GEORGE E. KENNEDY

KENNEDY, VANDEVER, HARLAN

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/6/2020 at 21:20:54

GEORGE E. KENNEDY, the third son and fifth child of John Kennedy and Mary Vandever, his wife, was born May 4th, 1823, in Casey County, Kentucky. His ancestors on his father’s side are of Irish descent, and on his mother’s side they are of German descent. In 1833, his father died at the age of forty-five, and in 1864, his mother died at the ripe old age of seventy-four. In 1828, he came with his parents to Illinois; they located in what was then Morgan County, now Scott County, ten miles west of Jacksonville; there his father died. In 1842, he with the rest of the family, moved to his present residence in Cedar Township.

His education, with the exception of one term in Jacksonville, was obtained in the common schools. He obtained a good, practical, business education. April 27, 1848, he was married to Sarah Harlan, a native of Union County, Indiana. They have had nine children, five sons and four daughters. Eight are now living: one son, Lincoln, died when but six years old. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy, one son and two daughters, are members of the Christian church. Mr. Kennedy has served as Deacon about fifteen years. Mr. Kennedy is a strong Republican; during the war he took a warm interest in politics, and zealously supported the principles advocated by his party. As a public officer, his integrity has never been questioned, and his services have always been true and efficient. He is a member of the Granger’s organization; he places great confidence in their future success.

His father being poor, young George was obliged to begin at the bottom of the ladder. With strong hands and a brave heart he has gradually worked from round to round, step by step, until he has reached the uppermost part. He is now the possessor of two hundred and thirty-four acres of land, two hundred and four of which is under good cultivation. On this farm he has a good house and the surroundings that make life comfortable. Coming to the country at an early day, he has seen it grow from a Territory to a prosperous State, and in this progress he has taken an active part.

Source:
Illustrated Historical ATLAS of Lee County, IOWA
A. T. Andreas
Chicago, ILL.
1874

Transcription by Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer