Robert M. Kenney

As printed in 1881

ROBERT M. KENNEY, miller and coal dealer, Springfield; is a son of Elam Kenney, who was a native of Kentucky, born at the present site of Paris in 1804. His father removed from Kentucky in the year 1808. On account of his objections to slavery, he desired to raise his family in the atmosphere of freedom, and accordingly came to Ohio and settled in the vicinity of Springfield, on the now Clifton Pike Here Elam grew to manhood, learned the blacksmith's trade, and first commenced business for himself on the lot on Main street now occupied by Humphreys & Carter's tin store. After his marriage with Charlotte Maskill, this same site became his residence. Mrs. Kenney's parents were among the early settlers of Harmony Township, but subsequently sold out and removed to Union County. About the time of his marriage, Mr. Kenney engaged in the livery business, which he soon after sold out, and having invested his means in real estate retired from active labor, and devoted his attention to his property interests until his decease, which occurred in November, 1872. His wife and two children survived him. Mrs. H. J. Creighton is a daughter. Robert M., who had come to look after the property to a large extent previous to his father's death, now took charge, and, in 1876, opened a coal yard on Washington street, between Factory and Mechanic streets, and has established a desirable trade. In 1878, he purchased the necessary machinery and fitted up a custom flour-mill, which he now operates, and is also a member of the firm of Kenney & Minnich, manufacturers of novelties. He resides with his mother at 80 West Jefferson street. She is now in her 70th year, and has moved but once since she began domestic life in 1840.

PHILIP KERSHNER was born at Springfield, Ohio, June 28, 1832: where, after completing his education, he learned the carpenter's trade, and became a practical builder; he was also connected with the early development of the manufacture of agricultural implements here, which with various other experiences, has given him a large fund of business knowledge. In 1896, he was chosen Lieutenant of a local militia organization, and remained actively interested in this service until the outbreak of the civil war, when he raised and commanded Co.,.E, in the 16th O. V. I. (three months), and was one of the active spirits in the re-organization of that corps for the three years’ service; he was made Major in August, 1861: Lieutenant Colonel in September, 1 862; Acting Colonel in 1864; served as special instructor of military tactics in the Seventh Division, Army of the Ohio; was placed in command of the 3d Brigade, Ist Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, Acting Brigadier General. Col. Kershner was engaged in twelve general battles besides many skirmishes; he was severely wounded in the left arm, at Chickasaw Bluffs, and, at the close of the war, he again entered civil life, having made one of the most brilliant records of any of our local volunteers. He was married to Miss Rebecca A. Ramsey, and now resides in Detroit, Mich.

As printed in The History of Clark County Ohio, (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.