Notes from "The Byron Illinois Express"

John Kennedy died near Byron, February 6, 1886 from injuries received from a fall, (out of a sled). John Kennedy, was one of the best known and earliest settlers of this part of Illinois.

John was born in Queens Co. Ireland June 20, 1810.

Shortly before coming to America he married Ann Goimel whose death proceeded his by several years.

Having come to America (Canada) in 1831, in 1834 he moved to Syracuse, New York. His family left New York in 1837 moving westward from there to the state of Illinois with a yoke of oxen and covered wagon to Ogle County, Byron Township, and settled on land which was near woods and water (Rock River) on what is now called Kennedy Hill Road (named for him).

He purchased 40 acres from the United States Government on March 27, 1847 and an additional 80 acres on January 24, 1848.

John left behind a family of four sons and two daughters, -- James Kennedy, of Rockford, John, Thomas and Martin Kennedy, and Mrs. Ann (John) Connor, of Byron, and Margaret (Warren) Ames of Grand Junction, Iowa.

John's remains were taken to Rockford, followed by a large concourse of sorrowing, relatives and friends. Mr. Kennedy (John) was of more than ordinary energy, and industrious, and noted for his hospitality.

Above Contributed by Kimi

In Memoriam

Died--Near Byron, Feb. 6, from injuries received from a fall, John Kennedy, one of the best known and earliest settlers of this part of Illinois.

Having come to America in 1831, in 1834 he moved to Syracuse, New york, moving from there to this state in 1837, and located near Byron in 1850 where he resided up to his death. Mr. Kennedy was born in Queens Co. Ireland, June 20, 1810. Shortly before coming to this country he married Ann Goimel whose death preceded his by several years.

Deceased leaves a family of three sons and two daughters,--James Kennedy, of Rockford, John and Martha Kennedy, and Mrs. John Connor, of Byron, and Margaret Ames, of Grand Junction, Iowa. The remains were taken to Rockford, followed by a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends. Mr. K was of more than ordinary energy, and industrious, and noted for his hospitality.

Byron Express, Feb. 26, 1886, p. 1

Above Contributed by Bob Hutchins

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