Robert P. Kennedy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Patterson Kennedy
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| 18th Lieutenant Governor of Ohio | |
| In office January 11, 1886 – March 3, 1887 |
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| Governor | Joseph B. Foraker |
| Preceded by | John George Warwick |
| Succeeded by | Silas A. Conrad |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 8th district |
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| In office March 4, 1887 – March 3, 1891 |
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| Preceded by | John Little |
| Succeeded by | Darius D. Hare |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 23, 1840 Bellefontaine, Ohio |
| Died | May 6, 1918 (aged 78) Bellefontaine, Ohio |
| Resting place | Bellefontaine Cemetery, Bellefontaine, Ohio |
| Political party | Republican |
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| Children | four |
| Alma mater | |
| Signature |  |
Robert Patterson Kennedy (born January 23, 1840 – died May 6, 1918) was an important figure from Ohio. He served as a U.S. Representative in Congress. Before that, he was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Robert Kennedy's Early Life and Education
Robert Kennedy was born in a town called Bellefontaine, Ohio. He went to public schools there. Later, he studied at Geneva College in Northwood, Ohio. He was also a student at Yale University when the American Civil War began.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War started, Robert Kennedy joined the army. He became a second lieutenant in the 23rd Ohio Infantry in 1861. He moved up in rank, becoming a captain and then a major. He worked as an assistant to the adjutant general, which meant he helped with army organization and paperwork.
He left the army in April 1865, just before the war ended. However, he was quickly commissioned as a colonel in another Ohio infantry unit. He also received special honors, being recognized as a lieutenant colonel and a brigadier general for his service.
Kennedy's Political Journey
After the war, Robert Kennedy went back to Bellefontaine, Ohio. He decided to study law and became a lawyer in 1866. He started his own law practice in his hometown.
Working for the Government
In 1878, President Rutherford B. Hayes chose Kennedy for a special job. He became the collector of internal revenue for Ohio's fourth district. This meant he was in charge of collecting taxes for the government. He held this position until 1883.
Lieutenant Governor of Ohio
From 1885 to 1887, Kennedy served as the Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. This is a high-ranking position in the state government, second only to the governor.
Serving in Congress
Robert Kennedy was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Republican. He represented Ohio's 8th District in the U.S. Congress from 1887 to 1891. He decided not to run for re-election in 1890.
Investigating in Other Countries
In 1899, President William McKinley asked Kennedy to join a group called the Insular Commission. This group was tasked with traveling to Cuba and Puerto Rico. Their job was to study the conditions there and report back to the president. Kennedy was the president of this important commission.
Later Life and Legacy
Robert P. Kennedy passed away in Columbus, Ohio. He was a member of several groups, including the Grand Army of the Republic, which was for Civil War veterans. He was also a Scottish Rite Freemason and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He was married twice. His first wife was Maria Lewis Gardner, and they had four children. After she passed away, he married Emma Mendenhall.
Even though he had the same last name, Robert P. Kennedy was not related to the famous Kennedy political family. He also wrote a book called The Historical Review of Logan County, Ohio, which was published in 1903.
