ANCESTRY PART THREE

Dear Isabella,

I spent most of last night getting a better understanding of your paternal ancestors; at least those on my mother's side. I should thank my aunt Sally as she has been a great help in providing me with the bulk of the information.

So far I have been able to trace your ancestry back to several individuals including the following.

The "small" picture:

Richard Francis Brennan [1922 to 1987] of Iowa. "Dick" was one of your paternal great grandfathers. He was the son of Harold Francis Brennan [1902 to 1985] and Ethel Anderson [1901 to 1977]. Dick was basically a 4th generation American Brennan. Most of his American ancestors came to the USA right around the 1850s to 60s from Ireland. I do not think he had a college education, but need to confirm this fact. As I recall, he was in sales for a good portion of his life.

Jane Price [1923 to 1995] of Iowa. Jane was one of your paternal great grandmothers. She was the daughter of Irene Krantz [1899 to 1995] and Russell Price [1902 to 1982]. Jane's family (at least on the Price side) has longer ties with the USA. She was a 9th generation American on the Price side; dating back to Gerard, Buckles, and Brown.

I have very fond memories of both Dick and Jane and miss them both. I also have fond memories of Irene Krantz. She was always bugging me to pray; on the positive side she was always making me food during our visits. Near the end, both she and Jane were living together in California.

I have Jane's nose and think that you will have it too. It is a nice nose and has served me well [whatever that means???].

My fond memories of Jane and Dick include several Christmases in which I played with their youngest son Mike (who was 2 years my senior). These moments were the closest thing I had to normalcy during my young life in which my mother and I lived in 4 major cities during my first 12 years. Thus, it is somewhat odd that my other Christmases were not generally "memorable." I guess this has been one reason that I have never really been a Christmas person; at least until you were born. I do find great enjoyment watching you rip through the gift wrapped boxes with such anticipation -- irrespective of what is inside the box. You are a true joy to have around, but don't tell your mother as I keep telling her how rough I have it. So far she is buying it!!!!

The "big" picture:

Reverend John Gerard. The Gerard house still survives to this day; it was built by John Hays in 1743. It became the home of David Gerard, a minister, who was the founder of Gerrardstown. I think John was a 1st generation American.

You are a direct decedent of his daughter Sarah Gerard [1740 to 1815]. Sarah married James Buckles [1732 to 1797]. They had a son John Buckles [1761 to 1828] and this John had a son David Buckles. Man this is confusing!!! You should see the chart . . . it still boggles my mind! [I guess this makes David Buckles a 4th generation American, give or take.]

Robert Buckles (of England) and Ann Brown; and their son James Buckles.

John and Mary Brooks; and their daughter Mary Brooks.

Elizabeth Corault who married David Buckles; and their son John Buckles [1812 to 1898]. I guess the name John was very popular. :) [This makes John Buckles 5th generation, give or take. Are you keeping up?]

Eleanor Wilson and Willis Northcut; and their daughter Mary Northcut [1815 to 1887] who married John Buckles; and their daughter D. Buckles [1841 to 1901]. Confused yet? I am. [This makes D. Buckles 6th generation, give or take.]

Augustine Price and Mary Shrack; and their son Daniel Price [1838 to 1907] who married D. Buckles; and their son H.P. Price [1860 to 1948]. [This makes H.P. Price 7th generation, give or take.]

H.P. Price married Anna Jean Hamilton [1867 to 1940] and had a son Russell Price [8th generation].

Martin Krantz [1865 to 1951] who married M.F. Zimmer [1867 to 1945]. They had a daughter Irene Krantz.

It looks like above the Krantz bloodline there is a connection to "M. Gilley". Above the Zimmer bloodline there is a connection to "M. Kelly". It is not clear how many generations they go back.

Man this is tiring!!!

John Clark of Ireland who marred Alice Smith of Ireland. They had a daughter Alice Clark [1861 to 1938] of Iowa [1st generation].

Alice married James Brennan [1856 to 1923; also 1st generation] of NY. They had a son William Brennan [1882 to 1930] who married Gertrude Day [1882 to 1944] of Iowa. They had a son (your GG grandfather) Harold Francis Brennan [3rd generation].

Harold married Ethel Anderson [also 3rd generation?].

Above the Anderson line there is a connection to a "A. Geiger", a "John M. Geiger" [1842 to 1877], a "Sara E. Habough", a "William Geiger", and a "J. Alexander".