BRENNAN, OWEN J. (deceased), was a representative, useful citizen of Springfield, Ill., where he lived from 1894 until his death, which occurred May 15, 1908. He had been for twenty-eight years an employee of the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, and had reached a position of responsibility and trust through close application to his duties and careful attention to every detail of the work he had in hand. He was a man of sober, industrious habits, devoted to his home and family, and enjoyed the society and companionship of his many friends. Mr. Brennan was born near Belfast, Ireland, December 23, 1860, a son of John and Margaret (Dodd) Brennan, both born near Belfast. The father was a land inspector and a prominent man in his community.

The childhood of Owen J. Brennan was spent in Ireland and Scotland, where he received his education, and after leaving school he found employment as foreman in a mine in Scotland. He emigrated to America in 1879 and subsequently entered the employ of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, locating in Alton. After he had been in the employ of the company nine years he moved to Springfield and was promoted to the position of foreman of electricians for the road. His death was the result of an accident. He was trying to prevent a wreck on the road at Granite City, Ill., and was killed by a passenger train. He was buried in Bloomington, Ill.

Mr. Brennan left a widow and one son. He was married, at Joliet, Ill., October 6, 1890, to Miss Nora Roland, born in Joliet February 15, 1860, daughter of Edward and Mary (Mahar) Roland, both natives of Ireland. He was raised near the city of Limerick and she was born in Tipperary but reared at Waltham near Boston. Three children born to Mr. Brennan and wife in Alton died and were buried in the cemetery there, and one son died in Springfield, being buried in Calvary Cemetery. The only surviving child, Thomas Emmett, was born in Springfield, October 14, 1897, and is attending school there. Mr. Brennan was a member of the Catholic Church and in politics was a Democrat. He took no prominent part in public affairs and never cared to hold public office, being engrossed in his private affairs and his work. However, he was interested in the improvement and welfare of his community and gave his support to many good causes.