William
Kennedy

WILLIAM KENNEDY came to Camden in September of 1923 to take a position as commercial secretary of the Camden Chamber of Commerce. In this capacity he played a role in the fundraising drive that culminated in the building of the Walt Whitman Hotel at Broadway and Cooper streets in 1925. 

WILLIAM KENNEDY—An interesting and varied career has been that of William Kennedy, who, after receiving an exceptionally fine education in his native Scotland and acquiring an extensive experience as reporter and editor, came to this country and made a name for himself in the advertising field. 

Mr. Kennedy was born in Brechin, Scotland, April 6, 1875, son of William Kennedy, born in 1848, died in December, 1919, who was harbor inspector of Dundee, Scotland, for many years, and of Jane (Whamond) Kennedy, who was born in 1845, and is now living in Scotland. After completing his early and preparatory education, he became a student in Edinburgh University, where he pursued courses in art, sciences, philosophy and literature, and from which he was graduated in 1897 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, later receiving the degree Master of Arts. He began his active career as reporter, and after gaining experience took a position on the staff of the Glasgow "Herald." Successful as he was in the newspaper field, however, he decided to come to America, and in 1900 became associated with the Chicago "Tribune," a connection which he maintained for about six months. At the end of that time he decided to leave the reporting and editorial field and devote his attention to commercial secretary work. Able, resourceful, and original in his ideas, he was successful from the beginning, and in Omaha, Nebraska; Joliet, Illinois; New Castle, Pennsylvania; and Parkersburg, West Virginia; rendered valuable service and acquired still more valuable experience.

On September 1, 1923, he came to Camden, where he is establishing himself as commercial secretary to the Chamber of Commerce. There is every prospect that he will meet with marked success. Politically, Mr. Kennedy casts his vote for those candidates whom he considers best fitted to fill the office, regardless of party affiliation.

Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Camden Lodge, No. 293, to which he transferred his membership from Lodge No. 198 of Parkersburg, West Virginia; Lodge No. 29, Free and Accepted Masons, of Omaha, Nebraska; Modern Woodmen of America, Clan Campbell No. 28; and the Order of Scottish Clans. He is a member of the Camden Rotary Club, and his religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian Church. For healthful out-of-door recreation, Mr. Kennedy indulges in swimming, fishing and automobiling. 

On December 21, 1899, William Kennedy married Margot Young Morrison, who was born in 1880, and died October 18, 1924, daughter of John and Jane (Nairn) Morrison, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy were the parents of two children: William C., who was born October 27, 1901; and Jane Nairn, who was born June 4, 1904. The family residence is at No. 306 Mantua Avenue, Wenonah, New Jersey...