George D. Kennedy

GEORGE D. KENNEDY. - For a number of years since reaching man's estate George D. Kennedy has been engaged in the bakery business at Rosedale, Kansas, where he is a representative citizen whose loyalty and public spirit have ever been of the most insistent order. A native of the fair Emerald Isle, George Dennis Kennedy was born at Waterford, Ireland, the date of his birth being the 16th of October, 1882. He is a son of James and Sarah (Murray) Kennedy, both of whom were likewise born in Ireland, whence they immigrated to the United States with their family, in the year 1889. Mr. James Kennedy after his arrival in America located in Kansas City, later removing to Rosedale, where he and his wife passed the closing years of their lives. The father was summoned to eternal rest in the year 1890, and the mother passed away in 1901, both being buried in the Argentine cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. James Kennedy were the parents of fourteen children, of whom the subject of this review was the fourth in order of birth.

George D. Kennedy was reared to the age of seven years in his native land and after his parents' location in Kansas City he grew up and availed himself of the educational advantages afforded in the public schools of that place. After the family home was established in Rosedale he entered upon an apprenticeship at the baker's trade here. In 1903 he engaged in the bakery business on his own account at Rosedale, but at the expiration of a few months he disposed of his baking establishment and began to work for others. In 1904, however, he opened up a pool and billiard hall at Rosedale and when, a few months later, this business burned he returned to the work of his trade. Later he again opened up a bakery of his own, but this business, too, was destroyed by fire. Though somewhat disheartened by his disastrous luck, Mr. Kennedy did not lose faith in his ability to make a success even against great odds, and in September, 1910, he once again entered into the bakery business on his own responsibility, this time at No. 1713 Kansas City avenue. He makes a specialty of wholesale baking, turning out great quantities of bread and rolls for the consumption of husky Kansas appetites. In connection with the work of his trade Mr. Kennedy is a member of the Bakers Union, of which he was treasurer until September, 1910, and in a fraternal way he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. While he has never been desirous of political preferment of any description, he is always ready to tender his aid and influence in support of measures and enterprises projected for the good of the general welfare. Mr. Kennedy is unmarried, but this fact does not in any way militate against his social popularity.