William
M. Drennan, formerly mayor of
the city of Girard, Macoupin County, a soldier of the Civil War and a
prominent and useful citizen, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was
born in Sangamon County, Illinois, November 4, 1842, and died September 4,
1899. He was one of a family of seven children born to his parents, Joseph
and Elizabeth (Withrow) Drennan.
Joseph Drennan was born in Kentucky
in 1814 and died in Illinois in 1872. He married Elizabeth Withrow who was
born in 1823 in Sangamon County, Illinois, and died in 1860. When our late
subject was seven years old, the family removed to Macoupin County and
settled on a farm in North Otter township. Here William M. Drennan was
reared and attended the local schools. From the age of 17 years he made his
own way in the world. The outbreak of the Civil War aroused in him a loyal
enthusiasm which caused his enlistment in the Union Army, his name being
entered on the roll of Company B, 114th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., on August
14, 1862. During a very hard term of service which included the battles of
Jackson, Mississippi; Nashville, Tennessee; Brandon, Mississippi; Guntown
and Tupelo, Mississippi, he bore himself as a brave and valiant soldier,
although little more than a youth in years. After completing his term of
enlistment, he returned to Macoupin County and resumed farming.
Mr.
Drennan was married April 24, 1866, to Margaret L. Johnston, who is a
daughter of Isaac B. and Elizabeth (Berry) Johnston, who reared a family of
six children, Mrs. Drennan being the second in order of birth. Her father
was born in Kentucky, and died April 20, 1856, and her mother died in
Nebraska in 1887. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Drennan, viz:
William O., born January 28, 1867; Elizabeth E. (Mrs. John Wells); and Cora
E. (Mrs. Henry Huber).
For many years Mr. Drennan was very prominent
in North Otter township and was a leader in Democratic politics. For four
years he served as supervisor, for a like period was township treasurer and
for 12 years was highway commissioner. He took an active part in advancing
the interests of his party and served in many important positions, and was a
delegate to both county and State Democratic conventions. In 1897 he was
elected mayor of Girard and served as such for two years, his administration
being marked with many needed reforms and meeting with the approbation of
his constituents. His public service only tended to make him more highly
respected, and through life he enjoyed the esteem of men of both parties.
Mr. Drennan was always deeply interested in educational matters and
faithfully served as a member of the School Board for a number of years.
Mrs. Drennan still resides in the beautiful home in Girard, where she is
highly regarded and has many social interests. She is a consistent member of
the Methodist Church, which the late Mr. Drennan attended and to which he
gave liberally, as well as to other religious bodies, also contributing
generously to the city's charities. The first gun ever brought into Sangamon
County, Illinois, was a rifle which belonged to William M. Drennan's
grandfather, Joseph Drennan, and which is now in the possession of the widow
of our subject.
Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 416-419.
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