History of Delaware County Indiana 1881 T.B. Helm Surnames in this biography are: Kennedy, Cooper, Smith, Parker,Weaver                                       HON. ANDREW KENNEDY                           Mr.Kennedy was born July 24, 1810, at Dayton, Ohio, and, while yet a child, moved with his father, Stephen Kennedy, to Indiana, where the father purchased a farm in the Indian Reserve, near Lafayette. The districts schools afforded him a meager insight to knowledge, but instead of satisfying, awakened a desire for more, and an ambition to enter a field in which his native talents could findvent. Farm life grew irksome to him, and finally he left home and went to reside with an aunt (Rebecca (Cooper) at Connersville, Ind, a pious lady, and a member of the Society of Friends. Here he was apprenticed to a blacksmith and learned the trade; but he had no more taste for this art than for farming, and soon abandoned it. He turned his attention to the study of law, and made rapid progress, under the instruction of Caleb B. Smith and Samuel Parker, two of the ablest most celebrated counselors of their day. To an ordinary English education he united the force of a mind endowed by nature with rare vigor and keen perceptive ability.He obtained license and entered the bar in 1830, and came to Muncie, where he engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1834, he was united in marriage,at Connersville, Ind, with Miss Miriam Weaver, a pure and beautiful young lady,then recognized as one of the belles of Northern Indiana. With her he lived in happiness until his untimely death. To bless this union there were two sons,Eveuder C. and Philip A. B., and four daughters, Cyrene R., Elizabeth, Nan S.and Martha M., of whom all are now living save Elizabeth. Mr. Kennedy was successful in his practice beyond his brightest anticipations, and soon began to take an active interest in State and National polities. One of his eminent ability and fitness for public trusts could not remain long in private life. In 1835 he was elected as Representativein the Legislature of this State, and, in 1838, wan chosen State Senator. In 1841, he was elected to Congress from the “Old Burnt District,” and the fact that he was the only Democrat returned from Indiana that year was an eloquent testimonial to his character and popularity. Having entered the political arena, he was not content to rest upon the laurels already won by a faithful, creditable service to his constituency. In the fall of 1847, he went to Indianapolis and entered vigorously into the Senatorial canvass before the General Assembly of theState, and became the nominee of the Democratic caucus for United StatesSenator. As that party was largely in the majority his nomination was almost equivalent to an election. At Indianapolis, pending the meeting of the two houses in joint session, he was stricken with small pox, and died on the night of December 31, 1847. Not one among his former friends maid colleagues could be found willing to superintend the performance of the last sad rites, and the section of the cemetery and the driver of the hearse bore his body away at midnight and gave it interment. Both became contaminated with the disease and died during the following week. General Assembly passed a series of resolutions, then adjourned in terror of the contagion, and did not again convene until a year later. Thus ended a young and promising life; a life which, while fruitful of great results, had splendid possibilities yet before it.He died in the zenith of his success, in high honor and esteem among all whose privilege it was to know him. He was a stanch Democrat, and warmly espoused the principlesadvocated by that Party during his life. He was far famed for brilliantoratory, fine address, forcible argument and witty repartee.