Frederick Charles Kennedy facts for kids
Frederick Charles Kennedy (1849–1916) was a Scottish businessman who became very important in Asia. He was known for leading the largest fleet of river boats in the world during the 1800s. He was also given a special award called the CIE for his work.
Early Life and Career
Frederick Charles Kennedy was born in 1849. His father, Peter Cuming Kennedy, was a merchant who sold tweed fabric. Frederick first trained to be a civil engineer. However, he decided to join the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company (IFC) instead. This company was started in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1852 and operated in Burma (now Myanmar).
The IFC was first set up by the British government in 1852 after the Second Anglo-Burmese War. It was later sold and became a private company in 1865. Frederick sailed to Burma and was working in Rangoon by 1877. In October 1877, he became the Assistant Manager of the company.
A Key Role in War
During the Third Anglo-Burmese War, which took place from 1885 to 1887, Frederick Kennedy was the Manager of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company. By this time, the IFC had grown to be the biggest river boat fleet in the world! It included 35 paddle-steamers, 63 cargo ships, and several smaller boats. Some of these boats were even armed.
Frederick worked closely with the government. He helped transport a large number of soldiers into inner Burma. The biggest ship, called the "Thooreah," could carry 2100 men. In total, the company's boats moved over 9000 British and Indian soldiers up the river. This was a very important part of the war effort. Other ships like the PS Ashley Eden and the armed PS Palow were also used. The Palow was even part of an attack on Minhla Forts in November 1885.
In 1886, Queen Victoria recognized Frederick for his important help during the war. She made him a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE). This award was special because it was usually given to people involved in the government or history of India, but Frederick's work was mainly in Burma.
Later Life and Legacy
Frederick Kennedy retired from the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in 1903. To thank him for his many years of service, he was given a beautiful silver tea set.
In 1906, he moved back to Edinburgh, Scotland. There, he became a Director for the London and Edinburgh Shipping Company, which was based in Leith. He lived at 15 Palmerston Place in Edinburgh for the rest of his life.
Frederick Charles Kennedy passed away on April 17, 1916. He was buried in Dean Cemetery in the west of Edinburgh. His grave is located in the newer part of the cemetery, near the old wall. When he died, he left behind a large sum of money, about £250,000.
Family Life
In 1881, Frederick Kennedy married Mary Cuddie (who passed away in 1932) in Falkirk, Scotland.
