JOHN A. KEARNEY, a well-known farmer of Derinda Township, in which he has made his home for many years, is a native of Ireland, born in the County Tyrone, March 31, 1837. In 1855 his parents, William and Jane (Alexander) Kearney, both also natives of the same county, emigrated to America, where three of their sons and one daughter had already preceded them. They landed in Philadelphia in June, 1855, and remained in that city until the ensuing October, when they came to Carroll County, Ill., living there until the spring of 1856. In 1857 they located in Hanover Township, Jo Daviess County. The following year, our subject being then of age, in partnership with his brothers, Hamilton and Robert, he rented a farm in Derinda Township, on which he lived for some years. Accumulating some means on this property, the brothers purchased for themselves a farm of 310 acres, 230 of which was in the township of Derinda and 80 in Hanover. This land was partially cleared, but the buildings upon it were very poor. By industry and economy the brothers have made a fine property of this farm, with good, comfortable buildings and all the appliances necessary for success.

The parents of our subject continued to live with him until their death, the father dying in Hanover Township in May, 1858, and the mother in September, 1872. This couple were the parents of six children, namely: David, Jane, Ann, Hamilton, Robert, and our subject. David is married to Rebecca Gallagher, of Philadelphia, Pa., of which city he is a resident; he is a workman in the granite works there, and has three children – William, Margaret and Ann. Jane died in Philadelphia. Ann married William McKinley, of Hanover Township, who is engaged in farming. They have seven children. Hamilton is unmarried and is living at the old homestead. Robert died Feb. 24, 1886.

John A. Kearney, the subject of this sketch, was eighteen years of age when he came to America with his parents. Such education as he received was obtained in his native land, where, especially at that day, the opportunities of education for the poor were indeed limited, the schools being intended mainly for the rich. He made the best, however, of his limited facilities, and by reading and observation has become a reasonably well-informed man. Aug. 23, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah McKinley, of Hanover Township, this county, whose parents were likewise natives of County Tyrone, Ireland, and who emigrated to Philadelphia in 1827. They made that city their home until 1836, when they decided to move West, and, coming to this county, located themselves in Galena, where they made their home for some time. At that early day this part of the country presented a wild appearance, but Mr. McKinley nevertheless decided to try the life of a farmer, and purchased a claim in Hanover Township, where he successfully carried on farming for many years. He and his wife are now living a retired life in the city of Galena, enjoying well-earned ease and respected by every one who knows them. Mrs. Kearney was born Oct. 18, 1848, in this county.

To our subject and his wife have been born seven children, of whom six are yet living. Mary Jane was born Nov. 1, 1869; William Edward was born Jan. 24, 1872; Howard Leonidas on May 11, 1874; Ruth Isabelle on Nov. 30, 1876; John Wesley on Jan. 22, 1880, and Sarah Eveline, May 15, 1883. Mary Jane is married to Charles Knapp, a native of Derinda Township, born in 1866, and now carrying on a farm in that township: he is of German descent. They have one child, Ida May. The rest of the children make their home with their parents, attending school and assisting in the labors of the farm.

Our subject and his brother have by subsequent purchase added 160 acres to their original farm, and now own a fine property of 470 acres under a good state of cultivation. On part of their land they do general farming, but raise little more grain than they need for home consumption, as they are extensive and successful dealers and breeders of stock of all kinds – cattle, horses, hogs, etc.

A man of kind disposition of charitable impulses, willing to assist a friend in time of need, Mr. Kearney is widely known throughout this section of the county, and is widely respected. In fact, it is not too much to say that he has not an enemy in the world. Although not a member of any church, Mr. Kearney is recognized as a man of high moral principle and of unimpeachable integrity.

For many years he has been a Master Mason and has passed the Chairs in his lodge. He has never been an aspirant for office, but has served the people of his township faithfully for six years as Road Commissioner, and for three years has been School Director. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and was a Grant man to the core, having had a personal acquaintance with the great General, as well as with Secretary Rawlins and Congressman Washburne.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889) 758-59