Source: Kathie Wycoff. He was a professor of Botany. Called a "Professor" and "A country gentleman". He had an acquiantance in Ireland named Mary Hogan. Mary boarded a boat for America and was surprised when he walked up to her. They were 3 months on the water. Married in America. He worked at the White House & was an assistant under 3 presidents.
Martin Renehan
Newspaper clipping from ? - It seems that a certain Martin Renehan, known for his intelligence, wit and warm-heartedness, was an usher for the President, being a hold-over from the
administrations of Jackson and VAn Buren, and that upon a number of occasions a very polite, elderlyman, of genteel appearance, made frequent visits to the White House for the purpose of seeing the President privately. His manner so appealed to Martin that he finally told him that if he would come some morning at 8 o'clock, he wouldmake an effort to gratify his desire. Mr.
Gobright tells us:
"THE VISITOR WAS PUNCTUAL TO THE TIME. GEN. HARRISON WAS AN EARLY RISER. MARTIN WENT UPSTAIRS GENTLY AND TAPPED AT HIS DOOR. HAVING RECEIVED AN INVITATION TO ENTER, HE DID SO. THE GENERAL WAS SITTING NEAR THE GRATE, IN WHICH WERE A FEW EXPIRING COALS. 'IS IT POSSIBLE, MARTIN SAID,' THE WEATHER BEING COLD, THAT YOU
HAVE NO MORE FIRE?' He replied: 'Martin, when at home I was accustomed to a wood fire, and if I had wood now, I'd replenish this fire myself as I do not wish to call up my colored man' (the
one he had brought with him from Ohio). "Martin responded that he would supply the requisite fuel, and added, 'An elderly gentleman, sir, has been repeatedly calling here. He is of respectable appearance and unassuming in his manners, and has elicited my sympathies. I therefore take the liberty of asking whether you will not give him a private audience?' "Where is
he?" "'In the green room,' replied Martin. "'Show him up,' said the President. "Martin accordingly showed him up and retired in order to give the stranger the full benefit of a strictly private
interview. When the visitor had taken his departure Martin returned to the President's room.
"'Martin,' said the President 'you have been kind to that man.' "'I have; I took him by the hand.'
"'Are you aware,' asked the president, ' that he is looking for your place?" "Martin replied: 'Your Excellency, I expected to go, as I am opposed to you in politics.' "Gen. Harrison said: 'John Quincy Adams told me all about you, and as long as I remain in the White House, the cabinet even can't remove you.' "Renehan responded: 'I am the last Martin in the nest, and I thought you were going to put me to flight.' "Oh, no' the President replied, 'two Martins have already been
banished from this house (meaning Martin Van Buren and his son), and it would be bad luck to banish you, the only remaining Martin. So you remain, and nestle in the battlements.'"
Martin and Margaret lived in the Dupont Circle area. His nephews from Ireland, members of Parliament, visited him there. President Tyler's brother lived with the Renehans for a while.
He came in tipsy one night while the Renehans were saying the rosary and was climbing over their feet, when Martin announced "the fifth sorrowful mystery." Tyler said, "Yes, Martin, it is
indeed a mystery." W.W. Corcoran (Corcoran Gallery) was a friend. Martin was written up in the Sunday Star under "Wasyhington's Oldest Inhabitants." He had a "marvelous" garden
at his home on Dupont Circle including a rose growing on a pear tree. (He was known for his interest in botany). He began at the White House under Adams (probably wrong).
FROM GRACE SMITH: Margaret Hogan and her older sister, Mary, of Kilkenny were sailing for the US from Ireland in first class. Martin Renehan of Dublin (age 21) was so in love with Margaret that he had bought a ticket on the same ship but did not "disclose himself" until the ship had left port. He courted Margaret on the trip over. Martin and the two sisters landed at
Ellis Island. As soon as they were admitted to the US, they left for Washington, D. C. There, Martin and Margaret were married. Martin became grounds superintendant at the Dept. of State, Dept. of War, and the Navy. He later became usher at the White House and "walked in the White House gardens with Mrs. Lincoln on his arm." He remarked that she was not highly educated. One of the presidents under whom Martin served (MG Baird says Teddy Roosevelt) received a hooked rug showing an eagle. The president showed it to Martin and asked him where it should be placed. Martin said it was his understanding that "the eagle represented America. It should soar on high and never be trod underfoot." It was therefore hung on the wall. Per Pat Thomas, presumed from 1850 census. Martin Rannahan was a 36 year old gardener from Ireland. His wife was Margaret, age 36. Their children were Francis I age 13), Bernard (age 6) and Mary M. (age 1). There was also a Mary Rannahan living with them, age 33 and an Edward Fitzgerald (age 24) a carpenter from Ireland. This was the 1850 D.C. census, Page 40, 432, Box 56. Martin's remains are in Sec. 14-E Lot NW 1/3 79 at Mt. Olivet Cemetary. Also in the same lot is his wife Margaret, their son Francis J. and his wife Bridget (only tombstone is for this couple). Frank's sons Leo James and Francis are also in the lot (total of 6 Renehan's.)