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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
JOEL BRINEY, one of the well-to-do farmers of Mahaska County, resides upon section 14, Adams Township. He is a native of Ohio, born in Darke County, July 22, 1840, and is the son of John D. and Jane (Schenek) Briney, who,were also natives of the Buckeye State. When Joel was but ten years old the family came to this county and located in Adams Township, where his father died Jan. 5, 1882, aged eighty-four years, two months, and twenty-one days. His mother is still living in Adams Township, having arrived at a good old age, and waiting for the summons to "come up higher" and join her loved companion who preceded her. John D. Briney was a blacksmith by trade, but only worked at this occasionally after coming to Iowa, making farming his principal work. Both parents were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had a family of twelve children, of whom seven are now living, as follows: Jacob, a farmer residing in Adams township; Hannah is the wife of Cepha Camblin, of Van Buren County, Iowa; Charlotte, who married Frank Richards, now resides in Kansas; Penina, wife of Jacob Goode, lives in Adams Township; Joel, the subject of this sketch; Alexander lives in Adams Township; and Andrew J., in Kansas. Joel Briney was reared upon a farm and educated in the common schools of his native State and of Iowa. He remained at home, assisting his father in the improvement of his farm until his marriage, Oct. 23, 1864, with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Lilburn B. and Miranda (Stringfellow) Roberts, when he removed with his young bride to his present residence. The home farm consists of 320 acres of improved land, with shapely and substantial buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Briney have five living children: Charles A., born Aug. 2, 1866; William F., Feb. 12, 1869; Miranda J., Jan. 12, 1871; John N., Dec. 31, 1872; Lenna P., Dec. 1, 1879. One child died in infancy. Mrs. Briney is a member of the Baptist Church. Politically Mr. B. is a Democrat, and while caring nothing for office, has been honored by the voters of his township with several of the local offices. He is a good farmer, an excellent citizen, and enjoys the respect and confidence of those who know him.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy