Hannah Woodruff Kenney (1828-1897)
(Mrs. Charles A. Kenney)

Mrs. Hannah Kenney has our thanks for a roll of delicious butter.

Hannah Woodruff Kenney was born in Jefferson, Green county, Pennsylvania, Oct. 12, 1828, and died at her home near Orchard Grove surrounded by all her children Dec. 22, 1897, at the age of 69 years, 2 months and 10 days. Her death was caused by heart trouble.

When she was 2 years old her parents moved to Ohio where they remained until she was 12 years old when they came to Indiana settling where she died. She was a pioneer of this country, having lived here for 57 years. She was the elder daughter of Jacob* and Rachael Woodruff, the other being the wife of Jerry Kenney. April 8, 1844, she was united in marriage to Charles Kenney who preceded her many years, having died Oct. 30, 1871. She was the mother of six children, five of which survive her. Olive J., wife of George Ragon, died nine years ago leaving a babe, the care of which largely devolved upon his Grandmother. She became converted and joined the Methodist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Baker, since which time she has lived a consistent Christian life. She was a devoted wife and mother and a kind, obliging neighbor and will be missed and mourned by the entire community. She leaves a sister, three daughters, two sons and a large number of friends and neighbors to mourn her departure to that better land. Her funeral took place from the Orchard Grove School house Friday, December 24, at 10:30 a.m., Rev. John Bruce officiating. The remains were laid away to rest beside her husband in the Orchard Grove cemetery, there to rest in quiet slumber through summer's heat and winter's chill, until the morning of the first resurrection when she will come forth in the newness of life to meet and greet her loved ones. We extend to the bereaved ones our sincere sympathy.

Rest, dear mother from all thy labors.
And thy works which shall follow thee,
For thou hast won thy crown of glory,
Which thou shalt wear through all eternity

* NOTE -- This obituary lists the father of Hannah Woodruff Kenney as Jacob Woodruff. A 1980 Pioneer History column has the name of her sister Phoebe Woodruff (Mrs. Jerry) Kenney's father as James Woodruff. The obituary below, found in the same scrapbook, shows Hannah Kenney's father as James Woodruff:

Mrs. Hannah Woodruff Kenney was born in Jefferson, Green county, Pa., October 12, 1828. Was the oldest of the two children born to Jas. H. and Rachel Woodruff, the other child being Mrs. Jerry Kenney of Orchard Grove, Indiana. Hannah Woodruff was married to Chas. A. Kenney April 8th, 1844. To this union six children were born, all of whom are living except one daughter -- Olive S. Ragon -- she having died 9 years ago last May. Chas, A. Kenney died October 30th, 1871. She united with the M.E. church while Rev. Baker had the work in charge. She lived in Pennsylvania until two years of age. Then moved to Ohio and lived there until twelve years old when she came to Orchard Grove and resided until time of death.

The funeral services were held at the little school house at Orchard Grove and were conducted by Rev. J. Bruce of Lowell on Thursday, December 23d. Remains were interred in the Orchard Grove cemetery.