THOMAS W. BRENNAN 1859-1935

COLLINS, BRENNAN, MOONEY, MANNING, MULLARKEY, FLYNN

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/1/2005 at 08:51:00

Thos. W. Brennan Dies at Lansing Thursday.

Lifelong Resident of Lafayette and Lansing Passes Away After Brief Illness.

Brief mention was made in these columns last week of the grave illness of Thomas W. Brennan with pneumonia, who passed away at his home in this city about ten o'clock Thursday evening, March 21st. Death is sad at all times but particularly so at this season of the year when nature is taking on new life and the joyous spring time budding forth in all its pristine glory. Deceased was born in Lafayette township, January 6, 1859, the son of pioneer parents, Eugene Brennan and Mary Collins, who settled in Wexford in August, 1851, buying their land direct from the government. On this old homestead, which he still owned at the time of his death, Mr. Brennan was born in a log house, grew to manhood and there reared his family. He was the third child of a family of five children, one brother, Daniel J., and a sister, Mrs. Kate Mooney, preceding him in death. His education was gained in the rural schools of the county but being an exceptional student and a great reader, he developed into a man of outstanding educational ability, with natural talent for mathematics and mechanics.

On January 30, 1883, at Wexford church, he was united in marriage to Miss Julia Manning, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Manning, also pioneer residents of Lafayette township. To this union were born five children, three boys and two girls as follows: Mary (Mrs. Michael Mullarkey) of Lafayette, Thomas D. of Sask., Canada, Katherine, at home, and Eugene and James, the contractors of Lansing. With the exception of Thomas D., all were with him helping their mother care for him at the time of his last illness.

Besides these he leaves one brother, James D. Brennan, of Columbus, Ga., and one sister, Mrs. Steve Flynn, of Montrose, S.D.

Mr. Brennan lived on his farm in Lafayette from birth until November, 1929, when, with his wife and daughter Katherine, they moved to Lansing, establishing a home in the Wm. Wendel house on Platt street. Here hundreds of friends from near and far called to pay their last tribute of respect to his remains on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the casket being literally covered with spiritual bouquets and floral offerings. In addition to having good business talent Mr. Brennan was a successful farmer, making the old homestead blossom like a rose, the log house giving way to a fine commodious house with modern outbuildings to match, which is now occupied by his son Eugene and family.

He was a man of many admirable traits of character, always interested in civic affairs and ever ready to render neighborly assistance; and leaves to his family the cherished memory of the best of legacies: sterling Christian faith which he never failed to practice and defend. As such he naturally died consoled and comforted by the last sacraments of Mother Church. The funeral took place at Wexford Monday morning, at 10 o'clock, Father Daniel O'Sullivan saying the Requiem High Mass, giving the burial absolution and reciting the last prayers at the graveside, where repose the ashes of his parents, a brother, sister, and other relatives. Father O'Sullivan also preached a short sermon, telling briefly in well chosen words his exemplary life and of the high respect in which he was held by all his friends.

Allamakee Journal - contributed by Jerry Brennan, great-grandson
note - Thomas Brennan died March 21, 1935.