Thomas Brennan
On May 23, 1884 a trustee for the Ronald family sold the house and lot to Thomas Brennan for $12,000. Thomas Brennan was born in Queens County, Ireland in 1839 and immigrated to the United States in 1842. He worked in St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Louisville as a machinist and was awarded 27 patents for his inventions. Two of his patents are said to have been awarded two first prizes at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. He married Anna Bruce in 1869 and together they had nine children, eight of which survived. Thomas was the co-owner and vice president of Brennan & Co., Southwestern Agricultural Works, a manufacturing firm of farm machinery. When Thomas retired in 1897, he traveled to many fashionable American resorts. Thomas Brennan died February 27, 1914 and was interred in Cave Hill Cemetery.
Anna Bruce Brennan was born in St. Helier, Isle of Jersey in 1845. Her father, Napoleon Gubbins Bruce, was an Anglican priest who was intimately acquainted with author Victor Hugo. Her family were descendents of men in Napoleon’s army, which led to a penchant for all things Napoleon. Following emigration, Anna Bruce attended Wesleyan College in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she studied five languages. Upon, her father’s death, Anna’s mother, Mary Ann moved to Louisville and lived with the Brennan family. Anna preceded her mother in death, dying May 13, 1909, and was interred in Cave Hill Cemetery.