Charles was one of eight children of Patrick
Kenney (b. 4/22/1825 in Kings County Ireland, d. 10/16/1916 in Clinton
County, Iowa) and Margaret Louise Blessington (b. 2/8/1828 County Longford,
Ireland, d. 10/2/1905 Clinton County, Iowa). Patrick and Margaret were
married on November 27, 1858 in the Catholic church in Lyons, Iowa.
His parents, Patrick and Margaret (Blessington) Kenney came to
America in 1847 and 1840, respectively.
As an adult, Charles lived on the same 160 acre farm where he was born.
He had great success in stock raising, breeding high grade
Aberdeen Angus cattle, draft horses and other good stock.
Charles served as township assessor for six years and was
township trustee and a secretary of the school board.
