William Brearton : Short Biography

Rev. Wm. Brearton, a minister in the Church of England, was grandmother Williams paternal grandfather.  His date of birth, place and background is unknown.  We are told he pontificated in what was then known as the North of Ireland.  His principal ancestors were churchmen, lawyers and soldiers.  He is described as “Black Irish” by his Catholic descendants which is equivalent in the opinion of the Irish from south of Ireland as being in the lowest rank.  He had three sons, one of whom became an architect specializing in restoration and improvements to castles in the Midlands of Ireland, comprising Tipperary and Offaly (formerly Kings) Counties.  Many medieval castles were located near Thurles, an ideal location for his activities.  Second son became a soldier in the English army and third son, an adventurer, was a gold hunter in Australia.

A further word is added in respect to the standing of the Rev. Wm. Brearton in his community.  When legal action we are told was taken to locate heirs of the third son who struck it rich in Australia, in the identification section of the notification reference was made to the successful prospector as being from Ireland also that his father had formerly described as a Whited Sepulchre.  Research reveals this biblical reference is found in the New Testament, St. Matthew chapter 23 verse 27.  It reads as follows – “White sepulchers which indeed appear beautiful outside, but are filled with dead men’s bones”.