William Kennedy (Connecticut politician)
American politician (1854–1918)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Kennedy (December 19, 1854 – June 19, 1918) was a U.S. representative from Connecticut.
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William Kennedy | |
|---|---|
Portrait of Kennedy | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Connecticut's 5th district | |
| In office March 4, 1913 – March 3, 1915 | |
| Preceded by | Truman Smith |
| Succeeded by | James P. Glynn |
| Member of the Connecticut Senate | |
| In office 1899–1901 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 19, 1854 Naugatuck, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Died | June 19, 1918 (aged 63) Naugatuck, Connecticut, U.S |
| Resting place | St. James' Cemetery |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Mary K. Clerkin (m. 1882) |
| Children | 3 |
| Occupation |
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Early life
William Kennedy was born on December 19, 1854, in Naugatuck, Connecticut. He attended public schools and later studied law. He was admitted to the bar in September 1879.[1][2]
Career
Kennedy commenced a law practice in Naugatuck, Connecticut. He was attorney for the town and borough of Naugatuck from 1893 to 1918.[1] He defended Sophie Kritchman in a murder case.[2] Kennedy also served as member on Naugatuck's board of education from 1901 to 1918.[1] He was chairman of the Naugatuck Democratic Town Committee and clerk of the Borough Court.[citation needed]
Kennedy served as a member of the Connecticut Senate from 1899 to 1901.[1] He was a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1896, 1900, 1908, and 1912.He was chairman of the Democratic State Committee in 1896 and 1898.[1][2]
Kennedy was elected as a Democrat to the 63rd United States Congress in 1912 and represented Connecticut's 5th Congressional District from March 4, 1913, to March 3, 1915. He was an unsuccessful candidate for re-election in 1914 and resumed his law practice.[1] He is known to have corresponded with Woodrow Wilson on policy matters, particularly during Wilson's presidential election campaign and during World War I.[citation needed]
Personal life
Kennedy married Mary K. Clerkin of New Haven on November 29, 1882. They had three children, Mrs. Charles F. Mitchell, Louis and Julia Z.[2][3] He had a summer home in Woodmont.[3]
Kennedy died on June 19, 1918, in Naugatuck, Connecticut. He was interred in St. James' Cemetery.[1]
