Patrick Brennan, Orphan Train Rider

Patrick Brennan was one of the Vermilion County Company boys who served in the Civil War and were all listed in the 1868 Annual Report. He was an Irish immigrant. He lived with the Mendenhalls and was attending college in Indiana the year Mrs. Mendenhall made a report to the Asylum. In 1860 he was married to Cornelia Terrell, and two years later he enlisted in the 125th Illinois Infantry, Company D, and left for the war. After the war and more time at college, he taught school before entering into mercantilism.

Patrick and Cornelia had only two children, William and Wintress. In Ogden, IL Patrick owned a general store, which his son managed after Patrick's death in 1913. William had completed a law degree at the Illinois Wesleyan Law School in Bloomington, IL, but because of the success of his father's business, he was needed there and never practiced law. William died at the age of 48, just 7 years after the death of his father, leaving four daughters, Jessica, Virginia, Elizabeth and Patricia. Wintress never married.

Patrick Brennan was buried at the GAR cemetery in Homer, IL. Patrick's is one of the stories of a Orphan Train Rider given the opportunities necessary for him to reach his potential and contribute to the community! The kindness of the Mendenhall's affected Patrick's children's lives as well.