The birth year shown (1755) is the latest he was born, according to census data.
From "Witherspoon Family History" by Evelyn Potter Park. (See also an earlier work of hers, "The Witherspoons of Western Pennsylvania," 1968.)
Samuel Kennedy was born in Ireland between 1750 and 1760 (from census records). He died sometime after June 10, 1842 and before August 9, 1842, the first date being the date of his will and the second the date it was filed for probate. (Will Book B, Page 302, Beaver County, Pa.) Since a will was usually filed for probate within a week or two after death, we can assume Samuel Kennedy died near the first day of August, 1842. Both Samuel and [his second wife] Frances were buried in the lower front part of the cemetery very near the church, though no tombstone marks their resting place.
Mr. Charles Campbell of Beaver, Pa. has a family history (1963) which states on page 19 that the Kennedy family came from Ballerony, Ireland, along with the Christy, Bryan and Smith families in 1792. Others think they may have arrived as early as 1790. On page 18 of this same family history of the Bryan family, it states Bellerony was in County Down. According to family tradition the Kennedy family was Scotch-Irish and came from Ulster, or North Ireland. If indeed they came from County Down, then they probably were of Scotch origin and nationality. [This] Bryan family history states [they] came … with Granddaddy Samuel Kennedy (father of Uncle Samuel Kennedy) a coachman who had eloped with a daughter of the gentry, a Miss Bowle (or Boal).
According to Bausman's History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Page 916, quoting from Minutes of the Service church dated 1793, Samuel Kennedy and James Kennedy were among five men appointed to regulate the affairs of the congregation for one year and Mathew Kennedy was one of three collectors appointed. If these three men were related, then it appears other members of the Kennedy family also came to America.
The Kennedy farm was located on-the south side of Service "Greek directly across the creek from Service Church. A deed recorded in Allegheny County at Pittsburgh, Pa. dated September 20, 1797 shows Mathias Hook deeded Samuel Kanady a certain tract of land situate on Service Creek, now in the County of Allegheny, called "Sierra Movena" containing four hundred and seventeen acres and three quarters. A lake, Armbridge Water Reservoir, was built in 1956 at this point and now probably covers most, if not all, of what was the Samuel Kennedy farm. (Deed Book 8, page 240, Allegheny Co., Pa.)
Because Service church was such an important part of the Service community and the Kennedy family, it seems important to include a brief history of the church. It was organized in August, 1790, when it was known as the Associate Congregation of Millcreek. In 1792 they received their first pastor, Dr. John Anderson, who was also pastor of the Kings Creek church near Frankfort Springs. Dr. Anderson built his home about one mile west of Service church and near his home he built Eudolpha Hall, a seminary for young men who wanted to study for the ministry. More than 800 books were donated by associates in Scotland. It was the third such seminary established by any denomination. The first church was built of logs and served the congregation until 1828. It was replaced by a brick structure which was used until 1866 when it was then replaced by another brick building. It was used until it burned in 1927. By then the membership had dwindled as families moved from farming areas. A small brick chapel was then constructed where biannual services are conducted on Memorial Day and Homecoming Day.
***************
Excerpts from "Kennedy Family Tree," written in 1915 by Annie Caldwell Livingston, a descendant of Samuel's brother Matthew, currently in the possession of Charley Kennedy:
Samuel, James and Matthew Kennedy of Coleraine, County Derry (now Londonderry Co.), Ireland, are the immediate ancestors of our branch of the Kennedy family. Samuel and James came to America first and we first hear of them as settled on Chartiers Creek, Allegheny Co., Pa., in the year 1790. The land they bought there they lost through defect in title and James moved to what is now North Sewickley Township, Beaver Co., Pa.
Several years after James and Samuel Kennedy "came in" (as the record has it) Matthew, their brother, with his wife Ann and their four children "came in" from Coleraine,Co., Derry, Ireland. Matthew was born there in 1748. The family on landing in American went at once to that haven of the Scotch and Irish, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The father Matthew, had contracted ship fever and died soon after his arrival in Carlisle, 1790, aged 42 years. The mother alone in a strange country with her little family, hired two pack horses and with her goods disposed on them and a "creel" on each horse, she placed two children on each -- one in a pocket on either side of a horse, and the story says Ann walked. Journeying thus, she brought them over 200 miles to her brother-in-law. James Kennedy, at Chartiers Creek, west of the Allegheny River. Later Mrs. Kennedy married Joseph Robinson.
Samuel Kennedy came to the south side of the Ohio River, near Shippingport, Beaver Co., and built a large fine stone house (still standing ) with his name and the date (1809) in the gable end.
Samuel Kennedy married Martha Bole, daughter of Thomas Bole. Their son Samuel was born 1797. He married Jane Bryan in 1820 and died in 1819. His son Samuel was born in the stone house 1840. Married Mary Jane Smith. They have a large family living in Beaver Co. [in 1915]
Children Of Samuel Kennedy and Martha Bole:
Samuel - born 1797
James
Martha - married ____ Gibbs - died aged 96.
Margaret called Peggy - Married John Witherspoon.
Elizabeth called Betsey - Married Cornelius Christy.
David
Matthew, Thomas, John - These three boys, the eldest about 17, were all drowned one summer evening when bathing near Phyllisy Island [in the Ohio river near Shippingport], not far from their home.
************
From "Genealogical and Personal History of Beaver County," by John Woolf Jordan, 1914, vol. 2, p. 573:
The Kennedy family, now of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, while it has not been resident in this country many generations, has fully proved its worth as containing earnest and patriotic citizens, and men who have risen to prominence in various fields of industry. Samuel Kennedy was born in Ireland and came to America with three sons. He located in the Allegheny mountains, removing to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1790, and settled on a tract of four hundred acres. There he built a cabin in which he lived for a time, and in 1809 erected a stone dwelling. This is still standing in good condition and is now the property of the heirs of Alexander Moore. He and his sons cleared much of this land and made it very profitable.
For a time he was a Seceder, but later a member of the United Presbyterian Church. He married (first) Martha Bowl, (second) Fannie McClure.
***************
Note from Darrell Brown:
Census information shows Samuel Kennedy living in Second Moon, Greene, and Raccoon townships, and Second Moon being in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. This was not because they moved, but because Beaver county was formed in 1800 from part of Allegheny, and the names and boundaries of the townships kept changing.
Samuel was born in [northern] Ireland in 1750–55. His first wife, [Martha Bole], was born 1755-65. They came to Pennsylvania [in 1787], and in 1790 they were living with three sons [Matthew, Thomas, John] in what was then Second Moon township, Allegheny county, but in 1800 became Beaver county. By that time they had three daughters [Martha, Margaret, Elizabeth] and two more sons, Samuel, Jr. born 1796–97, and James. In 1805–06 another son was born, David. Around this time their eldest sons disappeared from the record [because they drowned in the river]. The family moved away to Shenango township, where they were in 1810. Martha disappeared from the record [due to her death], and Samuel moved back to what in 1812 was now called Greene township, Beaver county. Sometime before 1820 Samuel married Frances "Fannie" McClure, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1776–77, and Samuel Jr. married Jane [Bryan], born 1801–02, and they had a daughter. Between 1820 and 1830, Samuel Jr. and Jane established a separate household near Samuel's; David Kennedy married Jane, born 1803–04; and James married someone and established a household nearby. In 1833 this eastern part of Greene township was formed into Raccoon township. The 1840 census shows that David and Samuel Jr still had their households near Samuel Sr, but James's household is not mentioned. [Nevertheless, James' on-going presence is mentioned in Samuel Sr.'s will and on a map]. By 1850 Samuel Sr. had disappeared from the record [because he died in 1842], and his widow Frances had moved in with her brothers Robert and Andrew McClure and their descendants in Greene township.
***************
Excerpts from "The last Will and Testament of Samuel Kennedy, late of the Township of Raccoon, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Recorded in Will Book Vol. B., Page 302.
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN: I, Samuel Kennedy, being in delicate health and considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and disposing memory (Blessed be Almighty for the same) do hereby make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say),
First I commit my soul to God who gave it and my mortal body to the dust, its original to be decently intered at the direction of my executor.
Item 2nd: I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Frances Kennedy, the stone mansion house to live in during the time she remains my widow, and the exclusive use of the orchard, all the meadow and the little patches below the barn, which I have occupied for some time …
Item 3rd: I will and bequeath to each of my three daughters Margaret Witherspoon, Elizabeth Christy and Martha Gibb two hundred dollars each …
Item 4th: It is my will that the tract of land composing my real estate with the appurtenances be equally divided between my two sons David and James Kennedy their heirs and assigns according to quantity and quality at the time my widow shall leave it …
The said David and James Kennedy shall continue to work and farm the place as they have heretofore been doing and yield and pay to the said Frances Kennedy my widow so long as she remains my widow and resides in the stone mansion house, one third of all the grain raised on my farm delivered in shock and corn in the heap husked …
Item 5th: I will and bequeath to my two sons David and James Kennedy aforesaid two thirds of all my personal estate including my outstanding debts which may be due and owing to me at my decease after all expen~es and debts are paid.
Item 6th: It is my will that my son Samuel Kennedy receive no part of my estate as he has already received his full share in land.
From "Witherspoon Family History" by Evelyn Potter Park. (See also an earlier work of hers, "The Witherspoons of Western Pennsylvania," 1968.)
Samuel Kennedy was born in Ireland between 1750 and 1760 (from census records). He died sometime after June 10, 1842 and before August 9, 1842, the first date being the date of his will and the second the date it was filed for probate. (Will Book B, Page 302, Beaver County, Pa.) Since a will was usually filed for probate within a week or two after death, we can assume Samuel Kennedy died near the first day of August, 1842. Both Samuel and [his second wife] Frances were buried in the lower front part of the cemetery very near the church, though no tombstone marks their resting place.
Mr. Charles Campbell of Beaver, Pa. has a family history (1963) which states on page 19 that the Kennedy family came from Ballerony, Ireland, along with the Christy, Bryan and Smith families in 1792. Others think they may have arrived as early as 1790. On page 18 of this same family history of the Bryan family, it states Bellerony was in County Down. According to family tradition the Kennedy family was Scotch-Irish and came from Ulster, or North Ireland. If indeed they came from County Down, then they probably were of Scotch origin and nationality. [This] Bryan family history states [they] came … with Granddaddy Samuel Kennedy (father of Uncle Samuel Kennedy) a coachman who had eloped with a daughter of the gentry, a Miss Bowle (or Boal).
According to Bausman's History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Page 916, quoting from Minutes of the Service church dated 1793, Samuel Kennedy and James Kennedy were among five men appointed to regulate the affairs of the congregation for one year and Mathew Kennedy was one of three collectors appointed. If these three men were related, then it appears other members of the Kennedy family also came to America.
The Kennedy farm was located on-the south side of Service "Greek directly across the creek from Service Church. A deed recorded in Allegheny County at Pittsburgh, Pa. dated September 20, 1797 shows Mathias Hook deeded Samuel Kanady a certain tract of land situate on Service Creek, now in the County of Allegheny, called "Sierra Movena" containing four hundred and seventeen acres and three quarters. A lake, Armbridge Water Reservoir, was built in 1956 at this point and now probably covers most, if not all, of what was the Samuel Kennedy farm. (Deed Book 8, page 240, Allegheny Co., Pa.)
Because Service church was such an important part of the Service community and the Kennedy family, it seems important to include a brief history of the church. It was organized in August, 1790, when it was known as the Associate Congregation of Millcreek. In 1792 they received their first pastor, Dr. John Anderson, who was also pastor of the Kings Creek church near Frankfort Springs. Dr. Anderson built his home about one mile west of Service church and near his home he built Eudolpha Hall, a seminary for young men who wanted to study for the ministry. More than 800 books were donated by associates in Scotland. It was the third such seminary established by any denomination. The first church was built of logs and served the congregation until 1828. It was replaced by a brick structure which was used until 1866 when it was then replaced by another brick building. It was used until it burned in 1927. By then the membership had dwindled as families moved from farming areas. A small brick chapel was then constructed where biannual services are conducted on Memorial Day and Homecoming Day.
***************
Excerpts from "Kennedy Family Tree," written in 1915 by Annie Caldwell Livingston, a descendant of Samuel's brother Matthew, currently in the possession of Charley Kennedy:
Samuel, James and Matthew Kennedy of Coleraine, County Derry (now Londonderry Co.), Ireland, are the immediate ancestors of our branch of the Kennedy family. Samuel and James came to America first and we first hear of them as settled on Chartiers Creek, Allegheny Co., Pa., in the year 1790. The land they bought there they lost through defect in title and James moved to what is now North Sewickley Township, Beaver Co., Pa.
Several years after James and Samuel Kennedy "came in" (as the record has it) Matthew, their brother, with his wife Ann and their four children "came in" from Coleraine,Co., Derry, Ireland. Matthew was born there in 1748. The family on landing in American went at once to that haven of the Scotch and Irish, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The father Matthew, had contracted ship fever and died soon after his arrival in Carlisle, 1790, aged 42 years. The mother alone in a strange country with her little family, hired two pack horses and with her goods disposed on them and a "creel" on each horse, she placed two children on each -- one in a pocket on either side of a horse, and the story says Ann walked. Journeying thus, she brought them over 200 miles to her brother-in-law. James Kennedy, at Chartiers Creek, west of the Allegheny River. Later Mrs. Kennedy married Joseph Robinson.
Samuel Kennedy came to the south side of the Ohio River, near Shippingport, Beaver Co., and built a large fine stone house (still standing ) with his name and the date (1809) in the gable end.
Samuel Kennedy married Martha Bole, daughter of Thomas Bole. Their son Samuel was born 1797. He married Jane Bryan in 1820 and died in 1819. His son Samuel was born in the stone house 1840. Married Mary Jane Smith. They have a large family living in Beaver Co. [in 1915]
Children Of Samuel Kennedy and Martha Bole:
Samuel - born 1797
James
Martha - married ____ Gibbs - died aged 96.
Margaret called Peggy - Married John Witherspoon.
Elizabeth called Betsey - Married Cornelius Christy.
David
Matthew, Thomas, John - These three boys, the eldest about 17, were all drowned one summer evening when bathing near Phyllisy Island [in the Ohio river near Shippingport], not far from their home.
************
From "Genealogical and Personal History of Beaver County," by John Woolf Jordan, 1914, vol. 2, p. 573:
The Kennedy family, now of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, while it has not been resident in this country many generations, has fully proved its worth as containing earnest and patriotic citizens, and men who have risen to prominence in various fields of industry. Samuel Kennedy was born in Ireland and came to America with three sons. He located in the Allegheny mountains, removing to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1790, and settled on a tract of four hundred acres. There he built a cabin in which he lived for a time, and in 1809 erected a stone dwelling. This is still standing in good condition and is now the property of the heirs of Alexander Moore. He and his sons cleared much of this land and made it very profitable.
For a time he was a Seceder, but later a member of the United Presbyterian Church. He married (first) Martha Bowl, (second) Fannie McClure.
***************
Note from Darrell Brown:
Census information shows Samuel Kennedy living in Second Moon, Greene, and Raccoon townships, and Second Moon being in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. This was not because they moved, but because Beaver county was formed in 1800 from part of Allegheny, and the names and boundaries of the townships kept changing.
Samuel was born in [northern] Ireland in 1750–55. His first wife, [Martha Bole], was born 1755-65. They came to Pennsylvania [in 1787], and in 1790 they were living with three sons [Matthew, Thomas, John] in what was then Second Moon township, Allegheny county, but in 1800 became Beaver county. By that time they had three daughters [Martha, Margaret, Elizabeth] and two more sons, Samuel, Jr. born 1796–97, and James. In 1805–06 another son was born, David. Around this time their eldest sons disappeared from the record [because they drowned in the river]. The family moved away to Shenango township, where they were in 1810. Martha disappeared from the record [due to her death], and Samuel moved back to what in 1812 was now called Greene township, Beaver county. Sometime before 1820 Samuel married Frances "Fannie" McClure, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1776–77, and Samuel Jr. married Jane [Bryan], born 1801–02, and they had a daughter. Between 1820 and 1830, Samuel Jr. and Jane established a separate household near Samuel's; David Kennedy married Jane, born 1803–04; and James married someone and established a household nearby. In 1833 this eastern part of Greene township was formed into Raccoon township. The 1840 census shows that David and Samuel Jr still had their households near Samuel Sr, but James's household is not mentioned. [Nevertheless, James' on-going presence is mentioned in Samuel Sr.'s will and on a map]. By 1850 Samuel Sr. had disappeared from the record [because he died in 1842], and his widow Frances had moved in with her brothers Robert and Andrew McClure and their descendants in Greene township.
***************
Excerpts from "The last Will and Testament of Samuel Kennedy, late of the Township of Raccoon, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Recorded in Will Book Vol. B., Page 302.
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN: I, Samuel Kennedy, being in delicate health and considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and disposing memory (Blessed be Almighty for the same) do hereby make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say),
First I commit my soul to God who gave it and my mortal body to the dust, its original to be decently intered at the direction of my executor.
Item 2nd: I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Frances Kennedy, the stone mansion house to live in during the time she remains my widow, and the exclusive use of the orchard, all the meadow and the little patches below the barn, which I have occupied for some time …
Item 3rd: I will and bequeath to each of my three daughters Margaret Witherspoon, Elizabeth Christy and Martha Gibb two hundred dollars each …
Item 4th: It is my will that the tract of land composing my real estate with the appurtenances be equally divided between my two sons David and James Kennedy their heirs and assigns according to quantity and quality at the time my widow shall leave it …
The said David and James Kennedy shall continue to work and farm the place as they have heretofore been doing and yield and pay to the said Frances Kennedy my widow so long as she remains my widow and resides in the stone mansion house, one third of all the grain raised on my farm delivered in shock and corn in the heap husked …
Item 5th: I will and bequeath to my two sons David and James Kennedy aforesaid two thirds of all my personal estate including my outstanding debts which may be due and owing to me at my decease after all expen~es and debts are paid.
Item 6th: It is my will that my son Samuel Kennedy receive no part of my estate as he has already received his full share in land.
The birth year shown (1755) is the latest he was born, according to census data.
From "Witherspoon Family History" by Evelyn Potter Park. (See also an earlier work of hers, "The Witherspoons of Western Pennsylvania," 1968.)
Samuel Kennedy was born in Ireland between 1750 and 1760 (from census records). He died sometime after June 10, 1842 and before August 9, 1842, the first date being the date of his will and the second the date it was filed for probate. (Will Book B, Page 302, Beaver County, Pa.) Since a will was usually filed for probate within a week or two after death, we can assume Samuel Kennedy died near the first day of August, 1842. Both Samuel and [his second wife] Frances were buried in the lower front part of the cemetery very near the church, though no tombstone marks their resting place.
Mr. Charles Campbell of Beaver, Pa. has a family history (1963) which states on page 19 that the Kennedy family came from Ballerony, Ireland, along with the Christy, Bryan and Smith families in 1792. Others think they may have arrived as early as 1790. On page 18 of this same family history of the Bryan family, it states Bellerony was in County Down. According to family tradition the Kennedy family was Scotch-Irish and came from Ulster, or North Ireland. If indeed they came from County Down, then they probably were of Scotch origin and nationality. [This] Bryan family history states [they] came … with Granddaddy Samuel Kennedy (father of Uncle Samuel Kennedy) a coachman who had eloped with a daughter of the gentry, a Miss Bowle (or Boal).
According to Bausman's History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Page 916, quoting from Minutes of the Service church dated 1793, Samuel Kennedy and James Kennedy were among five men appointed to regulate the affairs of the congregation for one year and Mathew Kennedy was one of three collectors appointed. If these three men were related, then it appears other members of the Kennedy family also came to America.
The Kennedy farm was located on-the south side of Service "Greek directly across the creek from Service Church. A deed recorded in Allegheny County at Pittsburgh, Pa. dated September 20, 1797 shows Mathias Hook deeded Samuel Kanady a certain tract of land situate on Service Creek, now in the County of Allegheny, called "Sierra Movena" containing four hundred and seventeen acres and three quarters. A lake, Armbridge Water Reservoir, was built in 1956 at this point and now probably covers most, if not all, of what was the Samuel Kennedy farm. (Deed Book 8, page 240, Allegheny Co., Pa.)
Because Service church was such an important part of the Service community and the Kennedy family, it seems important to include a brief history of the church. It was organized in August, 1790, when it was known as the Associate Congregation of Millcreek. In 1792 they received their first pastor, Dr. John Anderson, who was also pastor of the Kings Creek church near Frankfort Springs. Dr. Anderson built his home about one mile west of Service church and near his home he built Eudolpha Hall, a seminary for young men who wanted to study for the ministry. More than 800 books were donated by associates in Scotland. It was the third such seminary established by any denomination. The first church was built of logs and served the congregation until 1828. It was replaced by a brick structure which was used until 1866 when it was then replaced by another brick building. It was used until it burned in 1927. By then the membership had dwindled as families moved from farming areas. A small brick chapel was then constructed where biannual services are conducted on Memorial Day and Homecoming Day.
***************
Excerpts from "Kennedy Family Tree," written in 1915 by Annie Caldwell Livingston, a descendant of Samuel's brother Matthew, currently in the possession of Charley Kennedy:
Samuel, James and Matthew Kennedy of Coleraine, County Derry (now Londonderry Co.), Ireland, are the immediate ancestors of our branch of the Kennedy family. Samuel and James came to America first and we first hear of them as settled on Chartiers Creek, Allegheny Co., Pa., in the year 1790. The land they bought there they lost through defect in title and James moved to what is now North Sewickley Township, Beaver Co., Pa.
Several years after James and Samuel Kennedy "came in" (as the record has it) Matthew, their brother, with his wife Ann and their four children "came in" from Coleraine,Co., Derry, Ireland. Matthew was born there in 1748. The family on landing in American went at once to that haven of the Scotch and Irish, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The father Matthew, had contracted ship fever and died soon after his arrival in Carlisle, 1790, aged 42 years. The mother alone in a strange country with her little family, hired two pack horses and with her goods disposed on them and a "creel" on each horse, she placed two children on each -- one in a pocket on either side of a horse, and the story says Ann walked. Journeying thus, she brought them over 200 miles to her brother-in-law. James Kennedy, at Chartiers Creek, west of the Allegheny River. Later Mrs. Kennedy married Joseph Robinson.
Samuel Kennedy came to the south side of the Ohio River, near Shippingport, Beaver Co., and built a large fine stone house (still standing ) with his name and the date (1809) in the gable end.
Samuel Kennedy married Martha Bole, daughter of Thomas Bole. Their son Samuel was born 1797. He married Jane Bryan in 1820 and died in 1819. His son Samuel was born in the stone house 1840. Married Mary Jane Smith. They have a large family living in Beaver Co. [in 1915]
Children Of Samuel Kennedy and Martha Bole:
Samuel - born 1797
James
Martha - married ____ Gibbs - died aged 96.
Margaret called Peggy - Married John Witherspoon.
Elizabeth called Betsey - Married Cornelius Christy.
David
Matthew, Thomas, John - These three boys, the eldest about 17, were all drowned one summer evening when bathing near Phyllisy Island [in the Ohio river near Shippingport], not far from their home.
************
From "Genealogical and Personal History of Beaver County," by John Woolf Jordan, 1914, vol. 2, p. 573:
The Kennedy family, now of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, while it has not been resident in this country many generations, has fully proved its worth as containing earnest and patriotic citizens, and men who have risen to prominence in various fields of industry. Samuel Kennedy was born in Ireland and came to America with three sons. He located in the Allegheny mountains, removing to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1790, and settled on a tract of four hundred acres. There he built a cabin in which he lived for a time, and in 1809 erected a stone dwelling. This is still standing in good condition and is now the property of the heirs of Alexander Moore. He and his sons cleared much of this land and made it very profitable.
For a time he was a Seceder, but later a member of the United Presbyterian Church. He married (first) Martha Bowl, (second) Fannie McClure.
***************
Note from Darrell Brown:
Census information shows Samuel Kennedy living in Second Moon, Greene, and Raccoon townships, and Second Moon being in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. This was not because they moved, but because Beaver county was formed in 1800 from part of Allegheny, and the names and boundaries of the townships kept changing.
Samuel was born in [northern] Ireland in 1750–55. His first wife, [Martha Bole], was born 1755-65. They came to Pennsylvania [in 1787], and in 1790 they were living with three sons [Matthew, Thomas, John] in what was then Second Moon township, Allegheny county, but in 1800 became Beaver county. By that time they had three daughters [Martha, Margaret, Elizabeth] and two more sons, Samuel, Jr. born 1796–97, and James. In 1805–06 another son was born, David. Around this time their eldest sons disappeared from the record [because they drowned in the river]. The family moved away to Shenango township, where they were in 1810. Martha disappeared from the record [due to her death], and Samuel moved back to what in 1812 was now called Greene township, Beaver county. Sometime before 1820 Samuel married Frances "Fannie" McClure, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1776–77, and Samuel Jr. married Jane [Bryan], born 1801–02, and they had a daughter. Between 1820 and 1830, Samuel Jr. and Jane established a separate household near Samuel's; David Kennedy married Jane, born 1803–04; and James married someone and established a household nearby. In 1833 this eastern part of Greene township was formed into Raccoon township. The 1840 census shows that David and Samuel Jr still had their households near Samuel Sr, but James's household is not mentioned. [Nevertheless, James' on-going presence is mentioned in Samuel Sr.'s will and on a map]. By 1850 Samuel Sr. had disappeared from the record [because he died in 1842], and his widow Frances had moved in with her brothers Robert and Andrew McClure and their descendants in Greene township.
***************
Excerpts from "The last Will and Testament of Samuel Kennedy, late of the Township of Raccoon, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Recorded in Will Book Vol. B., Page 302.
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN: I, Samuel Kennedy, being in delicate health and considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and disposing memory (Blessed be Almighty for the same) do hereby make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say),
First I commit my soul to God who gave it and my mortal body to the dust, its original to be decently intered at the direction of my executor.
Item 2nd: I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Frances Kennedy, the stone mansion house to live in during the time she remains my widow, and the exclusive use of the orchard, all the meadow and the little patches below the barn, which I have occupied for some time …
Item 3rd: I will and bequeath to each of my three daughters Margaret Witherspoon, Elizabeth Christy and Martha Gibb two hundred dollars each …
Item 4th: It is my will that the tract of land composing my real estate with the appurtenances be equally divided between my two sons David and James Kennedy their heirs and assigns according to quantity and quality at the time my widow shall leave it …
The said David and James Kennedy shall continue to work and farm the place as they have heretofore been doing and yield and pay to the said Frances Kennedy my widow so long as she remains my widow and resides in the stone mansion house, one third of all the grain raised on my farm delivered in shock and corn in the heap husked …
Item 5th: I will and bequeath to my two sons David and James Kennedy aforesaid two thirds of all my personal estate including my outstanding debts which may be due and owing to me at my decease after all expen~es and debts are paid.
Item 6th: It is my will that my son Samuel Kennedy receive no part of my estate as he has already received his full share in land.
From "Witherspoon Family History" by Evelyn Potter Park. (See also an earlier work of hers, "The Witherspoons of Western Pennsylvania," 1968.)
Samuel Kennedy was born in Ireland between 1750 and 1760 (from census records). He died sometime after June 10, 1842 and before August 9, 1842, the first date being the date of his will and the second the date it was filed for probate. (Will Book B, Page 302, Beaver County, Pa.) Since a will was usually filed for probate within a week or two after death, we can assume Samuel Kennedy died near the first day of August, 1842. Both Samuel and [his second wife] Frances were buried in the lower front part of the cemetery very near the church, though no tombstone marks their resting place.
Mr. Charles Campbell of Beaver, Pa. has a family history (1963) which states on page 19 that the Kennedy family came from Ballerony, Ireland, along with the Christy, Bryan and Smith families in 1792. Others think they may have arrived as early as 1790. On page 18 of this same family history of the Bryan family, it states Bellerony was in County Down. According to family tradition the Kennedy family was Scotch-Irish and came from Ulster, or North Ireland. If indeed they came from County Down, then they probably were of Scotch origin and nationality. [This] Bryan family history states [they] came … with Granddaddy Samuel Kennedy (father of Uncle Samuel Kennedy) a coachman who had eloped with a daughter of the gentry, a Miss Bowle (or Boal).
According to Bausman's History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Page 916, quoting from Minutes of the Service church dated 1793, Samuel Kennedy and James Kennedy were among five men appointed to regulate the affairs of the congregation for one year and Mathew Kennedy was one of three collectors appointed. If these three men were related, then it appears other members of the Kennedy family also came to America.
The Kennedy farm was located on-the south side of Service "Greek directly across the creek from Service Church. A deed recorded in Allegheny County at Pittsburgh, Pa. dated September 20, 1797 shows Mathias Hook deeded Samuel Kanady a certain tract of land situate on Service Creek, now in the County of Allegheny, called "Sierra Movena" containing four hundred and seventeen acres and three quarters. A lake, Armbridge Water Reservoir, was built in 1956 at this point and now probably covers most, if not all, of what was the Samuel Kennedy farm. (Deed Book 8, page 240, Allegheny Co., Pa.)
Because Service church was such an important part of the Service community and the Kennedy family, it seems important to include a brief history of the church. It was organized in August, 1790, when it was known as the Associate Congregation of Millcreek. In 1792 they received their first pastor, Dr. John Anderson, who was also pastor of the Kings Creek church near Frankfort Springs. Dr. Anderson built his home about one mile west of Service church and near his home he built Eudolpha Hall, a seminary for young men who wanted to study for the ministry. More than 800 books were donated by associates in Scotland. It was the third such seminary established by any denomination. The first church was built of logs and served the congregation until 1828. It was replaced by a brick structure which was used until 1866 when it was then replaced by another brick building. It was used until it burned in 1927. By then the membership had dwindled as families moved from farming areas. A small brick chapel was then constructed where biannual services are conducted on Memorial Day and Homecoming Day.
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Excerpts from "Kennedy Family Tree," written in 1915 by Annie Caldwell Livingston, a descendant of Samuel's brother Matthew, currently in the possession of Charley Kennedy:
Samuel, James and Matthew Kennedy of Coleraine, County Derry (now Londonderry Co.), Ireland, are the immediate ancestors of our branch of the Kennedy family. Samuel and James came to America first and we first hear of them as settled on Chartiers Creek, Allegheny Co., Pa., in the year 1790. The land they bought there they lost through defect in title and James moved to what is now North Sewickley Township, Beaver Co., Pa.
Several years after James and Samuel Kennedy "came in" (as the record has it) Matthew, their brother, with his wife Ann and their four children "came in" from Coleraine,Co., Derry, Ireland. Matthew was born there in 1748. The family on landing in American went at once to that haven of the Scotch and Irish, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The father Matthew, had contracted ship fever and died soon after his arrival in Carlisle, 1790, aged 42 years. The mother alone in a strange country with her little family, hired two pack horses and with her goods disposed on them and a "creel" on each horse, she placed two children on each -- one in a pocket on either side of a horse, and the story says Ann walked. Journeying thus, she brought them over 200 miles to her brother-in-law. James Kennedy, at Chartiers Creek, west of the Allegheny River. Later Mrs. Kennedy married Joseph Robinson.
Samuel Kennedy came to the south side of the Ohio River, near Shippingport, Beaver Co., and built a large fine stone house (still standing ) with his name and the date (1809) in the gable end.
Samuel Kennedy married Martha Bole, daughter of Thomas Bole. Their son Samuel was born 1797. He married Jane Bryan in 1820 and died in 1819. His son Samuel was born in the stone house 1840. Married Mary Jane Smith. They have a large family living in Beaver Co. [in 1915]
Children Of Samuel Kennedy and Martha Bole:
Samuel - born 1797
James
Martha - married ____ Gibbs - died aged 96.
Margaret called Peggy - Married John Witherspoon.
Elizabeth called Betsey - Married Cornelius Christy.
David
Matthew, Thomas, John - These three boys, the eldest about 17, were all drowned one summer evening when bathing near Phyllisy Island [in the Ohio river near Shippingport], not far from their home.
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From "Genealogical and Personal History of Beaver County," by John Woolf Jordan, 1914, vol. 2, p. 573:
The Kennedy family, now of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, while it has not been resident in this country many generations, has fully proved its worth as containing earnest and patriotic citizens, and men who have risen to prominence in various fields of industry. Samuel Kennedy was born in Ireland and came to America with three sons. He located in the Allegheny mountains, removing to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1790, and settled on a tract of four hundred acres. There he built a cabin in which he lived for a time, and in 1809 erected a stone dwelling. This is still standing in good condition and is now the property of the heirs of Alexander Moore. He and his sons cleared much of this land and made it very profitable.
For a time he was a Seceder, but later a member of the United Presbyterian Church. He married (first) Martha Bowl, (second) Fannie McClure.
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Note from Darrell Brown:
Census information shows Samuel Kennedy living in Second Moon, Greene, and Raccoon townships, and Second Moon being in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. This was not because they moved, but because Beaver county was formed in 1800 from part of Allegheny, and the names and boundaries of the townships kept changing.
Samuel was born in [northern] Ireland in 1750–55. His first wife, [Martha Bole], was born 1755-65. They came to Pennsylvania [in 1787], and in 1790 they were living with three sons [Matthew, Thomas, John] in what was then Second Moon township, Allegheny county, but in 1800 became Beaver county. By that time they had three daughters [Martha, Margaret, Elizabeth] and two more sons, Samuel, Jr. born 1796–97, and James. In 1805–06 another son was born, David. Around this time their eldest sons disappeared from the record [because they drowned in the river]. The family moved away to Shenango township, where they were in 1810. Martha disappeared from the record [due to her death], and Samuel moved back to what in 1812 was now called Greene township, Beaver county. Sometime before 1820 Samuel married Frances "Fannie" McClure, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1776–77, and Samuel Jr. married Jane [Bryan], born 1801–02, and they had a daughter. Between 1820 and 1830, Samuel Jr. and Jane established a separate household near Samuel's; David Kennedy married Jane, born 1803–04; and James married someone and established a household nearby. In 1833 this eastern part of Greene township was formed into Raccoon township. The 1840 census shows that David and Samuel Jr still had their households near Samuel Sr, but James's household is not mentioned. [Nevertheless, James' on-going presence is mentioned in Samuel Sr.'s will and on a map]. By 1850 Samuel Sr. had disappeared from the record [because he died in 1842], and his widow Frances had moved in with her brothers Robert and Andrew McClure and their descendants in Greene township.
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Excerpts from "The last Will and Testament of Samuel Kennedy, late of the Township of Raccoon, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Recorded in Will Book Vol. B., Page 302.
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN: I, Samuel Kennedy, being in delicate health and considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and disposing memory (Blessed be Almighty for the same) do hereby make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say),
First I commit my soul to God who gave it and my mortal body to the dust, its original to be decently intered at the direction of my executor.
Item 2nd: I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Frances Kennedy, the stone mansion house to live in during the time she remains my widow, and the exclusive use of the orchard, all the meadow and the little patches below the barn, which I have occupied for some time …
Item 3rd: I will and bequeath to each of my three daughters Margaret Witherspoon, Elizabeth Christy and Martha Gibb two hundred dollars each …
Item 4th: It is my will that the tract of land composing my real estate with the appurtenances be equally divided between my two sons David and James Kennedy their heirs and assigns according to quantity and quality at the time my widow shall leave it …
The said David and James Kennedy shall continue to work and farm the place as they have heretofore been doing and yield and pay to the said Frances Kennedy my widow so long as she remains my widow and resides in the stone mansion house, one third of all the grain raised on my farm delivered in shock and corn in the heap husked …
Item 5th: I will and bequeath to my two sons David and James Kennedy aforesaid two thirds of all my personal estate including my outstanding debts which may be due and owing to me at my decease after all expen~es and debts are paid.
Item 6th: It is my will that my son Samuel Kennedy receive no part of my estate as he has already received his full share in land.
Gravesite Details
The grave is said to be in the lower front part of the cemetery, near the church, but without a tombstone.
