Thomas J Brennan 1871-1939

BRENNAN, BROWN, RUDDY

Posted By: Cathy Joynt Labath (email)
Date: 12/31/2006 at 09:00:41

Ruthven Free Press; Ruthven, Palo Alto, IA; Wednesday, March 8, 1939

THOS. J. BRENNAN FUNERAL MONDAY
Pioneer Merchant Passes Away Saturday Morning; 
Came to Ruthven in 1871.

A pioneer business man of Ruthven closed his career last Saturday when Thomas J. Brennan passed away following an illness of about two months. While his health had been gradually failing him, the deceased continued to hold his position as assistant postmaster and town treasurer up to the time of his death. Early in the winter he sustained a severe fall on an icy sidewalk, and following the holidays was taken ill with influenza and this kept him away from his work for a while. Recovering, he returned to his work at the postoffice. On Tuesday of last week he was taken seriously ill and gradually became worse until he passed away at 6:15 last Saturday morning.

Thomas J. Brennan, son of John and Margaret Brennan, was born at Moingona, Boone county, Iowa, on March 10, 1871 and passed away at his home in Ruthven, Iowa, March 4, 1939. When he was about two months old his parents moved to Ruthven and settled on their homestead about three miles east of Ruthven. Here the deceased grew to manhood. 

In 1891, he became secretary and assistant at the old Highland township creamery which stood on what is known as the John Thompson farm northeast of Ruthven. In 1898, he became a clerk in the Mulroney general store in Ruthven and he held this position for about five years. In 1898, he accepted a position in the James Nolan hardware store in Ruthven, where he was employed until January, 1904, when he bought out the Furlong interests in the Berg & Furlong general store and the firm was thereafter for 28 years known as the Berg & Brennan store which enjoyed a county-wide reputation for a quarter of a century. His partner, John A. Berg, died in September, 1926, and Mr. Brennan continued to manage the business until 1932 when he disposed of his interests. In the autumn of 1933 he became assistant postmaster in Ruthven and he held this position until his death.

For years Mr .Brennan was a member of the board of trustees of the Sacred Heart church and he has been town treasurer since 1930. 

On October 17, 1894, he married Jennie V. Brown, who passed away October 7, 1934. Three children were born to this union.

The deceased is survived by one son, William, of this city, and one daughter, Margaret, of Madison, Wisconsin. One son, Paul, died at the age of 6 tears. He is also survived by one brother, James P. Brennan, who lives in Emmetsburg, and one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Brennan, who lives near Emmetsburg.

Funeral services were held at the Sacred Heart church on Monday forenoon at 9:30 with the pastor, Rev. E.L. McEvoy officiating. Father McEvoy was assisted by Rev. William Mallory of Emmetsburg and Rev. John J. Keane of Estherville.

The pallbearers were six nephews: Jay Brennan, Adrian Brennan, John Maurice Brennan, John Ruddy and John Brown.

Burial took place in the family lot in Calvary cemetery.

Among the beautiful floral offerings was a large basket of choice flowers from the business men of Ruthven, and the business places of the town remained closed during the funeral services.

Mr. Brennan was a man who was respected by everyone who knew him. Honest in all his business dealings, loyal to his community and its interests, dependable under trying circumstances, always willing to perform the tasks that confronted him, he leaves a record of almost 68 years in one locality that is free from the blemishes of human selfishness. Though he was quiet and reserved, his influence and decisions carried a weight that made his life fruitful in the better things of man's earthly existence.

His record is almost a half century of activity in the business life of our community. Starting out in life in a responsible position as secretary of a community enterprise, he continued to serve in a similar capacity until death closed his career.

The passing of "Tom" Brennan, as he was familiarly known to hundreds of acquaintances and friends, is a distinct loss to the community. Always at his post of duty, he lived a life of unselfishness and service, and he leaves a memory that should influence others to lead lives of uprightness and usefulness.

The Lightle Funeral Home of Ruthven had charge of the funeral arrangements.
--------------------
Emmetsburg Democrat; Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa; Friday, Mar 10, 1939

Thomas J. Brennan, Ruthven
Died Saturday Morning

Thomas J. Brennan, one of the prominent and widely known citizens of Ruthven, and a man closely indentified with the business life of that community, passed away at his home in Ruthven at 6:00 a.m. Saturday. Mr. Brennan had been suffering from anemia. He had been failing in health for some time although he continued active in his duties as assistant in the Ruthven post office within a few days of his death.

Mr. Brennan contracted a severe cold in January and never seemed to fully recover. Tuesday of last week he was confined to his room where he remained until the angel of death called him. His death on Saturday marks the passing of a man very closely associated with the business, social and religious life of the Ruthven community.

Funeral services were held at the Sacred Heart church in Ruthven at 9:30 p.m. Monday, Rev. E. L McEvoy, the pastor, officiated in a requiem Mass. Present in the sanctuary, also, were Rev. Wm. Molloy of Estherville. The sermon was delivered by Father Kane who used as his text, "Blessed are they who die in the Lord." It was a masterful effort and dealt to some extent with the exemplary life of the deceased. Burial was in the Calvary cemetery northeast of Ruthven. The pall bearers were John Ruddy, John Brown, John, Adrian, Jay and Maurice Brennan.

Thomas J. Brennan, son of the late John K. and Margaret P. Brennan, was born at Moingona, Boone county, March 10, 1871. When Thomas was two months old, the family moved to Highland township, Palo Alto county. Here Thomas spent the years of his youth. He attended the district school, known as the Brennan school, where he proved himself to be an outstanding student.

On October 17, 1894, Mr. Brennan was united in marriage to Miss Jennie V. Brown. For a short time after their marriage Mr. Brennan accepted employment as a helper in the Highland creamery. He later was appointed to a position as clerk in the John Mulroney general store. From there he entered the employ of the late J. F. Nolan. Thirty-five years ago Mr. Brennan entered into partnership with the late John Berg and established the Berg & Brennan general store, so well known in Ruthven for more than a quarter of a century. This partnership continued until Mr. Berg's death a few years ago. In June, 1933, Mr. Brennan was appointed assistant postmaster of Ruthven, a position he held until his death.

A son and daughter were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brennan. Both survive him. The son is Wm. M. Brennan of Ruthven and the daughter is Miss Margaret Brennan of Madison, Wis. Mrs. Brennan passed way October 7, 1934. Mr. Brennan is also survived by one sister, Mrs. J. C. Brennan, and one brother, James Brennan. There are also six grandchildren.

Out-of-town relatives and friends from a distance who attended the funeral were Rev. J. J. Keane, Robert Ward, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sullivan, Mrs. Nora Conway, Mrs. Frank Kenny, Jean McNally, Mr.and Mrs. Bernard Burns, Mrs. J. Burns and Mrs. Catherine Mester of Estherville; Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Brown, Alice and Janet Brown, V. L. O'Connor, Mr. and Mrs. H. Eisenbast of Graettinger; Mrs. C. E. Whittinger; Madison, Wis.; Katherine Brown, Des Moines; James Brown, Iowa City; David J. Goran, Pipestone, Minn; Mr. and Mrs. James Maguire, Kathleen Maguire, Mr. and Mrs. Clare Dickinson, Mr. and Mrs. John McTigue, Mr. and Mrs. Roland Jackson of Spencer; Mrs. Katherine Molloy, Mr. and Mrs. David Joynt, Mr. and Mrs. John Calahan, Mrs. George Doyle, Herbert Doyle, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Walsh, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Mileham, Mrs. Matt Kane, Mrs. Rose Martini, Len Sherlock, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Joynt, Mr. and Mrs.M. Hoben, Mr. and Mrs. Ausin Hoben, P. T. O'Brien, John Ruddy, Mr. and Mrs. James Brennan, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Moses and Edward Ruddy, al of Emmetsburg.

In the death of Thos. Brennan Ruthven has lost one of its truly outstanding citizens. Mr. Brennan's entire life was a credit to himself and his family. He was a gentleman of excellent ability, was trustworthy and sincere. His code of conduct was the highest. Mr. Brennan enjoyed the confidence and the esteem of all who knew him.. He was truly charitable and Christian in his treatment of others. His family life was ideal. Mr. Brennan was well educated, well informed and took his fair part in every public enterprise. He was an honorable gentleman in every respect. His church, to which he gave life long allegiance, found in him one of its staunchest and most sincere supporters. As head of his famiy he provided good example. Mr. Brennan was sincere in his friendship and loyal to all with whom he was associated. His death is genuinely regretted by all who knew him for his many admirable qualities. Sincere sympathy is extended to the worthy son and daughter who are bereaved by his passing.