She was a charter member and librarian of the first North Carolinian chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

[1] Kearny was first educated at home by private tutors and, later, at a girls' school in Petersburg, Virginia.

[1] While away for the summers, Kearny would receive letters from her husband expressing his love and affection for her and the children, keeping her up to date on news with their plantation, and discussing politics.

[1][5] In 1871, while waiting for a train in Weldon, North Carolina, Kearny reportedly sat in a barroom.

[1] After the North Carolina General Assembly allocated funds to purchase furniture for and make repairs on the executive mansion in February 1893, Kearny oversaw the renovations and redecorating.