KENNY, WILLIAM HENRY (1811-80) was the son of Major W. C. Kenny, of the 73rd Regiment (Black Watch). He got his ensigncy in the same regiment in 1828. (Lieut. 1832; capt. 1841.) He served in the Mediterranean and in the Canadian rebellion, being present at the engagements at St Eustache, Napierville and elsewhere.

Returning to England, he served in the northern district and in Wales during the Chartist troubles. In 1843 he became staff officer of Pensioners at Sheffield. In 1847 he came to New Zealand in the Ramillies with the first detachment of the New Zealand Fencibles, and was gazetted major in the militia (Aug 1849) and resident magistrate. (Brevet-major, 1854; brevet lieut.-colonel 1859; major unattached 1861.) He received the thanks of the Government for his prompt disposal of the force for the protection of the City. When the Waikato war broke out he was in command of the Auckland garrison, then reinforced by sailors from the Iris, recruits for the 65th Regiment, and artillery and engineer details, and later by two companies of the 40th Regiment and three of the 65th. Being relieved by Colonel Carey, of the 18th Regiment, he sold out (Apr 1863) with the rank of regimental major and brevet lieut-colonel, and was appointed quartermaster-general to the New Zealand forces on the staff of Maj.-General Galloway (1863-64). In 1867 he was promoted colonel in the militia, and appointed inspector of volunteers for the North Island. He resided most of his life at Otahuhu.

Kenny was a member of the Legislative Council from 1853 until his death (17 Aug 1880). His widow died on 25 Jun 1889, aged 74.

War Office records; N.Z.P.D., 1853-80; Gudgeon (p); N.Z. Times, 10 Sep 1880; N.Z. Herald, 18 Aug 1880. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 247

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