P. BRENNAN

P. BRENNAN, a general merchant and prominent citizen of L'Anse, Baraga County, Michigan, was born in Ireland March 2, 1846, and is a son of John and Mary (Comerford) Brennan, both of whom were also natives of Ireland. John Brennan came to America shortly after the death of his wife, which occurred when our subject was 10 years of age. His brother, James Brennan, had settled at Detroit, Michigan, in 1824, and started the first boiler shop in that city. James Brennan died at Detroit in 1866, five years after John Brennan joined him there, the latter's death occurring in the same year. Five members of the parental family of 10 children still survive, namely:  Mrs. Martin Kelsey, a widow, resides near Keweenaw Bay; Rev. B. F., who spent some 10 years in America, but is now a priest in Ireland; Mrs. B. McCauley, who lives near Keweenaw Bay; P., our subject; and Michael, a lawyer of Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Brennan of this sketch received his early education in the schools of his native country, and reached Detroit, Michigan, with his father in 1861. He embarked in a dry goods business with his brother in that city and continued there until July, 1870, when he removed to L'Anse, Baraga County. In 1872 he settled on his present site, but had previously operated a country store between Keweenaw Bay and Baraga, and was one of the earliest settlers and business men of what is now the very flourishing town of L'Anse. He carries a large and well selected stock of general merchandise and is justly considered one of the leading business men of the place. Mr. Brennan was married September 7, 1876, at L'Anse, to Anna A. Brady, who is a daughter of John Brady, one of the earliest settlers of Ontonagon County, Michigan, locating there in 1852. Mr. Brady removed to L'Anse in 1871 and for several years conducted a store here. His death took place in 1898, at the age of 71 years. Mr. and Mrs. Brennan have a family of seven children, as follows: John E., who is foreman for the Pittsburg & Lake Erie Iron Company at L'Anse, Michigan; Agnes, Laura, Thomas C., Hubert, Leo and Berenice, all at home, the younger ones still being students. Mr. Brennan has most efficiently served as a member of the Council and at one time was township treasurer. He has also been a useful member of the Board of Education.

Source: Biographical Record, Houghton, Baraga and Marquette Counties.  Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company, 1903.