Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1189:
DRENNAN, JOHN WALTER - The Drennans were among the pioneers of Sangamon County, and have borne an important part in the progress and development of the locality. John Walter Drennan, now living on Section 3 of Divernon Township, is of the third generation of his branch of the family to live in the county, and was born on the farm he now owns and occupies, July 29, 1877. He is a son of Alfred L. and Emma J. (Christopher) Drennan, natives of Sangamon County, the former born in 1852 and the latter in 1855. The parents have spent their entire lives in the county, though they have resided in various townships. The father was a farmer by occupation but has now retired from active life and resides in Springfield. The grandparents of John W. Drennan were all early settlers of Sangamon County, where they died.
As a boy, John Walter Drennan attended Oak Ridge District School and upon completing his education took up farming as an occupation. He is fond of fine horses and has always enjoyed horse racing and hunting. He has never moved from his birthplace, and although he has traveled rather extensively in the West, has never cared to reside anywhere else than in his present location. He understands the soil on his farm and its peculiar fitness for various kinds of treatment, and is an energetic, progressive farmer. Besides his farming interests he owns stock in the Farmers' Elevator Company, of Divernon. He is a man of upright honesty and integrity and stands well with his neighbors and acquaintances. He is representative of the best type of citizenship and takes pride in his achievements as a farmer and a business man. He owns 160 acres of land and also some city property.
Mr. Drennan was married in Cotton Hill Township, April 23, 1902, the Rev. T. F. Hartman, of Chatham, officiating, to Cora E. Colean, who was born in Sangamon County, March 11, 1880, daughter of Meade W. and Abbie (Babb) Colean, natives of Sangamon County and farmers of Cotton Hill Township. The Coleans are among the earliest and best known families in Sangamon County. Three sons have been born of this union: Alfred C., born February 16, 1902; Clarence A., March 13, 1905; Harold W., May 6, 1910. Mr. Drennan is proud of his children, as he has every reason to be. He has been for many years a member of the Methodist Church, to which his wife also belongs. He is a Republican in politics and takes an active interest in local affairs. He is now serving as School Trustee. Fraternally Mr. Drennan belongs to Camp No. 572, Modern Woodmen, of Divernon, and to the Court of Honor of Glenarm.