San Joaquin
County
Biographies
JOHN J.
BRENNAN
A well-earned success has been the reward of John J. Brennan, and it has come about entirely through his own efforts and in the face of handicaps that might have easily discouraged one of less stability of character. A native of Ireland, Mr. Brennan was born January 12, 1862, and in 1881, when nineteen years old, he landed in New York. His first work there was as a clerk in a grocery store, and then for a number of years he worked on the Third Avenue line of the New York Elevated Railroad. While a resident of the metropolis he was married to Miss Maria Gilboy, and in 1906 he brought her and their five sons, ranging from five to sixteen years, to Tracy in the hope of benefiting her health. After only ten months' residence here she passed away, leaving him with the responsibility of rearing and caring for the five children.
For a time Mr. Brennan worked in the baggage and freight department of the Southern Pacific Railroad at Tracy, but after his wife's death he went to Stockton, where for the next four years he was connected with the street department of the city, under Oscar Wright, the superintendent of streets. He then ran a grocery at Fair Oaks a short time, and in 1908 bought the grocery store and building at Center and Jackson streets. This he conducted a number of years with splendid success, later turning it over to his son, Frank Brennan, who is now in charge. Mr. Brennan now has another store at 317 South Stanislaus street. Coming to California with only $140, he has indeed made the most of his opportunities and is now rated in Dun and Bradstreet from $10,000 to $20,000. Successful in his business ventures, he has invested his profits in real estate and is now the owner of the California Bakery building and has erected an apartment house adjoining; he also owns valuable Richmond property. Mr. Brennan is the father of five sons who grew to maturity: Harry; William; Joseph P., who died at Stockton while serving in the Commissary Department, U. S. A.; Frank and Edward.
Transcribed by V. Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: Tinkham,
George H., History of San Joaquin County, California , Pages 1506-1507. Los Angeles, Calif.: Historic
Record Co., 1923.
©
2012 V. Gerald
Iaquinta.
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