Joseph Kennedy 1850-1940

KENNEDY, SWEENEY, CLANCY, MCDERMOTT, GRACE, CALLAHAN, DREW

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 2/22/2023 at 14:34:08

11 January 1940 - Cascade Pioneer

Funeral services for Joseph E. Kennedy were held Friday morning from the farm home to St. John's church at Placid.

A solemn mass of requiem was sung by Rev. William Holub, pastor and Rev. M J. Meyerhofer, pastor of St. Patrick's church, Epworth, and Rev. Placid Magee, Holy Family church of New Melleray, were in the sanctuary. Father Holub officiated at burial in the Placid cemetery, assisted by Father Meyerhofer and Father Magee.

Pall bearers were F. B. McDermott, J. C. McDermott, William McMullen, William Graham, James Urbain, John Healy, John Carr Sr., and R. J. Lane.

Among those attending the funeral were Mrs. Mildred McMahon and Mrs. Marion Henry of Chicago, Ill.

Jos. E. Kennedy, the son of John A. and Catherine Garvey Kennedy, was born on the homestead where he died, on Dec. 1, 1850. He died from the infirmities of age and was conscious and bright of mind practically to his last moments. He was married to the late Mary Ann Sweeney, March 6, 1889, and later to Margaret Clancy who died over a year ago. Surviving are his sons Martin A., of Cascade, and Alberic L., at home, and an adopted daughter, Mrs. A. (Ruth Kennedy) McDermott. One son, Wm. J., died in 1908. Also preceding him in death were: his brothers, John, William, and Tobias F. Kennedy and his sisters, Mrs. Margaret Grace, Mrs. Ellen Callahan, Mrs. Maria Drew, Miss Sarah A. Kennedy, and Miss Mary Kennedy.

Seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren survive.

Although Mr. Kennedy had far exceeded the biblically allotted three score and ten years when he died, it is still a mournful and painful duty to record his passing. His life had been so useful. It had been one great fealty to duty, good works, promotion of family and home life, civic, governmental and farm advancement--he was a pioneer in many fields.

Born of a progressive Irish farm couple who came here from New Orleans over a century ago he was reared in the atmosphere of a good home life which he never forgot throughout his years. He worked hard, knew the value of a dollar early in life and was a most progressive farmer and able manager.

Further, Joe Kennedy didn't feel that his duties should be confined to one field. He was most active in every civic and economic matter that confronted the part of the country in which he lived. When progress and advancement in civic affairs were in the making, he was among the leaders.

In the field of religion, he was a pacemaker. Of kindly Christian disposition he aided in every way in the advancement of Christianity. A devout Catholic, he was a leader in establishing the Placid parish and was always active in its work. He was a loyal member of the Knights of Columbus and was recently presented an honorary membership for his long fealty to the order.

Politically and in governmental life the name of Joe Kennedy was one to be conjured with. His astuteness, wisdom and sagacity demanded consultation. A Democrat all his life, "the would-be leaders" and the candidates alike came to him for advice, and in the old convention days he was known to be a "power" to be reckoned with. It was said that he never missed casting his vote on election day from the time he reached his majority until his death.

That is a brief summary of the active life of a noble gentleman and real American. Joe Kennedy has gone to the Valhalla of Democracy where he is undoubtedly chatting over past battles, with old pals like Jim Dunn, Tom Duffy, Charley Baldwin, Denny Moore, Charley Devlin, D. W. Myers, John Schwind, Johnny Weber, Lou Murphy and other stalwarts of that bygone era.

In parting we can only write: "Joe Kennedy led a useful and full life. His job was well done."