Richard R. Kenney

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Richard R. Kenney
Richard R. Kenney

January 19, 1897 – March 3, 1901
Preceded by Anthony Higgins [1]
Succeeded by J. Frank Allee

Born September 9, 1856
Laurel, Delaware
Died August 14, 1931
Dover, Delaware
Residence Dover, Delaware
Political party Democratic
Profession lawyer
Religion Episcopalian

Richard Rolland Kenney (September 9, 1856August 14, 1931) was an American lawyer and politician from Dover, in Kent County, Delaware. He was a member of the Democratic Party who was a U.S. Senator from Delaware.

Contents

[edit] Early life and family

Kenney was born September 9, 1856 in Laurel, Delaware. He attended public schools and Laurel Academy, and graduated from Hobart College in Geneva, New York, Class of 1878, where he was a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity. Subsequently, he studied the law, was admitted to the Bar in 1881, and began a practice in Dover, Delaware.

[edit] Professional career

Kenney was the State Librarian from 1879 until 1881. He was also Captain in the National Guard from 1880 until 1889, and Adjutant General of the state from 1887 until 1891. In 1896 he became a member of the Democratic National Committee.

Kenney was elected to the U.S. Senate on January 19, 1897. He filled the vacancy in the term commencing March 4, 1895, caused by the on-going Addick's controversy. During this term, he served with the Democratic minority in the 54th, 55th, and 56th Congress. The Democrats were unable to secure his reelection in 1901, and the seat became vacant again. In all, he served from January 19, 1897 until March 4, 1901, during the administration of U.S. President William McKinley.

Following his term, Kenney resumed the practice of law in Dover. Later, during the World War I, he served in the Judge Advocate General’s Department. In 1921 he was elected counsel to the Delaware House of Representatives, elected prosecuting attorney by the levy court of Kent County, and appointed a member of the State board of supplies. He was also member and secretary of the State public lands commission from 1913 until 1929.

[edit] Death and legacy

Kenney died August 14, 1931 in Dover, Delaware and is buried in churchyard of Christ Episcopal Church in Dover.

[edit] Public offices

U.S. Senators were elected by the Delaware General Assembly for a term of six years and took office March 4th.

Office Type Location Elected Took Office Left Office notes
U.S. Senator Legislature Washington January 19, 1897 March 3, 1901 class 2

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ this seat had been vacant since March 4, 1895

[edit] References

  • Carter, Richard B. (2001). Clearing New Ground, The Life of John G. Townsend, Jr.. Wilmington, Delaware: The Delaware Heritage Press. ISBN 0-924117-20-6. 

[edit] Images

  • Biographical Directory of the U.S. [1]

[edit] External links

  • Biographical Directory of the U.S. [2]
  • Delaware’s Senators [3]
  • Find a Grave [4]
  • The Political Graveyard [5]

[edit] Places with more information

  • Historical Society of Delaware [6] 505 Market St., Wilmington, Delaware (302) 655-7161
  • University of Delaware Library [7] 181 South College Ave., Newark, Delaware (302) 831-2965


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