Robert M. Kennedy was born in Italy, Yates county, New York, August 26, 1848. In his earlier years he was a farmer and was thus occupied until 1877, when he engaged in the undertaking business in his native town, and from there removed to Middlesex. In 1893 he came to Geneva, Ontario county, New York, thinking this a better field for the conduct of his business, and established himself there, the firm being known as Kennedy & Kennedy, and embracing Mr. Kennedy and his son, James M. They now (1911)occupy a position in the first ranks of embalmers and undertakers, and control by far the largest amount of business in this line, in Geneva, and still manage a branch in Middlesex. They occupy one of the oldest buildings in the town, which was erected by the Bank of Geneva, and occupied by that institution for many years. It is still in perfect condition and is honored as one of the old landmarks. Mr. Kennedy married in Yates county, New York, 1869, Emma O. Robson, born in Italy, New York, in 1850. Children: James M., see forward; Alice B., married Fred Witter, head bookkeeper at the patent cereals office, and resides in Geneva.
James M., son of Robert M. and Emma O. (Robson) Kennedy, was born in Italy, New York, August 13, 1870. For the past sixteen years he has been his father’s partner in the conduct of the above described business. He commenced active work in this line at a very early age, taking charge of one funeral at the age of fourteen years, and conducting it in a manner worthy of one far his senior in years. Mrs. James M. Kennedy is head of the department of embalming and is one of the first women in that line of business in the State. Mr. Kennedy is a member and one of the trustees of the Methodist church, a director of Y. M. C. A., and a staunch Republican. He is also a member of the following organizations: Damascus Temple, of Rochester, Knights Templar, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Iroquois Club of Geneva.
Mr. Kennedy married, June 27, 1894, Lizzie M. Underwood, of Middlesex, New York. Children: Harold Leo, born January 3, 1897; Ruth M., January 22, 1899; Emma K., August 30, 1900; Robert A., June 27, 1904. These children all attend school in Geneva. Mrs. Kennedy graduated from the Middlesex high school, while Mr. Kennedy was a graduate of the Naples high school, of New York.