Jeremiah M. "Jerry" Kenney (1823-1911)
- Our friend Jerry Kenney was expected home from his Lake Superior trip last evening.
A copy of the following unidentified newspaper article was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:
DEATH OF A PIONEER
Jeremiah M. Kenney was born at Hallowell, Kennebee County, Maine, November 10, 1823. Mr. Kenney was one of five children born to Charles and Deborah (Rollins) Kenney. In 1807 the family removed to Ohio; remaining there three years, then returning to their native state. In 1837 the family again took up its westward march, first settling in Porter County then coming to Lake County a year later; settling on the farm now occupied by Fred Topping, in Eagle Creek Township. Mr. Kenney received his education in the common schools of his native state. After coming to Indiana, he assisted his father in opening up and improving the new farm. He remained at home with his father, assisting him in all the arduous work of improving the farm, until he was 21 years of age, when he went to Door Prairie, where he worked as a farm hand for two years, at ten dollars per month. He then rented land and began farming on his own account. By industry and economy, he saved money enough to buy forty acres of land. This was the nucleus of the splendid farm of five hundred acres he acquired and left to his children as a heritage. In connection with Mr. Kenney's large farming operations, he carried on the mercantile business at Orchard Grove in connection with which was the post office, he being postmaster for more than thirty years; the office being abolished when the rural route was established.October 12, 1848, the marriage of Mr. Kenney with Miss Phoebe Woodruff, a native of Ohio, was celebrated. To this union six children were born; four sons and two daughters; George W., Lucinda, J.C., Joseph D., Schuyler C. and Effie L. Five of these children are left to console and comfort their mother, who is 81 years old in her declining years. Joseph D. passed to that higher life in 1886. For 63 years Mr. and Mrs. Kenney have trod life's pathway together; sharing in each others joys and sorrows. At the age of 25 Mr. Kenney was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and for more that 60 years, has lived a faithful and consistent Christian life; being ever ready to aid and assist in the work of the church. In addition to the assistance he rendered the church, he always stood ready to lend a helping hand to any good and worthy cause. His dealings with his fellowman were always honest and honorable. It was these qualities that made him honored and respected by all who knew him.
Thus passes away another of our early pioneers; a man who has done his full share in reclaiming a wilderness and making it blossom and bloom as a rose. He lived to see the squatter's cabin replaced by stately mansions, and our county to become one of the richest in the state.
His death occurred at 9 o'clock p.m. Wednesday June 26, 1911. His age was 87 years, 7 months, and 16 days. His funeral, which was very largely attended, occurred at 2 p.m. Friday. After a song by August Miller and daughter, and prayer at the house, the remains were taken to the Orchard Grove cemetery, where after another song, Rev. . . [Story ends abruptly.]
Go to Jeremiah M. "Jerry" Kenney, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.
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