Penn Varney


Penn Varney was an American architect in practice in Lynn, Massachusetts, during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Life and career

Penn Varney was born November 15, 1859, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, to Augustus J. Varney, a sawmill owner, and Mercy Varney. He was educated in the local schools, and in 1882 moved to Lynn where he was first employed by architect Holman K. Wheeler as a drafter. In 1888 he left Wheeler to open his own office. During the first few years he was in partnership with Alfred W. Call in the firm of Call & Varney. Varney practiced architecture in Lynn for at least forty years.

Personal life

In 1893 Varney was married to Emma L. Hussey, and they had one son. In later life they lived in Rowley, Massachusetts. Varney died there April 27, 1949.

Legacy

At least five buildings designed by Varney have been listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places, and others contribute to listed historic districts.
The Alabama architect William Leslie Welton received his initial architectural training in Varney's office.

Architectural works