Kearny, John Watts

Submitted by Mike Miller

John Watts Kearny through long and purposeful life was acknowledged one of the superior business men and most public spirited citizens of New Orleans, being a leader in business, social, church and charitable affairs.

He was born in New York, September 2, 1835, son of Philip and Evelina (Warren) Kearny. He was a descendant of Robert Bruce of Scotland, and was closely related to three distinguished military figures in American history, Gen. Stephen Kearny, of the Mexican war and California fame; Gen. Philip Kearny, a brilliant leader in the Civil war; and Commander George Kearny, of the United States Navy. John Watts Kearny finished his education in Rutgers College at New Brunswick, New Jersey. As a young man he came South, and was living in New Orleans when the war broke out. He went into service with the famous Washington Artillery of New Orleans and later did distinguished service with the Miles Legion. He was captured when Fort Hudson fell, and was a prisoner of war more than a year.

From 1839 until 1863, except for the war, he was associated in business with his uncle, Alfred Kearny, and then as a member of Kearny Blois & Company. From 1870 to 1886 he was a member of the firm Jas. G. Clark and from 1886 to 1891 conducted the business under the name J. Watts Kearny. After 1891 the business became J. Watts Kearny & Sons, and that name is still an important one in New Orleans commercial history. The business now continued by his two sons is building material, paints and oils, located at 514 South Peters Street.

John Watts Kearny, who died December 25, 1903, was also a director in the State National Bank of New Orleans. He early espoused the cause of the republican party and for many years endeavored to build up a respectable and representative white republican party in Louisiana. From July, 1902, until his death he served as postmaster of New Orleans. He was an officer and member of several of the leading carnival organizations, belonged to the Pickwick Club and was junior warden and vestryman of Trinity Episcopal Church. He was one of the organizers of the Charity Organization and the Round Table Club was treasurer of the Boys' Home and of Kingsley House settlement and of several free kindergartens. He gave generously of his substance and of his the and abilities to further the upbuilding of the Episcopal Church in New Orleans and in the diocese of Louisiana.

Mr. Kearny married, October 18, 1863, Miss Sarah H. Palfrey, daughter of Gen. and Mrs. Henry W. Palfrey. There are two children: Warren Kearny, who married Ellen Sloo Johnson, and E. Newton Kearny, who married Laura Buckner.

A History of Louisiana, (vol. 2), p. 362, by Henry E. Chambers. Published by The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, 1925.