 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
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