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Rush County, Indiana
Genealogy and History

a small part of the INGENWEB and USGENWEB Projects

HISTORY

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Hon. Archibald M. Kennedy was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, August 25, 1818. His father, John Kennedy, was a native of the same state, born in 1780 and died in Missouri in 1863. The mother was born in 1788 and died in 1870. In 1825 the Kennedy family emigrated to Indiana, locating in Fayette County, where they remained until 1834, when they came to Rush County. Nine years later the parents moved to Missouri. Our subject was the sixth in a family of ten children, of whom but three are now living. In 1839 he returned to Fayette County, whence, in 1853, he went to Wabash County and resided four years. He then came back to his old home and in 1864 moved to Rush County where he has continued to reside ever since. His home farm near the city of Rushville consists of 247 acres of fine land. In 1841 he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a period of twelve years. At the end of that time he began bridge building, a business he carried on extensively in this State and Ohio. He is self-educated man, and well informed. His good fortune in life has been his untiring energy and close application to business. He was reared in the Old Democratic school of politics, but since the inception of the Republican party has been one of its ardent supporters, and was for years a leader in local politics. During his residence in Jennings Township, Fayette County, he was three times Trustee. In 1870, he was chosen to represent Rush County in the General Assembly, and in 1876 was Joint Representative for the Counties of Rush, Ripley and Decatur. In 1886 he was elected Senator from the Counties of Rush and Hancock. He was strongly advocated for Member of Congress before the convention of his party, held at North Vernon in 1874. His marriage with Henrietta Langston took place in 1841. She was born in Union County, Indiana, October 10, 1820, and died February 24, 1883. To this union were born these children: Mary J., 1842, John B., 1844, Emmett, 1848; Emily F, 1850; Charles F, 1853. In 1885 he was married to Miss Laura M. Riley of Boone County, Kentucky who was born May 25, 1848. Mr. Kennedy is one of the representative men to Rush County, a recognized leader in public enterprises and a citizen of high character. His likeness, which can be seen on another page, is a portrayal of many of those sterling qualities so requisite to eminent success in life. He is a member of the Baptist Church, of the old school.