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John Penny
Des Moines County
Born Sept. 13, 1802, in Washington County, Pa. He was reared upon a farm, and on the 12th of September, 1822, was united in marriage with Rebecca Waddell, who was born December 21, 1804, in Westmoreland County, Pa. After their marriage Mr. Penney rented a farm, and also engaged in milling until 1844, when they decided to take up their residence in this county. Starting for the West they crossed the Mississippi November 14, of that year, settling on section 29, Benton Township. A farm of 285 acres was purchased, the only improvements being a small log cabin and a few plowed acres. Immediately the work of cultivation was begun, and in a short time it became one of the finest farms in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Penney reared a family of seven children. He was a devoted member of the Baptist Church, always took an active part in Church work, and contributed liberally to the up building of the cause of Christ during his entire life. He aided largely in the building of the old Pisgah Church, and labored faithfully in raising funds for its erection. From 1846 until the time of his death he served as Senior Deacon. Not only in religious, but also in educational matters he was greatly interested, and gave his children the best possible advantages. In his political views he was a Democrat, an earnest worker for his party, and by that organization was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace and to the Board of Supervisors. In 1848 he became a member of the Second General Assembly, serving one term.
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