Kennedy, Mary (Gentry) 1828-1897

KENNEDY, GENTRY, LAMB, HELPHREY, KENDIG, ALLEN

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 5/3/2005 at 11:59:52

The Newton (IA) Record Friday, July 30, 1897
Kennedy, Mary (Gentry)

On the seventh of the present month, Mrs. Mary Kennedy, widow of the late Stockton D. Kennedy, had a very severe stroke of paralysis, which from the very first threatened to be fatal. However, she seemed to rally, and her children and friends hoped that the life of their loved one would be spared to bless them for many years. But in spite of their devotion and tender care the good mother again grew worse and gently sank to rest last Friday at her home on South Market Street.

Mother Kennedy’s maiden name was Mary Gentry. She was born in Kentucky, December 17, 1828, and when a child her parents moved to Hendricks County, Ind., where she grew to womanhood. On the 25th of January 1843, she was untied in marriage to Stockton D. Kennedy, with whom she shared life’s sunshine and shadow for near a half century. In 1849 they came to Iowa, settling on land entered from the government in Madison County about four miles from Winterset. In 1853 they came to Newton, then a mere village apparently on the verge of civilization. They afterward spent a few years in Missouri and Nebraska, but were driven out of the latter state by the Indians, and returned to Jasper County and settled on a farm four miles northwest of Newton where they lived until a few years ago, when they moved to town, and where the husband died in 1891. Three brothers and one sister of Mr. Kennedy still reside here ­ L. L. D., J. T. and J. C. Kennedy and Mrs. Caleb Lamb.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy, one dying in infancy, the others ­ Jesse, living in Adair County, W. T., Leonard, Mrs. Peter Helphrey, Mrs. John Kendig and Mrs. Samuel Allen, of this city and vicinity ­ were all present when their mother passed away.

Mother Kennedy was converted and joined the Baptist Church in her youth, and throughout her long and useful life remained steadfast to the vows of her church and faithful in the service of her master, whose blessed promises sustained her to the last. She was a devoted and affectionate mother, and almost idolized by her children.

The funeral services were held at the residence on South Market Street Sunday afternoon, July 25th, conducted by Rev. Le Grand Pace of the Christian Church, a large number of relatives and friends being present to pay the last tribute of respect to one whom in life they so long held in affection and esteem.

Originally submitted on Mon Aug 26 16:23:14 2002