The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-10-04
ANDREW KENNEDY.
One of Indiana's Early Orators Who
was Overlooked by Judge Baldwin.

One Of Indiana's Early Orators VINO
was Overlooked by Judge Baldwin.
To the Editor Of the indianapolis Journal:
Judge Baldwin, in his late address to tho
students of Purdue University. names some
of the Indiana orators of early times
who are worthy of being held in remem-
brance. but his list ought to be greatly
extended. could, from my own recollec-
ton, add at least score Of other names
But only wish to recall one of these, one
whose name is now seldom or never men
toned. and is perhaps known to but few
Of the present generation. Yet In very
brief public career he was pronounced, by
competent authority, to be the greatest
natural orator In America"
Andrew Kennedy was born In poverty:
his childhood was passed in pioneer
cabin almost entirely surrounded by a saw
age neghborhood. He grew to manhood
without having been single day at school.
and at twenty years of age could with diff
ficulty read or write his own name. At
fifteen he had apprenticed himself to q
blacksmith at Connersville to learn that
trade. He was faithful and industrious
and became a good blacksmith, noted for
his skill in shoeing horses.
Just before the young blacksmith had
reached his twentieth year, the late
Samuel w. Parker, a good lawyer, a good
scholar and a prominent citizen OF Con-
nersville brought to the shop wild and
vicious horse to have him shod. 1t was
a dangerous job but young Kennedy was
willing to undertake it. While at this work
the horse became unmanageable and fear
fully kicked and manned the young man.
He was so badly hurt that II was evident
ii would require months for his recovery.
Mr.. Parker at once took charge of him,
and, noticing the natural brightness OF the
youth, brought him books and taught him
to read them. This opened up new world
to yong Kennedy. He read voraciously,
and as his mind expanded 1t grasped and
comprehended all he read He began to
understand himself; he felt he could do
better than remain a blacksmith. En-
couraged and aided by his friend, Mr. Par
ker, he began the study of law. and in a
remarkably short time was able to pass an
examination. and was licensed to practice
that profession.
Armed with his license he went to Mum
Gle and began the practice of law. He had
read the textbooks, but he had had no
experience, and 1OOnd strong competitors
at the Muncie bar. But he had confidence
in himself. and il was soon found he could
talk to jury most effectively. He did
not spring into notoriety at single bound
like Patrick Henry, but his oratorical pow
ers developed rapidly. Soon he ranked
with the best lawyers in eastern Indiana,
obtaining, for the times. good business,
especially in criminal practice.
At the early age of twenty-six, when
barely eligible in years. he was elected to
the State Senate. where his oratory.
Astounding in wit, humor and sarcasm, as
we'll as with clear and logical argument,
soon placed him in the front rank OF sena-
tors. At the presidential election OF 1910,
his party-the Democratc-placed him on
the State electoral ticket. and he can
vassed thoroughly not only his own district,
hut other portions of the State. establish
ing a reputation for stump speaking
which placed him upon equality with
the older and more experienced speakers,
and gave him position among the lead
ers of his party in the State. At the
special election for members OF Congress.
held in the spring of 1871. Mr.. Kennedy
found himself in the strongest Wing dis
srict in the State. perhaps In any Western
State. II seemed prepostcrous for any
| Democrat 10 think Of contrasting the dis