Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Becky Jones

Page 330

Henry M. Kennedy, physician and surgeon, Head Clerk of the Order of Modern Woodmen of Americ, and residing at Fulton, was born in Mishawaka, St. Joseph Co., Ind., Jan. 4, 1851 and is the son of Henry D. and Charlotte (Steere) Kennedy. He came to Elgin, Ill., with his parents in infancy, and was educated at Wheaton (Ill.) College. After some experience as a clerk in Chicago he spent several seasons in the fruit business at Benton Harbor, Mich., teaching school winters. He took a regular three years’ course at the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, at which he received the degree of M.D.

He began practice in Jackson Co., Iowa, which he continued till 1880, when he removed to Fulton, Ill., and has pursued his profession in this city continuously since. On the organization of the “Modern Woodmen,” a beneficiary fraternity, he was chosen Head Physician, and in May, 1884, he was elected Head Clerk, or Grand Secretary, of this order. He is also the editor of the Woodman’s Echo.

He was married Nov. 10, 1874, at St. Joseph, Mich., to Miss Lillie Overacker. Mrs. Kennedy was born in Otsego Co., N.Y., June 14, 1854. They have three children, all boys,--Harry, Fred and Clarence.

The Doctor is a Prohibitionist in politics, and served as City Clerk of Fulton in 1883-4, He is an earnest temperance advocate, and a member of Leota Lodge, No. 428, I. O. G. T. The Dr. and Mrs. K. are members of the Baptist Church. Although a resident of Fulton but a few years, Dr. Kennedy has made many warm friends, and has developed a very satisfactory practice.