Biographical Sketch of William K. Kennedy

WILLIAM K. KENNEDY is one of the worthy old settlers of Tully Township, Marion County, and has owned and managed the farm where his present home is located for fifty-one years.  Among his friends and neighbors he is considered an authority on matters pertaining not only to agriculture, but also to questions of politics and general moment.  He cast his first Presidential ballot for Martin Van Buren, and has always adhered to the Democracy.  From time to time he has been called upon to serve in public offices, among which have been Constable, Trustee and Supervisor of the township.  He is an extensive land-owner, having three hundred and seventy-five acres in his home farm, and his possessions altogether amount to some eight hundred and twenty acres.  This shows what may be achieved by a young man who possesses energy and ambition, for he began being a good constitution and a strong determination.
     A native of Mifflin County, Pa., our subject was born near the village of Waterloo, Feb.. 16, 1818.  His father, Thomas Kennedy, likewise a native of the Keystone State, was of Irish descent, and his mother was in her girlhood a Miss Nancy Kerr.  She became the mother of five sons and five daughters of whom William was the first-born.  He was born and reared on a farm in his native state, and made the journey to Ohio with his parents in 1832, by team.  The family located near Bucyrus, Crawford County, and it was in that locality that our subject first gained an independent living.  For seven years he worked for farmers by the month, receiving from $10 to $12 for his services.
     In 1844 William Kennedy removed to this county, and bought eighty acres of land on section 17.  A part of this had been improved, and a log cabin stood on the place.  At the end of three years the owner purchased another farm adjoining, and here he has continued to live ever since.  He was married, May 28, 1844, to Margaret, daughter of Jacob and Lydia Shank.  She bore him nine children, and was yet in the prime of life when she was summoned by death, May 28, 1860.  The eldest child, Lydia J., married Samuel Baker, a farmer of Crawford County; Thomas S., a stock dealer and farmer, also lives in Crawford County; Martha, who became the wife of George Watts, a farmer, died when thirty-seven years of age; William J. is a resident of Big Island Township, this county; Emmamarried Madison Roberts, a farmer of Big Island Township; Anzilla is the wife of George Watts, of Polk Township; Ella, whose home is in this township, isMrs. John Hill; and two children died in infancy.
     Jan. 23, 1862, Mr. Kennedy and Miss Mary Lance were united in marriage.  The lady was born Jan. 25, 1827, in Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of George and Susan (Mears) Lance, of German and English extraction, respectively.  Mrs. Kennedy came to this county with her parents when she was only about four weeks old, the journey hither being made by team.  Mr. Lance settled in what is now Crawford County, paying $1.25 per acre for eighty acres of Government land.  There he continued to make his home until he was summoned to his final rest.  Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have only one child, Mira, who is the wife ofEllsworth Jones, a farmer of Crawford County.
     Both our subject and his estimable wife received their educations in the old-fashioned log school-houses of their youth. Mrs. Kennedy is a member of the Methodist Church, and, like her husband, lends a helping hand to worthy benevolent and religious objects.  Our subject has been quite extensively engaged in stock-raising, and in this, as in nearly everything which he undertakes, he has met with success.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Records of Marion & Hardin Counties, Ohio - 1895 - Page 168

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Biographical Sketch of James W. Kennedy

Biographies <RETURN TO BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX> A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z   JAMES W. KENNEDY, a prosperous farmer of Big Island Township, Marion County, owns a finely improved homestead on section 10.  He is ever found in the front ranks of all new enterprises and is a friend to education and progress.  His farm lands aggregate some three hundred and eighteen acres, and on his home place there stands a substantial two-story brick residence.      In 1843 a bright youth by the name of William Kennedy (our subject's father) came to this locality from his native state, Pennsylvania, and for a time worked for farmers by the month.  He made the best of his advantages, and at last became a school teacher, receiving at first only $11 a month.  Subsequently he rented a farm, and later was the owner of a good one himself.  He made a success of his various undertakings, devoted himself mainly to stock-raising, and finally became the owner of about eight hundred acres of land.      About 1844 William Kennedy married Margaret Shank, who died June 2, 1860.  Two years later Mr. Kennedy wedded Mary Lance, who is still living, and whose only child is now Mrs. E. Jones, of Crawford County, Ohio.  To the first marriage of our subject's father there were born the following children:  Nancy, deceased; Jane, Mrs. Baker of Crawford County; Thomas, a resident of the same county; Martha, Mrs. George Watts, whose death occurred in March, 1883;James;; Emma, Mrs. Madison Roberts, of this county; Anzilla, Mrs. George Watts, of Crawford County; and Margaret E., Mrs. John Hill.      James W. Kennedy was born Nov. 8, 1853, and was given a good general education, such a one as would fit him for life's duties.  His father gave him substantial assistance when he began farming on his own account.  In 1883 he purchased two hundred and fifteen acres, and a year later bought seventeen acres more.  Again, in 1886 he became the owner of another tract, containing eighty-six acres.     Sept. 21, 1880, Mr. Kennedy married Emma, daughter of P. W. and Adelia (Kilborn) Holverstatt, natives of this county.  The latter died Aug. 3, 1890, but the father is still living.  For years he has been a worker in the Baptist Church, and is identified with the Republican party.  Mrs. Kennedy is one of five children, the others being Clarence K.; Ida L., deceased; Alice A., Mrs. Smith, who is living on the old homestead; and one who died in infancy unnamed.  The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with five children: Mabel Edna, born July 29, 1881; Ethel Grace, Mar. 24, 1885; Clarence Merle, Dec. 21, 1886; Fred Laverne, O t. 17, 1888; and Lois Elberta, Mar. 7, 1892.  Fred Laverne died Sept. 25, 1889.      While Mr. Kennedy has always been an adherent of the Democracy, he, in common with many others, does not give his sanction to the present administration and policy, and if they continue in their course he may transfer his allegiance.  In his religious belief he is a Free-Will Baptist, as is also Mrs. Kennedy, and holds membership in the church at Ruth. Source: Portrait & Biographical Records of Marion & Hardin Counties, Ohio - 1895 - Page 430 http://www.ohiogenealogyexpress.com/marion/marionco_bios_k.htm#kennedyJamesW