Served Lincoln county well for more than half century

Death came Sunday to Wellington Phares Kennedy at the St. Catharines General Hospital at the age of 89. Mr. Kennedy had enjoyed exceptionally good health and had the full use of his faculties until taking sick last November. He had the unique distinction of serving under four sheriffs and five sovereigns. In 1886 he secured a position in the Lincoln County sheriff's office and in 1905 was appointed Court crier, a post which he executed until recently with a clear booming voice unimpaired by his years. For a man with a job that, at times had its unpleasant aspects, he was a most courteous host. There was no limit to the little favors he would perform for those who called at the court house. G.W. Clench was acting sheriff when Mr. Kennedy secured his position and other sheriffs were T.C. Dawson, H. O'Loughlin and present sheriff, F.C. Graves. Nine years ago, Mr. Justice Rose, residing in non-jury court here, heard that Mr. Kennedy was celebrating his 80th birthday that day. He called him into the court room and congratulated the elderly court crier, wishing him as many years of service as Sir William Mulock. He was secretary of the St. Catharines Collegiate board for 6 years until the public and collegiate boards amalgamated. Before moving to St. Catharines in 1883 he taught school in 1877-79 in S.S. No. 4, Caistor. He was born in Gainsboro township near St. Anns on May 16, 1855, and received his education in St. Anns public school, Smithville grammar school and Canada business college, Hamilton. Mr. Kennedy was the oldest member of Welland Ave. United Church and the Avenue Men's Club. He formerly took an active part in the church and Sunday school of Grace Methodist Church, Caistor, while he was teaching school, and had aspirations of going into the ministry. In the last few years he lived a quiet life at 25 Catherine Street. His wife, the former Alice Brown, whom he married in 1890, predeceased him a year ago. He is survived by one daughter, Myrtle.