From: History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, 1884, page 511 (Stacyville Township)

Alfred Penney, merchant, has been engaged in his present business since 1876, when he and his brother embarked in trade under the style of J. & A. Penney. Their co-partnership ended in 1880 since which date Alfred has been sole proprietor. Mr. Penney was born in England, April 13, 1841. In 1845 his parents came to America, landing at Quebec, going thence to Kingston. After a brief stay there they went to Salem, Kenosha Co., Wis., where Mr. Penney lived until 1856, in which year he came to Mitchell county and located in Liberty township. There he resided until March 24, 1876, when he came to Stacyville.

Mr. Penney enlisted in company K, 27th Iowa Volunteers, Aug. 13, 1862, and was a sergeant in the company. The regiment went into the camp of instruction at Dubuque, Iowa, and from thence to the Indian war in Minnesota. Late in the fall it was ordered to Memphis, Tenn., and became a part of the 16th army corps. In the fall of 1864, a part of the corps was sent to St. Louis, Mo., to assist in repelling the Reoel force under Price. In a few days his command was sent down toward Pilot Knob, Mo., to assist Gen. Ewing in that quarter, but the railroad being torn up could not get there in time, and while stopping at Mineral Point, Mo., Mr. Penney had a hand to hand encounter with a guerilla. in which he was badly wounded, having been severely stabbed in the throat, which came near proving fatal. He kept up the fight until relief came, and the foe was secured and buried the next day at De Soto, Mo.

Mr. Penney was married to Lydia White, Aug. 21, 1866. She was born in Erie Co., Penn., Aug. 21, 1844. The family includes six children – Grace, Viette, Jessie, Mabel, Alfred E., and an infant. Mr. And Mrs. Penney are members of the M. E. Church.

 

Contributed by Gordon Felland, May 2003