Kerney, Perry

KERNEY

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/22/2019 at 15:18:30

Perry Kerney

(From the 1891 Biographical History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p.491)
PERRY KERNEY is one of the prominent citizens of Silver Creek Township, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, having been a resident of this County since 1880. Mr. KERNEY was born in Andrew County, Missouri, December 30, 1851. His father, Caleb KERNEY, was born in Pennsylvania, a son of William KERNEY, who was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Grandfather KERNEY was a relative of General KERNEY of United States fame, the KERNEY family being an old and prominent one in western Pennsylvania. Our subject's mother was nee Ruth VAN BUSKIRK, a native of Pennsylvania and a descendant of Holland Dutch ancestry. She and Mr. KERNEY were married in Richland County, Ohio and some time afterward moved to Andrew County, Missouri. From there, they went to Mills County, Iowa, becoming pioneers of that place. The parents lived in Mills County from 1853 until the time of their deaths, the mother dying October 6, 1865, and the father, February 23, 1880. He followed agricultural pursuits all his life, was a Democrat and a Baptist. He and his wife reared eight children, four sons and four daughters, Perry being the third born.

The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. He remained in Mills County until 1880, when he came to Pottawattamie County and settled on his present farm in section 2, Silver Creek Township, which was at that time wild prairie land. He now has one of the best improved farms in the neighborhood. His cottage home is pleasantly located on a natural building site and commands an excellent view of the surrounding country. His barn is 28 X 34 feet, with sixteen-foot posts, and his grove and orchard of four acres are among the best in the township. Among other improvements are cribs, yards, cattle sheds, feed lots, and a modern windmill. Everything about the KERNEY farm shows the thrift and prosperity of the owner.

Mr. KERNEY was married in Mills County, Iowa, February 16, 1876, to Miss Mary E. TIPTON, a native of Atchison County, Missouri, daughter of Saul and Rachel (WOOLSEY) TIPTON. She was reared and educated in Mills County, Iowa. Her mother died when Mrs. KERNEY was give years old. Mr. And Mrs. KERNEY have three children: Nathan W., Pearly May, and Lela M. Mr. KERNEY is one of the leading members of the Republican Party in his community. He is the present Township Trustee. Mrs. KERNEY is a member of the Evangelical Church.