Waterbury evening Democrat., 1895-05-11
MYSTERIOUS BRENNAN.
A Queer Man Who Has Made ReguIarl Visits to Waterbury for . Quarter .

A Queer Man Who Has Made Regularly Visits to Waterbury for . Quarter oI Century.
 John Brennan, one of the best known characters in the state, was in town yes- terday afternoon. and although the ther- mometer registered ninety in the shade, he was dressed in his usual attire. dress suit of heavy material, with a long ulster reaching to his feet and a pair of rubber boots pulled over his trousers. He invari- ably carries a stick almost as heavy as a hitching post and big bag filled with all kinds of curiosities tucked awkwardly un- der his arm. For years the man has been mystery to the people of Waterbury and few have ever had an opportunity to con- verse with him. He has an impeachment in his speech and talks with great difficult ty. He makes regular trips through all most every town in the state, and in some places he is known as "Southington Jim."
 About twenty-five years ago he rested beneath the shade of poplar tree on the stone wall little south of the Buckle shop rust about where the residence of Mrs Santanna now stands. It was the third of July and an old employe of the factory looked across the street and remarked that he had noticed this man come down the
 
 season for several years previous. Some one tried to talk with him but he was un. communicative and when approached shifted to another position. His appear ance at that time was exactly the same as 1t is to-day, with the exception that he has aged wonderfully and has substituted heavy piece of wood for his light cane In those days he used to make his way from one town to another on foot, but of late he rides on the cars.
 Yesterday he got of the 1:12 train at the Naugatuck depot and rested himself for a while against the ice chest. A re- porter who has known him for a number years, but who could never get a chance to speak with him. approached him and re- marked: "This is a very warm day, Jim |" After great struggle he answered.:
 My name is not Jim, my name is John Brennan"
 Where did you come from was asked.
 "From the old country" and as the words fell from his lips he seemed to heave a sigh as though the question had put him in mind of the scenes of his youth.
 What part of the old country did you come from ? continued his questioner.
 "From Tipperary" he said. "a place that I may not see again." or something to that that effect, for the last few words were al- most unintelligible and he seemed to be growing tired of the subject and started to pick up his bag.
 But the reporter was al xious to hear some more of this strange mans life and inquired: "How long have you been in America and why do you keep travelling all the time. ?"
 "Oh," he stammered, it's years and years ago since I came here and I'm always on the go because I'm obliged to. I can't find rest in any particular place. With thls he shambled of apparantly unwilling to reveal any more of the secrets of his lite. He is one of the most mysteri- ous characters known in this section of the country and there are quite a good many who would like to know the story of his life. It is said that the whole cause of his nomadic habits was the result of love af- fair. He is man of powerful build, per- fectly harmless and has a host Of friends all over the state. Even the mischievous small boy, who is a constant menace to odd characters, beholds him with look of mingled wonder aad yenera!ion and speaks in subdUed tones of the strange appear ance of this man of mystery.