Kennedyj
Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing
Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",
published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
JOSEPH B. KENNEDY is a fine example
of what a man can do in the Big Bend country, who is possessed of energy
and wisdom. He came here in 1896 and settled on a homestead twelve
miles south from Wilbur. He had nothing but the raw bunch grass sod
as his capital and he has wrought from these resources a fine holding and
is now considered one of the wealthy men of the county. He owns over
one-half section of land in a high state of cultivation, well improved
and supplied with fences, orchards and so forth.
Joseph B. Kennedy was born in Ireland, on
November 14, 1860, the son of John and Mary (Conn) Kennedy, natives of
Ireland. The mother came from Scotch ancestry while the father boasted
his descent from the rich Irish blood. The family came to America
in 1863 and settled in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, where the father came
to be a prominent and well-to-do citizen. The school adjoining the
home place furnished the educational training of our subject and also in
his younger days he learned the important art of cheese making, becoming
very proficient therein. After following this some time, he came
to Washington in 1885. For a time he was employed in the Cascade
tunnel, then went to Spokane and operated as an engineer for seven years.
In 1894 he entered the mercantile business and had a store on Sprague avenue,
near Division. This continued for two years and in 1896 he sold out
and moved to his present location. He now owns four hundred and eighty
acres of excellent farm land.
Joseph B. Kennedy was married in 1895 to Maggie
S. Stauffer. She was born in Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Jacob
R. and Marie (Sanburn) Stauffer, natives of Ontario and Pennsylvania, respectively.
The parents came to Washington in 1892 and are now living a retired life.
Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have adopted two children, Albert and Alberta, twins.
It certainly is greatly to Mr. Kennedy's credit when we know that since
1896 he has gathered a fine competence in worldly goods entirely as a result
of his labors and careful management. He also is secure in the esteem
and confidence of his fellows and is known as one of the substantial men
of the county.
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