From Thomas and Williams "History of Allegany County Maryland" "Were a record kept of the daily trials, of adverse circumstances overcome and responsibilities faithfully carried out by every successful business man, much valuable information would be preserved, for it is by the little things of life that a man's character is determined and his worth to his community determined. The majority stand forth advantageously under stress of powerful circumstances, and under the spur of the moment develop into heroes, but it is the one who can endure the everyday burdens, discharge insignificant duties acceptably, and come out of it all successfully, who can be accounted a real man. Business life serves to develop many of this class, and to them is due the material welfare of the community in which they live. Stone by stone they build the foundation of their enterprises, not in a single moment of emblazoned glory, and because of this very fact their buildings stand firm no matter what winds and storms of adversity beat against them. Allegany county has many men of this class, and one whom all hold in high esteem is James P. Kenney, member of the firm of Kenney Brothers, of Frostburg, wholesale and retail tobacco dealers. He is recognized as a thoroughly enterprising business man, and one of the most successful in his line in Western Maryland. The firm of Kenney Brothers operate the only wholesale tobacco house in Allegany county, and carry a fine and complete line of tobaccos, and manufacture the celebrated Night Rider and Big Savage stogies. The birth of James P. Kenney took place in Westernport, Maryland, February 20, 1880, {note-according to St. Peter's baptismal records, this date is incorrect} and he is a son of the late James and Catherine (Eagan) Kenney, the former of whom was born in County Longford, Ireland, from which he was brought to the United States by his parents in 1850, the family settling in Maryland, where he grew to manhood estate. His death occurred January 20, 1915. Eight children were born to him and his wife, as follows: John, who was a stationery engineer of Frostburg, died in 1918; Mary, who is the wife of George Finch; Edward, who lives at St. Clara, West Virginia; Peter T., who is a member of the firm of Kenney Brothers, married Jennie Broderick, and they have seven children as follows: Madeline, Catherine, Thomas, Mildred, Stephen, Mary Josephine and Robert; James P., whose name heads this review, Aloysius, Anna and Martha, who complete the family. James P. Kenney received a public-school training at Elk Garden, Mineral county, West Virginia, and subsequently worked two years in the coal mines of that county before his removal to Frostburg in 1900. From that date he has been engaged in the tobacco business. His initial store was on East Main street, where he continued alone until 1909, but in that year formed his present partnership with his brother, Peter, and they have built up a large local retail trade together with their wholesale connections, which extend over Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Because of their progressive methods of doing business, and their consideration for the interests of their patrons, they have become very popular with buyers throughout this territory. All of the brothers have worked untiringly for the success which is now theirs, and personally, as well as commercially, they have gained the respect and esteem of all with whom they are associated. James P. Kenney married Miss Mary E. Counihan of Frostburg, and they are the parents of seven children, namely: Ignatius Loyola, Paul, James, Joseph Eagan, Frances, Mary Catherine and Rita. The Kenneys are all Catholics, belonging to, St. Michael's parish of Frostburg. Mr. Kenney is affiliated with Frostburg Council, K. of C. and Frostburg Lodge, No. 470, B. P. 0. E. He is a Democrat. In 1918 James P. Kenney and his brother, became interested in the Big Savage Lumber Company, of Garrett county, Maryland, which was organized that year, and this enterprise they are vigorously promoting."

Cumberland Times; Cumberland, Allegany Co, Md., Sunday, January 29, 1956 - pg 18, col 4: "FROSTBURG - James Patrick Kenney, 75, died Friday at his home, 86 West Main Street. He had been in failing health several years. Born in Westernport. a son of the late James P. and Catherine (Egan) Kenney, he had resided in Elk Garden prior to locating here in 1900. Active in politics, Mr. Kenney had served on the Democratic State Central Committee and had been a trial magistrate during the terms of Governors O'Conor and Lane. Surviving are seven sons, Ignatius L. Kenney, Springfield State Hospital: Paul J., Joseph E., Bernard M. and James P. Kenney Jr., all of Frostburg, and Francis A. and Raymond P. Kenney, both of Cumberland; two daughters, Mrs. Robert Snyder, Cumberland, and Miss Rita Kenney, at home; a brother, Peter Kenney, Frostburg; two sisters, Misses Anna and Martha Kenney, both of Washington, 32 grandchildren and a great-grandchild. The body is at the Hafer Funeral Home. A requiem mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 9:30 a. m. at St. Michael's Church and the interment will be in the parish cemetery."

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