Blair County PA Archives Biographies.....Brenaman, James A. January 15, 1846 - ????
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Judy Banja http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00004.html#0000757 January 13, 2025, 6:52 am

Source: Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Blair Co, PA: Philadelphia, 1892.
Author: Samuel T. Wiley

JAMES A. BRENAMAN, 
the veteran painter and dealer in painter's supplies, at Altoona, who for
more than two decades was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in
their painting department, is a son of Samuel and Emma (White) Brenaman, and
first saw the light of this world on January 15, 1846, at Eldorado, Blair
county, Pennsylvania.  The Brenamans are of German descent, but are an old
resident family of the Keystone State.  Samuel Brenaman (father) is a native
of what is now Blair (but was formerly Huntingdon) county, being born in
1812.  He now resides in the city of Altoona, in the eightieth year of his
age, having lived here since 1865.  After removing to Altoona he entered the
employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and was with that company for
many years.  Since 1884 he has lived a retired life, being no longer able for
active business.  In politics he has been a straight republican ever since the
organization of that party in Pennsylvania.  He married Emma White, by whom he
had a family of children.  Mrs. Brenaman is a native of this county, of Scotch
descent, a devoted member of the United Brethren church, and is now in her
seventy-fourth year.
      James A. Brenaman was reared principally in the city of Altoona, and
received his education in the common schools here.  In 1862 he started in to
learn the trade of house and sign painting, and has been identified with the
painting business ever since.  From January, 1862, to March, 1882, he was
employed in the paint department of the Pennsylvania railroad, and during six
years of this time he served as foreman in that department.  In 1882 he formed
a partnership with S.H. Bowers, under the style of Brenaman & Bowers, and
engaged in contract painting.  This firm existed until 1887, when Mr.
Brenaman purchased the interest of his partner in the business, and admitted
his brother Samuel H. Brenaman, into partnership with himself, under the firm
name of Brenaman & Brother.  They did business up to 1890, when Samuel H.
Brenaman sold out to his brother and retired from the firm.  Since that time
the subject of this sketch has operated the business alone and in his own
name.  In connection with painting he also conducts a store, located at No.
1207 Ninth avenue, where he carries a nice stock of wall paper and all kinds
of painters' supplies.  He does a large business in contracting and painting,
and by energy, enterprise, and careful attention to details, has become very
prosperous and successful.
      On the 4th of July, 1867, Mr. Brenaman was wedded to Sadie Paul, of the
city of Johnstown, this State.  She is an intelligent, capable woman, and has
done much to further her husband's success in life.
      In his political affiliations Mr. Brenaman has always been republican,
and while not a politician still takes a deep interest in the success of his
party and its principles.  He owns some valuable real estate in this city,
and can point with pride to his successful business career.  He is a regular
attendant on the services of the Methodist Episcopal church, and contributes
liberally towards its support.

Additional Comments:
Originally submitted 2001. Transcribed by Janet Ebaugh

This file has been created by a form at http://www.usgwarchives.net/pafiles/

File size: 3.8 Kb