Edward James Kenny

Chelsea, Mass. Late 1800s

Edward James Kenny (also spelled Kenney), was born in the Portland, Maine area on July 16, 1863. He spent his childhood in Bangor and later in Chelsea Mass which is across the Mystic river from Boston.  By the age of 17 he was working as an engineer and carpenter in Chelsea.  His father was a ship's captain who was home at least part time since he and his wife had time to produce at least 8 children.  Edward was the youngest. Since they lived near the sea, and dad and an older brother were sailors, he likely spent a lot of time along the New England wharfs in the 1870's and 1880's.


At the age of 25 (1888), he wed Mary Ann Higgins and they had four children, Edward (Jr), Ethyl, Henry, and George.  In 1900 they moved to Rutland, Vt.   He lost his wife in 1916 and came to live with his son Henry's family in Rutland by 1920.  He passed away on Aug 10, 1924 in Whitehall, NY likely while staying with his son Edward jr.


Below is his Obituary, and a rather modest headstone located at the evergreen cemetery in Rutland, Vt. (The inscription simply says "137")


"The funeral of Edward James Kenny, 60, who died Sunday evening in Whitehall and whose body was brought to this city yesterday and taken to his late home on Lincoln avenue, will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the house. Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery.
Mr. Kenny had lived in this city for 20 years and was a member of the Carpenters and Joiners union of this city. He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Ethel Cutting of this city; three sons, Edward J. Kenny, jr., of Whitehall, N.Y., George G. Kenny and Harry Kenny of this city, and by a brother."  (From the Rutland Daily Herald Aug 13, 1924).




Evidence:
Relatively straight forward timeline created with the city directory records from Portland, Chelsea, and Rutland, Several Census reports from 1860-1920, Cemetery records, and Marriage records.


Relationship Key:
Myself ---> Mom ---> Harry William Kenny ---> Henry William Kenny ---> Edward James Kenny