Family legend states Bernard “Barney” KILROY and his brother, Thomas KILROY left Ireland in the 1850’s to Burnley, England. They may have been from the Sligo area. Legend further states a sister stayed in Ireland and married a GALLAGHER. And perhaps another brother went to Australia. Maybe one more brother stayed in Ireland.

Barney KILROY married in Burnley, England. Then immigrated to Indiana in 1853, but changed his name to BRANNAN. Supposedly this was his mother’s maiden name. His brother Thomas Kilroy and his family also emigrated from England to Indiana in 1870. But he changed his surname to BRENNAN. Tom was a stonemason there in the Peru, IN area. Legend says they had to change their name to escape the English army draft!

Barney (Kilroy) BRANNAN married again in the Greensburg, IN area. Moved to Wabash, IN. And finally moved on again in 1895, he moved his large family to a homestead in the prairies of North Dakota, near Cando. He sure had the wanderlust!

Barney (Kilroy) BRANNAN died in Bisbee, ND in 1916 at age 81. He sired 21 known children, was married three times, and outlived all three of his wives.

Would appreciate hearing from anyone with interest and knowledge of my hard living, hard drinking KILROY/ BRANNAN Irish ancestor, and/ or his descendents!

Bob