My Genealogy Hound

NELSON G. KENNEDY. The village of Benton Harbor is the home of a large number of professional men, who by their skill and success have added not only to the lustre of their names, but also to the fame of the place. Among the prominent legal practitioners who have gained established reputations for breadth of knowledge, accuracy and shrewd discernment, may be mentioned Mr. Kennedy, who conducts a general practice in the courts of the county.

Himself a native of Michigan, our subject is the son of Russell Kennedy, a native of New York, who removed in 1847 to Illinois and located in Will County. Subsequently he returned to his former home in Michigan and passed away at St. Joseph in 1864. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lodema T. Smith, was born in New York, and now makes her home in St. Joseph, Mich. The Smith family originated in Holland, while the Kennedys trace their ancestry to Scotland.

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Will County, Ill., whither he was taken by his parents at the age of two years. He was educated in the schools at Joliet, Ill. In 1862 he returned to Michigan with his parents. In 1886 he was elected Sheriff of Berrien County, and by re-election served two terms. Having decided to enter the legal profession, he read law with George M. Valentine, of Benton Harbor. He was admitted to practice at the Bar of the State in January, 1890, and was elected Circuit Court Commissioner for this county in the fall of 1892.

Opening an office at Benton Harbor, Mr. Kennedy at once began a general practice, which he has since conducted. In addition to his legal interests, he deals extensively in real estate, and through good investments, as well as through his practice, he has gained a competency and is accounted one of Benton Harbor’s most successful men. He is deservedly popular with all classes and although in politics he is an outspoken Republican he has a host of warm personal friends in the opposing party, and enjoys the esteem of his large circle of acquaintances, irrespective of political views. He is recognized as one of the leading Republicans of this part of Michigan. He is one of the prominent members of the order of Knights of Pythias and is an active worker in the ranks.

The lady who, in June of 1864, became the wife of our subject bore the maiden name of Sarah J. Woolley, and was the daughter of George and Susan (Somers) Woolley, of Ohio. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy has been blessed by the birth of four children, whose presence gives added life to the cozy family residence on Lake Avenue. The children are: Cora E., wife of Charles W. Crossman; Iola B., wife of Rev. Charles S. Bullock; Lowell N., who married Clara Tabor; and Maude J., single, at home.