More info can be found at the Palo Alto, Iowa site, http://www.rootsweb.com/~iapaloal/paloalto.htm I am the great grandniece of Martin F Brennan. Emmetsburg Democrat, Thursday, December 6, 1934 Mrs. Martin. F. Brennan Mrs. Martin F. Brennan, pioneer Emmetsburg lady, died at her home on South Broadway last Wednesday noon after an illness which kept her bedfast for the past twenty-eight months. At the time of her passing, Mrs. Brennan was nearing her eighty-third year. The end was expected several weeks ago but her remarkable vitality carried her through until Wednesday when her weakened condtion could no longer enable her to continue the battle for life. Before her passing she had the comfort the last of the week of visiting with her son and daughters who rushed from distant states to her bedside. The funeral was held Friday morning. Services were conducted in the Assumption church where a solemn requiem mass was celebrated by the pastor, Very Rev. J. T. Finnegan. He was assisted by Rev. M. McNerney of Emmetsburg, deacon, and Rev. Leo Berger of Sioux City, sub-deacon. Altar boys were Donald Currans, Michael Callahan, William and Thomas Branagan. During the service the Assummption choir rendered the music of the mass, after the close of which the beautiful solo, "Nearer My God to Thee" was sung by Thomas Brady. Before the remains were taken from the church, Very Rev. Finnegan paid a touching tribute to the sterling character of the deceased. He called especial attention to Mrs. Brennan's faithfulness to true ideals during life and he recalled that her steadfastness to true principles remained with her to the end. The eloquent pastor was at his best. Interment was in St. John's cemetery. The pall bearers were Dan Burns, Lou Phillips, John Steil, Lou Laughlin, Robert Mulroney an W. T. Branagan. Anne Veronica Breene was born in Alyene, County Tipperary, Ireland, May 2, 1852. She was the only daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Breene. When she was at an early age her family emigrated from Ireland to America, finally locating at Lodi, Wisconsin. Here she spent her youth. Because she refused to attend public school under the unfair provisions of the Wisconsin Bennett law she was sent by her parents to Milwaukee where she completed her education in the St. Mary's Academy of that city. Later the Breene family moved from Lodi to Laval, Wisconsin. During her young womanhood she had occasion to visit friends in Iowa. It was while in this vicinity on a visit that she met M. F. Brennan of this place. They were married at Delony, Wisconsin, on November 9, 1876. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brennan came to Palo Alto county where they settled on a farm in Great Oak township. About thirty years ago they moved to Emmetsburg and took up their residence in the present home on South Broadway. Mr. Brennan served as marshal of our city for twenty years, retiring a couple of years ago. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brennan. A son John passed away at San Francisco eight years ago. The others are Attorney M. J. Brennan of Milwaukee, Attorney James F. Brennan of San Francisco, Mrs. Wm. Hughes of Havre, Montana, Mrs. Alice Currans and Mrs. Mike Neibauer of Emmetsburg. They, besides her worthy husband, are left to mourn her loss. On November 9, 1926, Mr. and Mrs. Brennan had the happiness to celebrate the observance of their golden wedding anniversary. At that time all of their children were present to contribute enjoyment to the occasion. A host of local friends and relatives called upon them during the day to offer best wishes. Mrs. Brennan was one of the really fine Christian women of Emmetsburg. Outstanding among her many noble, womanly qualities were, as her good pastor stated so well, her loyalty and her faithfulness to the end. The richest possible inheritance she could hand down to her exemplary chidren is the memory of a clean, honorable life of self sacrifice that the purposes of her creator might be better served and that those dependent upon her might go forth to become God-fearing and respected men and women. She was possessed of deep religious convictions and her actions were guided by a genuine understanding of the duties and the obligations of Christian motherhood. She was energetic and she was kind and generous to those in need. Those who knew her were her friends. She was ever solicitous for the best welfare of those near and dear to her. In death she leaves a memory that will ever be revered not only by the immediate members of her family but also by the many residents of Emmetsburg who knew her and loved her. The Democrat joins with many friends in offering sincere sympathy to Mr. Brennan and the worthy sons and daughters in their bereavement. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Descendants of Martin F Brennan 1 Martin F Brennan b: 05/01/1853 in English Canada src: 1900 Census-Palo Alto Co. d: 1937 in Emmetsburg,Iowa . +Anne Veronica Breen b: 05/02/1852 in Alyene, Tipperary,Ireland src1: 1900 Census-Palo Alto Co., src2: Obit m: 1876 in Baraboo, Wisconsin src: 1900 Census-Palo Alto Co. d: 11/28/1934 in Emmetsburg Iowa ........ 2 Catherine Brennan aka: Kate b: 10/1877 in Palo Alto County, Iowa src: 1900 Census-Palo Alto Co. ............ +William Hughes ........ 2 James F Brennan b: 01/1879 in Palo Alto County,Iowa src: 1900 Census-Palo Alto Co. ............ +Lizzie Farrell m: 09/14/1904 in California ........ 2 John C Brennan b: 02/1881 in Palo Alto County, Iowa src: 1900 Census-Palo Alto Co. d: 1925 src: St. John's Cemetery Records ........ 2 Anna V Brennan b: 11/1884 in Palo Alto County,Iowa src: 1900 Census-Palo Alto Co. ............ +Mike Niebauer ........ 2 Martin J Brennan b: 10/1886 in Palo Alto County, Iowa src: 1900 Census-Palo Alto Co. d: 06/01/1970 ............ +Katherine Killorin aka: Kate b: 12/03/1889 m: 08/31/1914 in St Patrick's, Eau Claire, Wisconsin d: 07/31/1979 ........ 2 Alice Rose Brennan b: 11/1888 in Emmetsburg, Iowa src: 1900 Census-Palo Alto Co. ............ +Thomas Patrick Currans b: Abt. 1885 in Ruthven,Iowa m: Abt. 06/03/1914 in Emmetsburg,Iowa