Michael Kennedy

KENNEDY, STAPLETON, BURKE, MOONEY

Posted By: Becky Teubner (email)
Date: 1/14/2004 at 04:12:33

MICHAEL KENNEDY.
For about forty years the subject of this sketch has been intimately connected with the growth and development of Clayton County, as he settled on a farm in Volga Township in the early days of its history, the land being then but little broken and there being few settlements within its limits. For ten years he engaged in improving and cultivating his farm, making it one of the valuable ones of the township; he never spared his energy in any direction when he believed it might be directed to the advantage of his place. In 1866 he retired to some extent
from active cares, removing his family to Elkader, where he resided for three years.

A native of Ireland, Mr. Kennedy was born in County Tipperary September 26, 1816, being a son of Michael and Jude (Stapleton) Kennedy, also natives of the Emerald Isle. In the schools of his native land he acquired a good general education and there continued to make his home for many years after reaching his majority. In 1844 he carried into effect a resolution which
had been growing within him for some time to seek his fortune in the United States, and therefore he set forth in one of the slow sailing-vessels of that period and in due course of time arrived in New York City. Going to
Syracuse, N. Y., he made that city his place of abode for a period of ten years, when in 1854 he departed for the west and for one year was a
resident of Dubuque, this state, after which, as previously stated, he came to this county.

About 1860 Mr. Kennedy went to Highland Township and there conducted a farm until 1894, when he once more retired to make his home in Elkader. His hard-earned money, which he has acquired through years of honest and industrious effort, he has invested mainly in real estate. He has never regretted the fact that he decided to cast in his lot with the inhabitants of this favored region for his efforts have been blessed with success far beyond his expectations, and he has laid up ample means whereby to spend in comfort his declining years.

In 1848, while a resident of Syracuse, N. Y., Mr. Kennedy married Miss Catherine Burke, who was called from this life in the spring of 1855,
leaving five children to mourn her loss. In the latter part of 1855 our subject was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary Mooney, who was a faithful and devoted helpmate and companion to her husband for about thirty-five years. She departed this life on the 7th of August, 1891, leaving many loving friends, who deeply lamented her loss.

In politics Mr. Kennedy is independent, preferring not to be bound by party ties but to vote for the man whom he considers best qualified in every way to carry out the wishes
of the people.
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source: Dubuque, Jones, and Clayton Counties History 1894 pgs. 372-373