Kinney, Michael 1840-1925

KINNEY, ALLEN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:38

Source: Alton Democrat (11-6-1925)

Born: 1840
Died: October 27, 1925

Tuesday afternoon, October 27, the Angel of Death summoned to his reward Michael Kinney, one of the oldest and best known pioneers of this vicinity.

Mr. Kinney was born at Chesterville, Ontario, Canada, on January 17, 1840. His parents died when he was but three years of age and he thus spent the rest of his boyhood days with strangers. For this reason his heart always went out to the poor orphans. He knew but little of a parent’s love. When 19 years of age he entered the lumbering camps above Toronto. In those days the life of a woodsman meant tough hardship. From there he went to Eacanaba, Michigan and was in the employ of the Cook Brothers Lumber Company for a number of years, acting in the capacity of foreman. He was also a sailor on the great lakes. In March 1871, he came to Sioux County and brought 120 acres of railroad land where now stands the old place. He also bought more land later adjoining the original home. In June of 1871 he was united in marriage to Margaret Allen and the two returned in 1871 and began making use of the Sioux County’s raw prairie, breaking sod, fighting grasshoppers and prairie fires and the many other hardships of the early days. He foresaw the results of the World War on agricultural speculations and of times warned his fellow farmers of a like period which followed the Civil War such as we just had since the World War ended.

Mr. Kinney’s untimely death was a shock to us all for he had been in our midst just a few days previous and was apparently enjoying his usual good health. A week ago Friday he came down from Salem, South Dakota to spend a few days at his old home and the following Monday was spent among his friends in Alton. Tuesday he went to Le Mars to attend the lecture by Peter Collins in which he was keenly interested and regretted that more did not avail themselves of the opportunity of hearing the noted speaker who had such a worth while message for his audience. He remained in Le Mars that night with an old friend and the next day remarked that he did not feel very well and that he had taken a slight cold. When he told his hostess goodbye he said that it was their final farewell. Similar remarks made to several others indicated that he had a presentiment that the end was near. He became quite ill Wednesday afternoon before he reached home and the following morning his condition was more serious. The doctor was summoned and reported there were symptoms of pneumonia but not enough to decide definitely, but the next day he pronounced it pneumonia. The rest of the family were notified and were fortunate in reaching the bedside in time to spend the last few days with him. He was delighted to see them all and when the last one arrived and visited with Mr. Kinney he said he was ready to die. From then until he peacefully drew his last breath, a few days later he conversed almost continually with God. Reverend Father Brune called several times, always bringing great comfort and consolation. In death as in life, Mr. Kinney showed his deep appreciation of the priest presence and no one was so welcome. Father Brune administered the Last Sacrament and just a few hours before he died gave him Holy Communion. His last days on earth were made very fruitful for eternity and must have made a lasting impression on those present. It was pathetic to hear him pleading to go to his Eternal Home. Finally the Lord granted his request and while surrounded by his children reciting for him the Rosary, to which he had been so faithful during his long life, his soul went forth to meet his Maker whom he had tried so earnestly to serve.

The funeral was held at St. Mary’s Church Thursday at 9:30 A.M. A Solemn Requiem Mass was offered for him and a most eloquent and touching sermon preached by Reverend Father Brune. A high tribute of praise was rendered the departed, special emphasis being made on his strong, active faith, and reverential respect for the all consecrated to God and for all things holy.

Mr. Kinney is survived by Ellen Kinney of Salem, South Dakota, James and Jerome of Alton, Mrs. Frank Arens of Salem and Sister Annette of Appleton, Washington.

A very large number of Catholics and Protestants attended the funeral thereby testifying to the high esteem in which Mr. Kinney was held.