Evening journal., 1909-08-23
E. II. BRENNAN
PASSES AWAY
WeII-KnOwn Merchant Died
Suddenly at WeTnersvilIc,
Where he was ReCuperatine
NO ARRANGEMENTS
YET FOR FUNERAL

Edward H. Brennan, Of this city one
OF the best known merchants of Della
ware and president of the Central Ma
tional Bank, died suddenly last evening
at Wernersvlle. Pa, where he had gone
for a vacation and to recuperate. His
death occurred at 8 o'clock, and was
caused by myo-carditis, a form of heart
trouble MIR. Brennan's end wa7 en-
tirely unexpected and came without any
warning He was 65 years old. His
death is a great shock TO the members
of his family and his friends. as they
had no cause to fear for his demise, he
having improved so rapidly from
slight indisposition he suffered before
he went to Wernersville.
No arrangements have been made for
the funeral as yet, but probably Will be
made before this evening. Mr.. Bren-
mans body arrived in this city at 1l.45
O'Clock this morning and was accom-
panied from Wernersville by members
of his family.
Mr. Brennan went to Wernersville on
August 9, and Mrs. Brennan was with
him there. In a letter written few
days ago to members of his family he
told of feeling very well, and of hav-
ing gained weight in the mountains.
At the time of his death the members
of his family were on their way to
Wernersviile, some of them expecting to
remain with him there for two weeks.
Mrs. Brennan was the only member of
the family with him when he died, the
children arriving at Wernersville short
ly after he passed away. The. were
hearty prostrated by the shock on learn
ing Of his death
Mr.. Brennan was business man of
high integrity and was held in esteem
by all who knew him. He had a wide
circle of friends and acquaintances who
are deeply moved by his death. He was
born i'm ireland and in early life came
TO this country. He applied himself
to business in Chicago and later in New
York. and then came to Wilmington.
In 1891 he opened a large clothing and
furniture business at No. 5O4 Market
which was remarkably successful
At the death of Philip J. Walsh, the
widely-known merchant, Mr. Brennan
was named as a trustee of the great
Walsh estate. and in addition to that
has made manager OF the Phil. ]. Walsh
( stores in Philadelphia and this city
! The Wilmington store was discontinued
land Mr.. Brennan succeeded that firms
Walsh estate with remarkable business
ability and success, and when the
estate was settled a month ago he
retired as trustee and manager of the
large interests involved.
Mr.. Brennan's Wilmington store de-
Veloped rapidly, and soon outgrew the
location at No. 504 Market street. About
thirteen years ago the Brennan store
4 60. 1rn
ket street. the building on that site be-
ing razed and the modern stores now
standing there being erected.
Mr.. Brennan became a director OF
Central National Bank when it was
established in 1885. and in April last
he was elected president of the bank.
Mr. Brennan Is survived by his wife
Mrs. Mary L. Brennan, who was daugh
Ter OF Philip J. Walsh- and four children
they being Mrs. Florence Kirby, Edward
II. Brennan, Jr.. William H. Brennan ant
Miss Edith Brennan.
Mr.. Brennan was identified with man.
enterprises, and was director Of tn
Ninquadale Home. lie dispensed mucl
charity in an unostentatious way, an
there are many persons in Wilmington TO
day who have enjoyed the assistance o
Mr.. Brennan when It meant much L
them. and Of which nothing was know
except to those Immediately interested. NJ
brennan was member Of Santa Mari
Council. Knights of Columbus.
He was fond of outdoor life and enjoy
ed the delights Of driving. lie was neve
active in politics, although several time
his name was prominently mentioned b
the Democratic party for Governor an
Mayor. but he did not care for politica
honors.
When the remains arrived In this cit
shortly before noon several friends of tn
departed merchant were at the station I
meet members OF the family and to ten
der their condolences and profers Of as
sistance
Santa Maria Council, Knights O
Columbus. will have a special meetin
tonight to take action on Mr. Brennan
death
Action on Mr.. Brennan's death ais
will be taken by the directors OF Cen
tral Bank this week.
The Brennan stores at Nos. 2l9 an
22l Market street arc closed.
Knights Of Columbus to Meet.
Notice---A special meeting OF SAINT
Maria Council No. l95. Knights of Colun
bus will be held this evening at
deaf