Whaley N. Burney (1889-1973), Aurora, Missouri
W.N. Burney was one of Missouri’s business, industrial and agricultural leaders for over 50 years. He was known nationwide as a breeder of good Jersey cattle and founder of the MWM Color Press, Inc.
Mr. Burney was born August 16, 1889 at Chesapeake, Missouri. He grew up and completed his education in Lawrence County. He and his brother J. K. Burney and associates developed a color-printing business that excels in printing maps, sales catalogs and other color work.
As a Jersey breeder and farmer W. N. Burney insisted that the productivity of the land as well as the Jersey herd should be increased and maintained at a high level. His pastures and cropland were regularly fertilized and improved. The herd was continually on the DHI and DHIR test for production. Burney Farms developed 13 proved sires, some of which were sold at premium prices. The herd of 100 cows averaged over 12,000 pounds of milk and 586 pounds of fat. Among the better known animals from the herd were the bull Keepers Standard Day, winner of 46 major show championships, and the cow Sir Basil Susan, the first cow of the breed with six lactation records over 21,000 pounds of milk . The herd was operated in partnership with Gene Latimer, Mr. Burney’s son-in-law. Later the herd and farm was operated by Whaley’s grandson John Beckett.
Mr. Burney was a civic leader. He held practically every office in his Jersey parish and the Missouri Jersey Cattle Club. He was a past elder of the Aurora First Presbyterian Church, a charter member of the Aurora Rotary Club and past president of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. He established an FFA student loan plan for high school students which has benefited hundred of youngsters interested in agriculture.
Whaley died July 26, 1973 just a month before his 84th birthday. He was followed in death by his wife Gladys on September 19, 1979. He is survived by his daughter Mrs. B. E. (Mildred) Latimer, one sister, one grandson, John Beckett, and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Beckett now operates the farms which his grandfather started. Mr. Burney will long be remembered as a dynamic leader in Missouri Jersey and dairy circles.