Born in England, April 13, 1841. In 1845 his parents came to America, landing at Quebec, going thence to Kingston. After a brief stay there they went to Salem, Kenosha Co., Wis., where Mr. Penney lived until 1856, in which year he came to Mitchell county and located in Liberty township. There he resided until March 24, 1876, when he came to Stacyville. Mr. Penney enlisted in company K, 27th Iowa Volunteers, August 13, 1862, and was a sergeant in the company. Mr. Penney was married to Lydia White, August 21, 1866. She was born in Erie Co., Penn., Aug. 21, 1844. Mr. Penney was elected to represent Mitchell county in Twenty-fourth General Assembly, 1892. He was a republican in politics.