Administrative/Biographical History
Archie Goodwillie Kennedy, born in Midway, Washington County, Pennsylvania on August 24, 1866, the son of Rev. David S. and Nancy W. (Ke1ly) Kennedy, moved to DeKalb County with his family in December 1878. He attended Sandwich High School and later, the State Normal School at Normal, Illinois from 1882 to 1884. Returning to DeKalb County, Kennedy, taught school until 1886 when he entered Monmouth College. In June 1892 he graduated from Monmouth with high honors and on January 16, 1899 Kennedy married Miss Katherine Fuller.
After graduation, Kennedy came to DeKalb County and began working for the Carnes & Dunton law firm in Sycamore. Admitted to the bar in June 1894, Kennedy continued working with Carnes & Dunton until 1895 when he formed a partnership with W. L. Pond. Kennedy served as a city attorney of DeKalb and DeKalb County state’s attorney from 1900 to 1904. Under appointment of Governor Deneen, Kennedy also served as judge of the court of claims. In 1931 Kennedy was elected as DeKalb City Judge, a position he held for twelve years. In 1941 he formed a law partnership with Dennis J. Collins.
Kennedy also filled many important positions on community clubs and boards--president of DeKalb County Bar Association, board member and president of the DeKalb Township High School Board, member of the Glidden: Hospital board, the Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army and the First Congregational Church, and a charter member of the DeKalb Elks.
On October 15, 1943 Archie G. Kennedy died.
