BIOGRAPHY: Jacob BRENEMAN [BRENNEMAN], Mifflin County, PA

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The Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley, Comprising 
the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, and Perry, Pennsylvania.
Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, Volume I, pages 506-507.

  JACOB BRENEMAN, deceased, formerly of Lewistown, Mifflin county, Pa., was born 
near Maytown, Lancaster county, Pa., July 1, 1808.  He is a son of Mr. And Mrs. 
Charles M. Breneman.  His father died December 19, 1816, and his mother 
September 22, 1817.  Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church of 
Lewistown.  After the death of his parents, his guardian, Christian Brandt, of 
Lancaster, Pa., cared for him until he attained his majority.  He learned 
distilling, but abandoned the business and turned his attention to keeping 
hotel.  Financially, Mr. Breneman was very successful, his genial manners and 
his hospitality made him very popular, while his enterprise and liberal 
management rendered his house comfortable and attractive.  His first hotel was 
the Black Horse, Harrisburg, Dauphin county, Pa.  After eight years in 
Harrisburg he removed to Lewistown, and took charge of the Union House, now 
known as the Miller House.  At the end of one year he took the Black Bear Hotel, 
afterwards called the Valley House, which under his care soon became a popular 
stopping place.  It was well kept and was a prosperous hotel up to the time of 
Mr. Breneman's death.  One of the causes of its success was the unfailing 
kindness of its host, who was never known to refuse a hearty meal to a hungry 
traveler, however destitute.  Mr. Breneman never failed to recognize the 
assistance given him by his faithful wife, whose constant care and oversight had 
contributed in no small degree to his success.
  Jacob Breneman was married, July 26, 1855, at Middleton, Dauphin county, to 
Susan, daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Witmer) Murray.  They have three 
children:  Christian Brandt, born in November, 1856, married Mary Wilson, has 
two children, Edgar and Mary;  Catherine M. (Mrs. David C. Hamaker), of 
Lewistown, born August 25, 1859, has two children, Maud Irwin and Walter;  and 
Charles M., born December 31, 1863, married Julia, daughter of Joseph and Anna 
(Myers) Adams, has one daughter, Anna Roumania.  Mr. Jacob Brenneman was a 
consistent member of the Presbyterian church at Lewistown.  He died May 16, 
1882;  his wife is still living, and is a member of the Lutheran church at 
Lewistown.
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TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:  The author of the above biography has spelled the surname 
two ways:  BRENEMAN   and   BRENNEMAN.  They  have been transcribed as they were 
found in the biography.