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JOSEPH H. DRENNAN is a member of the County Board of Supervisors, representing Woodside Township, of which he is one of the leading citizens and one of its most progressive farmers and stock growers. His family name is indissolubly linked with the early history of Sangamon County, as his paternal grandfather who bore the same name as himself, was the second settler in this part of Illinois. His father also actively aided in the early development of this region.
The father of our subject the late Jackson Drennan, was born in Kentucky, but soon after his birth his parents came to Sangamon County and as before mentioned settled here where but one white family had preceded them. In the account of the early settlement of Ball Township, given in the history of Sangamon County, there is an interesting description of this early settlement. The mother of our subject was Sarah Hurley prior to her marriage and she was born in Tennessee. Her parents were also early pioneers of this county, coming here when she was a child. The parents of our subject were reared and married amid pioneer scenes and settled in Ball Township. They afterward removed to Woodside Township, where they passed the last years of their life, she dying March 3, 1869, and he November 27, 1882. They had eight children, two sons and four daughters, of whom the following three are living: Amanda, wife of S. D. Morrison, of Ball Township; Nancy, wife of Levi Cassidy, of Woodside Township; and Joseph H.
The latter who forms the subject of this sketch was born in Ball Township, April 7, 1853. He was subsequently brought to Woodside Township and here grew to man's estate, laying the foundation of a liberal education in the common schools. He afterward attended Illinois College at Jacksonville for one year, and when starting out on life's journey on his own account was well prepared for what lay before him. He was bred to the calling of a farmer, and having a natural aptitude for this noble vocation, he selected it as the one best suited to his taste, and has ever since followed it with marked success. He owns two hundred and twenty acres of land which are finely cultivated and well improved. He has erected a substantial set of buildings and everything about the place shows excellent management on the part of the owner.
November 27, 1871, our subject was wedded to Miss Mattie E. Forbes, a daughter of William and Eliza P. (Stour) Forbes. Her father died in Tennessee and her mother is now a resident of Woodside Township. Mrs. Drennan was the fourth of a family of five children and was born in Tennessee. Her marriage with our subject has brought to them one child, Hattie F.
Well educated, liberal in his views, generous as regards money matters, and always gentlemanly and genial, our subject is popular with the entire community. His active progressive spirit and well balanced intellect, amply fit him for public life and he has been called to fil various responsible positions. He was elected Supervisor in the month of April, 1889, and so well did he represent Woodside Township as a member of the County Board, he was re-elected in April, 1890, to the same position. He has been School Director, and is deeply interested in education matters. In politics he is a sound Democrat and is a leader in his party in this section of the State.