Kennedy, Alexander K.

KENNEDY, THAIN

Posted By: Kossuth County Coordinator
Date: 5/19/2012 at 08:49:20

Biography reproduced from page 542 of the History of Kossuth and Humboldt Counties, Iowa published in 1884:

The first settlement made in this township (as near as we can learn) was by Alexander K. Kennedy, in the fall of 1865. He came alone, but in the spring of 1866 he moved his family here. This was in May. He took up a homestead of eighty acres on section 22, and also purchased 160 acres of agricultural college land on section 28, besides some five acres of timber.

Alexander K. Kennedy was born in Stoughton, Mass., Dec. 1, 1837. When two years of age his parents removed to Lake Co., Ill. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in the service, but as no more men were needed, he was not called into the field. He worked on a farm, also doing some carpenter work. In 1865 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, taking a homestead of eighty acres on section 22, Wesley township. He also purchased 160 acres of land on section 28, and five acres of timber land in Cresco township. Mr. Kennedy was married, Feb. 14, 1865, to Anna Thain, of Lake Co., Ill. They have had eight children, seven of whom are living—John T., Mary I., Alice E., William T., Fannie T., Ralph and Rubie. Mrs. Kennedy is a member of the Disciple Church. Mr. Kennedy is a republican in politics. He has been school director and trustee, road supervisor, and has several times been president of the school board. He is now serving his eighth term as justice of the peace.