Taken from "Jefferson County, Pennsylvania - Her Pioneers and People," Vol. II, by Dr. William James McKnight, published in 1917 by J.H. Beers & Company, Chicago, page 426.

JAMES KEARNEY, one of the venerable and revered pioneer citizens of Snyder township, died on the 1st of November, 1906. The Brockwayville Record printed the following estimate of his character:

"James Kearney, one of the oldest and best known residents of this section, died suddenly at his home yesterday morning, heart disease being the immediate cause of death. Mr. Kearney, who had passed the threescore and ten milestone of life, had been in poor health for several months, but he was always able to be around and seemed to enjoy life at his pleasant country home. His death was a shock to the bereaved family as well as to the community. The death of Mr. Kearney removes one of the finest and one among the most influential men of the valley. Having lived here for many years, he was well known and held in high esteem, his death being thus deeply deplored throughout the community."

James Kearney was born in County Donegal, Ireland, about the year 1829, and was a lad of twelve when he accompanied his widowed mother, two older brothers and one sister to America, in a tedious voyage on an old-time sailing vessel. After a short stay in Philadelphia the little family established a home in Cecil county, Md., where James was reared to adult age, attending school when opportunity offered, though gaining the greater part of his education through self-discipline and association with men and affairs. In the winter of 1852-53 Mr. Kearney joined his older brother, William, in the Beechwoods district of Jefferson county, the devoted mother following in the spring, the remainder of her life having here been spent with her children. In 1855 Mr. Kearney was married and established a residence on the farm which is still the home of Mrs. Kearney, hallowed through the memories and gracious associations of many years. It was still covered with native timber and after making a clearing Mr. Kearney erected a small frame house, and with the earnest cooperation of his young wife turned himself vigorously to the making of land available for cultivation. The years brought increasing prosperity, Mr. Kearney eventually becoming owner of a splendidly improved estate. He erected good buildings, including an attractive house. No man could have a higher sense of personal stewardship than did James Kearney, who was true to high ideals and whose achievements marked him as one of the world's noble army of productive workers. Possessed of broad mental view, he took a deep interest in community affairs, an interest that was loyal, kindly and helpful. He served efficiently as school director, being for years secretary of the board. He was an ardent advocate and supporter of the cause of the Prohibition party. His mother, whose maiden name was Fanny McElhenny, attained a venerable age, dying in 1880. Of her children, William died in the Beechwoods in 1905, his son, William H., remaining on the old homestead; Robert, who married Letitia Wiley, remained in Maryland; John died a bachelor in Snyder township; James was next; Ellen died in childhood; and Jane died in maidenhood.

In the Beechwoods, on the 19th of January, 1855, Rev. Mr. Ray solemnized the marriage of Mr. Kearney to Eleanor Smith, who was born on the 28th of March, 1839, on the homestead now owned by her brother, Andrew A. Suitable record of her father, Matthew Smith, is found on another page. Mrs. Kearney remembers specially well the old-time log schoolhouse equipped with puncheon floor, slabs for seats and plank desks. Her first teacher was Eliza Bond, later the wife of Deacon William Smith, an uncle of Mrs. Kearney. The Kearney family are: Nancy, born June 8, 1856, is the wife of Samuel F. Miller, of Snyder township; James Smith, born Nov. 28, 1858, residing in Punxsutawney, married Etta, daughter of Rev. John Frampton; Matthew, born May 5, 1861, married Cynthia Ross, of Grange, and lives at Brockwayville; Samantha, born Nov. 18, 1862, is the wife of Charles Fremont Green, of Canton, Ohio; William Elmer, born March 29, 1866, married Adelia McGill, and is a representative farmer of Snyder township; Fanny, born Jan. 14, 1870, is the wife of John B. McClelland, of Brockwayville; Hugh Andrew, born March 2, 1872, wedded Elizabeth Hill and resides in Pittsburgh; Elizabeth Anne, born March 8, 1876, is the wife of Dr. Frank C. Smathers, of Big Run; Mary Ellen, born March 26, 1878, married Barrett Shaffner, and died at thirty-seven years of age; John Wesley, born Feb. 27, 1880, remains with his mother; Bertha Margaret, born June 9, 1882, is the wife of Frederick W. Daugherty, of Grove City, Mercer county; Martha, born Jan. 12, 1887, is a trained nurse at Cleveland.