John Robert Kennard

John Robert Kennard

• Father: Anthony Drew Kennard b. 9 July 1788, d. 1848
• Mother: Sarah Moore b. 16 September 1790, d. 6 December 1877

• John Robert Kennard was born on 25 July 1826 in Alabama.
• Sarah Moore appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1850 in Grimes County, Texas. Other members of the household included John Robert Kennard, Marcus L. Kennard.
• He was a lawyer, according to the 1850 census.
• J. R. Kennard was Grimes County Judge, 1850-1851.
• He married Sarah Rebecca Noble on 22 March 1855 in Grimes County, Texas.
• He was a lawyer, according to the 1860 census.
• He served as captain commanding Company A, 10th Texas Infantry.
• He enrolled on 19 July 1861 in Harrisburg, Texas, as a 2nd lieutenant in the 4th Texas Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company G, the "Grimes County Greys."
• On 7 February 1862, John Robert Kennard wrote to Sarah Rebecca Noble: Camp Chase. My Dear Wisie, I am a prisoner of war at this place in tolerable health and good spirits. That portion of our army to which I was attached was captured at Arkansas Post after a severe battle on the 11th day of January last. The particulars of this battle it would be impractical to give at this time for reasons which are obvious. Let it suffice to say that I believe the officers and men of my company who were in this engagement and myself did our duty, and though the missiles of death fell fast around us and in our midst, Providence brought us through the battle unhurt. All the prisoners, officers and men were brought together on steamboats to St. Louis, Mo. There the officers and men were separated from the men and brought to this place by railroad. What disposition was made of the men I know not. There are rumors among us that they were sent to Chicago Illinois. Thomas had been sick after capture but was in tolerable health when we parted. George Ehrenfort, I suppose must have escaped, as he was not with us in the battle.
• John Robert Kennard became a widower at the 8 June 1872 death of his wife Sarah Rebecca Noble.
• He married Julia R. Wellborn, daughter of Levi Thomas Wellborn and Roxanna Bethune, on 23 February 1876.
• John Robert Kennard died on 27 October 1884 at age 58 in Grimes County, Texas.
• His wife Julia R. Wellborn became a widow at his death.
• He was interred at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Anderson, Grimes County, Texas. His daughter Mary Kennard Youens obtained veteran's headstone in 1938.
• The following appeared on 30 October 1884 in The Dallas Weekly Herald: (Navasota, Oct. 27) Hon. John R. Kennard died at noon to-day of typhoid-pneumonia. A feeling of sadness prevails at this great loss, for he was known to be an honest, pious man, enjoying the confidence, respect and esteem of all. His father's family came to Grimes county in 1830, when the judge was in his childhood. He died at the age of 69 years, leaving a widow and four adult children. He will be buried to-morrow at Anderson with Masonic honors.
       The Democrats have nominated Benton Randolph, of Huntsville, as candidate for the judgeship in this district, the eighth, in place of the deceased J. R. Kennard.
• The following appeared on 31 October 1884 in The Galveston Daily News: (Crockett, Oct. 29) I simply wish to add an humble testimonial to the purity and worth of Hon. John R. Kennard, who died at his home, in Navasota, on the 27th instant. For nearly four years Judge Kennard presided as our district judge in this place. Generous and pious, he discharged every trust with impartiality and conscientiousness, thus winning the high regard and conficence of the people. His courtesy while on the bench to the officers of the court and to the members of the bar, particularly to the younger attorneys, was conspicuous. The State has lost one of its most valuable public servants, and Crockett extends its heartfelt sympathy to the good people of Navasota in the loss of their excellent citizen. L. N. Cooper.
• For additional biographical information, see The Handbook of Texas Online.
  

• Last Edited: 11 Apr 2013