517 – 1535: more information available from author. 4) Sir Andrew Brereton and Agnes Legh

1) Sir Andrew Brereton, born c. 1448, in Brereton, Cheshire

married Agnes Legh, born c. 1456 in Adlington, Cheshire

Andrew Matthew daughters: (2) Sir William John Brereton Brereton Brereton Brereton Johanna, Ellen, Alice, of Leek, Eizabeth, Catherine, married Alice Staffordshire Savage Andreas, and Matilda

1) According to Burke’s Peerage, Andrew was a knight in his own right and is said to be ‘a turbulent fighter in controversies with other Cheshire Families’. Children of Sir Andrew Brereton and his wife Agnes Legh (daughter of Robert Legh of Adlington) included18

William Brereton (born 1473) married 1st Alice Savage and 2nd Eleanor Brereton.

John Brereton of Leek, Staffordshire;

Andreas Brereton

Matthew Brereton

Johanna Brereton, wife of Lawrence Dutton of Marshe (brother and heir of Sir Thomas Dutton of Dutton)

Hellen Brereton, wife of John Fitton of Gawsworth (they had a son Edward Fitton)

Alice Brereton wife of William Moreton of Little Moreton later married John Brereton

Elizabeth Brereton wife of Philip Legh of Booth (she later married John Carington)

Catherine Brereton wife of Thomas Smith of Hugh Miles

Matilda Brereton, wife of John Davenport.

18 Source of family tree information is Debrett’s Peerage

(2) Sir William Brereton of Cheshire, born circa 1483, at Brereton was the eldest son of Sir Andrew Brereton and became Sir William Brereton on the death of his father (circa 1497). He was a staunch Royalist and was a favorite in the Court of King Henry VIII; his sovereign. He was made a Knight of the Body of Henry VIII on September 23, 1515; this occurred as a result of William having taken part in the Battle of the Spurs at Guinegate when King Henry defeated King Francis I, during the Siege of Tournai. Around 1534, Sir William Brereton of Cheshire travelled to Ireland to join Sir William Skeffington, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, where William and his son John were, inshored at Howth with two hundred and fifty soldiers well appointed. That year William also served with much distinction in Ireland when he and son John and 250 soldiers subdued The Fitzgerald Rebellion.

Sir William Brereton, Chamberlain of Chester, married 1st Alice Savage and 2nd Eleanor Brereton of Ipstones

NOTE: According to Dwarris: Sir William Brereton, Chamberlain of Chester, Lord Justice and Lord High Marshal of Ireland, was the founder of the Irish branch of the Breretons. He was a very brave and distinguished commander.….. This Sir William Brereton's marriage with his second wife (daughter of Sir Ralph Brereton of Ipstanes19), re-united the Brereton Hall and Malpas Hall branches of the family. More about this Brereton is provided later in this history

19 Shown in Dwarris document as Ipstanes – the term Ipstones has been used elsewhere in this document

BRERETONS OF IRELAND

Following is an excerpt from “Observations upon the History of one of the old Cheshire Familie” as regards the Brereton family and specifically the family of Ireland. Dwarris starts by stating that: “The Breretons of Ireland are descended from the Breretons of Brereton Hall 20 in Cheshire.”

Sir William Brereton, Chamberlain of Chester, was Lord Justice and Lord High Marshal of Ireland in 1540. He died in Ireland, and was buried in the Abbey of Kilkenny in 1542.21 His first wife was Alice, daughter of Sir John Savage.22 For an account of her ancestor, the first Sir John Savage, see Sir Harris Nicolas's Battle of Azincour,23 (Battle of Agincourt) where Sir John Savage was greatly distinguished and the name of Sir John Savage is found in the list of those who received ransom for prisoners taken in that battle.

From a son by this marriage of Sir William Brereton with Alice Savage, the Irish Breretons are descended. Sir William Brereton is thus introduced into Ireland at the time of Fitzgerald's rebellion in 1534. After that, Sir William Brereton, Knight, with his son, John Brereton, was inshored at Howth………

Sir William Brereton's eldest son (who married a Boothe of Dunham) did not follow his father to Ireland. He died in his father's lifetime, leaving a son (married to a Warburton), who succeeded to Brereton Hall, Cheshire.

But, availing themselves of the advantages incidental to their father's official rank and position in Ireland, Sir W. Brereton's younger sons and his grandson Andrew24 settled in that country; and with zeal, activity, and courage, pushed their fortunes in that direction.

Andrew (Brereton), ancestor of the Breretons of Carrigslaney, married Catharine, daughter of Sir Andrew Fitz-Simon, Knight, of Dublin. "In 1549 the Scotch islanders sent forces to the assistance of the rebellious Irish. Andrew Brereton, with 35 horse, met with 200 of these, defeated them with great slaughter,

20 While the Breretons who settled in Ireland are closely related to Lord Brereton of Brereton Hall (being descended from Sir William Brereton, Lord Justice of Ireland) the reference to Brereton Hall, in this context, probably means the original hall. The current Brereton Hall (which still stands in Sandbach, Cheshire) was built c. 1585, whereas William Brereton and his sons arrived in Ireland in 1540. 21 Burke’s record differs from that of Dwarris and indicates that Sir William was buried at Kilkenny Abbey on 4 February 1541. There is also a record of Sir William as buried in St. Candice’s Cathedral. The author visited the Church at Kilkenny and while there is a St. Candice’s Cathedral, there is no record of Sir William Brereton in their information booklet regarding the church – perhaps there was an earlier church. 22 Sir John Savage, knighted at Agincourt married Maude, daughter of Sir Robert Swynnerton, son of Sir Ralph, made a Banneret by Edward III. They had a son Sir John Savage, of Clifton, knight who married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir W. Brereton, knight. Sir John and Elizabeth had a son Sir John Savage of Clifton, knight who married Katherine, sister of Thomas Stanley, first Earl of Derby. Sir John and Katherine had a son Sir John Savage, (temp. Henry VIII) who married Dorothy, daughter and heir of Ralph Vernon of Shipbrook. Sir John and Dorothy had a daughter Alice who married Sir William Brereton, knight, Lord Justice and Lord Deputy of Ireland; and a son Thomas Savage, Archbishop of York, died 1507. 23 This would refer to the Battle of Agincourt 24 Andrew Brereton of Moyle Abbey

© Researched and written by Faye Brereton-Goodwin, Canada – March 2018 website: breretonhistory.ca email: [email protected] Brereton Family of Ireland (Vol V) Edward Brereton of Knock, co. Offaly and the Breretons of Tipperary Page 24 of 84 and quieted Ulster; and, for his good conduct, was made general or governor of Ulster."(Cox's History of Ireland, vol. i. page 287).

A third son, Edward (Brereton) settled also in Ireland, in the Queen's county (Loughtioge) and left a numerous progeny.

In a book of state letters preserved in the Vice Treasurer's department, Dublin, there is a letter of Queen Elizabeth in 1570, directing that Andrew Brereton, Gent, (son or nephew of the last mentioned Andrew), shall have " a grant of land within our English pale."25

On the 21st of December, 1617, O'Brien, Earl of Inchiquin married Mary, daughter of Lord Brereton of Leighlin, in the county of Carlow. A licence was granted to O'Brien and Dame Mary his wife, during their successive lives, to make and sell aqua vita and usquebaugh26, and to keep taverns within the town and liberties of Carlow, and within the whole county of Carlow. A pretty source of profit for a peer and his lady!

Henry Brereton27, grandson of Andrew Brereton, and himself styled of Moyle Abbey, co. Kildare, was one of his majesty's commissioners, before whom depositions were taken: concerning cruelties exercised upon the British Protestants in the great rebellion in Ireland of 164128- "That it might appear," says the commission, "what the losses of the Protestants were, what cruelties were acted, what murders were committed, and who were the chief actors in them, the Lords Justices thought fit to issue out a commission under the great seal, to take the examinations upon oath," & Henry Jones, Dean of Kilmore, and seven others, were named, amongst whom Henry Brereton was included.

Before this time Andrew Brereton, of the Breretons of the Queen's county, being left by Sir C. Coote in the command, gallantly defended Borras Castle, to which all the Protestants of the barony of Upper Ossory had retired for protection." …….

In the next generation we find the eldest son, named William Brereton, thus described:" William Brereton, of Moyle Abbey, aforesaid; of Brittas, in the county of Carlow ; and of Carrigslaney, in the county of Carlow" (which last-mentioned property was purchased of the Earl of Arran, in 1676.) His will was proved in 1692.29

25 See Tracts of the Irish Archaeological Society, vol. ii. Page xxix. The Pale was an area around co. Dublin designated for the English. 26 Refers to a drink made in Ireland. 27 According to ‘Archaelogia: or Miscellaneous Tracts. Relating to Antiquity’ Henry Brereton himself styled of Moyle Abbey, co. Kildare, was one of her majesty’s Commissions before who depositions were taken concerning cruelties exercised upon British Protestants in the great Rebellion of 1641. 28 According to an historical account titled Wars and Conflicts ‘The Plantation of Ulster’ (BBC home page) the 1641 rebellion erupted in the first instance in Ulster when rebel catholic elements surprised protestant settlers massacring large numbers. The rebellion continued for almost 10 years as it spread to other areas of Ireland. What began as an event associated with the massacre of Irish was to end with the equally notable massacres wrought by the armies of Oliver Cromwell who landed in Ireland in 1649. The slaughter of the inhabitants of Drogheda and Wexford are as indelibly imprinted on the psyche of Irish Catholics as the previous massacres in Ulster are on Protestants 29 Ex relation Sir W. Betham, Ulster King at Arms.

In the next generation, George Brereton, of Carrigslaney30, Esquire, eldest son, married Catharine, daughter of George Percival, of Templehouse, county Sligo; and from this time the pedigree of the eldest branch of the Brereton family in Ireland is preserved in the House of Yvory, and in Archdall's Edition of Lodge's Irish Peerage. The House of Yvory is a genealogical history of the house of Yvory in the duchy of Normandy, of the Percival family thence descended, and their alliances, compiled ex stemmate familia, (so the history expresses it,) by the first Lord Egmont, in 1744. One of the Breretons of this period married a lady of the singular name of Duncea, of the family of Chichester Earl of Donegal. The name does not appear to have been preserved in the family with any anxious care, or transmitted with pride to their posterity.

The present representative of the elder branch of the Brereton family in Ireland is the son of the late Lieutenant-General Brereton, of New Abbey (Author note: given the date of this paper, the comment would have been made in 1840s) Colonel Brereton, of the artillery, greatly distinguished at Matagorda, and at other places in the Peninsula, and a Waterloo officer, at the last attack upon Canton vindicated his hereditary claim to the highest military skill and conduct.

END OF DWARRIS EXCERPTS

30 The Breretons of Carrigslaney can be found in the Breretons of Ireland, Vol I, written by Faye Brereton-Goodwin and found on breretonhistory.ca

SIR WILLIAM BRERETON OF ENGLAND AND IRELAND

In my opinion the history prepared by Sir Fortunatus William Lilley Dwarris’s in 1811, is very creditable; partly as a result of his interest and connection to the Breretons. Robert Brereton of St. Catherine’s and Kingston, Jamaica (1727-1790) who was born in Ireland, married Honoria Dwarris (this was his second marriage) and Robert’s daughter Alicia Brereton (her mother was Anne Smith – 3rd wife of Robert) married Sir Fortunatus William Lilley. He was also a respected historian; a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

In his history, Sir Fortunatus Dwarris clearly shows that the Breretons who settled in the Pale, co. Dublin and the counties of Kings and Queens (in the 16th century) were ancestors of the Breretons of Cheshire; and over the next two generation they moved to other areas, including Kildare and Tipperary, through marriages with other ‘gentry’ families.

Although not well documented it appears that Randal Brereton, of the Malpas line (grandson of Sir William Brereton) and family of Sir William Brereton I of Honford also settled Meath and other counties in Ireland.

Consequently, it would follow that all the early Brereton branches, including the cadet branches (ones not headed by an elder son and heir) who lived in the area would have been descended from Sir William Brereton who arrived in Ireland, circa 1534.

While there is good information about some of the Brereton families of Ireland, it is not the case for all branches. This is due in part to the social structure inherent in a patriarchal society where the first born son would be the most socially significant. He would inherit titles, property and the prospect of marriage to a daughter of another ‘gentry’ families. Consequently, in families with many sons, the practice of primogeniture would lead to the younger Brereton sons having very small inheritances and as a result many of them attended Trinity College, Dublin (some with sponsors) entered the church or military – or other professions such as law, teaching, farming, etc. Others married daughters of gentry families (such as the George Brereton who married Catherine Perceval) and if the daughter was the family heir their Brereton husband ‘inherited’ a wife’s family property.

Further, during the 17th and 18th centuries the lives and exploits of the more prominent men in a family were usually recorded; only occasionally were the lives of their siblings documented. Typically the female members of families were identified at the time of their marriage; with special mention when the groom was an heir to one of the ‘gentry’ families, or when the female was an heiress. Consequently, it is often difficult to find information about the younger sons and the female members of the family.

I can certainly attest to the dearth of ancestral information; such as the family of Edward Brereton of Knock. However, when specific documentation is not available we can often find a ‘reasonable or logical’ family connection by analysing the available data, such as naming conventions, geographic proximity and other compelling information (such as Edward’s connection to Simpson Brereton). After a fairly thorough review of available information, in my opinion (based on the information which follows) it appears reasonable that Edward Brereton of Knock was a descendent of Sir William Brereton and Edward Brereton of Loughtioge.

SIR WILLIAM BRERETON (? - 1542) Chamberlain of Chester, Lord Justice and Lord High Marshal of Ireland (son of Andrew Brereton and Agnes Legh) married 1st Alice Savage, daughter of Sir John Savage of Rock Savage. They had issue:

1) Sir William Brereton married Anne Boothe, daughter of Sir William Boothe of Dunham. He died during his father’s lifetime leaving a son William who married Jane Warburton. (Brereton Hall, Cheshire connection)

Margaretta Brereton married William Goodman

Henry Brereton

Katherina Brereton married Edward Folshurst of Crewe

Elinor Brereton

Helen Brereton married Robert Dukenfield of Cheshire

Anna Brereton married David Kynaston of Hanney

SIR WILLIAM BRERETON married 2nd Elinor Brereton, daughter of Randal Brereton of Ipstones and widow of Sir Philip of Egerton. William and Elinor had issue31:

Richard Brereton married Thomasine (last name unknown)

Mary Brereton married John Warburton of Arley. They had a son Peter Warburton

1) WILLIAM BRERETON married Anne Boothe William, son of Sir William and Alice Savage married Anne Boothe daughter of Sir William Boothe of Dunham. He died in 1534, predeceasing his father (by 7 years). They had issue:

Sir William Brereton, born 1521, at Brereton, married Jane Warburton daughter of Peter Warburton. Their grandson became Lord Brereton of Brereton Hall.

Note: Information about this family can be found in ‘The Breretons of Cheshire’ and ‘Brereton Hall’ on breretonhistory.ca.

2) SIR JOHN BRERETON Sir John Brereton, Captain in Ireland returned to England and became Escheator of Cheshire, England in 1544, was a Gentleman Usher of the Kings Chamber, Cheshire and Seneschal of the

31 It has been suggested that Eleanor married 2nd, John Egerton of Wrinehill, Staffordshire I was unable to find this marriage in the peerage document of Sir Bernard Burke (mentioned earlier). However, in A Genealogical History of Dormant, Abeyant, Forfeited and Extinct Peerages, William Egerton, esq. married Margaret, daughter of Sir Ralph Egerton of Wrinehill,; dying without heirs. His next surviving brother John Brereton of Egerton married Elizabeth, daughter of Hugh Done. They had a son Philip Egerton who married Joana, daughter of Gilbert Smith. Their son Sir William Egerton married Eleanor, daughter of Sir Randle Brereton. I could find no other reference to Wrinehill.

© Researched and written by Faye Brereton-Goodwin, Canada – March 2018 website: breretonhistory.ca email: [email protected] Brereton Family of Ireland (Vol V) Edward Brereton of Knock, co. Offaly and the Breretons of Tipperary Page 28 of 84 liberties of Wexford, also Constable of Wexford Castle, Ireland 154532. He married Jocose St. Leger of Cheshire and died without issue in 1549. There is a record that John Brereton resigned the Seneschalship of Wexford and title to certain lands.

3) ANDREW BRERETON OF MOYLE ABBEY33, co. Kildare, Baron of Lecale, co. Down and Governor of Ulster (died 1577) married Catherine Fitz-Simon Andrew (who settled in Ireland), son of William Brereton and Anne Boothe, is identified in ‘A Genealogical and Heraldic Dictionary of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain and Ireland’ as the uncle of the 1st Lord Brereton of Leighlin. During his military service, two of his major military battles occurred in 1541 when he was ordered to capture Carlow Castle. He also served in 1549, when 50 gunners and 50 archers under his leadership defeated a force of Scots Islanders who landed to assist O’Neill’s Rebellion. He was appointed Governor (and/or General) of Ulster in 1549.

In A Genealogical History of Dormant, Abeyant, Forfeited and Extinct Peerages, February 20, 1573 – Volume XXXIX – there is a reference, dated February 20, 1573 to Andrew Brereton, having served near years, to having a pension.

In 1563, Andrew sold a 32,000 acre estate to the Earl of Kildare. Andrew married Catherine Fitz- Simon, daughter of Sir James Fitz-Simon, Knight, Alderman and Mayor of Dublin, Ireland. Andrew died in 1577 and Catherine on 14 April 1617. They had issue:

William Brereton of Ulster married Duncea Chichester, Wexford – their son was William Brereton of Moyle Abbey, co. Kildare, Carrigslaney, and Britta, Co. Carlow (died 1691) married Jane Blount

John Brereton of Ulster; pardoned 1573 (died without issue)

Mary Brereton 34 (buried 1621 in Dublin) married first Thomas Meight, second Sir Nicolas White (Master of Rolls) and third, Sir Robert Hartpole of Shrule Castle35 and Constable of Carlow Castle and the Governor of Queens co.

32 Sir John Brereton is shown as the Constable of Wexford (List of Governors and Constable of Wexford Calser 1545 – 22/1-1/4/1549) 33 Moyle Abbey is a townland near Stradbally and Ballyadams. It is north and slightly north-east from Ballitore and between the three townlands of Lower and Upper Crookstown and Spratstown. It can be found on historic maps on osi.ie Note-Ballitore first developed during the late 17th century as a Quaker settlement after two Quakers, John Bancroft and Abel Strettel established a farm in the area. The Quakers from Yorkshire who founded Ballitore, transformed the valley into rich fertile farmlands, and developed the town as a Quaker Settlement. In fact, Ballitore is the only planned and permanent Quaker Settlement in Ireland. 34 Details of the marriages of Mary Brereton (as shown) are documented in ‘The Consolidated Index to the Records of the Genealogical Office, Dublin Ireland Chapters A-B-C. compiled in 1994 by Virginia Wade McAnlis of Washington State USA 35 Shrule Castle is a detached, five-storey tower house with an attached outbuilding to the west elevation and stands at an important crossings point on the River Barrow. It was built between 1600 and 1640 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. (1558 - 1603) by Robert Hartpole, Constable of Carlow Castle & the Governor of Queens County

Jane Brereton married 1st Sir Richard Nugent, son of Lord Trimleston, co. Meath, Ireland; 2nd Hon Christopher Barnewell (son and heir to Lord Trimblestown and 3rd Gilbert Nugent.

Cicely Brereton married John Cusock

Alicia Brereton married John Carfa of Trubly or Tubberville, co. Meath, Ireland

Eleanor Brereton unmarried

3.1) Andrew Brereton married Katherine Lynch of Knock, county Meath

In Volume 287 of ‘Cox’s History of Ireland’ there is reference to Andrew Brereton receiving a letter from Queen Elizabeth where she gives him a tract of land in the Irish Pale. There is also a record indicating that Andrew of Moyle Abbey was the founder of the families in Carrigslaney, co. Carlow and also the Rathurles of Tipperary.

While considering the various locations of the Breretons, which includes references to county Kildare, it is important to realize that the boundaries of Kildare changed over the years. In fact, in 1297 its ‘territory’ included much Offaly and Laois (which became King and Queen’s Counties in 1556) and some of Dublin. The current borders of Kildare came into being in 1836 when it was reassigned three detached section of co. Dublin (including Ballymore Eustace) and one detached district of Kings co. (western Harristown and Kilbracken), while the detached district of Kildare around Castle-Rickard was reassigned to co. Meath (Castle- Richard is a parish, partly in the barony of Carbery, co. Kildare but chiefly in the county of Meath).

It is also important to realize that given the relatively small size of the county and the short distance between many of the counties, it is not surprising that the Breretons owned property in more than one county.

When looking at the settlement of the early Breretons of Ireland it is also important to remember that the Republic of Ireland which shares a border with Northern Ireland did not come into existence until 1922 when it became the Irish Free State. When a new constitution was adopted in 1937, it became a republic, named Ireland. Consequently some information concerning the Breretons of Ireland may be held in British records and not in the ‘Irish’ records.

3.1) ANDREW BRERETON married Katherine Lynch of Knock, county Meath Andrew, identified as a ‘natural son’ of Andrew Brereton of Moyle, married Catherine/Katherine Lynch of The Knock,36 co. Meath. There does not appear to be a consistent definition of the term natural son…it is unclear whether Andrew was illegitimate (as defined by some) or as one British website indicates the term natural son is a son by ‘blood’ rather than through marriage or adoption. What it does infer is that he was a son of Andrew of Moyle. Once again ‘Knock’ has come into the Brereton history and in this case it is Katherine who is identified as of The Knock (in Meath not Offlay). Meath was colloquially known by the nickname "The Royal County." due to its history as the seat of the High King of Ireland. It formed from the eastern part of the former Kingdom of Mide (see Kings of Mide) but now forms part of the province of Leinster.

Historically, the kingdom and its successor territory the Lordship of Meath, included all of counties Meath, Fingal and Westmeath as well as parts of counties Cavan, Longford, Louth, Offaly and Kildare. No issue identified to date.

For more information about the family of Andrew Brereton of Moyle Abbey and Catherine FitzSimon go to Breretons of Ireland, Volume I – on breretonhistory.ca

4) EDWARD BRERETON married Edithe Byrche37 Edward, son of Sir William Brereton of Cheshire is considered to be the founder of the Loughtioge branch which settled in the area referred to as 'The Plantations. There is a 17 August 1596 reference indicating that Edward Brereton was granted 15 acres of land. The issuance occurred at Maryborough.

In A Genealogical History of Dormant, Abeyant, Forfeited and Extinct Peerages, February 20, 1573 – Volume XXXIX – there is a reference, dated December 23, 1573, to a petition of Edward Brereton of the Queens County gent, to the Privy Council for payment of two years.

Edward married Edithe Byrche38 and had issue:

Edward Brereton (died young). This is a record of an Edward Brereton as buried in Dublin, in 1599. It could be this man

Roger Brereton of Old Leighlin, Dublin;

Henry Brereton who married Margery Bowen.

4.1) Andrew Brereton

36 The Knock was a parish and there was a Monastery. There does not appear to have been a village, however people living in the surrounding countryside may have been identified as of The Knock. There were a number of locations in Ireland call Knock. 37 According to the document ‘the Ancient and Noble Families of the Savages of the Ards, Worcestershire,” William Byrche, L.L.D., was the Chancellor of Worcester. 38 In ‘Ancient and Noble Families of the Savages of the Ards, Worcestershire’ there is a reference to the death of Thomas Savage, esquire. In 1742. AS there were no male heirs, the estate went to his daughters. One married Thomas Coventry, the second to William Byrche, L.L.D.

4.2) Arthur Brereton of co. Cavan was granted land in the English Pale

Francis Brereton (no spouse or issue – may have died young)

William Brereton (no spouse or issue – may have died young)

4.3) John Brereton of Rahamargue (or Ralhalnourge) (1575–1627) became Rector of Naas, co. Kildare

4.1) ANDREW BRERETON He served under the command of Charles Coote39 during the great rebellion which broke out in 1641. The Rebellion started in Ulster in October 1641 and spread in the following month to the southern provinces. Coote was commissioned to raise a thousand men and was appointed Military Governor of Dublin. Great cruelties were practised on both sides, particularly to helpless civilians. According to an account provided by Sir William Petty: out of an entire population of a million and a half, more than half a million perished by sword, famine and pestilence.

Nearly all the Irish and the Catholic English (i.e. settlers before the Tudors) rose up. Lord Mountgarret occupied Kilkenny and Waterford and by the end of the year occupied nearly all of Ireland except Dublin, Drogheda, and a few parts such as Cork, Limerick and Galway.

Sir Charles Coote, a seasoned campaigner, said to have been very rough and sour in his temper40 was sent against Lord Upper Ossory. Nits will be lice, was his brutal answer, when remonstrated for impaling babes at the breast41. Lord Upper Ossory with six or seven hundred men including his relatives, Andrew Fitzpatrick and Colonel Brian Fitzpatrick besieged the Castle of Borris-in-Ossory where the Protestants of that Barony had sought protection on the outbreak of the war42. Coote drove the Fitzpatricks away on Easter Day, however, Lord Upper Ossory returned to beleaguer the Castle about Lammas. In May Coote was felled in battle and Andrew Brereton was placed in command of the Castle. The siege lasted so long that the besieged for a long time fed upon horses, dogs, cats, bean-leaves, potato tops and cow hides being without bread, drink or salt.

About All Hallowtide (November first) Colonel Plunket, with about one hundred men, demanded the surrender of the castle in the King’s name, saying, that if the warders held the castle to the King’s use, he would send more armed men to assist them, unto which Andrew Brereton of Killadowle…replied that, if he would shew any authority, under the King, for what he required and offered, that he would obey. Whereupon (for want of such authority, as it seems) he departed. About the last of November, Colonel Preston, with about fifteen hundred men, attacked Loughtioge Castle playing upon the court gate with two field pieces and a small battering piece. The twenty warders left in the castle, having only a day’s ammunition left surrendered upon quarter, having their lives and worst clothes only granted

39 Sir Charles Coote of Castle Cuffe, County Laois/Queen’s must then have been over sixty years of age, for he first came to Ireland as a young man in 1600. In 1605, he was appointed Provost Marshal of Connaught – a title held earlier by Edward Brereton. 40 Cox’s History of Ireland 41 C. G. Walpole’s -A short History of the Kingdom of Ireland 42 Borris Castle then belonged to Ormond. It later became part of the Coote estates.

to them43. Colonel Preston, brother of Lord Gormanston, was Commander of the Irish forces in Leinster, under the Presidency of Lord Mountgarret.

In July 1647, Ormonde, rather than hand over Ireland to the Irish, put an end to this anomalous position by handing over Dublin to the agents of Parliament. Andrew Brereton withdrew to his estate, having survived the Restoration of King Charles II. On 28 May, 1662 Andrew joined with his brother William in the purchase of Philipstown. Andrew was also granted the Coote family property, apparently, now a picturesque ivy-covered ruin. In the meantime hostilities broke out in England and the Earl of Ormonde, an ardent royalist, came to terms with the rebels. Though indicted for high treason, the Fitzpatricks escaped with their lives. Andrew left no descendants.

Deposition Transcription: Lieutenant Andrew Brereton late of Killadoole (Killadowle) in the Queens County {gent} duly sworn and examined deposeth that since the beginning of this present rebellion which begun in those parts about November 1641 he was at several times robbed and despoiled of his horses, cows, sheep and swine to the value of 170 li. of his Corn in haggard and in ground to the value of 200 li of household stuff and necessaries for husbandry 30 li. of the benefit of his lease of the said Killadoole upon which he expended in improvement at least 100 li., the which he giveth for lost: in all 500 li. By the hands and means of the Lord of Upper Ossory and his followers all now in open rebellion as the natives of that County now also rebels did confess unto this examination and further sayth that himself and all the neighbor protestants of the barony of Upper Ossory in the said County at the beginning of this rebellion betook themselves to the Castle of Burros in the said County to defend themselves and were there besieged by the said Lord of Upper Ossory, Florence Fitzpatrick of Castle town Esquire, Andrew Fitzpatrick of Castle Flemming and Colonel Bryan fitzPatrick of Rathdownagh with about 6 or 7 hundred of there (their) rebellious, route in the County aforesaid until Easter day 1642, At which time they were relieved by the honorable Sir Charles Coote. After whose departure they were again besieged viz about Lammas following by the fore said rebels during which siege the said Protestants for a long time fed upon horses, dogs, cats bean leaves, potato tops, and cow hides being without either bread drink or salt. And further sayth that about Allhollantide (All Hallowtide) last past Colonel Pluncket with a thousand men came unto the said Castle and demanded the surrender thereof in the kings name saying that if the warders held the said Castle for the Kings use that he would send more armed men unto them to assist them, unto which this examination (being left by Sir Charles Coote chief commander of the said Castle) replied, that if he would show any authority under the king for what he required and offered, that he would obey, whereupon for want of such authority, as it seems, he departed And further sayth that about 10 bris vltimo44 last past Colonel Preston with about 1500 other rebels beset the said Castle and played upon the Court gate {thereof with} 2 field pieces and one small battering piece and begun to worme underground, whose power this deponent and the warders under {his} command not being able to resist, in regard there were but twenty of the said warders and that the Castle, was large and with all that {almost} their whole munition was spent, as not having as much powder as would {defend} themselves or offend the enemy one day longer as they were compelled to surrender upon quarter having their lives and worst clothes only granted the man further sayth that there were present at the said last siege the Earle of Castle haven, Thomas Hovendon Esquire, Florence {fitz} Patrick Esquire Edmund Row alias Butler the Lord Mountgarett his brother or son and diverse gentlemen out of Kilkenny whose names this deponent remembreth not. And further sayth that sergeant major general Preston and Captain Burnett took this examinant in private and told him they had

43 Sir Egerton Brydges’ edition, Collins’s Peerage of England, Lord Upper Ossory, vol. Viii, 305. Baron Upper Ossory was a title in the Peerage of Ireland. It was created on 11 June 1541 for Barnaby Fitzpatrick 44 10 bris ultimo last refers to the 10th of the last November

© Researched and written by Faye Brereton-Goodwin, Canada – March 2018 website: breretonhistory.ca email: [email protected] Brereton Family of Ireland (Vol V) Edward Brereton of Knock, co. Offaly and the Breretons of Tipperary Page 33 of 84 commission to examine him by what authority he held the said Castle and this deponent replied for the king he kept it, and that he was left the Lieutenant or commander of the castle by Sir Charles Coote, and that they then said Sir Charles Coote was proclaimed traitor by the king because what he did was for the parliament and not for the king. And further sayth that as he was conducted unto the City of Dublin by one Ancient Casey a rebel, that the said Casey told this deponent that one Antoine a Dutchman would shortly come with strength of shipping and stop the passages twixt England and Ireland that no supply might be brought into this kingdom. And further saith that [ ] there was observed one Brandan Cohinner a priest who came about a year before from the Pope to be very busy in those parts a long time before this rebellion began in those parts and to be the very first that did take up arms in Ossory against his Majesty and had about 60 more traitors at his heels, and to seduce many others into this wicked rebellion: And sayth also that one Turlogh fitzpatrick high Constable for the barony of Ossory then a seeming loyal subject but now a rebel wroated unto Mr Robert Piggott as he told this deponent that the said Brandan intended suddenly to cut off and murder all the English of Mountrath whilst they were at church, by which discovery that plot was prevented.

4.2) ARTHUR BRERETON of co. Cavan Arthur was the Member of Parliament for Ballinakill in 1613. His wife is unknown; however we know he left issue at least one son:

4.2.1) Rev. Henry Brereton of Santry, co. Dublin (1607 – 1680) who became Rector of Naas, co. Kildare

There is also a record of the burial of an Arthur Brereton of Queens, in Dublin, in 1621. It could be Arthur of Cavan

4.2.1) REV. HENRY BRERETON of Santry, co. Dublin (1607 – 1680) Henry Brereton, born in 1607, entered Trinity College as a Pensioner 23 June 1621. He Benefactor was Mr. Dooley. Henry received his B.A. in 1625 and a second degree in 1629.

On 24 December, 1634 he was appointed vicar of Santry (a small village on the north side of Dublin – near the current airport) and Rectory of Bingness (Leighlin). He served there until 1678. He also united the rectories of Borris and Kilcolmanblane (Maryborough) was Vicar of Kilsallaghan (1661-62) and rector of Clontarf and Raheny in 1671. Kilsallaghan, is a parish, in the barony of Castleknock, co. Dublin,

The church at Santy was originally known as St. Pappans’ and in the 16th century, St Pappan’s conformed to the reformed religion, but many of the parishioners did not; and by 1630 the church was ruinous. A new period begins with the arrival of the Barry family as landowners in the 17th century: Sir James Barry was made first Baron of Santry in 1661. His son Richard is commemorated with a fine basalt monument in the baptistery. His son Henry, 3rd Baron, married Bridget Domville, a name we will hear of again. From this era we possess a chalice dated 1666; unfortunately too worn for use. In the chancel there is a memorial brass of 1680 which commemorates Rev. Henry Brereton, vicar for 43 years. Another tablet commemorates his son-in-law, Rev. Daniel Jackson, who was Vicar 1678 – 1707. A generous man of considerable fortune, he bequeathed funds to augment the stipend of his successors. He also left funds for a school (in Schoolhouse Lane); the school is gone, but the money still assists in the education of the parish children. He was succeeded by his son John, and during his incumbency the 3rd Lord Santry built the present

church in 1709. Originally the west gable had a double bell-turret. It is to this period we date our most impressive feature, the beautiful carved altarpiece, with its pediment and Corinthian columns, and the Hebrew Name of God in glory. The original inscription “This do in Remembrance of Me” was later changed to the present “I am the Bread of Life”. The pulpit is of the same period and style, but the Santry Court pew has long since disappeared. The communion silver dates from this time, as does a copper long-handled collection-dish in the Vestry. Source: pappanspeople.wordpress

4.3) JOHN BRERETON OF RAHAMARGUE/RALHALNOURGE (1575–1627) married Amy Barrington John was known as of Rahamargue County Laois/Queen’s in the parish of Ballyadams (near Rathgilbert). He received Rahamargue, from his father, as his portion.

Note: Author was unable to find modern references to Rahamague and Loughioge.

He married Amy Barrington, a sister of Alexander Barrington and daughter of Captain John Barrington of whom it is recorded by Peter Carew, a contemporary of Alexander that John Barrington’s house in Lease (Leix), Nobles at Castle Dermon (Castledermot) and Thomas Lee’s house fell of casual fires by means of lewd servants.45

While continuing to search for information about John of Rahamargue (or Ralhalnourge) I came across an article concerning the Parish of Ballyadams on a website - ‘More Minor than Major’ – Lesser Laois Houses (author not identified). The relevant information was as follows:

Parish of Ballyadams is along a road leading from Carlow to Stradbally. The living was a rector and a vicarage in the Diocese of Leighlin with the rectory and vicarage of Ballintubber united from time immemorial. As to whether or not the Manor of Ballyadams was one of the original grants we have no information; but Robert Bowen was possessed of it in the latter part of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, although the castle is much older than that time. He built the church in which his monument was erected by his son.

The article also stated that William Bowen, who died 11 April 1686 without a male heir; however he left three daughter, the second who married Arthur Brereton, Esquire of Queen’s County whose descendants occupied in three division the Ballyadams Estates.

In 1627, at the time of the death of his eldest surviving brother Henry Brereton of Loughtioge Castle, John Brereton was appointed to oversee raising money for defense, within the county of Laois/Queen’s. John and his wife Amy Barrington had issue:

4.3.1) Vicar/Parson Roger Brereton (died 1643) of Timohoe, County Laois/Queen’s married Dorothy

4.3.2) John Brereton of Ranuske & Rathmore- in- Ossory married Dulcibella Rochfort

45 Noble was married to Ann Barrington and Lee was a brother-in-law.

4.3.3) Lieutenant/Major Thomas Brereton of Borrea, Borris- in- Ossory46, County Laois/Queen’s

4.3.4) Rector Robert Brereton (died 1641) of Tymoge, County Laois/Queen’s married Katherine Holt

Alice Brereton

Source of map: Ireland Genealogical Projects Website

Star identifies approximate location of Ballyadams.

46 Ossary (Anglicized version of Osraighe) was an ancient Kingdom in south central Ireland in the 12th century. It comprised most of the modern day county of Kilkenny and the western part of County Laois/Queen’s)

Edward Brereton of Loughtioge and Edith Biche

(4.3) John Brereton of Rahamargue (or Ralhalnourge) married Amy Barrington

4.3.1) Roger Brereton

4.3.2) John Brereton of Rathmore married Dulcibelle Rochfort

4.3.3) Lieutenant/Major Thomas Brereton of Borris in Ossary

Rector Robert Brereton of Tymoge

Avis Brereton

4.3.1) PARSON ROGER BRERETON Roger Brereton had died by the time the dispositions were recorded, consequently it was his widow, Dorothy who presented the information to the Commission.

Deposition of DOROTHY BRERETON , the Relict of Roger Brereton (late), Parson of Ballinakill in the Queens County sworn & examined deposeth and sayth That since the beginning of the present Rebellion, that is to say the month of November 1641 & afterwards she this deponent & her husband (who is since deceased) were forcibly deprived, robbed and despoiled at Ballinakill aforesaid of the possession Rents and profits of her said husbands Church livings, ready money, corn, tithes’, household goods, cattle, horses, book, specialties, debts and other of their means of the value & to her now loss of 650 li. sterling: And further saith that the principal parties that so robbed and despoiled them were Barnaby Dempsie of Knockardagurr in the Queens County, a Captain of Rebels & his son Charles & Peirce fitzgarrett of Ballyroan in the same County another Rebellious Captain and last of all General Preston, The Lord Mountgarrett & James Butler, Brother of Richard Butler of

Castle Comer Esquire which James Butler was her husband owne Cozen Germaine and their soldiers Partakers & Complicees

Deposition of Dorothy Brereton, January 1643 County: Queen's Co Deponent Occupation: Widow Nature of Deposition: Robbery Commissioners: Henry Brereton, Henry Jones

4.3.2) JOHN BRERETON of Ranuske and Rathmore-in-Ossory, Co Laois/Queen’s – and Dublin married Dulcibella Rochfort. John was also forced from his home during the Rebellion, as detailed in his deposition to the Commission

JOHN BRERETON late of Rathmore in Ossery/Ossory in the Queens County, gentleman sworn & examined deposeth and saith that about the 4th of November 1641 The Irish papists within the Queens County having gathered head and being gone into Rebellion some of them vizt the lord fitzpatrick of Upper Ossery & Florence fitzpatrick of Castletowne gents by themselves or their complicees, tenants & soldiers employed for them in great numbers flocked and resorted to Rathmore aforesaid as this deponent hath been credibly informed by Alice Lloyd his maid servant whom he left there, (himself with his wife and six children being (to shun their danger) a little before gone to the Castle of Burrowes in the same County) And then and there those rebels in the deponents absence, forcibly came into his the deponents house and seized upon all his household goods there Left vizt cattle Corne, horses, sheep, provision and other things. & deprived and despoiled him of the possession Rents and profits of his said house and farm there By means whereof & of the same Rebellion this deponent lost and was dampified in his goods chattels & estate the sum or value of 500 {li.} sterling at the least And further sayth that after that this deponent a{nd} his wife and children together with as many more English protestants as made up the number of 180 persons (whereof the most part were women and children that thither fled for safety) had continued there for about 4 or 5 {weeks}. The said Lord of Upper Ossery Florence fitzpatrick, one Captain Brian Geffrey fitzpatrick of Ballyowley in the same County gentleman, John fitzpatrick of Tentore in the same County gentleman, and a great number {of} soldiers by them commanded, whose names he cannot express, came and summoned the said Castle and demanded possession thereof: Where unto was answered by Mr. Andrew Brereton the deponents kinsman Mr. John Baskervillle. Mr. Robert Piggott, this deponent and others that kept the said Castle that {they} kept, and would keep it for his Majesty, unless they would shew them {his} highness Commission to the contrary. Then those rebels departed the {nce yet} divers times returned & made the like demands But withal {used many} threats That they would take it from the possessors of it by force who should have no mercy shewed unto them but should lose their {lives And} several times those rebels and others Layd sharp siege to the said Castle & forcibly made themselves several works near the gates and walls {and putt the besieged to such extreme want of meat, drink fewell and other sustenance that they were often Like to starve which necessity working with the desire that those men were able to bear Arms had to be revenged on the rebels (They being not of able fighting men within the Castle above 20 or thereabouts) so prickt on & instigated them: That several times some of the fighting men besieged, (whereof the deponent was still one) desperately sallied out upon the rebels and would often beat them from their works and ambushes: & by gods great providence would still return with very little or no hurt: Howbeit the rebels had several men of their party slain by this deponent & those of the Castle that assisted him, And although this deponent and his partakers were sometimes not above 6 at other times ten or 12: & when all sallied out upon them were not to this deponents Remembrance

© Researched and written by Faye Brereton-Goodwin, Canada – March 2018 website: breretonhistory.ca email: [email protected] Brereton Family of Ireland (Vol V) Edward Brereton of Knock, co. Offaly and the Breretons of Tipperary Page 38 of 84 above twenty: yet such was gods great mercy & power shewed unto them from time to time, That they would still vanquish & repel the Irish, and often when those Irish have bin sometimes 200: 300: 400 & sometimes 500 soldiers in number; Insomuch as this deponent & those of his small party have several times in those forcibly taken surprised & brought in from the Irish divers preys of their beasts cattle & other things wherewith they have often relieved all those in the Castle, Howbeit often such have bin their wants That they have been forced to feed upon the flesh of horses dogs Catts & Crowes & to drink water all the time, but therein also were often scanted, and for about 8 weeks or above were forced to feed upon the very leaves of beans potatoes and weeds & when extreme want enforced them desperately to adventure out & fall trees in the orchard for fewell, numerous bullets have from time to time come from the Rebels about their ears: yet in all the siege they had not about 3 or 4 men slain and very few others hurt, At Length the Rebels both increasing exceedingly in number Arms and Ammunition & the besieged being almost starved & the deponent & the rest of the men besieged being wearied & overcome with the cries of old men women and their children, he this deponent with his wife & children & several others that had wives & children departed that Castle & went thence to Ballinekill with a strong party that came thither to relieve them At which Castle of Ballinekill they endured another Long & miserable siege, but were at length for want of victuals fewell water & other necessaries enforced to leave that Castle upon Quarter to Colonel Preston & others: from thence the deponent with his wife & 6 children before mentioned came to Dublin & ever since have lived in great misery he the deponent being still a shoulder among the Rebels.

John Brereton, January 1642 Date: 1645-01-09 Deponent Occupation: Gentleman Deponent County of Residence: Queens County Nature of Deposition: Assault, Killing, Robbery, Words, Succour Commissioners: Henry Brereton, Henry Jones

John was living in 1646. He married Dulcibella Rochfort, daughter of James Rochfort of Laraghes co. Kildare, and Jane Eustace (daughter of Maurice Eustace of Castlemartin) the Rochforts were a distinguished family. John Brereton and Dulcibella (Rochfort) had issue:

4.3.2.1) Rev John Brereton of Naas, co. Kildare married Elizabeth Foster

William Brereton married Jane Foster

Edward Brereton

Henry Brereton

Rose Brereton

Douce Brereton

Mary Brereton

4.3.2.1) REV. JOHN BRERETON (died 1712) of Naas, County Kildare married Elizabeth Foster. John, Prebrendary of Clonmethan, County Dublin, Vicar of Naas and Canon of Kildare (in 1690) was educated at Trinity College, Dublin (BA 1665). He was also Curate of St. Michan’s Church, in Dublin.

The author found a notation that, in 1640, Rev. Canon John Brereton married Elizabeth Foster, daughter of Charles Foster of Santry, Mayor of the City of Dublin.

The following grave marker can be found in the Cemetery of St. David’s Church, Naas:

Brereton Elizabeth Ye Wife Of John Brereton Vicar of Naas Departed This Life October 23 1694 She Was A Good Wife, Mother, Friend and Christian

On page 204, Chapter 4 of “The History of County Dublin" by John D'alton it is noted that: ‘succession of the Prebendaries of Clonmethan was as follows, as far as can be ascertained:

1661 John Brereton, On 1683 John Brereton (John died in 1712 and was also buried at Naas. In Trinity College, Dublin.)47

4.3.3) LIEUTENANT (Major) THOMAS BRERETON of Borris-in-Ossory, co. Laois/Queen’s Thomas, probably the youngest son John and Amy was born in Borris-in-Ossory. He became a Lieutenant in Captain Rochfort’s48 Regiment in 1643 and Major in 1646. At the beginning of the Irish Rebellion (1641-1652), Thomas and family took refuge in Borris-in- Ossory, County Laois/Queen’s where they were besieged until they escaped to the Castle of Ballinekill.

We do not have a birthdate for Thomas, however he was a Lieutenant in Rochfort’s Regiment with 6 children by 1643; and assume marriage at 20 and 13 years for 6 children – Thomas would likely have been born c. 1610.

In Trinity College, Dublin there is a deposition dated January 1643, regarding Thomas. It reads as follows: Thomas Brereton, late of the Castle of Borreard (Borris) in Ossory, County Laois/Queen’s, Lieutenant to Captain Rochford, sayeth yet at the beginning of the rebellion he fled to the said castle with his wife and children, where they endured a hard and formidable siege, from where they being by force expelled betook themselves to the Castle of Ballinekill in the same county where they endured a second hard siege…wife and children brought to great want and distress

47 This appears odd as Naas is in the current co. of Kildare – however there are website references linking Naas to Trinity College so we have to assume this 17th century information is correct.. 48 The regiment commanded by a relation of his sister-in–law Dulcibella

Thomas Brereton’s wife is unknown and his children have not been identified. However, we can assume that given the date of the rebellion, the children who sought refuge in the Castles of Borris in Ossory and Ballinekill must have been very young at the time. There is also the possibility that he had more children after the Rebellion. There is some evidence although not conclusively proven that William Brereton of Rathmore of Borris in Ossory and Snipelawn (continued on page 78) is a son of Major Thomas Brereton.

Further, according to Patrick Montague Smith’s notes; Thomas was the ancestor of the Kilmartin Breretons.

The following Deposition of Thomas Brereton is from the Dublin Original Depositions Collection for Queen’s County. It was dated November 1643 and concerned a Robbery. Commissions: Henry Brereton, Henry Jones

Deposition Transcription: Thomas Brereton late of the Castle of Boreard (Borris?) in Ossery in the Queens County Lieutenant

Thomas was also seriously affected by the Rebellion of 1641. The following excerpt from the depositions references Thomas:

THOMAS BRERETON, late of the Castle of Boreard, in Ossery in the Queens County. Lieutenant to Captain Rochfort sworn & examined deposeth & saith that in the beginning of the present Rebellion he fled to the said Castle, with his wife & 6 children where they endured a miserable and hard siege, from whence they being by force expelled betook themselves to the Castle of Ballinakill in the same County where they endured a second hard siege. And in both places he & his wife were deprived & lost all their goods & chattels, and although he hath duly & freely hazarded himself in his Majesties service yet wanting his pay & so as aforesaid deprived of all his goods being all the means he had, he & his wife & children are brought to great want and distress.

Signed by Thomas Brereton, Nov 30 1643 Occupation: Lieutenant County of Residence: Queens County Nature of Deposition: Robbery Commissioners: Henry Brereton, Henry Jones

Note: Henry Brereton, son of Andrew Brereton of Moyle Abbey was one of the commissioners who received; depositions of protestants, the King’s loyal subjects, taken at the City of Dublin, in the kingdom of Ireland on the days and in the months and years, thereafter particularly expressed and putt upon every of their depositions: before Henry Jones, Doctor of Divinity, Dean of Kilmor; Roger Pottocke (who was replaced by Edward Piggott when Roger died), William Aldridge; William Hitchock; Randal Adams; John Sterne; Henry Brereton and John Watson, clarkes.

Castle of Ballinakill: According to the South Laois Tourism website: Sir Thomas Ridgeway built Ballinakill Castle between 1606 and 1612. The castle was garrisoned by the Irish who held it until Oliver Cromwell, arrived in Ireland on the 15th of August 1649. The castle ruins can be seen on the main Dublin- Limerick road, about six kilometers on the Nenagh side of Roscrea. According to the Roscrea on-line website, the structure was more of a fortified house than a true castle. The exact date of the fortification is uncertain but is no earlier than 1580 when Pierce Butler of Paulstown bought land there. The estate remained in Butler hands until they were dispossessed by Cromwell in the 1600’s. The three storey fortified house has long been gutted and only the shell remains of this large building. What is most impressive about the site however, is not the house but the impressive bawn around it. A bawn is very similar to the curtain walls of a castle.

There does not appear to be a record of the wife or children of Thomas Brereton, although we do know that 6 children along with their parents took shelter in Castle Ballinakill (which was only 6 kilometres from Nenagh, Tipperary).

We can also assume that given the age of Thomas (at the time of the rebellion), his children would have been young. The fact that the record by Henry Brereton states the he (Thomas) his wife & children are brought to great want & distress may be the reason this family is not recorded by the historians. There is also the possibility that he had more children after the Rebellion.

Lieutenant (Major) Thomas Brereton left issue:

4.3.3.1) William Brereton of Rathmore and Sharavogue, co. King’s/Offaly

4.3.3.1) WILLIAM BRERETON, Borris in Ossory (died 1715) William Brereton of Rathmore (probably the son of Major Thomas Brereton of Borris in Ossory) was born during the reign of King Charles I (1625-1649) and lived until just after the accession of Queen Anne.

In 1711, William and his son Thomas Brereton of Sharavogue (died 1756) leased the lands of Rathmore and Sharavogue (four miles from Birr/Parsonstown) from Henry

Westenra. Henry bought a lot of property in 1690 after the war when there was a surplus available for sale. William succeeded his Uncle John at Rathmore-in-Ossory.

At this point it important to address the various locations identified with William and his son:

- Rathmore and Sharavogue were both townlands in co. King’s (Offaly), Barony of Clonlisk, Parish of Kilcoman (so are geographically close) - Borris-in-Ossory, is a town in co. Queen’s (Laois) - Rathmore-in-Ossary is also located in co. Queen’s (Laois) in the Civil Parish of Rathdowny, Barony of Clandonagh and the Registry District of Borris-in-Ossory

The use of place names as identifiers in many historic records makes it extremely difficult to follow the history – partly because place names were often repeated in various counties (the are many Rathmore’s), many names just represented the ‘state of one owner or family and as Ireland is a small country it was easy for the gentry families to have various properties in close proximity.

Unfortunately William’s wife is not known, but documents show that they had issue:

Eleanor (or Elinor) Brereton (living 1748) married Thomas James of Crinhill, County King’s

Rebecca Brereton married Paul Kingston of Cloona, County King’s

1.1) George Brereton of Rathmore co. Offaly married first, Margaret Armstrong and 2nd Elinor Brereton-Despard

1.2) Thomas Brereton of Sharavogue & Ballybrophy

There are references to William Brereton of Borris in Ossary arriving in the area(probably Rathmore and Sharavogue) as a member of the Williamite forces (This War raged from 1689-1691) who were tasked with the Relief of Birr; and to William Brereton succeeding his Uncle John at Rathmore in Ossary. Both references support the assertion that William was the son of Lieutenant Thomas and father of William Brereton of Rathmore and Thomas Brereton of Rathmore and Sharavogue.

In 1711, William and his son Thomas Brereton of Sharavogue (died 1756) leased the lands of Rathmore and Sharavogue, four miles from Birr (Parsonstown) from Henry Westenra, who had bought a lot of property in 1690 after the war when there was a surplus available for sale.

William Breretons’ wife is not known; however, he was married and documents show that he had issue49:

49 Sir Bernard Burke provided a separate lineage of the Rathurles Breretons; it begins with William Brereton of Rathmore, co Offaly. While his spouse is not identified, his issue are identified:

4.3.3.1.1) George Brereton of Rathmore co. Offaly married 1st, Margaret Armstrong and 2nd Elinor Brereton-Despard

4.3.3.1.2) Thomas Brereton of Sharavogue and Rathmore and Ballybrophy (1692-1756)

Eleanor (or Elinor) Brereton (living 1748) married Thomas James of Crinkill, co. Kings

Rebecca Brereton married Paul Kingston of Cloona, co. Kings

Recently I found some information about a Lieutenant Thomas Brereton and William Brereton in ‘O’Hanlon’s History of Queen’s County’ written by the Very Reverend John, Canon O’Hanlon. The publication contains 971 pages of information about Queen’s county including items such as rock formations, flora, early inhabitants, ancient history and more. Eventually I found what appears to be validation of the relationship between Thomas and William.

O’Hanlon writes about skirmishes and plundering in Stradbally with the result that: Despard’s share in the plunder was Ballybrophy. Their lease from the Duke of Buckingham is dated 1731. Ballybrophy already had a tenant who seems to have remained in possession.

There were skirmishes and plundering in Stradbally with the result that Despard’s share in the plunder was Ballybrophy. Their lease from the Duke of Buckingham is dated 1731. Ballybrophy already had a tenant who seems to have remained in possession. Thomas Brereton, the son of William Brereton, obtained the lease of Ballybrophy in 1723.

The relevant information was as follows: Thomas Brereton, the son of William Brereton, obtained the lease of Ballybrophy in 1723. The Brereton were a Cheshire family who arrived in the neighbourhood of Stradbally during the Elizabethan plantation in the 1560s. William Brereton of Rathmore (probably the son of Major Thomas Brereton of Borris in Ossory) was born during the reign of King Charles I (1625-1649) and lived until just after the accession of Queen Anne. He died in 1715.

NOTE: In an attempt to identify Breretons we often use locations such as Moyle Abbey, Loughtioge etc. However, it often become difficult as we move over decades. For example, the present town of Birr was known as Parsonstown from 1620-1899. To further complicate matters records may show a range of identifiers: For example;

Townland: Clongowna House (owned by John Brereton of Birr) Civil Parish: Dorrha Poor Law Union: Birr No. 2 Diocese; Rathcabban Barony: Lower Ormond County: Tipperary

Major Thomas Brereton of Borris in Ossory, son of John and Amy Brereton

4.3.3.1) William Brereton of Borris in Ossary died 1715

4.3.3.1.1) George Brereton of Rathmore House (? - 1733) (1) married 1st Margaret Armstrong and 2nd Eleanor Brereton-Despard (1)

4.3.3.1.2) Thomas Brereton of Rathmore leased Ballybrophy and Sharavogue (2) died 1756

4.3.3.1.2.1) William Brereton of Kilmartin and Borris married Sarah Holland

4.3.3.1.2.2) Thomas Brereton of Clonanchy married Mary Carroll

Rebecca Brereton married Paul Kingston of Cloona

Elinor Brereton married Thomas James of Crinkill

Ruins of Rathmore Castle

Rathmore Castle50 was located about four miles from Birr and held a prominent and important location for the defense of the area. So it is not surprising that it has been suggested that when Williamite forces left Birr in September 1690, William Brereton remained in the area and took up residence in Rathmore Castle in order to ‘secure the area’ for William of Orange. An early 18th century document (as confirmed by the Offaly Heritage Society) affirms that the name of George Brereton, son of William Brereton of Rathmore was engraved on a house built within the walls of this Castle. This house, known as Rathmore House, has now been demolished.

4.3.3.1.1) GEORGE BRERETON of Rathmore (born late 1690s - 1733) married 1st, Margaret Armstrong and 2nd Elizabeth Brereton Despard In 1714, George Brereton leased six hundred acres of land from Henry Westenra (including Gurtfally and the Hill of Scahanagh). In 1711, he married Margaret Armstrong, the elder daughter of Archibald Armstrong of Ballyhin and Endrim, co. Kings51 and his 2nd wife Harriet.52

Kilmartin, has been described as a pretty house three miles from Borris, on the Roscrea side, originally belonged to the Armstrong family, Lairds of Mangerton on the River Liddle, in Roxburghshire, Scotland. However, as their original home was at Crannah, very close to Loughtioge, there seems little reason to doubt that they were descended from this line.

George and Margaret had issue (by Margaret Armstrong):

William Brereton of New Hall53 (now Newhall), co. Kings (died 1738) married Deborah Tuthill

Armstrong Brereton (died after 1746) without issue

50 Laurence Parson received the Royal Patent for Birr Castle and Rathmore Castle in 1620. 51 Ancestor of the Armstrongs of Garry Castle and of the Armstrong baronets of London (created 1891). His half-brother Edmund Armstrong was ancestor of the baronets in Gallen (created in 1841). 52 Ref: Burke’s Peerage 1939 53 It may be that the old stone house still exists as there is an old stone building remaining on the property. Newhill is at the foot of the hill below the site of Rathmore Castle.

Jane Brereton

Letitia Brereton (born 1730) married James Youell of Lynally, co. Kings

Margaret Brereton married Henry Harding

Mary Brereton

Captain Thomas Brereton of Dublin (perhaps Pennsylvania Brereton link)

George Brereton of Rathmore married second, Elizabeth Brereton- Despard On 28 April 1730 George married54 Elizabeth Despard (died 31 May 1734) widow of Henry Despard of Crannah, co. Tipperary and daughter of Henry Brereton of Crannah, co. Laois/Queen’s. George died 1733 having no issue from this marriage.

George is identified as the owner or resident of Rathmore House in an 18th century book held by the Offaly Heritage Society. Rathmore House was built within the walls of the old castle. In the wedding record George is shown as of Queens co.

Rathmore Castle, or the great fort, near to which is the seat of George Synge Esq, which he farms from Mr. Westenra, was a place of first rate importance, and great strength, and is of the most antique appearance I have seen. The walls of this fort were very lofty, and encircled two acres of ground, on which stood four great towers of defence, at equal distances, and again four lesser watch towers, and a deep fosse surrounded the whole. The floors of the Castle were not arched, but made of timber, nor were the walls well-built or strong, quite inferior to all the other Castles, with which this country abounds, but the fortifications were by far the most considerable, and stood in such an advantageous position as could not be outflanked. The greater part of this circular wall has been pulled down by Mr. Synge, and the fosse filled up to give place to more modern improvements. This gentleman has had the Dublin Society’s premium for twenty five acres of plantation, but the soil seems very unfavourable to the growth of any forest tree, except the Scotch fir, which is vigorous. The oak is hardy, but having been cut down at three years old, to swell the trunk, it has yet a chance of thriving; within a year or two hence a better judgement can be formed of the probable success of this plantation, which, at present cannot well be determined on.

In the near approach to the house, which is planned with much taste, the young trees are very healthy, but the inequality of the ground here favours them with a shelter, which the more distant ones cannot possess, but are situate on a very bleak and exposed aspect. The following properties were also identified on the website (access the site for photos):

4.3.3.1.2) THOMAS BRERETON55 of Sharavogue (near Birr) co. King’s and Rathmore

54 Ref: Church of Ireland Marriages for the Diocese of Dublin 1638-1794 George Brereton County Laois/Queen’s, gent married. Elizabeth Despard at St. Catherine’s Church on 28 April 1730. 55 Near Birr

In 1714, Thomas Brereton, brother of George Brereton of Rathmore and youngest son of William Brereton of Rathmore was living at Sharavogue, co. Kings, near Birr (also referred to as Parsonstown). Sharavogue is a geographic area which includes the townlands of Rathmore, Rathbeg and Boveen; the property adjoins Rathmore.

While continuing to search for information about John of Rahamargue (or Ralhalnourge)56 came across an article concerning the Parish of Ballyadams on a website ‘More Minor than Major’ – re: Lesser Laois House (author not identified). The relevant information was as follows:

He obtained a lease of Rathnaleen in the Barony of Upper Ormond, co. Tipperary and also held Ballybrophy, co. Laois/Queen’s57 near Borris (in 1723), He was living in Rathbeg in 1746; he sold Rathbeg in 1756. This is the last year in which he appears in deeds; he died soon afterwards.58 Thomas left issue:

4.3.3.1.2.1) William Brereton of Kilmartin Borris-in-Ossory co. Laois/Leix (formerly Queen’s) first wife unknown and second, Sarah Holland

4.3.3.1.2.2) Thomas Brereton of Clonanily married Mary Carroll of Tipperary

4.3.3.1.2.1) WILLIAM BRERETON of Kilmartin, Borris-in-Ossory, county Laois/Queen’s married Sarah Holland In the 1970s Patrick Montague-Smith wrote the most important and most enduring cadet branch of the Brereton of Loughtioge was that of Kilmartin, near Borris in Ossory, co. Laois/Queen’s. From this line descended the Rathurles branch that for over two hundred years have been one of the leading families of co. Tipperary, and now are the only important landowning Breretons in Ireland.

William (living 1767) is called the eldest son and heir apparent of Thomas Brereton of Sharavogue. He married twice: his first wife is not known, at this time, however we do know that in 1734 he married his second wife, Sarah Holland, daughter of George Holland of Borris in Ossory. William leased Kilmartin, by deed dated 29 September, 1735 from Ephraim Dawson of Dawson’s Court, co. Laois/Queen’s and in a deed of 1746 it is shown that he leased other lands in Tipperary. William had engraved armorial bookplates, some of which were in existence in the 1980’s. William and Sarah had issue:

4.3.3.1.2.1.1) George Brereton of Clonona married Margaret Watson

4.3.3.1.2.1.2) William Brereton of Kilmartin, Borris–in-Ossary co. Laois/Queen’s

56 Spelling of location matches Burke’s Peerage 57 This is interesting because a nephew of George Henry Brereton claimed that a John Brereton moved from County Kings to County Laois/Queen’s about 1727. According to Patrick Montague Smith this would (allowing for inaccuracies that develop with generations) appear to bolster the claim that the Boveen Breretons did descent from this line. 58 There is a memorial in Ardcroney Cemetery, Tipperary for Thomas Brereton who died 30 December 1776. They also indicate an age of 34 years.

(died 1806) married 1st, Eleanor Calcutt and 2nd Margaret White

John Brereton59 of Ashgrove, Mountrath, co. Laois/Queen’s (died 1788) John was identified in the Topographic Dictionary of Ireland dated 1837,

Anne Brereton, married her cousin Thomas Brereton of Clonanchy, Tipperary. Anne was the daughter of Daniel Brereton of Tombricane, Borrisokane and Mary Nesbitt)

59 George and his sons John, George and Francis are mentioned in his Will, however his brother John Brereton of Mountrath is not.

Thomas Brereton of Clonanchy and Ballybrophy, Tipperery (1692-1776) married Mary Carroll

Daniel Brereton of John Brereton of Rathurles, co. Thomas (died 1813) Tipperary married Tombricane, Brereton of Ash Borrisokane, co Margaret Watson (1750-1800) - Park married leased land to George Brereton Tipperary, married Anne Laurence Mary Nesbitt of Old Court)

Anne Brereton, married her cousin John Brereton (1787- Thomas Brereton Thomas Brereton of 1871) of Old Court Clonanchy and Rathurles married Anna Marie married Maria Sadleir Hackett

Simpson Hackett Lieut. Col. Sadeir Brereton Brereton of Clongowna married Margaret Watson married Sophia Parker Lieut. Franc Saleir Brereton married Isabella Beeston John Brereton of Parsonstown (Birr) married Mary O'Moore Col. Thomas Sadleir Brereton, married Frances Hardman

Margaret Catherine Brereton

4.3.3.1.2.1.1) GEORGE BRERETON of Clonona, co. Offaly, Margaret Watson Described as of Clonona George leased land from his uncle Thomas Brereton of Rathurles.

While we do not have dates for George, we know that he was living in 1787 when he and his three sons were mentioned in the will of his brother John Brereton of Ashgrove, Mountrath.

In 1767, George married Margaret Watson, daughter of George Watson of Garrykennedy County Tipperary, a sister of John Watson of Clonona, County King’s. Two years earlier John Watson married John Brereton’s sister Mary Brereton.

George lived at Ballydown in King’s co and at the time of the death of his brother John, he was still living in that place. His three sons were mentioned in the Will of his brother John Brereton of Ashgrove, Mountrath. George and Margaret had issue:

4.3.3.1.2.1.1.1) John Brereton

George Brereton

Francis Brereton

4.3.3.1.2.1.1.1) JOHN BRERETON (died 1818) John, son of George of Clonona co. Offaly/King’s and Ballydown co. Antrim, was a successful landowner. His land was bounded on the west by the Shannon River and on the east by the boundary of co Laois. It could have been near Portarlington, a village which straddles the border between Laois and Offaly counties. John had inherited this land. Some information appears to identify John Brereton, of Clonbrock (which is in co. Galway).

While there is no indication that he actually lived in Clonbrock (perhaps inherited land) and two of his sons are identified with Galway – and one Clonbrock, Galway.

The story of this Brereton family can be found in The Breretons of Ireland, Vol I – The Breretons of Boveen and Wisconsin. The history was prepared with the help of Carole Drought, an Irish Brereton descendant who is a member of this branch. Carol and I visited some Brereton sites and I learned how many locations are called Rathmore.

Stories provided by his grandchildren in Wisconsin told of the family wealth and social status; stories of silk dresses, silver buckles on shoes, men’s knee breeches, footmen, ladies-in-waiting. His granddaughter Harriet claimed never to have brushed her own hair until she was an adult.

John and his wife Elizabeth (last name unknown) left issue:

John Brereton of Snipe Lawn, Newcastle, Galway married Jane Wallace (died c. 1850)

William Brereton of Glenealy, co. Wicklow, married Jane

Thomas Brereton of Clonbrock, co. Galway & Kilnaleck, co. Cavan, and Boveen

Mary Brereton married Donovan

Rebecca Brereton

James Brereton (died prior to 1818)

Ann Brereton married Richard Davis, in 1811

George Henry Brereton of Boveen, co. Laois/Queen’s (1787-1853) married Ellen Huleatte (died 1853)

4.3.3.1.2.1.2) WILLIAM BRERETON of Kilmartin, Borris-in-Ossory, co. Laois/Queen’s married 1st, Eleanor Calcutt and 2nd Margaret White William married Eleanor in 1748 and they had issue:

4.3.3.1.2.1.2.1) William Brereton of Kilmartin and Abbeyleix (barony of Cullinagh) & Mountrath, co. Laois/Queen’s

4.3.3.1.2.1.2.1) WILLIAM BRERETON of Kilmartin, Abbeyleix (Barony of Cullinagh) & Mountrath, co. Laois/Queen’s This William was living at Mountrath in 1787 and Castleknock in 1823. Before he succeeded to Kilmartin, William had been a merchant at Rathdowney, co. Laois/Queen’s, a small market town on the main road from Mountrath to Thurles. It contained a prosperous brewery which according to one report ‘did a considerable trade with the surrounding country’. William left issue by his first wife (name not known):

Robert Brereton

William Brereton of Peter’s Hall, Demerara, Guyana

Sarah Brereton

Ann Brereton

Elinor Brereton

Lydia Brereton married Frederick Galbaith

4.3.3.1.2.1.2) WILLIAM BRERETON of Kilmartin, Borris-in-Ossory, co. Laois/Queen’s married 2nd, Margaret White, daughter of George White of Scotchrath, co. Leix/Laois/Queen’s. George White was the second son of Robert White of Raheen (now Charlesville House), a demesne which adjoined Kilmartin. The Whites also once held part of Kilmartin. Robert White’s father, Charles moved there from Oxford, England circa 1657.

William died December 1805 leaving issue (by Margaret):

4.3.3.1.2.1.2.2) Thomas Brereton of Rathmore and Kilmartin (1775 – 11 January, 1808) married Anne Brereton

Mary Brereton married Crampton

Jane Brereton married Humphrey Galbraith in 1795

4.3.3.1.2.1.2.2) THOMAS BRERETON of Kilmartin Borris-in-Ossory, co. Laois/Queen’s (1775 – 1808) married Anne Brereton The Breretons of Kilmartin, Rathmore & Rathurles became re-united, in 1796, on his marriage to his 2nd cousin Anne Brereton60 daughter of Daniel Brereton of Tombricane co. Tipperary: second son of Thomas Brereton, the first of the family to possess Rathurles.61 Apparently, Thomas became embarrassed in circumstances and quarrelled with his father-in-law (Daniel Brereton). In 1796 he transferred his interests in Kilmartin to his son Daniel who agreed to pay his mother Anne Brereton in case he should quit her for any just cause or quibble. Thomas and Anne had three bachelor sons:

4.3.3.1.2.1.2.2.1) John ‘Black Jack’’ Brereton (2 March, 1804 – 26 October, 1876)

David (or Daniel) Brereton of Kilmartin (3 September, 1798 - 12 April, 1832)

4.3.3.1.2.1.2.2.2 William Brereton, unmarried (12 September, 1797 – 9 September, 1867)

4.3.3.1.2.1.2.2.1) JOHN ‘Black Jack’ BRERETON (2 March, 1804 - 26 October, 1876) This younger brother was always known as Black Jack. An inhabitant of the district where John lived recalled his father speaking of this owner of Kilmartin as being wild and keeping race horses. John and his two brothers are buried at the Kilmartin family burial ground of Ardcroney. At some point it its history, Kilmartin House became the

60 See Breretons of Rathurles 61 Daniel Brereton was described as being of Kilmartin in his Prerogative Will proved in 1819

Rectory of Borris in Ossory and was occupied by the Roman Catholic priest of Knock and Ballaghmore.

4.3.3.1.2.1.2.2.2) WILLIAM BRERETON (12 September, 1797 – 9 September, 1867) William was shown in the listing titled ‘Alumni Dublinenses, Trinity College (1593-1860) as a Pensioner (sponsorer Mr. Fitzgerald). He entered the College 2 November 1813, aged 16 years.

He was identified as the son of Thomas (Generosus) – a term denoting of noble blood. It also shows that William was born in Tipperary. He graduated with a BA, in 1819.

William is identified as unmarried and a residence at The Pavilion, Co. Dublin. He died in 1867 at the age of 70 years. No wife or children are known.

4.3.3.1.2.2) THOMAS BRERETON of Clonanchy co. Tipperary62 (1692 – 30 December 1776) married Mary Carroll This youngest son of Thomas Brereton of Sharavogue, co. Kings, near Birr was the brother of George Brereton of Rathmore referred to as Parsonstown. Thomas married Mary Carroll, daughter of James Carroll, before 1729. He lived at Clonanchy, County Tipperary, Ireland.

On 2 December 1766 he leased Rathurles (180 acres) for 24 years from Michael Carroll (a relation of his wife)

According to the NUI (National University of Ireland) Galway, Landed Estates Database, The Rathurles branch of the Brereton family was originally established in county Offaly. Thomas Brereton was living at Clonanchy, county Tipperary, by the mid-18th century and his descendants were resident at Rathurles, near Nenagh, county Tipperary, from the late 18th century. In 1817 Thomas Brereton of Rathurles married Maria Sadleir of Castletown, county Tipperary. At the time of Griffith's Valuation members of the Brereton family held land in the parishes of Dorrha, Finnoe, Knigh and Terryglass, barony of Lower Ormond. On 2 December 1870s an annuity and premises in the town of Nenagh belonging to members of the Brereton family plus the lands of Brookwatson and Wellington were advertised for sale. In the 1870s landowners in county Tipperary included the representatives of John Brereton of Parsonstown, King's County (Offaly), who owned 689 acres, Simpson H. Brereton of Clongowna, Rathcabbin, who owned 522 acres and Thomas Sadleir Brereton of Birr Barracks, Parsonstown, who owned 672 acres.

62 Formerly Clonanchy. He is buried in Ardcroney Graveyard, County Tipperary. Date of death shown as 30 December 1776.

Thomas and Mary had issue:

4.3.3.1.2.2.1) Daniel Brereton of Tombricane, Northern Tipperary (1731-1818) married Mary Nesbitt

4.3.3.1.2.2.2) Thomas Brereton of Ash Park (born 1742) married Anne Laurence

4.3.3.1.2.2.3) John Brereton of Rathurles, co. Tipperary (1729-1813) married Margaret Watson

Mary Brereton (born 1748) married John Watson (1744-1782) They had a son Thomas Brereton Watson of Clonona and a daughter Maria Anna Watson, who married Captain Thomas Brereton of London

4.3.3.1.2.2.1) DANIEL BRERETON of Tombricane, Borrisokane, co. Tipperary (1731 – 1818) married Mary Nesbitt In 1772, Daniel married Mary Nesbitt, daughter of Rev. Meade Nesbitt of Fort Nesbitt, co. Kildare, Rector of Borrisokane.

Reverend Meade Nesbitt was a member of the Nesbitt family of Kinsale, county Cork. He was rector of Borrisokane, county Tipperary, and lived at Fort Nisbit (different spelling).

In A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Ireland indicates that Rev. Nesbitt’s daughter married Daniel Brereton, in 1772. Their only child Anne Brereton married Thomas Brereton of Kilmartin, in 1796.

Daniel and Mary had issue:

4.3.3.1.2.2.1.1) Anne Brereton married Thomas Brereton of Kilmartin, Borris-in-Ossory63, co. Laois’s64 in 1796

4.3.3.1.2.2.1.1) ANNE BRERETON married Thomas Brereton of Kilmartin Anne married her cousin Thomas Brereton of Kilmartin and Rathmore, son of John Brereton of Rathurles. She was the mother of Black Jack Brereton.

63 Borris-in-Ossory is a village in west County Laois, Ireland. Bypassed by the M7 motorway on 28 May, 2010, the village is situated on the R445 road close to the County Tipperary border between the towns of Mountrath and Roscrea. 64 See Rathmore Breretons to follow Thomas Brereton of Kilmartin, son of William Brereton II of Kilmartin and Sarah Holland

4.3.3.1.2.2.2) THOMAS BRERETON of Ash Park (Riverstown), co. Tipperary (1742- died 30 December 1775/6) married Anne Laurence Thomas lived in Ash Park65 which became known as Riverstown. Thomas married Anne Laurence66 the daughter of Samuel Laurence of Ash Park67 and Millmount. Thomas died when he fell off his horse while hunting on a wintery day near Shanbally (Cork). According to a website for Ardcroney, Old Cemetery, co Tipperary Thomas died, age 34 years on 30 December 1775, leaving his wife Anne who would have been pregnant at the time (son born 1776). In 1781, Anne (Laurence) Brereton married Saunders Young. Saunders was a woolen draper on Pound Street, Nenagh.

A document on the Episcopal Congregation of Charlotte Chapel, Edinburgh website identifies Anne Laurence as being of Moyroe House and Thomas Brereton as of Clonanchy. According to the ‘Directory of the Market Towns, Villages, Gentlemen’s Seats in Ireland, published in 1814 in Dublin, Moyroe House 68was located in and was the home of Samuel Laurence, Esq.

Thomas and Anne had one son:

4.3.3.1.2.2.2.1) Captain Thomas Brereton (1776-1846) of Berkeley Street, London West, England married Maria Anna Watson in 1810

Following the death of Thomas Brereton, Anne married Saunders Young in 1781. Young is identified as a wool draper of Pound Street, Nenagh). He was born in 1759 and died at Nenagh in 1791. There is more information about the Young family on a site; Descendants of Wm. Ewer of Clonsingle, Kilculline Parish.

On the Find a Grave website – Thomas Brereton of Ash Park is identified as buried in Ardcroney (Roman Catholic Graveyard) – as is his mother Mary Carroll- Brereton (wife of Thomas Brereton of Clonanchy). She was 91 years of age when she died The record also identifies Thomas Brereton as buried at Ardcroney alongside his wife Mary Carroll.

4.3.3.1.2.2.2.1) CAPTAIN THOMAS BRERETON of London (1778 – 9 September, 1846) married Maria Anna Watson While he became known as ‘English Tom” he was actually an Irish gentleman born in Ash Park, Tipperary

65 This estate had belonged to Samuel Laurence of Ash Park and Millmount. 66 Approximately 6 years later Anne married Saunder Young of Nenagh County Tipperary 67 According to a website document, Youngs of Tipperary, Ash Park (Rivertown) and Millmount belonged to Samuel, father of Anne Laurence. 68 Moyroe is in the Electoral Division of Nenagh Rural, in Civil Parish of Nenagh, in the Barony of Lower Ormond, in the County of Tipperary

There is an interesting record on the website of ‘The Episcopal Congregation of Charlotte Chapel, Edinburgh’ identifying Captain Thomas Brereton of the Cambridgeshire Military (1778-1846) of Ash Park, Tipperary marrying Maria Brereton Watson (cousin once removed) in 1810. The connection between Brereton and the Chapel was the baptism of their daughter Honoria Anne Brereton in 1812. The record identifies the parents of Thomas as Thomas Brereton of Clonanchy (shown as Clonanihy in Burke’s) wand Anne Laurence of Ash Park.

English Tom served with the 95th Regiment (Rifle Corps) and was later appointed Adjutant of the Cambridge Militia. On 16 April, 1810 he married his first cousin (once removed) Maria Anna (or Marianne) Watson daughter of Thomas Brereton Watson of Clonona co. Kings. Thomas (born 1766), was the son of John Watson (1744-1782) and Mary Brereton (born 1748}

According to one report, Thomas and Maria initially they lived in Berkeley Street, London moving a few years later to Bentinck Street, Manchester Square. Apparently Thomas was a friend of the Prince Regent and was utterly ruined by the extravagance of London life.

A story is told that Thomas Brereton was challenged to a duel for insulting a Colonel’s daughter (the daughter had been placed under Thomas’ protection during her father’s absence). Records indicate that this was not his only duel. The second time he was challenged Thomas was mistaken for the son of a churchman named Brereton who had written some derogatory letters. During this duel Thomas broke his thighbone.

Thomas and his wife Maria Anna eventually retired to Boulogne Sur Mer, where she died in 1832. Thomas and Maria had issue:

Thomas Charles Brereton (10 July 1814 – 27 October 1841)

Henry Wray Brereton (born May 1816)

William Watson Brereton (born 18 June 1818)

Robert Laurence Brereton (born 19 July 1823)

Honoria Anne Brereton (25 August, 1812- 7 April, 1837)

Caroline Catherine Brereton (7 May, 1820 – 9 June, 1869).

4.3.3.1.2.2.3) JOHN BRERETON of Rathurles (1729 – 13 May, 1813) married Margaret Watson69 The Breretons of Rathurles are also listed in the 1912 Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Ireland by Sir John Bernard Burke, Ulster King of Arms. A few changes or additions have been changed in this edit based on information provided in the Burke book.

In 1767 John, the eldest son of Thomas Brereton married Margaret Watson (1750-10 June 1800) daughter of George Watson of Garrykenndy70 71 and Dorothy Gason also of Garrykennedy. Two years earlier John’s sister Mary Brereton married his wife’s brother John Watson.

John surrendered his father’s leases but in 1770 he was re-granted Clonona co. King/Laois, as well as Rurraboggane and Kerane. In 1792 he also gained the lands of Rathurles, including the Castle Quarter, the Church Quarter and the Sheep Walk.

He rebuilt Rathurles House adjoining the ruined Castle about 1790. Though John and Margaret eagerly looked forward to bringing a baby to their newly build mansion, they had to wait thirteen years. The first born was a daughter who died four years later, just prior to the birth of a son Thomas Brereton. Thomas became the heir of Rathurles and apparently grew into a most powerful man. A second son, John, was born in 1787: like his parents he lived to a great age. He died 13 May 1813 and was buried in the family graveyard of Ardcroney with his wife, who had died in June 1800, aged fifty-one. Ardcroney lies between Borrisokane and Nenagh.

John and Margaret left issue:

4.3.3.1.2.2.3.1) John Brereton of Old Court, Finnoe, co. Tipperary (born 1787) married Ann Marie Simpson Hackett

4.3.3.1.2.2.3.2) Thomas Brereton of Rathurles, Nenagh, co. Tipperary (1785-1860) married Maria Sadleir

Dora Brereton

Mary Brereton

69 Margaret died on 10 June 1800 (50 years of age) and is buried in Ardcroney Graveyard (a Roman Catholic Cemetery) 70 Garrykennedy had been granted to Henry Peltham, a lieutenant in Cromwell’s Army and his only child and heiress carried it to the Watsons. Her son, Peltham Watson of Garrykennedy was Margaret’s grandfather. 71 Sister of John Watson of Clonona, Co. Kings who had married John’s sister Mary Brereton two year earlier.

4.3.3.1.2.2.3.1) JOHN BRERETON of Old Court72 , Finnoe, (1787 - 1871) married Anne Marie Simpson Hackett John married Anne Marie Simpson Hackett of Riverstown, co. Tipperary. On page 560. Vol 1, Burke’s Landed Gentry, Anne Marie is shown as having four siblings: Simpson Hackett, Robert Hackett, Thomas Hackett and Sarah Hackett. Their parents were Sarah Mitchell and Simpson Hackett and their paternal grandparents were Simpson Hackett of Riverstown and Edith Mary Bredin. In the NUI website Simpson Hackett (1763-1848) is identified as a Banker, living in Riverstown, Tipperary.

John and Anne Marie had issue:

4.3.3.1.2.2.3.1.1) John Robert Brereton of Parsonstown (now Birr) co. Kings (25 May 1818-1871) married Mary O’Moore

4.3.3.1.2.2.3.1.2) Simpson Hackett Brereton of Clongowna, co. Tipperary married Sophia Parker

Sarah Brereton married John Bennett of Grange, co. Kings, in 1842

Mary Brereton

Margaret Maria Brereton - on page 60 of ’Wills and Administrations 1873’ (dated as 27 February), provides information about her death. Brereton, Margaret Maria, late of Riverview, Parsonstown, King’s Co, Spinster deceased who died 12 January 1873, Parsonstown. Simpson H. Brereton of Clongowna, Rathcabbin co. Tipperary is identified as her brother and Sole executor

Sarah Brereton married John Bennett of Grange, co. Kings, in 1842

4.3.3.1.2.2.3.1.1) JOHN ROBERT BRERETON of Birr/Parsonstown co. Kings (25 May 1818- 11 September 1871) married Mary O’Moore John graduated from Trinity College, Dublin in 1843 and became a Barrister-at–law, Kings Inn. He received his 1st degree in 1839, second in 1841 and 3rd in 1843.

In the 1870 list of Landowners for Co. Tipperary, John Brereton of Birr/Parsonstown (Offaly) is identified as owning 689 acres of land.

On page 60 of ’Wills and Administrations 1873’ (dated 27 February) is referenced to the will of John Robert Brereton: Brereton, John Robert,

72 Near Borrisikane to the north of Nenagh and Craigeillane. On the NUI Galway website – Landed Estates database John Brereton, son of John Brereton of Rathurles and Margaret Watson is identified as of Old Court, Finnoe, Barrisokane, Barony of Lower Ormond and holding property in fee in 1817. He was identified as living at Old Court during the Griffith’s Valuation of Ireland which was gathered between the years of 1848 and 1864.

late of Parsonstown, King’s County, esquire, who died 11 September 1871 at the same place. His widow is listed at Mary Brereton of Parsonstown. John and Mary had issue:

1.3.3.1.2.2.3.1.1) JOHN ROBERT BRERETON of Birr/Parsonstown73 co. Kings (25 May 1818- 1871) married Mary O’Moore John graduated from Trinity College, Dublin in 1843 and became a Barrister-at–law, Kings Inn. He received his 1st degree in 1839, second in 1841 and 3rd in 1843.

In the 1870 list of Landowners for Co. Tipperary, John Brereton of Birr/Parsonstown (Offaly) owned 689 acres of land.

John and Mary had issue:

Roland Herbert O’Moore Brereton of Old Court, Finnoe, co. Tipperary

Grace Brereton

Geraldine Brereton

Mary Brereton

4.3.3.1.2.3.1.2) SIMPSON HACKETT BRERETON of Old Court, Finnoe & Clongowna, District of Finnoe, co. Tipperary married Mary Sophia Parker Simpson H. Brereton of 48 Dawson Street Dublin and Mary Sophia Parker of Carnbury Street , Dublin married 17 January 1850, S. Taney Church, Dublin (COI) . In the 1870 list of Landowners for Co. Tipperary Simpson H. Brereton of Clongowna, Rathcabbin74 held 522 acres of land.

There is a document, prepared by the Ormand Historical Society, 1988, titled Gravestone Inscriptions, County Tipperary, Barony of Lower Ormond, Section A, Volume 15.

Parish of Dorrha Graveyard (C. O. I)75

The inscriptions for Maria, Simpson and children are in the interior of the church:

73 It was Parsonstown from 1620-1899 – then became Birr 74 There is memorial ‘ In Loving Memory of John F. Brereton ,’’The Pike” of Rathcabbin, died 10 July, 1960 - (age 64 years born 1896) 75 Edward Brereton of Knock was buried in a churchyard in Annagh, a townland in the Civil Parish of Lorrha, Barony of Lower Ormond, Tipperary.

In loving memory of Maria Sophia Brereton of Clongowna died 28 February 1897, aged 65 and of Simpson Hackett Brereton died 27 August 1897, aged 74 years and their children:

In loving memory of Marian Sophia Brereton of Clongowna who fell asleep in Jesu, 22 January 1902. She being dead yet speaketh;

In loving memory of George August Herbert Hackett Brereton of Clongowna called Home April 20th 1920.

The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance;

In loving memory of Elizabeth Maude youngest daughter of the late Simpson Hackett Brereton, Congowna, entered into rest, July 2, 1921.

Blessed are the dead which died in the Lord, that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them. Marian Sophia Brereton of Clongowna

The inscription also includes: Margaret Taylor died 4 July 1877 and John Parker died 11th February 1899

In 1850, Simpson married Mary Sophia Parker and had issue:

George Augustus Herbert Hackett Brereton (1862-1920) married Caroline Biddulph (no issue)

John Parker Brereton (1850-1898) of Australia

E. Maud Brereton (2 July died 1921)

Sophia Brereton (died 1907)

Marian Brereton (?-22 January 1902)

Georgina Brereton married Edward Justin MacCarthy, in 1891

The 1901 Census identified Herbert H. Brereton (age 39 years) as living at Clongowna, Rathcabbin, Tipperary along with sisters Mariam Brereton (age 45 years), E. Maude Brereton (age 35 years) and two servants and the 1911 Census lists Herbert Hackett, his sister E. Maude and one servant as residents at Clongowna.

From reports it seem that Simpson Hackett Brereton provided assistance to various ‘kin’ including John Brereton, son of Edward Brereton of Knock.

4.3.3.1.2.2.3.2) THOMAS BRERETON, JP of Rathurles, Nenagh co. Tipperary (20 November, 1785- 25 August, 1860) married Maria Sadleir According to information received by Patrick Montague Smith, Thomas, as a child, was carried on Dan Carroll’s shoulders to see the foundation stone laid at Rathurles. Thomas who was the grandson of Mary Carroll, inherited Rathurles when he was 27 years of age and unmarried.

Apparently76 he had long been attracted to the charms of Miss Maria Sadleir (known to the family as Molly)77 but never had the courage to ask for her hand. Maria was a daughter of one of co. Tipperary’s leading families. The story goes on that - one night when Mrs. Sadleir of Kissiniskey was dying, her vision appeared to Tom. She said to him quite distinctly and with emphasis: Tom Brereton, I want you to marry my daughter Molly. Very puzzled, he replied I have always admired Molly but she would not look at me. Mrs. Sadleir’s ghost just repeated the words: Tom Brereton, I want you to marry my daughter Molly. He immediately rose from bed, saddled a horse and rode off to Kissiniskey, three miles away. On arrival he found that Mrs. Sadleir had died just at the time she had appeared to him. He asked Molly for her hand and she accepted him. On 1 December, 1817 Thomas married Maria Sadleir78 (died 7 December, 1874), 2nd daughter of the late Captain Thomas Sadleir of Castletown, co. Tipperary and Margaret Watson79. They were married at Borrisokane.

Captain Thomas Sadleir of the Ancient Irish, 99th Regiment had expectations from his uncle Colonel Francis Sadleir of Hopwell co. Tipperary. When the Colonel died, Captain Thomas Sadleir directed that his body should be removed to the barn to be waked. In bringing him downstairs the coffin slipped and banged violently against the wall. The old Colonel sat up in his Coffin to the horror of the bearers. His indignation when he found he was being taken to the barn to be waked was frightful80. As soon as he was well enough he went to Dublin and by levying fines and suffering recoveries he left everything to his daughters81 considering that his Sadleir relations were too eager to have him buried.

76 The information about Thomas was provided to Patrick Montague Smith by family members. 77 Descended from Sir Ralph Sadleir, a famous diplomat, soldier; also Guardian of Queen Mary during the reign of King Henry VIII. 78 She died 7 December, 1874 79 Margaret was the daughter of John Watson of Brookwatson, a family which was already doubly connected with the Breretons. 80 The narrative and included quotations was taken from the notes of Patrick Montague Smith. 81 One daughter was the mother of Lord Charleville and the other Lord Ashton. The Sadleirs were a distinguished family from Hertfordshire. Sir Ralph Sadleir of Standon was Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth I, Ambassador to Scotland and guardian of Mary Queen of Scots. Twice he entertained Queen Elizabeth I at Standon. Colonel Thomas Sadleir went to Ireland in the Parliamentary Army in 1643 as Commander of a Regiment of Foot, and served as Adjutant General under Cromwell. Serving in his regiment was a Major Brereton nephew of the Parliamentary General Sir William Brereton of Handforth, Cheshire. He was granted lands in County Tipperary. Major Brereton, the only family of

In 1839 his name appears with other gentry as having attended a meeting at Nenagh against the Repeal of the Corn Laws. As a Resident Magistrate, it was his duty to attend the various petty session courts in his district. Thomas, who was an all-round sportsman and a good and keen shot, was also a Justice of the Peace of co. Tipperary from 1843. Eventually Thomas moved to Tuam, co. Galway then to Birr and finally to Boyle, where he died in 1860. Following his death his widow moved to Kingstown and died fourteen years later at Birr Barracks where her eldest son was stationed. Thomas and Maria had issue:

Margaret Catherine Brereton (1843- 20 April, 1893) married General Ernest Berger

Lieutenant Colonel John Sadleir Brereton of Dean’s Bridge, Armagh (28 August, 1836- 25 April, 1908) married Margaret Watson

Lieutenant Franc Sadleir Brereton of Hall Hill Cottage, Oxted, Surrey (1838-1911) married Isabella Beeston.

Colonel Thomas Sadleir Brereton of Rathurles (28 November, 1834- 20 June, 1912) married Frances Gertrude Hardman. There is a record of marriage in St. Mary’s Dublin: Thomas Sadlier Brereton of Kingstown and Fanny Hardman of 100 Lower Gardiner Street

In the 1870 list of Landowners for co. Tipperary, Thomas Sadlier of Birr Barracks is shown to own 672 acres of land in Parsonstown.

The following account of the attack on Rathurles House82 was attributed to Franc. While not specifically identified, the author has assumed it was Franc Brereton who married Isabella Beeston – as his father lived at Rathurles at the time of the attack.

The house was attacked on Sunday 12 February, 1837. There was a steward in my father’s employment named Carry. A feeling of unpleasantness existed between Carry and one of the workmen named Hogan. This came to a head one day in the lower yard, when Carry said Hogan was not filling a load of dung properly and

the Cromwellian settlement disappeared from records and does not appear to have left any descendants. He is said to have been killed in a duel fought with swords on a staircase leading from a ballroom and was buried at Kilkenny. Recently I found a record of a William Brereton of the Barony of Iffa and Offa (Queen’s County) having land in the North Division, North Subdivision – Cromwellian land was often sold to ‘Adventures’ – and according to the record William Brereton paid 100 100£ for approximately 359 British Acres. Sir William Brereton also purchased land in the Barony of Iffa and Offa paying 1200 £ for a parcel of approximately 1799 British acres (266 A Irish measure) and another £ 500 for approximately 1111 British Acres. The land was in Maryborough. 82 This anecdotal tale was included in the notes of Patrick Montague Smith – attributed to Franc

tried to take the fork from Hogan, who was a very powerful young fellow. Hogan resisted, there was a scuffle, and Hogan knocked the steward down. Just then, my father happened to enter the yard, took the steward’s part, and a regular stand up fight appears to have taken place between Hogan and my father, the other men looking on but not interfering. My father beat Hogan, kicked him out of the yard, and dismissed him from the work. Carry was allowed to have a gun. My father, a little time after the fight, when walking the place with Carry, noticed that crows were attacking some crops and told Carry to go to his house for a gun to frighten them. There was some hesitation of Carry’s part, when my father went with him to the house and found the gun out of order. He made him take it at once to Nenagh and had it put to rights. Immediately before the date of the attack, a sum of some £180 had been received by my father. He put it into a secret drawer in a roll-top desk in the dining room. There was to be a fair in Birr on Monday 13 February, 1837. As my father’s brother John Brereton and his family resided in Birr, my father, as he was in the habit of doing, arranged to drive over to Birr on Sunday, stay the night with his brother and attend the fair on Monday morning. A short time after breakfast on Sunday he drove away from Rathurles to Birr. He had only left a short time when four men armed with pistols came in at the hall door. They had been in the grove of Rathfalla Hill watching his departure. They at once locked the hall door. Two of them went into the dining room where a cousin of my father, Dr. John Brereton (Black Jack) was. They knocked him down and beat him severely on the head with the barrels of pistols. Another of them went into the drawing room where my mother was with the baby, my brother John, some three months old. The man told her not to be afraid, but that she should stop there. She said she wanted to go upstairs with the baby. She had a shawl on her shoulders. He said she should stop, and caught her by the shawl. She let the shawl slip, and got out of the room, going upstairs. He used no violence, but went into the dining room to assist the other two men in securing John Brereton who was completely over-powered by the three men. The fourth man went downstairs to the kitchen, locked the kitchen door and with pistol in hand overawed two servant girls and a workman named Fahey, who were in the kitchen. He seems to have been a good-tempered blackguard for he whistled some tunes to pass the time, danced a hornpipe, etc. The three men in the parlour, apparently hunting for the £180 broke upon the roll-top desk and its drawers, and ransacked the whole room; also broke open a closet room where there were provisions of beer. They made John Brereton attend them, eating a good meal, drinking beer, and made John Brereton bring food to the fellow in the kitchen. They did not find the money. Meantime, my mother was upstairs where there were several firearms. She took the carpet off the bedroom, folded it and put it on the top of the bed, a large four-post one, and then threw all the firearms on top of it, securely hiding them except one double-barreled pistol (loaded), which she retained, and, I fancy, intended using if necessary. One servant had gone to Mass. This woman now arrived at the kitchen door on her return.

My mother was on the lookout for her, and called to her to go at once to Carry’s, tell him the yard was full of robbers and to get his gun at once and countrymen. He did so, and his wife came with him. They came to the front of the house opposite the dining room windows, and the three men eating in the dining room saw him. They at once jumped up and rushed down to the kitchen to get out by the back door, but

could not open it. My mother called to him to come to the other (south) end of the house when, out of a bedroom window, she threw him the double-barreled pistol and told him to go with it to the kitchen door. When they saw him outside, with the pistol presented, they shut the door at once and rushed upstairs, looked out of the window, but no sign of Carry. Then they opened the Hall door and two men put out their heads. Carry, from behind the laurel fired, shooting one of them dead - #4 buck shot through the side of the head and neck. The other man who had the dining room tongs rushed for the laurel where the shot came from. Carry turned and ran away, but his wife had taken cover behind a large poplar tree with a stone in each fist. She let Carry pass her, but, as the robber with the tongs in hot pursuit passed her, one of the stones caught him right in the poll and knocked him down. The second stone was also administered. He shouted to the husband that he had only tongs. She threw herself on the man. Carry rushed back, and between them they secured the fellow, and handed him and his dead comrade over to the police on their arrival. The remaining two men bolted out of the Hall door and got off.

As an instance of the presence of mind my mother displayed after the whole business was over, John Brereton remarked, ‘the only thing lost is the ramrod of the pistol you threw me out of the window.’ My mother replied: ‘I knew it was loose, so threw the pistol on to the flower bed opposite the end drawing room window, so that if the ramrod fell out it would not be lost in the grass. Try There’. He did so, and found it. All the men were subsequently found out, arrested and transported, except one, who was taken as an ‘Approver’ or ‘Queens’ Evidence.” ….Hogan of Clashnavan, who brought the party did not come into the house, as, having been a workman, he would have been recognized. He remained on 7the old road. The other four were two brothers from Ballingarry named Kennedy, both tailors. It was one of these who was shot, and the other the man taken prisoner, and a man named Devine, and a man named Maher, both from Ballingarry also. Hogan was subsequently hanged in Tasmania for murder, he having escaped and taken to the road as ‘bushranger’ where he killed some men.

His arrest here at home gave great difficulty and it was a long time before they succeeded in catching him. On one occasion, from information my father received, he went at midnight with a party of police and surrounded a house in the mountains. There was rather a large window in the back of this house. My father placed a policeman at this window. He had a loaded carbine with bayonet fixed. My father and the other two policemen went to the door, which, after repeated knockings, they had to burst in. Hogan was in the house and let my father and the police get into the house before he moved. Then, in the dark, he made a rush through the back window. The policeman who had been stationed there fired at him, and he, getting through the window, the carbine missed fire (burned priming as they called it in those days). Hogan caught the bayonet with one hand and knocked the policeman senseless with a box from the other, and in the darkness got safely off. They had almost despaired of catching him when, on a Saturday night about 11 p.m. my father and mother were awakened by gravel being thrown against their bedroom window. My father went down and ‘a friend’ told him Hogan had come home to Rathfalla, would spend Sunday there, but would then start for America as a passage had been taken for him from Galway or Sligo (probably Limerick). My father, without letting

anyone but my mother know, went quietly to the yard, got a jaunting car and horse, drove into Nenagh, got three policemen, drove them back to Rathurles, smuggled them into the house, and kept them for the night. He had meantime procured some bonnets and cloaks. He dressed up the police as ladies, got the servant’s livery and put it on himself, got the ‘ladies’ up on the car (with their carbines in the wall) and drove off to Ballymackay in time for church service. Of course he would pass Hogan’s house at Rathgalla, going to Ballymackay. He also got the groom, the only man he put any trust in, to saddle the best hunter. He had a well know horse called ‘Shindy’, and rode him some hundred yards behind the jaunting car. Coming near Hogan’s house, they saw a boy up in an ash tree near the house and a girl on a dung heap near the door, so that any danger could be announced, but some ladies being driven to church by a servant in livery did not arouse any suspicion. When they got right opposite the house, my father stopped the car. The police then threw off their bonnets and cloaks, seized their carbines, and all rushed for the house amidst loud shouts from the boy and girl of ‘the peelers’, ‘run, Hogan, run’, and so he did. He tripped up one, knocked down another, and got clear away from the ‘peelers’, but my father was now mounted on ‘Shindy’; and was after him like lightning. Hogan was one of the best runners and jumpers in Tipperary. He got into low-lying boggy ground, every inch of which he knew, so it was a long hard chase. At last they came to a high wall with a locked gate. Hogan vaulted the gate. My father rode at it, and poor ‘Shindy’ carried him over it. It was his last fence. He staggered a few yards after the jump, and fell in a heap. He did not die, recovered after some weeks, but was ‘stone blind’ ever afterwards. My father got clear of the horse but vaulting the gate was too much for Hogan as well as the horse. My father was fresh, ran into him in a few hundred yards, knocked him down with a heavy hunting crop, and, with a cage of cocked pistols, kept him a prisoner for over an hour till the police came up, handcuffed him and ended the affair. A considerable number of country fellows had assembled before the police came up and showed signs of wishing to rescue, but my father told Hogan to tell them ‘You know me. The first stone thrown, I shoot you. This kept things quiet.

The following information can be found on the Landed Estates in Ireland website:

Rathurles House - Kiluane, Nenagh, Ballygibbon, Barony of Upper Ormond, Tipperary. Rathurles was the home of the Brereton family in the 19th century. Occupied by John Brereton in 1814 and T. Brereton in 1837. Thomas Brereton was still resident at the time of Griffith’s Valuation.

Sharavogue was a geographic area which includes the townlands of Rathmore, Rathbeg and Boveen; it adjoins Rathmore. Thomas settled at Clonona, Kings co., during the reign of King George I (pre-1729) and married Mary Carroll83 (1693 - 1783) daughter of James Carroll84 of Ballyenode/or Ballycrinoed, Tipperary (part of the Carroll family who ruled over this territory). Mary Brereton was Roman

83 An inscription on a tomb in Ballycrinoed identifies Mary Carroll as born 1693. She was the mother of John Brereton of Rathurles. She died September 1783, age 90 and is buried in Ardcroney Graveyard 84 A relative, Colonel Anthony Carroll fought for King James II.

Catholic; however as Thomas held strong prejudices against that faith it is recorded that a priest visited her when he was away. Apparently85 once Thomas returned unexpectedly, saw the priest in his house and threw him out the window, nearly killing him.

He obtained a lease of Rathnaleen in the Barony of Upper Ormond, co. Tipperary. He also held Ballybrophy, co. Laois/Queen’s86 near Borris, in 1723 and Rathbeg (where he was living in 1746). Thomas sold Rathbeg in 1756. On 2 December, 1766 Thomas leased the lands of Rathurles from his wife’s relative, Michael Carroll of Nenagh. The land consisted of 180 acres with liberty to cut turf of Loughduff Bog, for the term of twenty-four years. Breretons have resided in this spot ever since.

Rathurles is situated near the junction of the Ollatrim, Tipperary and Nenagh Rivers which flow into Lough Derg through which the Shannon flows. Here are the great moated and chambered earthworks from which Rathurles derived its name, meaning Strong Fort. Two great Druid Stones from an earlier age lie beside the double rath87. There is also the ruined castle of Rathurles. This site is said to have been adopted as a religious centre subsequent to a visit by St. Patrick in 470 A.D. and in the Civil Survey of 1654 Rathurles consisted of the walls of a castle, one thatched house, nine cabins, the walls of an old house and, a river running through the said village. In earlier times the Fair of Ormonde (similar to the Puck Fair of co. Kerry) was held at Rathurles.

Thomas was 84 years of age when he died in 30 December, 1776. He was buried at Ardcroney along with his wife, who died in September 1783 at the age of ninety.

Descendants of Edward Brereton of Knock were also buried in the catholic cemetery at Ardcroney. The history of Edward Brereton of Knock follows:

85 From notes provided to Patrick Montague Smith 86 This is interesting because a nephew of George Henry Brereton claimed that a John Brereton moved from County Kings to County Laois/Queen’s about 1727. According to Patrick Montague Smith this would (allowing for inaccuracies that develop with generations) appear to bolster the claim that the Boveen Breretons did descent from this line. 87 Irish Ring fort

EDWARD BRERETON & JUDITH CLEARY Of Knock, County Tipperary, Ireland

According to Patrick Montague-Smith88, Edward Brereton, born circa 1785, was the ‘head’ of the branch of the Brereton family who lived in the parish of Knock, (Electoral Division of Aghancon, Civil Parish of Ettagh, Barony of Ballybritt) in co. Offaly (identified as co. Kings in 1785). As head of the branch one might assume that he some social standing in the community and consequently had amassed some assets, all before his untimely death in 1818 (33 years of age).

While Patrick did not identify the ancestors of Edward he noted that the family: is said to have descended from the Breretons of Kilmartin, who lived in the nearby parish of Knock, co. Offaly89. Patrick also wrote that Edward Brereton of Knock married a catholic woman, Catherine Cleary of Loughmore90 (Loughmore is near Templemore).

Unfortunately I have not found a record which would identify the parents of Edward however there are references to support and acknowledgement of his family by various members of the Breretons of Tipperary including; Simpson Hackett Brereton of Clongowna (co. Offaly); Anne Brereton, daughter of Daniel Brereton and wife of Thomas Brereton of Rathmore; and John Brereton of Liverpool (also known as Black Jack). It is strange that given the close relationships there is no reference to Edward Brereton of Knock in recorded family trees of the Breretons of Tipperary. It could be that he was a ‘natural son’ (or descendant of a natural son), perhaps a child of an unmarried female or he was a son of one of the undocumented Brereton men.

As the men noted above who acknowledged Edward Brereton are all from the family of Thomas Brereton of Sharavogue and Rathmore (1692-1715) it would appear reasonable to look at the two sons of Thomas:

William Brereton of Kilmartin (married Sarah Holland)

Thomas Brereton of Clonanchy (married Mary Carroll)

Using Edward’s date of birth (1785) the families of Thomas and William are eliminated. Which leads us to the line of William and Sarah of Kilmartin, which is supported by Patrick’s who tied that Edward to the Breretons of Kilmartins. Records indicate that William and Sarah Brereton of Kilmartin two sons:

George Brereton of Clonona married Margaret Watson

88 Former editor of Debrett’s Peerage and a Brereton descendant 89 Located 9.5 km from Roscrea, co. Tipperary 90 Record from Loughmore Catholic Cemetery, Parish of Loughmore and Castleleiny County identifies a cemetery marker as follows: Cleary Cornelius, erected by Patrick Cleary of The Furze in memory of his nephew Cornelius who died 28.9.1879 aged 30 years, above Patrick died 20.10.1884 aged 80 years, also his son Thomas of Ballyknockin died 29.5.1927 and Sarah wife of Thom died 14.10.1922. While I have researched the people identified, however I though the information shows that Cleary’s continued to live in Loughmore.

William Brereton of Kilmartin, Borris-in-Ossory married 1st Eleanor Calcutt & 2nd Margaret White and had issue: Thomas Brereton (born 1775) only 10 years before Edward of Knock; Mary Brereton and Jane Brereton

George and Margaret Brereton of Clonona had issue:

John Brereton of Clonbrock, Portarlington, co. Laois

George Brereton

Francis Brereton

While only John Brereton can be documented at this time, we do know that all three sons survived and were identified (as was their father) in the will of their uncle, John Brereton. We also know that Edward Brereton had a familiar relationship with the Breretons of Kilmartin – so much so that assistance was provided to Edward’s son John Brereton (who was brought to Clongowna by Simpson Brereton).

While he might well be a son of Francis or George, unfortunately we have no concrete information to confirm a relationship. As more scanned historic documents appear on the ‘web’, in time we may find Edward’s parentage.

Upon reviewing this history, I realized that there is also a possibility that Edward Brereton of Knock is a descendant of Andrew Brereton who married Katherine Lynch of Knock, county Meath.

‘Andrew, has been identified as a ‘natural son’ of Andrew Brereton of Moyle, married Catherine/Katherine Lynch of The Knock,91 co. Meath. There does not appear to be a consistent definition of the term natural son…it is unclear whether Andrew was illegitimate (as defined by some) or as one British website indicates the term natural son is a son by ‘blood’ rather than through marriage or adoption. What it does infer is that he was a son of Andrew of Moyle. Once again ‘Knock’ has come into the Brereton history and in this case it is Katherine who is identified as of The Knock (in Meath not Offlay). Meath was colloquially known by the nickname "The Royal County." due to its history as the seat of the High King of Ireland. It formed from the eastern part of the former Kingdom of Mide (see Kings of Mide) but now forms part of the province of Leinster. Historically, the kingdom and its successor territory the Lordship of Meath, included all of counties Meath, Fingal and Westmeath as well as parts of counties Cavan, Longford, Louth, Offaly and Kildare. No issue identified to date.

While there are unanswered questions around Edward’s birth, in my opinion there is sufficient evidence to include his story; and that of George Brereton of Finnoe, in this history of the Breretons of Kilmartin and Tipperary. Their stories follow:

91 The Knock was a parish and there was a Monastery. There does not appear to have been a village, however people living in the surrounding countryside may have been identified as of The Knock. There were a number of locations in Ireland call Knock.

1) EDWARD BRERETON92 (born circa 1785-1818)93 married Judith Cleary of Tipperary Edward Brereton, said to have descended from the Breretons of Kilmartin, lived in the nearby parish of Knock, co. Offaly94, however, when he married a Catholic girl, Judith Cleary of Loughmore (near Templemore) they moved to Clash, Ballymackey, Nenagh, in the parish of Toomevara, co. Tipperary. While Patrick Montague Smith has suggested that they may have moved because Edward (C.O.I) married a catholic women. This may be fact, however Mary Carroll, wife of Thomas Brereton of Clonona was also a catholic, so we have to assume it was not that much of a concern overall.

Edward’s wife has often been identified as Catherine Cleary; however I recently found a dearth record for ‘ Judith Brereton, nee Cleary, wife of Edward Brereton, died at home in Loughmore 8 January 1864 (aged 73 years)’. It also records that she had been a widow for 46 years – which would agree with Edward’s date of his death. While it is possible that her given name was Catherine Judith or vise-versa, in this history I will use the name Judith.

Judith Cleary was a close relative of Charles Joseph Kickham (1828-22 August 1882) a blind poet and author of stories about the famine and evictions. He was the son of John Kickham95, a wealthy draper of Mullinahone, co. Tipperary and Anne O’Mahony. His mother, whom he lovingly describes in his novel ‘Sally Cavangh’, was a kinswoman of the Fenian chief John O’Malhony. Charles was arrested in 1848 as an associate of the Nationalist Smith O’Brien.

In 1818, after only a few years of marriage, Edward Brereton heard a great commotion outside his house at Clash. His large sheepdog jumped on him and tried to prevent his leaving. He was knocked down. Unfortunately he got up and intervened as a peacemaker in a vicious fight between some people from Nenagh. As he lay seriously injured on the road, he was killed by a woman. At that period, women were notorious for taking part in feuds and factions of their unruly men folk.

He was buried in Annagh churchyard, in the parish of Toomevara – no burial record has been found; however there is a Townland of Annagh, in the Electoral District of Lorrha West, Civil Parish of Lorrha, Barony of Lower Ormond, Tipperary. Because of the trouble with the Whiteboys Action in the Toomevara area; Judith Brereton sold the family home and moved closer to her own family at Loughmore.

92 As given names run the Brereton families, Edward of Clash, Clongowna should be related to George Brereton of Carrigslaney – who had a son Edward. While they are the same generation – the date of death is difference - 1785 to 1822. More research is required. 93 May have been a son of John of Rathurles 94 Located 9.5 km from Roscrea, County Tipperary 95 Note: There is also a record of Laurence Kickham born 1770 (Catholic faith) marrying Johanna Cleary (born c 1780)

William Brereton (son of Sir William Brereton and Alice Savage) married Anne Boothe

Edward Brereton of Loughtioge Ireland (born Cheshire)

John Brereton of Rahanmargue married Amy Barrington

Major/Lieutenant Thomas Brereton

William Brereton of Borris in Ossary and Rathmore

Thomas Brereton of Sharavogue, George Brereton (1690-1733) Ballybrophy and Rathmore (1692- married 1) Margaret Armstrong, 1715) 2nd Elinor Despard

William Brereton of Kilmartin married Sarah Holland

Thomas Brereton of Clonanchy, Tipperary married Mary Carroll

William Brereton of Kilmartin married Sarah Holland

George Brereton of Clonona leased land William Brereton of Kilmartin and Borris in from his Uncle Thomas Brereton of Ossary married 1) Eleanor Calcutt and 2) Clonanchy Margaret White

Thomas Brereton of Kilmartin and Borris in Ossar married his cousin Anne Brereton, John Brereton of Clonona dau. of Daniel Brereton of Thombricane, Borrisokane and Mary Nesbitt

Thomas and Anne had a son Edward Brereton of Knock known as Black Jack Brereton married Judith Cleary

Thomas Brereton of Clonanchy married Mary Carroll

Daniel Brereton of Thomas Brereton of Ash Tombricane John Brereton of Rathurles (1729- Park married Anne 1813) married Margaret Watson married Mary Laurence Nesbitt

Daughter - Anne Brereton married Thomas Brereton her cousin Thomas Brereton of John Brereton of Old married Maria Kilmartin - their son was known as Court married Anna Sadlieir Black Jack Brereton Marie Hackett

Simpson Hackett Brereton

Edward and Judith had issue:

1.1) John Brereton (1811- 1882) – brought to Birr (Parsonstown) by Simpson Brereton (who was the son of John Brereton of Old Court)

1.2) Edward E. Brereton of co. Offaly married Mary Agnes Maher of Birr, co. Kings

1.3) Patrick (or Daniel) Brereton of Clonlee, co. Offaly (died 1862)

1.1) JOHN BRERETON (born 1811 - 1882) 96 The elder son, John Brereton was brought to Birr by his kinsman, Simpson Brereton of Clongowna (or Clongawny, co. Tipperary)97, parish of Dorrha, who set him up in business. John prospered for a long time as a contractor, corn merchant and cattle dealer98. He also held army contracts, (Birr was a garrison town). In 1854, he and his partner had a serious business setback. They had chartered ships from Liverpool to transport supplies for troops in the Crimea; however the ships were sunk by the Russians in the Black Sea.

In support of the assumption that John and Simpson were related is the information that John’s partner was ruined and John Brereton would have been were it not for the help of his cousin Simpson Brereton (son of John Brereton of Old Court). He was also identified in one document as a cousin, however that term does not restrict the relationship to first cousins.

To further support a familial relationship, John and his brother Patrick of Clonlee were present at Simpson’s funeral as near kinsmen. They wore black crepe as was customary at that time.

Notwithstanding the above relationship between Edward and the Breretons of Rathurles, to date, I am unable to identify the parents of Edward Brereton of Knock. Fortunately we know his death of birth (c. 1785) which effectively provides some parameters. Various records identify Daniel Brereton, born in 1731, as marrying Anne Nesbitt in 1772. They had one child Anne Brereton who married Thomas Brereton of Kilmartin in 1796. Anne and Thomas were the parents of ‘Black Jack’ Brereton.

Following are two references to Rathurles and County Tipperary – support the connection of Simpson Hackett Brereton, John Brereton of Parsonstown and Thomas Sadleir Brereton who all owned land in Tipperary in the 1870s and reference the marriage of Thomas Brereton of Clonona who was Church of Ireland and his wife Mary Carroll followed the Catholic faith:

96 At the time of the Griffith Valuation (between 1847-1864) John Brereton of Birr held Clongowna House 97 Grandson of John Brereton of Rathurles and Margaret Watson. Simpson married Maria Parker in 1850. 98 In the National Commercial Directory for 1846 a John Brereton, Crinkle, Ireland was listed as a Spirit Dealer of Birr.

John Brereton of Birr had issue: 1.1.1) Daniel M. Brereton

1.1.2) John Brereton

1.1.3) Michael Brereton

1.1.1) DANIEL M. BRERETON Daniel immigrated to San Francisco, California, U.S.A in 1877. A 1930 Census shows Daniel as born Irish Free State in 1855; he was 71 years of age at the time. He must have married in California as his wife, Margaret was born in 1880 (51 years of age at the census). He died during the massive San Francisco earthquake of 1930)

1.1.2) JOHN BRERETON John Brereton immigrated to San Francisco co., California, U.S.A, where he joined other members of the family. In addition to the Breretons mentioned above records indicate that Jos. Brereton, Esq. of California was a subscriber to ‘The Early History of the Town of Birr as was a Mrs. J. Brereton of Crinkle, Birr.

1.1.3) MICHAEL BRERETON99 (1857 - 1923) married Mary Frances Hogan Michael Brereton, a Dublin vintner who lived at Sandymount (now a suburb of Dublin City) married Mary Frances Hogan, Ardconey, Borrisokane, Northern Tipperary. Michael died in 1923, leaving issue: Thomas Brereton

Dr. Anne Brereton married Dr. Keeling

1.2) EDWARD BRERETON of Clonlee and Clash100 (died 1882) – also noted as ‘of Birr, married Mary Agnes Maher of Birr Edward died many years after his brother. He was buried in 1882 at the Catholic chapel of Longford101 near Kinnitty, a village in co. Offaly (formerly co. Kings) 13 m east of Birr, at the foot of Slieve Bloom Mountains.

Edward’s wife Mary Agnes Maher (she died in 1917) is identified as ‘of Crinkle’102 (a village in co. Offaly, near Birr). The village is also spelled Crinkill (village in co. Offaly, Ireland, near Birr. Edward is buried in the Catholic Cemetery, Longford, Kinnitty, co Kings/Offaly, Ireland. Edward and Mary Agnes had issue:

99 Possibly the same family – there may have been a second wife. The 1911 Census identified the following people living at 81 Brunswick Street, South Dock, Dublin: Michael Brereton, age 54 (born 1857) head of house, Margaret Brereton, age 38, wife, daughters Mary, age 12, Annie age, 11, Carmel, age 9, also sons Patrick age 7 and Thomas age 6. (Irish National archives website) 100 A reference can be found of ‘Clash Crossroads’ as Clash, Toomevara, Nenagh, Tipperary 101 Located 1.3 km from Clonlee, Kinnitty Kings co./co. Offaly 102 There is a reference to a Patrick Brereton living in Crinkle, Birr in 1882

Joanna Mary Brereton (1842-1926) married William Toohey (1840-1913)

Edward Brereton (twin) Edward immigrated to America and fought on the Federal (British) side during the American Civil War. Later he moved to Perth, Australia and became a Catholic priest at Perth. He died at Perth, in 1904, aged sixty.

Mary Brereton (twin) – died in Birr 1 March 1917

Daniel Brereton emigrated to San Francisco, USA a and later was joined by his uncle John Brereton

Catherine Monica Brereton

Michael Brereton

Patrick Brereton

Kitty Brereton

When I prepare histories of various Irish Brereton families I often come across information about the male and female Brereton spouses. While it would be impossible for me to prepare family trees for the ‘related’ families, whenever I encounter interesting information I attempt to add some detail to the Brereton story so the information is not lost. I also hope that it may assist other families who married into the Brereton families to discover their ‘roots’.

Such is the case for the Maher family descendants. While I have tried, whenever possible to link the information that I have uncovered together with details provided me by two Maher descendants, there is still much work to be done, by others. Hopefully, a Maher descendant will be able to use the following information to prepare their history.

1) According to a history of Lorrha Graveyard, compiled in 1988 by Denise Foulkes for the Ormond Historical Society, there is an inscription on wall of the New Church, of Rathcabbin for a Rev. Martin Maher:

‘Sacred to the memory of Rev. Martin Maher, P.P. of Lorrha, Dorrow (currently spelled Durrow) who lived beloved and died universally regretted on 18 October 1838 (aged 64 years) Requiescat in pace AMEN

2) Another clergyman, Rev. John Maher, P.P. of Kyle and Knock is identified in a booklet – 100 years of Roscreagh Through the Ages – a Centenary in recognition of W. M Maher and son 1878-1979 (the record can be found on-line)

3) Judith Maher is buried in the Rathurles Cemetery. The headstone reads as follows:

Maher ‘In loving memory of Judith Byrne died 15 January 1930 (97 years). (Born 1833)

4) Griffiths Valuation of Ireland, Birr (period 1847-1864) Electoral District for Townparks, Birr identified the following Maher family members:'

Anne Maher, Back lane, Townparks. Birr Honoria Maher, Moorpark Streets, Townparks. Birr James Maher, Pound Street, Townparks. Birr Jeremiah Maher, Main Street, Townparks. Birr Jeremiah Maher, Mill Street, Townparks. Birr Mary Maher, Glebe Street, Townparks. Birr Mary Maher, Shamble Street, Townparks. Birr Thomas Maher, Church land William Maher, Connaught

5) There is a record of the marriage of Patrick Maher and Anne Corbett;

Married 8 February 1875 St. Brendan’s Roman Catholic Church, Birr co. Offaly.

Note: another record identified the church as being located in Parsonstown. The name of the town was changed from Parsonstown to Birr in 1899

Witnesses were John Maher, Anne Costello and Patrick and Joseph Corbett presided.

This may have been a 2nd marriage of Patrick: there is a record of death in the District of Parsonstown, Union of Parsonstown, in the County of Kings recorded on the 16th of July 1869. It identifies the death, on 3 August 1869 (in Parsonstown) of Sarah Maher, a married female, 28 years of age and wife of a miller. The cause of death was noted as vomiting and pregnant (16 days certified). Her husband Pat Maher was present at the death. The Registrar was Thomas Woods.

6) The children of Patrick Maher and Anne were:

Margaret Mary Brendina Elizabeth Maher, baptized 19 Nov 1876 in Birr and Loughkeen, co. Offaly and Tipperary, Ireland. Sponsors were Rev. Joseph Corbett & Elizabeth Brereton. Elizabeth Brereton was a spinster and died 8 Dec 1953 in Scotland

Anna Maria Maher, baptised 14 Aug 1878 in Birr and Loughkeen, co. Offaly and Tipperary, Ireland. Sponsor were Edward Brereton & Annie Costello

Joseph Daniel Maher Sr. born 9 September 1880, baptised 12 Sep 1880 in Portumna, Galway, Ireland. Sponsors were Jacobus Trimmer? & Catherine Brereton. Joseph married Helen Augusta McGrath.

Catherine Mary Maher, born 22 June 1884 in Portumna, Galway. Married Joseph McGlone.

Mary Bridget Maher, born 11 August 1886 in Birr, co. Offaly, Ireland (unmarried died after 1953

Note: given the references to Edward Brereton, Catherine Brereton and Elizabeth Brereton (of co. Offaly) as sponsors at the baptism of the three children one would assume that there is a family link between the Breretons and Patrick Maher. It certainly could be through the offspring of Edward Brereton and Mary Agnes Maher.

7) Rev. Martin Corbett, is buried in Ardcroney Cemetery along with Breretons and other ‘linked’ families. The inscription on the headstone is as follows:

Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Martin Corbett, P.P. of Ardcroney, co Tipperary who departed this life on the 16th day of February 1843, 42 years (born 1801). May he rest in peace.

1.3) PATRICK BRERETON103 of Clonlee and Birr (died 18 December 1862) married Mary Madden Patrick, the younger son of Edward Brereton became a tenant of the Harding’s of Clonlee House near Birr. Family members were known as middlemen of the Westenras104 during the 1848 uprising in the Thurles district. The Westenras, especially Mary Anne Wilmot Westenra (Countess of Huntingdon105) took a keen interest in Patrick who married Mary Madden, daughter of John Madden of Clonlee; a family from Clonkelly (near Crinkle/Crinkill) co. Birr.

There were seven Madden brothers who lived on the banks of the Shannon during the Williamite War. All were Royalists (loyal to James II) and six of them were killed at the Battle of Aughrim. On the following day, the seventh brother, Mary Brereton’s great grandfather, emerged from the bogs, where he hid after the battle and survived. He gave himself up to Sir Laurence Parsons who settled him at Clonkelly, Birr, co. Offaly. Patrick Brereton died on 18 December, 1862, leaving issue:

Edward Charles Brereton of Clonlee (died 1913) married Mary Anne Molloy

John Brereton immigrated to San Francisco

Michael Brereton (1857-1923) married Mary Frances Hogan

Margaret Brereton married Thomas Sullivan of Ballagh, Birr, co. Offaly

Mary Brereton married Robert Cussen, Templemore co. Tipperary

103 Connection unknown at this time - 1911 Census of Ireland: living at 1 Clonoghil Upper (part of Rural Birr, Kings co.) William Kingsley Brereton (age 62 head of family; his wife Elizabeth Brereton (age 59); daughters Anne Maud Brereton (age 25), Lillie Brereton (age 22) and Jennie Brereton (age 30) also son William Brereton. William and sons farmed. William and Elizabeth were married 33 years and had 9 children living at the time. Their religion was identified as Church of Ireland. 104 Interestingly William Brereton of Rathmore leased the lands of Rathmore from Henry Westenra 105 She died 16 December 1894

GEORGE BRERETON OF FINNOE, OLD COURT, COUNTY TIPPERARY

The Breretons of Old Court, Finnoe, co. Tipperary like the Rathurles Branch106 are said to have descended from the Kilmartin Breretons. They sprang from a Catholic marriage; however, unlike their kinsmen, they continued in that faith. Old Court was part of the lands leased to Thomas Brereton of Clonona, co. Kings and Rathurles and was situated two miles from the former townland.

According to Patrick Montague Smith, George Brereton of Finnoe, Old Court, co. Tipperary leased land in Old Court from John Brereton of Rathurles. The NUI Galway website, Landed Estates Database also identifies John Brereton, second son of John Brereton of Rathurles and Mary Watson as holding Old Court, in fee, in 1817. It refers to Old Court, Finnoe, Borrisokane, Barony of Lower Ormond.

John is also identified as living at Old Court in the Griffith’s Valuation of Ireland (compiled during the period 1848-1864). Possibly some of the land at Old Court was held for John Brereton – the balance leased to George Brereton.

While there has been information available about George Brereton of Old Court, it was not until I started to develop this history that I came across information that, in my opinion, appears to affirm a familial relationship between George Brereton and John Brereton of Old Court..

The specific information relates to cemetery inscriptions, in the cemetery Ardcroney Graveyard, co. Tipperary, Ireland (it is a Roman Catholic Graveyard). A number of memorials, to his parents George Brereton of Old Court and his mother Mary, his siblings, his daughter and his wife Julia were erected by Daniel Brereton of Old Court. The only other Breretons buried in Ardcroney were Thomas and Mary (Carroll) Brereton of Clonanchy and the children of William Brereton of Kilmartin. More details below.

While I have not been successful in finding any information confirming the parents of George Brereton or showing a direct relationship to Thomas Brereton of Clonanchy, I have decided to add this Old Court family to this history in the hopes that someone has additional information about the Old Court relationship.

1) GEORGE BRERETON of Old Court107, Finnoe, co. Tipperary (1760 -2 February 1841) married Mary McKenna (1778-12 October 1832 – aged 54 years) In 1785, John of Rathurles108 son of Thomas Brereton of Clonanchy and Rathurles, leased the estate of Old Court, comprised of 452 acres to George Brereton, probably his first cousin (or perhaps an uncle given the difference in age). Articles of agreement were signed six years later. Papers preserved in Old Court show that the Breretons of this place were kindly disposed towards their fellow men. Family ties were strong and lasting, and their letters are affectionate and optimistic, expressing patriotism and zest for country life and sports.

106 John Brereton of Rathurles, born 1719 had issue John Brereton of Old Court 107 Source: notes prepared by Patrick Montague Smith from stories provided by Breretons. 108 Born 1787 and married to Maria Hackett

Old Court stood in attractive wooded country, three miles west of Borrisokane in Lower Ormond, facing a plain to the north east; but high ground elsewhere. There were mountain views ranging from Knockshegowna and the Devils Bit in the east along a blue curving line to Keeper Hill and the Arra Mountains (the mountains are between Nenagh and Balinna, Tipperary) with the nearer green Kilbarron Hills in the west. A stream which joins the two loughs of Loughaven and Coreling forms the south-western boundary of Old Court. George lived beside Coreling until the present house was built, in 1826.

George married Mary McKenna – she died 12 October 1832, at 54 years of age. They had issue:

Thomas Brereton (born 1813) settled in New York, U.S.A. - consequently, Old Court, Finnoe passed to his younger brother Daniel.

1.2) Daniel Brereton (1 May 1816-1902) of Finnoe, Old Court, Tipperary married Judith Cummins

John Brereton (1806 - 4 September 1808) died an infant

An inquest was held on May 8th 1871/2 on Judith Brereton, at Oldcourt, Parish of Finnoe, Lower Ormond. Reported by Constable Kilven, Coolbawn. Verdict-Visitation of God.

NOTE: The story of George Brereton of Old Court, Finnoe county Tipperary can be found at the end of this history.

1.2) DANIEL BRERETON (1 May 1816-1902) married Julia Cummins (who died at 56 years) Daniel was born May 1st 1816 and died in 1902. He married Julia Cummins of Loughawn (1817-1873).

In the 1823 Title Applotment book for Clushian, Ardcroney Parish. George is Identified as born 1760 and died 2 February 1841 (aged 81). Further, there is a memorial in Memorial in Ardcroney graveyard, co. Tipperary, erected by Daniel Brereton, in memory of his father George Brereton who departed this life Feb 2nd 1841 aged 81 years. It is also in memory of ‘his beloved wife Julia Brereton alias Cummins who died 7th May, aged 56 years, his daughter Mrs. Mary Slattery, died October 17th 1873, aged 26 years (born 1816) also remember

The death of Daniel’s father George, and the marker as noted above are also recorded in the 1823 Title Applotment book for Clushian Township, Ardcroney Parish. However, it also included the death of Daniel’s brother John who died September 4, 1808 (ages 2 years). A list of other Breretons identified in Appotment books (1823-26) for Tipperary are listed at the end of this history.

Daniel and Julia had a large family including:

1.2.1) George Brereton of Kilregane, Lorrha co. Tipperary

1.2.2) John Brereton (4 August 1845- 27 February 1910) married Mary Spain

1.2.3) Denis Brereton of Oldcourt (1851-18 June 1918) aged 68 years

married Margaret Cardiner

Ellen Brereton. She is reference in a memorial erected by Daniel as his sister Ellen Brereton who died 19 April 1945 aged 90 years – Born 1855)

Daniel Brereton of Oldcourt (1851 - 2 November 1945) aged 88 years. There is a memorial to Daniel and his wife Mary, died 19 March 1947

Mary Brereton (born 1847) married Mathew Slattery. She died 27 October 1873, aged 26 years.

A 1901 Record for Old Court, Finnoe, co. Tipperary lists the family of Daniel as follows.

Daniel Brereton, 85 years, head of household, Roman Catholic, Tipperary John Brereton 55, son, RC, Tipperary Denis Brereton, 48, RC, Tipperary Daughter Ellen Brereton 44, Tipperary

Grand-daughter Ellen Slattery, 29, Tipperary Two servants, Sarah Corboy and Martin Keane.

The following information regarding the Ardcroney Graveyard is an excerpt from compiled by Denise Foulkes and Daniel Grace and published by the Ormond Historic Society in 1984. It is titled “Gravestone Inscriptions County of Tipperary, Barony of Lower Ormond, Volume 9; Parish of Ardcroney, Congar Church of Ireland, Church and graveyard.

The church covers 6428 statute acres within the village and is surrounding by the ruins of a combined castle and church. The church at Ardcroney is Roman Catholic and the cemetery contains 150 headstones.

Following are inscriptions which are relevant to this Brereton history

BRERETON

1) Here lieth the body of Thomas Brereton who departed this life the 30th of October 1776 aged 34 years.

Thomas was the brother of William Brereton of Kilmartin (who married Sarah Holland) and the uncle of George Brereton of Clonona, John of Ashgrove, Thomas of Clonlyon and William of Kilmartin whose first wife was Eleanor Calcutt.

2) Here lieth the body of Mrs. Mary Brereton otherwise Carroll, who departed this life September 1783 aged 90 years

3) Here lieth the remains of Mrs. Margaret Brereton, wife of John Brereton, Esq. of Rathurles, in the County of Tipperary who lived beloved and died lamented the 51 year of her age, the 10th day of June 1800

4) Erected by Daniel Brereton in memory of his father George Brereton who departed this life, February the 2nd 1847 aged 81 years. Also his mother Mary Brereton who departed this live October the 12th 1832 aged 54 years. Also his brother John Brereton who died September 4 1805.

George Brereton of Old Court married Mary McKenna. John died in infancy.

5) Erected by Daniel Brereton, Oldcourt in memory of his beloved wife Julia Brereton, alias Cummins who died 7th May aged 56 years; also his daughter Mrs. Mary Slattery died October 27 1873 aged 26 years. Daniel Brereton, born May 1st 1816 died May 16 1902. John Brereton born August 3 1845 died February 27 1910. Denis Brereton, Oldcourt, died 18 June 1919, aged 68 years.

Julia Brereton is the wife of Daniel Brereton of Oldcourt, Mary Slattery is their daughter. John and Denis are brothers of Daniel.

6) In loving memory of Daniel Brereton of Oldcourt, who died 2nd November 1945, aged 88 years and his wife Mary died 19th March 1947 and his sister Ellen Brereton who died 19th April 1945, aged 90 years.

Daniel Brereton of Oldcourt is the husband of Mary Spain and the son of Daniel Brereton and Judith.

CARROLL There are a number of inscriptions regarding this family – relatives of Mary Carroll Brereton – they are not included at this time

CLEARY Mary Gleeson alias Cleary departed this life December 16, 1813 aged 55 years - ‘Lord have mercy on them’

SADLEIR (Reference to Congar Graveyard) 1) Eleanor Elimina, relict of late Thomas Sadleir, Esq of Ballinderry and eldest daughter of Owen Saunders, died 1 of August 1863, aged 75 years.

2) Adelaide Matilda Falkner, wife of Fred R. Falkner, Recorder of Dublin, daughter of Thomas Sadleir, Esq. formerly of Ballinderry Park. Born 8 October 1831. Died 2 June 1877.

CORBETT (monument within the Ardcroney Churchyard, Tipperary 1) Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Martin Corbett, P.P. of Ardcroney, co. Tipperary. Who departed this life on the 16th day of February 1813, 42 years of age (born 1801). May he rest in peace.

1.2.1) GEORGE BRERETON George farmed the family sheep farm at Kilegrane, Lorrha, co. Tipperary. However, after a disastrous outbreak of flu on his farm, he moved his family to Liverpool. Some of his descendants immigrated to Queensland, Australia.109

109 He married Sarah Hogan. Their fourth and youngest son, Patrick and one of the sons of their eldest son Thomas settled in Australia

NOTE: the 1911 census for Lorrha provides the following information about the issue of George Brereton and Sarah Hogan:

1 January 1868, Thomas Brereton

22 October 1871, John Brereton

4 December 1873, Sarah Brereton

15 September 1875, Mary Brereton

16 January 1876, Daniel Brereton,

21 April 1881, Patrick Brereton,

21 April 1881, George Brereton,

9 April 1882, Margaret Ellen Brereton in Borriskane, Tipperary

12 December 1884, Anne Josephine Brereton

1.2.2) JOHN BRERETON (4 August 1845 - 27 February 1910) married Mary Spain According to his will, John Brereton, who died 27 February 1910 was a gentleman farmer in Old Court, Borrisokane, co Tipperary. His will was granted at Limerick to Daniel Brereton, Gentleman farmer (his brother).

1.2.3) DENIS BRERETON of Old Court (1851-18 June 1918), Finnoe, Tipperary married Margaret Cardiner Denis traveled to Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. but eventually returned to Ireland and married Margaret Cardiner. They had issue:

1.2.3.1) Daniel Brereton

1.2.3.2) Denis Brereton

1.2.3.4) Ellen Brereton (1855-1945)

1.2.3.1) DANIEL BRERETON Daniel lived and worked in Dublin. His issue included:

1.2.3.1.1) Daniel Brereton (1857-2 November 1945) of Abbeville House, Lorrha, Old Court Tipperary married Mary Josephine Mathews (?-March 1947)

1.2.3.1.1) DANIEL BRERETON The 1911 Census, Abbeville, House, Lorrha, Old Court, Tipperary provides the following information about Daniel Brereton, 54 years old farmer of Tipperary (RC family). Daniel died February 2, 1945. Married Mary (aged 36 years), born 1875, died March 19, 1947

Daughters born Tipperary: Mary Brereton 7 years (born 1904) Ellen Brereton 5 years (born 1906) Frances Brereton 4 years (born 1907)

Son: Daniel Brereton 1 year old (born Dublin 1910)

Also identified were Bridget O’Brien, 17 year old Domestic Servant from Tipperary and Nora Peters, 18 year old Governess, from Kildare

Additional information

- Daniel Brereton, who died (died Nov 2, 1945) married Mary (born 1875) on 23 February 1903. She died 19 March 19, 1947

- Ellen Brereton died 19 April 1945 (age 90 years)

- Frances Brereton was born 4 July, 1907

1.2.3.1.1) DANIEL BRERETON110 (1857-1941) of Old Court, Ireland & Montana, U.S.A. married Mary Josephine Mathews (1875 – 1 November 1945) on 23 February 1903. The youngest son, Daniel Brereton who is shown as Roman Catholic, lived at Abbeyville House, Lorrha, Old Court, Tipperary, attended Ennis College (possible in Ennis co. Clare) and after graduation spent the first four years of his career in the Bank of Ireland, Dublin. During that time, he became an ardent supporter of Parnell, and was interested in the Irish Revival Movement, attending the first Irish language classes to be held in the city. However, the lack of opportunities in Ireland resulted in his leaving his office desk to seek his fortune in the United States. In 1881 he visited his uncle Thomas in New York and fifty years later he wrote that the welcome he received still delights me when I think of it.

Daniel, who is noted in one record as a Roman Catholic, moved to the State of Montana and spent seventeen years farming on the prairies near the Rocky Mountains. He became Director and Vice-Chairman of the Stockman’s National Bank and, in 1892 he was appointed by the Montana State Government as a Notary Public for Choteau co. It is said He had some friendly encounters with the native Indians, and on one occasion smoked the pipe of peace in their camp. He kept in close touch with his home country, read Irish papers and attended the annual St. Patrick’s Day banquet at Fort Benton. Regularly, he received newsy letters from his father. One of the letters, dated 3 August, 1894, reads: Prepare now to come home…Is there any country on earth like dear old Ireland? In 1898, he did return home and lived at Derrylahan House and Abbeyville until he succeeded to Old Court four years later. On 23 February 1903

110 Daniel and family are identified in the 1911 Census for Old Court

Daniel married Mary Josephine (or perhaps Jane) Mathews of Birr. The following issue were identified in the 1911 Census for Old Court:

Daniel Brereton (1910 – 4 July 1941)

Frances Brereton Cardiff (Wales) (1907 – 1994)

Ellen Brereton (born 1 July 1905 - 26 December 1994)

John Gerald Brereton (born 1914) married Philomina Clery

Mary Brereton (born 29 November 1904)

The 1911 Census for Lorrha, Tipperary provides the following information concerning Daniel Brereton who married Mary Matthews (in Birr) on 23 Feb 1903. Issue:

29 November 1904 Mary Brereton

5 July 1905 Ellen Brereton

5 July Frances Brereton

Title Applotment books 1823-26 County of Tipperary

Date Name Townland or Street Parish

1823 George Brereton Clushian Ardcroney

1824-5 John Brereton Ballygibbon

1824-5 Thomas Brereton Grinninstown Ballygibbon

1823-25 John Brereton Lisnamoe Ballymackey

1823 Thomas Brereton Rathurles Dollo

1823 John Brereton Rathurles Dollo

1826 W. George Brereton Old Court Finnoe

1826 John Brereton Old Court Finnoe

1826 George Brereton Old Court Finnoe

1824 John Brereton Curraghmore Kilbarron

1825 Thomas Brereton Greenanstown Kilgrant

1824 John Brereton Annagh Lorrha

Edward Brereton College Hill Templemore

Edward Brereton Killough Templemore