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    WILLIAM KENNEDY, a prominent agriculturist of this county, and now residing in Port Louisa Township, was one of the first settlers of this county. He came here in April, 1835. He was born on the 23d day of December, 1809, in Butler County, Ohio, and was the youngest of eight children whose parents were James Kennedy and Susanna Armstrong. His father followed through life agricultural pursuits, and died in Butler County, Ohio. He was one of the early and brave pioneers of Ohio, and settled in the Miami Valley as early as the year 1792. He was a man remarkable for piety and intelligence. His mother lived till her death in Butler County, Ohio.

    The early education of William was very limited, as his younger days were mostly passed amidst the scenes f the frontier settlements. It will be in taste, however, to here observe that he has through life been a keen observer, and possesses a memory very retentive. His occupation in Ohio was mainly in agricultural pursuits, and in 1835 he came to this county, coming by water as far as New Boston. He immediately settled in Port Louisa Township, where he has continued to reside, and where in all probability he will pass the balance of his days.

    Mr. Kennedy started in life poor, and when he came to this county, had only fourteen dollars in his pocket, which was soon expended for medical services. He has now, as the result of a life-time of integrity, perseverance and industry, one of the handsomest farms in Port Louisa Township, and enjoys the rank of one of the leading agriculturists of his community. His first occupation in this county was milling, and he started in 1838, in Port Louisa Township, the first mill ever established in this county. He followed this pursuit for eighteen years.

    In June 1839, he was united in marriage to Mary C. Herron, a native of Preble County, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel Herron and Anna M. Piper. Her parents were also early settlers of this county, and lived here till their death. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are the parents of six children who are all living but one.

    Politically, Mr. Kennedy is a strong republican, and while the Whig Party had a distinctive organization, was a strong advocate of its principles. Religiously, he is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. He joined this church when quite young, and has always been an earnest supporter of its tenets. Socially, he is frank and hospitable. He is a man devoid entirely of sinister motives or anything like ostentation. He is undoubtedly a man of quiet and generous sensibilities. Although his constitution has been subjected to the vicissitudes of an unusually industrious life, it is yet robust.