KENNEDY, CHARLES FLETCHER. - The story of a successful career, when its details are truthfully unfolded, affords a lesson for imitation to those who are standing at the threshold of youth. One of the substantial citizens of Beardstown, who has developed into a wholesome example to follow, is Charles Fletcher Kennedy, a prosperous clothing merchant of this city, located at No. 203 State Street, on the public square.

Charles Fletcher Kennedy was born on a farm in Sangamon County, Ill., February 10, 1871. He is a son of Fletcher and Mary (Fisher) Kennedy, both of New Jersey. Fletcher Kennedy came to Illinois with one of his brothers when a boy, belonging to a family of twelve children, all trace of whom was lost.

Remaining on the farm in Sangamon County until he was nineteen years old, Charles Fletcher Kennedy then moved to Waverly, Morgan County, and went to work in a clothing store, where he obtained his first experience in that line. In 1898 he located in Beardstown, starting a dry goods business which he continued until 1907, when he added clothing to his stock, dealing afterward also in china, tinware, light hardware, etc., until 1912. In that year he closed out everything but clothing and gents furnishing goods, which he has since handled exclusively. The store is under the immediate management of Mr. Kennedy and is conducted under the name of the New York Store, three clerks being employed. The stock is well selected and of good grade and the business receives close attention and commands a satisfactory patronage.

Mr. Kennedy was married December 10, 1895, to Miss Edith Church, a daughter of C. E. and Jane (Hutchinson) Church. They have three children, Jane, Lester and Hazel, all of whom are at home.

Mr. Kennedy is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he serves on the board of trustees, and officiates as assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. He takes an active interest pertaining to the work of the church. In the matter of fraternal orders, he is affiliated with the I.O.O.F. He is a public spirited citizen, and at a recent meeting of the Beardstown Business Men's Association was made president of that body, and is a director in the Beardstown Building and Loan Association, with which he has been connected for four years. In the spring of 1913, he was elected a member of the board of education.