My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE KENNEDY, Jr., agent for the Southern and Adams Express Companies and Secretary of the Board of Trade at Murphysboro, is a son of George Kennedy, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He was born in Murphysboro, March 30, 1859, and was educated in the schools of this place, graduating from the high school in 1875. Later he entered the Southern Illinois Normal, at Carbondale, from which institution he was graduated in 1878 in the scientific and Latin courses. After teaching in the city schools for six months he embarked in the hardware, furniture and mercantile business with M. A. Ross, the firm title being Kennedy & Ross. The store was located on the corner of Walnut and Main Streets.

In 1883, M. A. Ross disposed of his interest in the enterprise, after which our subject continued in business with his father at the same place for a time. Later he engaged in dealing in grain and hay, and also did a large contracting business. On resuming his connection with the firm of Kennedy & Sons, he continued thus employed until 1887, when he purchased his father’s interest in the store and afterward conducted the largest and most lucrative business in the city. Meantime he also continued as a contractor, and started the foundations for the Mobile & Ohio Railroad shops and roundhouse, also the opera house and water works. He was one of the committee that organized and established the water works, and served as a Director and superintended the building of the works for the company. In addition to other enterprises he engaged in the manufacture of brick for some years.

Since 1890, Mr. Kennedy has been the Adams and Southern Express agent. In 1891, he sold a one-half interest in the hardware business to Huthmacher Brothers, and later disposed of the business to John Stoetzle. In 1887, he entered the milling business under the firm name of Neal, Ross & Kennedy, but three years later sold his interest in the concern. Since 1890, he has been engaged in the livery business here, and finds that venture, like his others, a remunerative one. He is the owner of two hundred acres in the southwestern corner of Somerset Township, which he superintends personally, and has about thirty acres planted to apple, pear and peach trees, and other small fruits.

In Carbondale in 1881, Mr. Kennedy married Miss Kate Harwood, who was born in Tennessee. They are the parents of four children, Myrtie, Metta, Eula and Doris. In 1891, Mr. Kennedy was one of the prime factors in the organization of the Board of Trade and has been its Secretary up to the present time.