In Memoriam: Mrs. Meta Agnes Kennedy

Meta Agnes, wife of Andrew Kennedy of yesterday's post, was born 27 July 1854 in Charleston, South Carolina to George W. Black. She died just short of her 45th birthday at her home, Breezy Hill on Forsyth road, in Macon, Georgia 19 July 1899. She rests beside her husband in Rose Hill Cemetery.

"God's Last Best Gift To Man, A Noble Woman."
Meta Agnes Kennedy
Born Charleston, S.C. July 27, 1854
Died Macon, GA July 19, 1899.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
2 August 1899, pg. 5

IN MEMORIAM.

Mrs. Meta Agnes Kennedy, Wife of Andrew W. Kennedy.
Meta Agnes Kennedy, wife of Andrew W. Kennedy, whose mortal remains were laid away under the kindly shadows of Rose Hill's guardian pines a few days ago, was a woman of the most lovable character. Born in Charleston, S.C., the daughter of Geo. W. Black, July 27, 1854, she was old enough, during the civil war, to realize its terrors.

As a child she had ministered to the fighting men who bore the Confederacy's flag, and, as a child, she had wept over the loss of brothers, grown to manhood, who had given their lives to their country's cause. The afflictions which threw a pall over her early youth strengthened and ennobled her. She rose out of them a woman who could sympathize with others, for she had known what it was to suffer. She was equipped for any station in life. Those who came within the circle of her radiant presence were held in charm by her personality. Her unobtrusive kindness was a perennial benison to those who looked to her for comfort and cheer. Endowed with all the graces that illustrated the highest type of womanhood, her children rise up to call her blessed and the world is made better because she lived to exemplify in her daily walk and conversation the virtues inculcated by the Master. Her helping and comforting hand was ever extended to the lowly. In the efforts and ambitions of those who were near and dear to her she was always an eager participant. No sacrifice for them was too great for her to make; no duty was too arduous for her to meet; no trial to excessive for her to endure. In the window of her heart the light of love was kept burning. For those about her she made the day fair. Devoted to her church she proved herself its true daughter. She was quick to administer to those who were afflicted. She was generous to those who were aspersed. She was loyal to those who depended upon her for guidance, for safe-keeping and for solace.

Such a life makes us sure that there is hope beyond the grave; that there is to be a reunion in a happier state; that there must be reward for the faithful.

A FRIEND.

How Mr. Andrew Kennedy Saved the Sandersville Hotel

Andrew William Kennedy was born 4 December 1851 in Georgia. Census records suggest his parents were both born in Pennsylvania. I found an interesting item relating to Mr. Kennedy in the 10 May 1888 Macon Telegraph (Georgia):

LOST A MOUSTACHE AND EYEBROW

How Mr. Andrew Kennedy Saved the Sandersville Hotel.
Mr. Andrew W. Kennedy was seen at the union depot yesterday prior to leaving prior to a trip down the road. His moustache was gone, and his left eyebrow had been nearly singed off. He showed several bad places on his face and arms caused by burns received at the fire of last Friday night which laid so much of Sandersville in ashes.

The fire occurred shortly before twelve o'clock. Mr. Kennedy and his family were in the hotel, and on being aroused he dressed hurriedly and went out. He saw that there was a two-story house between the fire and the hotel, and in order to save the caravansary the flames must be deprived of fuel before reaching it. To do this he thought of blowing up the house. Mr. Pringle, of Sandersville, secured two kegs of powder and these were placed in the building. They had no fuse and they concluded to make a train of powder to be set off. Mr. Kennedy then secured a brand from the burning house next door and threw it into the door of the house to be blown up. On securing the brand he saw that he did not have a moment to spare as the flames were gradually and greedily coming nearer and nearer. He took the torch and threw it into the door. The great volume of smoke that followed the explosion burnt his face and singed his moustache. The hotel was saved at the expense of the building next door.

Andrew has made himself solid with the people of that section for saving the hotel.

It is hoped that he will soon be entirely recovered from his injuries.

Andrew William Kennedy
Dec 4, 1851
July 24, 1920

Mr. Andrew Kennedy rests in Rose Hill Cemetery next to his wife, Meta Agnes Kennedy (1854-1899).

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
26 July 1920, pg. 9

DEATHS AND FUNERALS
ANDREW W. KENNEDY
Funeral services for Andrew W. Kennedy, aged 68 years, who died at the Summer cottage of Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Loyless, at Warm Springs, Saturday, July 24, at 4:15 o'clock, were held yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock from St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rev. Father W. A. Wilkinson officiating. Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery. The following acted as pallbearers: R. L. McKenney, Harry Wright, M. J. Callaghan, A. D. Daly, E. A. Sheridan and W. P. Bennett.

Mr. Kennedy is survived by the following children, William E., A. M. and I. L. Kennedy, and was a step-father of Mrs. T. W. Loyless.

The local council Knights of Columbus turned out in a body to escort the body to the cemetery.