John P. Kennedy

Who was John P. Kennedy?

John Pendleton Kennedy was an American novelist and Whig politician who served as United States Secretary of the Navy from July 26, 1852 to March 4, 1853, during the administration of President Millard Fillmore, and as a U.S. Representative from the Maryland's 4th congressional district. He was the brother of U.S. Senator Anthony Kennedy. He was also the Speaker of the Maryland State assembly and served several different terms in the assembly.

Kennedy helped to lead the effort to end slavery in Maryland, which, as a non-confederate state, was not affected by the Emancipation Proclamation and required a state law to free slaves within its borders and to outlaw the furtherance of the practice.

Kennedy was also an advocate of religious tolerance and also of memorializing and furthering study of Maryland history.

He is also credited with playing seminal roles in the founding of several historical, cultural and educational institutions in Maryland; including Historic St. Mary's City, St. Mary's College of Maryland, the Peabody Library and the Peabody Conservatory of Music.