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Luther M. Kennett
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| Term: |
1850
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1853
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| Party: |
American
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| Born: |
March 15, 1807
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Falmouth, Kentucky
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| Died: |
April 12, 1873
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Paris, France
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Luther M. Kennett (Mayor 1850-1853)-Background
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Mayor (1850-1853). Luther M. Kennett was born in Falmouth, Kentucky on March 15, 1807. After getting an elementary education that included knowledge of Latin, he was sent to Georgetown, Kentucky, where he studied for two years. When Kennett was 15 years of age his father met financial reverses and he was removed from school to earn his own living. Kennett worked as a deputy clerk in his home county. When Kennett came to St. Louis in 1825 he was studying law privately. His first job here was clerking in a store, and in time he became a partner with St. Louis merchant Hugh Lawson White. He was first married in 1823 to Miss Martha Ann Boyce, daughter of Colonel Boyce of Farmington, Missouri. She died in 1835 leaving one daughter. In 1842 he married his cousin, Miss Agnes A. Kennett, and seven sons were born to the family.
Mr. Kennett was elected Alderman from the fourth ward in 1842 and served threes years. He was re-elected in 1846 but soon resigned, because of ill health, to make a tour of Europe. He returned just a short time before the cholera epidemic of 1849. He was a member of Mayor Barry's Citizens Committee to make recommendations on fighting cholera.
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Luther M. Kennett (Mayor 1850-1853)-Administration
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In 1850 Luther M. Kennett became the fifteenth Mayor of St. Louis, and was re-elected for two additional one-year terms.
Improving public health conditions in the city occupied much of Luther Kennett's time as Mayor. The Ordinance moving the quarantine station to Arsenal Island went into effect May 4, 1850. Buildings were erected to accommodate 500 people. All boats bound for the City were required to stop there first and unload persons and baggage for a cholera inspection. About 2500 persons were detained from three to five days, and 120 were required to stay longer. In 1851 a full hospital staff was established on the island.
It was also during Kennett's administration that the main sewers on Biddle, Seventh, Ninth and Popular Streets were provided for. The office of Fire Inspector was created in 1850 for the supervision of the volunteer companies. The harbor improvement dyke on Bloody Island was completed.
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Luther M. Kennett (Mayor 1850-1853)-Post-Administration
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Mr. Kennett was active in the development of railroads for this area and became president of the Iron Mountain Railway Company in 1853. He was also vice president of the Pacific Railroad Company at its inspection, and upon the completion of the first 37 miles of rail, delivered a noted address in opening it to traffic.
In 1854 Luther M. Kennett was elected to Congress as a member of the American Party. He defeated ex-Senator Thomas Benton in this election. He helped to procure the right of way from the Federal Government through the grounds of Jefferson Barracks for the Iron Machine Railroad. In 1856 he was defeated for re-election to Congress and retired to his country home, 'Fairview' in St. Louis County.
In 1867 Luther M. Kennett went to Europe where he remained until his death in Paris, France, April 12, 1873. Interment was in Bellefontaine Cemetery
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