Biographical Sketches

JAMES CRAWFORD HENNESSY

Who occupies the responsible position of superintendent of the terminals of the Missouri Pacific Railroad and makes his home in Kansas City, is numbered among the prominent and influential businessmen of western Missouri. He is known as a man of sterling integrity, decided character and untiring energy, a man of his word, strict in his adherence to those principles of honor and fair dealing that have secured to him the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has to do.

Mr. Hennessy was born in Painesville, Lake county, Ohio, September 7, 1853, and is a son of James D. and Catherine (Crawford) Hennessy. His father was a furniture dealer in Painsville, who by his business acquired a comfortable fortune. He died in that city, in 1874, at the age of 55 years, and his wife survived him but 4 years. Of the family there now remain William, a merchant of Painesville; Charles, who is in the service of the Missouri Pacific Railroad at Omaha, Nebraska; and James C., of this review. 

Our subject was reared and educated in the city of his birth, and early manifested a taste for railroad work. This led him, at the age of 16 years, to take up the study of telegraphy in the office of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad in Painesville, and from that time forward he has continued his connection with railroad interests, steadily working his way upward step by step. In 1871 he came to Kansas City, where he entered the service of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company, and finally was offered and accepted a position with the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company as night operator. His natural capabilities soon manifested themselves, and, added to his fidelity to duty, secured his rapid advancement through the various successive positions to that of superintendent of terminals of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, in which important capacity we now find him. He has also made a close study of the business, mastering it in every detail, and is thoroughly competent to act as manager, knowing fully the duties of every department and the ability required to perform these. That he has the unqualified confidence of the railroad officials is shown by this long continued service.

In 1891, in connection with F. W. Sears and other business man of Kansas City, Mr. Hennessy organized the National Reserve Association, a fraternal insurance company, of which he was chosen supreme secretary and treasurer. In that position he still serves, and although the duties of his railroad management necessarily demand much of his attention he still finds time to carefully look after his interests in the line of insurance. He possesses superior executive ability, sound judgment and diligence, and to these qualities owes his success.

In 1879 Mr. Hennessy was united in marriage with Miss Dixie Mears, daughter of David Mears, of Dixon, Missouri. Their family consists of 2 bright little daughters: Nellie, aged 13; and Mamie, aged 10 years. They have a pleasant home at No. 1510 E. 10th street, which is the abode of hospitality and a favorite resort with their many friends. The family are regular attendants of the Lydia Avenue Methodist church, and Mr. Hennessey is a member of the Masonic order.

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This page was last updated August 2, 2006.