Santa
Clara County
Biographies
EDWIN A. KENNEDY
The substantial and well-to-do citizens of San Jose have no better representative than Edwin A. Kennedy, who occupies a noteworthy position among the thriving and progressive business men of this section of Santa Clara county. Reared to agricultural and horticultural pursuits, he has paid especial attention to the latter, making a close study of the best varieties of fruit adapted to the soil and climate, and doing much to encourage commercial orcharding. He has likewise been actively identified with public affairs, for two years serving as deputy sheriff and license collector. A son of James Faris Kennedy, he was born November 19, 1849, in Philadelphia, Pa., of Scotch-Irish descent. He is also of Revolutionary stock, his great-grandfather, whose christian name was probably John, served as captain of a company in the Revolution, and in a skirmish with a set of Danish outlaws that were making themselves obnoxious to the government was so badly wounded in the shoulder that he died from the effects of the injuries received.
A son of William and Jeannette (Faris) Kennedy, James Faris Kennedy was born in Bucks county, Pa., January 18, 1810, but was reared in Philadelphia, where his parents settled when he was a child. Leaving Philadelphia at the age of twenty-one years, he traveled through various parts of the country, for a number of years being employed in the lead mines at Galena, Ill. As an agent for Commodore Stockton, he came to California in 1850, and had charge of the selling of a tract of land, consisting of three thousand acres, and lying between the towns of San Jose and Santa Clara. In the fall of 1860 he located near Los Gatos, buying a ranch of three hundred and fifty-six acres. Setting out orchards and vineyards, he paid especial attention to the cultivation of fruit, raising almonds, prunes, apricots, pears and peaches. He met with excellent success in this line of industry, and likewise acquired fame as an expert stock-raiser and breeder. Importing thoroughbred running and trotting horses from the east, he raised some of the finest horses ever bred in the Santa Clara valley.
In
June, 1840, in Philadelphia, Pa., James Faris Kennedy
married Serena Salter, who was born in that city January 6, 1820, a daughter of
Samuel and Catherine (Myers) Salter. Mr.
Salter was born in England, and immigrated to the United States in 1790, where
he subsequently amassed a fortune in the manufacture of looking glasses,
importing the plain glass from Paris. Of
the union of James F. and Serena Kennedy, six children were born, namely: William C., James F., Samuel T., Edwin A.,
Mrs. Clara C. Bray and Robert F. A
strong Republican in his political affiliations Mr. Kennedy was active in party
ranks, and at one time was the candidate for lieutenant-governor, running on
the ticket with Leland Stanford. In 1863
he was elected sheriff of Santa Clara county, and
served until his death, February 6, 1864.
His wife survived him many years, passing away June 16, 1888.
But an infant when he came with his parents to Santa Clara county,
Edwin A. Kennedy was here reared and educated, completing his early studies at
the Santa Clara College. Remaining on
the parental homestead, near Los Gatos, he assisted his father in his horticultural
labors, becoming an expert fruit raiser while yet young, and after his father's
death continuing in his chosen occupation for many years. In 1900 he was appointed deputy sheriff and
license collector, and served most faithfully and ably for two years. He has since been a resident of San Jose, and
actively identified with its best interests.
Mr.
Kennedy married Minnie M. Quinby, who was born and
reared in San Jose, and they have one child, Edna A. Kennedy, a teacher in the
public schools. Mr. Kennedy is past
grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Transcribed
3-24-16 Marilyn
R. Pankey.
ญญญญSource:
History of the State of California &
Biographical Record of Coast Counties, California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A.
M., Pages 1107-1108. The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
ฉ 2016 Marilyn R.
Pankey.