Finding the Brennans of Athlone

[Ellen Elizabeth Bier]

I am looking for my relatives from Athlone, Ireland. I am the granddaughter of Elizabeth Mary Brennan (aka Lizzie), born December 25, 1880? She was the youngest daughter of Luke and Mary Kelly Brennan. My grandmother, Elizabeth was the youngest of 12 children. Some of her siblings names were: Mary, Bridget, Kathleen, John, James, Luke and Ellen . <br>The Brennans lived on a farm in or near Athlone. My greatgrandfather Luke, raised horses for the British Army. Two of my great aunts (Bridget and Kathleen) came to America and joined the Sisters of Mercy. <br>My grandmother Elizabeth came to America in 1902. I remember my grandmother receiving a letter and a box of shamrocks in 1962 from a John Brennan, Knooksehan Lecarrow P.O., Knookaroghery County Roscommon. <br>I am not sure how or where to start my search. Who knows, we may be related. If you would be so kind and if you have the time, perhaps you could point me in the right direction. I would appreicate any asisstance you might give. Thank you in advance. <br>Sincerely, <br>Ellen Elizabeth Bier <biere@btol.com <mailto:biere@btol.com>><br>Reno, NV US - <br>
<br>
<br><hr size=7 width=75%><p>


biere@btol.com

[Ellen Elizabeth Bier]

Since my first posting of early February, I have found out quite a bit, thanks to all you gracious folks. I am providing the following information in hopes that someone will recognize a family relationship between us. This is what I have pieced together thus far.<br> <br>My grandmother is Elizabeth Mary Brennan (aka Lizzie), born December 25, 1880. She was the youngest of 10, of Luke and Mary Kelly Brennan. Her siblings’ names are: Elenororam (went by Mary) (b.1863), Bridget (b. 1864), John (b. 1867), Willie (b. 1869), Luke (b. 1871), Catherine (b. 1873) Jacobus (went by James) (b. 1876), and Eleanor (went by Ellen) (b. 1878). As you can see I am still missing the tenth sibling.<p>The Brennans lived on a farm in or near Athlone. My great-grandfather Luke Brennan was a farmer and raised horses for the British Army. Two of my great aunts (Bridget and Catherine) became Sisters of Mercy. They lived at a Mother House in Auburn California until their passing. Sister Bridget died in 1945 and Sister Imelda (Catherine) passed in 1959.<br> <br>My grandmother Elizabeth came to San Francisco in 1902 to live with her sister Mary, who moved there to be near her cousins the O’Briens. My mother remembers her Aunt Mary passing when she was age 4 or 5, which would have been 1923-24. Unfortunately, that is all we know about Aunt Mary and we know nothing of our O'Brien cousins. <p>James Brennan went to Alaska to seek his fortune in gold. He became ill and contracted TB. He came back to Sacramento California to a Sisters of Mercy Hospital for treatment. He was sent to Prescott Arizona for further treatment in 1905. My grandmother accompanied him. He returned to Sacramento, where he remained until he died (do not know the year). My grandmother remained in Prescott where she met my grandfather (Oscar Bruchmann), got married, and had two daughters, Mary Louise and Barbara Elizabeth.<p>My mother still has the death cards for my great-grandfather Luke Brennan 1902, and great-grandmother Mary Kelly 1915 and my great-uncle Luke 1909. We have not idea what became of the other siblings.<br> <br>As I mentioned before my grandmother received a letter and a box of shamrocks in 1962 from a John Brennan, Knooksehan Lecarrow P.O., Knockcroghery County Roscommon. I sent a letter to an Ann Brennan a couple of weeks ago (thanks to R.C. O'Gavin who read this posting), but have not had a response.<p>If anyone can help further direct me in my search it will be greatly appreciated. Thank all of you again who have directed me in the right avenues. <br> <br>Ellen Ellizabeth Bier (biere@btol.com) <br> <p><p><p><p> <br>: Sincerely, <br>: Ellen Elizabeth Bier <biere@btol.com <mailto:biere@btol.com>><br>: Reno, NV US - <p>
<br>
<br><hr size=7 width=75%><p>


biere@btol.com