The herald., 1895-06-11

and though crazy, as l think, behaved
himself like man.
Here are extracts from the st. Louis
Republic that show what kennett was
in Missouri. had never expected to call
upon them, but they are correct in every
particular. kennett will never be Pun
ished for doing what he did, as long as
there are twelve good men on his jury.
Kennett's History
The extracts are relating to the success
sion of Captain Ferd b. Kennett to the
office of chief of police of St. Louis, and
they appeared in the Republic of June 0,
1881. After giving the resignation and
biography of the retiring chief, James
McDonough, the Republic says:
His career has been interesting since
his Doyhood. Few men of so have had
more experience. Running away from
home when only IA years of age. a year
later he found himself away down in
Mississippi near the gulf. At this time
it was his desire to enter the Confederate
navy and fight for the south. There be-
ing nc chance in the navy at this time
1862, he Joined Colonel Bowen's regiment
and remained with the land service un-
til 1864. when Senator George G. Vest
got him an appointment as midshipman
under Admiral Semmes, who was at this
time in charge of the James river squad
ron. During most of the time he was
flag midshipman on the flagship Alabama.
While holding this position he fought
in several of the terrible naval battles
OF the southern waters OF Virginia.
w hen the naval brigade was formed
young kennett was given command of
company, with the rank OF lieutenant.
At this time he was only II years of age.
Being assigned to service in Virginia he
fought in several battles along the James
river, including Chesterfield. Chapin's
bluff, Hawlett's house and Fort Harrison.
rt,rtn I,A 1iyn1
with his mother and sisters two years at
kennett castle, the beautiful home
which he abandoned to be sailor boy.
At the age of y he again left home. 60
ing to New Y ork and entering the mer-
chant service as SAILOR. For several years
lie continued 10 travel around the world,
visiting the south sea islands, rounding
the cape of Good Hope to San Francisco
and other distant points.
In 1871 he returned home and was mar
ried. The next year he was elected to
the Legislature from jefferson, the county
in which he lived. After serving out his
term in the legislature he came to st.
Louis and went into business.
In the early part OF 1877 he endorsed
large lot of paper for some very kind and
obliging friends. and they kindly let
HIM pay it. 1t amounted to nearly 500.
900. and after paying it Mr.. kennett
closed up his Office and went west, hop
ing DN SIlldll lllNeSlIlenG Ill mlneS 10 Seb
back what he had lost. He bought a
mine for $780, got enough gold out of it
to buy finger ring, which he now wears
and came home with s. in his pocket to
hunt job. Like many a good and eff
uient man, he had hard work getting it.
and the chances seemed to be that he
would not get it.
On the oath of October, 1877, he was
walking past the Planters house feeling
very blue, when the serene countenance
of Officer Mccormack caught his eve.
He looked across the street and there
stood Basil Duke, then police commits
sioner. He walked up to HIM abruptly
and said, MIR. Duke, l want to Join the
police force.
Mr.. Duke laughed.
Its no laughing matter with me. |
am in earnest said kennett.
"If you are in earnest. come and see
me tomorrow at the Four Courts" Mr..
Duke rerlied
He came and was sworn in at once.
He carried club for a WHILE but was
soon given office work.
On the 1st of Novem Der, 1873, he was
appointed a sergeant, and on the 9th of
December, 1879, he was made a captain
and placed in charge of the sCarondelet
station.
Since the illness of Captain Lee he has
had charge of the Central station, the
most importantsin the city.
His salary has gradually increased from
$50 per month to about $500 per month,
with horse, buggy and driver free. To
the credit Of Captain Kennett it may be
stated that he wears his honors well, and
that the rapid changes in his cir
cumaances have had no outward effect
upon him. With his subordinates he is
very popular. While he has always been
a hail fellow well met with them. there
is point at which they know when to
stop. Although in his position as cap
tain he was little more. dignified than
when he wore the shield of a sergeant,