DANIEL J. KENNA

CARR, WHELAN, KEANE

Posted By: MICHAEL F. O'BRIEN (email)
Date: 10/27/2004 at 16:31:09

DANIEL J. KENNA

Daniel J. Kenna, devoting his attention to the pursuits of farming and stock-raising, is the owner of three hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land on sections 29, 30 and 20, Richland township. His birth occurred in Jones county, Iowa, on the 2d of December, 1861, his parents being John and Julia (Whelan) Kenna, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They emigrated with their respective parents to Canada and remained in that country for several years, while in 1850 they crossed the border into the United States and located on a farm in Jones county, Iowa. In 1865 they came to Delaware county and the following year took up their abode on the farm in Richland township, where their son, Daniel J., now lives, spending the remainder of their lives thereon. John Kenna passed away September 8, 1909, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 2d of May, 1891. They were well known and highly esteemed throughout the community, gaining an extensive circle of friends during the long period of their residence here. To them were born nine children, four of whom survive, as follows: Patrick, who is a resident of South Dakota; Julia, who gave her hand in marriage to T. E. Herrington of Waterloo, Iowa; John, living in the state of Washington; and Daniel J., of this review.

The last named acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age. On attaining his majority he began the operation of the farm which he now owns, the property embracing three hundred and forty acres of land on sections 29, 30 and 20, Richland township. Here he has carried on the work of the fields continuously since, also making a specialty of stock-raising, which branch of his business adds materially to his income. He has erected commodious and substantial buildings on the place and has further enhanced its value by other improvements.

On the 8th of February, 1893, Mr. Kenna was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Carr, who was born in Buchanan county, Iowa, July 31, 1866, her parents being John and Anna (Keane) Carr. More extended mention of the family is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of Edward M. Carr, a brother of Mrs. Kenna, who is a practicing attorney of Manchester. To Mr. and Mrs. Kenna have been born four children, as follows: Clarence E., whose birth occurred August 13, 1895, and who is now a high-school student; John C., whose natal day was August 19, 1896; Maurice, born November 7, 1898; and Mary Evelyn, who was born on the 27th of August, 1900, and is attending St. Xavier's school at Manchester.

Mr. Kenna gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has served as a member of the school board, the cause of education ever finding in him a stanch champion. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, of which his wife is also a devout communicant. In Delaware county, where nearly his entire life has been spent, he is well and favorably known as a man reliable in business, progressive in citizenship and faithful to all ties and obligations of life.