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"Tennessee Trails"
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Ephraim C. Kennedy Jr. born in Decatur County 1890, as the son of Ephraim C. Sr. and Nancy Jane Thompson Kennedy. He was married to Alice Duck, daughter of D.S. and Lou Anna Chenny Duck, early pioneers who settled near Scotts Hill. Five children were born to this union; Juanita, Wynema, Hoover, Thelma and Walbert. Tradition has it that the first grandfather Kennedy came down the Tennessee River on a flatboat and settled near Peace Chapel. Mr. Kennedy was always a dedicated and forward-looking citizen, interested in education, local government and the welfare of humanity. He was one of the early school teacher of both Decatur and Henderson Counties. During his teaching career, he was instrumental in re-organizing the old Doe creek School to accomodate the children who l ived between two prongs of Doe Creek,which frequently flooded and cut them off from other schools. Typically, he saw a need and responded to it. To further his education he entered law school after four of his children were born. The fifth, Walbert, was born about the time his dad graduated. Mr. Kennedy moved, with his family to Decaturville about 1923 to practice law with Judge J.L. England. In 1926 he was elected county judge and served until 1934. Many changes occurred in Decatur County during his term of office. The bridge over the Tennessee River at Perryville was built. Judge Kennedy, with his young son Hoover, walked to the center of the bridge during the opening day celebration. They were met there by the Judge of Perry County and his young daughter for the ribbon cutting ceremony. During this time the new road from the bridge to Parsons, Decaturville and Lexington was built. The office of county agent was organized with Farmer Paschal as the first county agent. A short time later, the office of home agent was introduced. The new courthouse was built after the old one burned in 1927; $30,000 was set aside for this purpose but proved inadequate. Then thousand more was added to finish the building. When Judge Kennedy's term of office ended and also the term of S.C. Kennedy, county court clerk, the Quarterly Court of Decatur County made the following unanimous resolution to be spread, on the minutes of the Quarterly Court in recognition of their service. "We wish to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude for the kind way they have treated each and every one of us during their term of office - that they have at all times and to each one of us recognized our wishes, our complaints, our motions to the court and in every way given to us the very best of service and advice". After leaving office of county Judge, Mr. Kennedy continued to practice law until failing eyesight forced him to retire. Mr. Kennedy was almost 91 years of age when he died in 1981. He is buried alongside his wife in the cemetery at Decaturville. Contributed by Kathy Gautney
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