From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 347-348.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


JOHN W. KENNEN

John W. Kennen, of Wheeling, well-known as an enterprising retail 
grocer of that city, was born at Wheeling, November 25, 1854, the son 
of Samuel and Fannie M. (Surghnor) Kennen.  The parents,  the former 
of whom was born in county Antrim, Ireland, and the latter in 
Scotland, were married in county Antrim about 1848, and in 1850 came 
to America, and made their home at Wheeling, where the father died, 
March 12, 1885, and where the mother still resides.   Mr. Kennen 
received a good early education in his, native city, and then at the 
age of fourteen years became law clerk in a grocery store, where he 
continued to be occupied until he reached the age of twenty-three.  
During seven years of that period he was in the employment of the 
late K. J. Smyth.  He embarked in business independently in 1877, and 
in the time that has since elapsed has met with flattering success, 
building up a prosperous business, and gaining the esteem of the 
community.  Mr. Kennen was married May 27, 1888, to Ida M. Armstrong, 
daughter of John S. Armstrong, of Wheeling, and they have one child, 
John A., who was born March 9, 1880.   Mr. Kennen is a member of 
Nelson lodge, No. 30, A. F. & A. M., and socially is highly regarded. 


(Linda Fluharty)