My great grandfather William Robert Renison born 1840 in Tipperary came to South Africa in 1859. His origins in Ireland are unknown except for the shipping records which state he came from Tipperary accompanied by a younger sister, Jane. A brother, Benjamin Joseph born 1839 in Lockeen Glebe, Kings County, Ireland is also said to have settled here in 1855. I would dearly love to know who their parents were. It is rumoured they are related to a Michael Renison who was living in Parsonstown in 1911. This is merely speculation as there is no documented proof. Is there anyone who has a connection to Renisons who may be able to help?
Antoinette Frances
Monday 20th May 2013, 11:45AMMessage Board Replies
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In reply to your inquiry re Tipperary Renisons. I know that some from this area came to Canada in the late 1800s the same as my family and had similar names. They were Church of Ireland and are in the Canada census several times. Many of this family were ministers and missionaries in the north of Canada and one became a bishop, Renison College, University of Waterloo, Ontario Canada is named after him. All my ancestors were of Antrim origins at least this is my info to date. They also have a link to being Ulster Scots from glascow and the name was originally viking. There are also Irish Rennysons from Down and some from Derry area. The brothers of my great grandfather moved to Glascow in the 1880s. You could check out US connections since there seemed to be some of this name that left in the early 1800s.
Nancy Huntley
Tuesday 4th Jun 2013, 12:29PM