DRENNAN, Samuel

A member of a pioneer Illinois family – 1822 his grandfather surveyed and marked stakes for Springfield, Ill. He left Illinois Dec. 18, 1852 and went down the Mississippi to New Orleans, thence to Isthmus which he crossed on mule back – arrived in San Francisco, Calif March 1853. He went to mines of Mariposa County for a short time then came to Santa Cruz where he remained until his death. He served as Deputy Sheriff under the second, third and fourth sheriffs of the County. The fourth Sheriff of the County was John T. Porter. ON return from a hot dusty ride Mr. Porter and Samuel Drennan went to mouth of San Lorenzo river on Monterey Bay, disrobed and bathed in surf. They were greatly invigorated and continued the practice. Huts for dressing rooms were erected and sea bathing, now one of Santa Cruz’ main attractions, was inaugurated.

He was a member of the Butler Guards during the Civil War. He was a member of the early Volunteer Fire Company – the Pilots. He was instrumental in introducing bituminous rock, a native product, as a road building material. He was prominent in the business and social life of the city from 1854 until his death in 1891

The History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County, Ill. pp 262-267, by John Carol Power – published 1876 by E. A. Wilson & Co. Illinois legal records – 1821. An act establishing the County of Sangamon. On of three to arrange for building of courthouse – logs, one room with a “good” door and window “cut out”. Named in numerous legal proceedings in Springfield in 1821 and succeeding years.