Biographical Sketch of the Month

Mr. Kennard was born on Febuary 27, 1830 in Sussex England, He left London on the ship Luconia, arrived in New York on April 30, 1847. By 1850 he was living in the Chocohatta Settlement, Benton, Florida where he worked as a carpenter. In 1860 he was in Waldo Florida, working as a grocer. The 1860 cencus shows that Sam was 30 at the time and was married to Idella, from South Carolina. The census also shows that Idella was 24 at the time. Other members of the household were Elizabeth A, age 5, and S. Jefferson, age 1m Marcella Weimer age 10, and J. J. Kennard, age 24 a student of Medicine.

On November 9th, Samuel Kennard enlisted in the Confederacy at Newnansville, Florida. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on November 9, 1861. Commission in Company I, 1st Cavalry Regiment, Florida on November 9th 1861. He resigned Company I, 1st Cavalry Regiment Florida on April 29th 1862 at Camp Johnson, Florida.

In 1859 Mr. Kennard received a land grant signed by President James Buchanan for 159.10 acres of land in section 5 and section 4 of Township 7South of Range 18East.

In 1860, he was in Waldo, Florida, working as grocer. After the war in 1870, he was a retail merchant of dry goods and grocery in Gainesville. By 1880, he was farming in Waldo, and owned the livery stable in 1900.

Samuel and Idella raised four sons and four daughters together

Samuel Kennard Served as the town's Postmaster in the late 1800's at the Same time his Son Samuel J. Kennard served as Mayor.

The original deed for the Laurel Grove Cemetery is dated July 13, 1883 by Idella and Samuel J. Kennard.

On February 10, 1907, Samuel Kennard left this earthly existence with what must have been many untold interesting stories.

Any photos or other bio or documentation would be greatly appreciated

Check back in April