John A. Kenney Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John A. Kenney Sr.
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| Born | June 11, 1874 |
| Died | January 29, 1950 (aged 75) |
| Education | Hampton University, Leonard Medical School |
| Relatives | John A. Kenney Jr. (son) |
| Medical career | |
| Profession | Surgeon |
| Field | Surgery |
John Andrew Kenney Sr. (June 11, 1874 – January 29, 1950) was an important African-American surgeon. He led the medical team and was the chief surgeon at the John A. Andrew Memorial Hospital. This hospital was located at the Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. He worked there from 1902 to 1922.
Dr. Kenney was also a leader in the National Medical Association (NMA). He served as the secretary from 1904 to 1912. In 1912, he was chosen to be the president of the NMA. He also worked as the main editor for the Journal of the National Medical Association for many years, from 1916 to 1948. Dr. Kenney was even the personal doctor for famous people like Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver.
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Early Life and Education
John A. Kenney was born in Albemarle County, Virginia. His birthday was June 11, 1874. He went to school at Hampton Institute. He also studied at Shaw University.
In 1901, he earned his medical degree. He graduated from Leonard Medical College.
Working at Tuskegee Institute
After finishing medical school, Dr. Kenney joined the Tuskegee Institute. He became the medical director and chief surgeon there. This was at the John A. Andrew Memorial Hospital. He worked hard to provide medical care for many people.
He was also a trusted physician for important leaders. These included Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. His work helped many people in the community.
Facing Challenges and Starting a New Hospital
In 1924, Dr. Kenney faced a difficult situation. He had to leave Tuskegee because of threats. He found safety with Dr. George E. Cannon.
After this, he moved to Newark, New Jersey. There, he started a new hospital called Kenney Memorial Hospital. This hospital helped many patients. Between 1927 and 1934, it treated thousands of people. It also performed many surgeries.
In 1935, the hospital's name was changed. It became the Booker T. Washington Community Hospital. This building is now a church. It is also a historic site. There are plans to create a museum there to honor Dr. Kenney.
Later Career and Family Legacy
In 1939, Dr. Kenney returned to Tuskegee. He led the Tuskegee Institute Hospital again. In 1944, he moved back to Montclair, New Jersey. He continued to see patients from his home. His son, John A. Kenney Jr., also worked with him.
The Kenney family had many doctors. His sons, John A. Jr. and Howard, both became doctors. His daughter, Elizabeth Kenney Quisenberry, also worked in the medical field. Another son, Oscar Kenney, was a brave Tuskegee Airmen. He died while serving in World War II. Dr. Kenney's wife, Frieda Kenney, was also very accomplished. She was the first African-American woman to graduate from Boston University.
Dr. John A. Kenney Sr. passed away on January 29, 1950. He died at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, New Jersey. He left behind a great legacy in medicine and community service.
