Philip Kearney was the founder of the family of this name in Philadelphia. The date of his coming here is not known, but it is believed that he could not have come over later than 1700. This conclusion is based on the fact that he married in Pennsylvania, and by this marriage had a daughter who was married not later than 1720. According to tradition he was a native of Ireland.
Mr. Kearney was a Merchant, and as we do not know that he held any offices, it is conjectured that his business pursuits occupied his full time. That his social standing was of the best, is strongly indicated by the marriage alliances of his children, all of whom connected themselves with leading families. He married, circa 1700, Rebecca Britton, dau. of Lionel Britton, merchant, by his wife Elizabeth. Mr. Kearney d. in Philadelphia, April, 1722. ...
