(1821 – 1888) Bridget Murphy was born in Adamstown, New Ross, Co Wexford. She emmigrated to America in 1849 and married her fiancee, Patrick Kennedy, on September 26, 1849 in the Holy Redeemer Church.
The celebrant was Father John Williams, who later becameBoston’s Roman Catholic Archbishop.
The Kennedys had five children as follows: Mary L. Kennedy, Joanna L. Kennedy, John Kennedy, who died before he reached the age of 2, Margaret M. Kennedy & Patrick J. Kennedy
Bridget found shame in her names, for “Bridget” was the American way to refer to an Irish Maid, and “Murphies” were another name for potatoes.
After the death of their son John the arrival of their fifth child Patrick J. Kennedy was a particularly happy occasion.
However that same year thirty five year old Patrick Kennedy succumbed to the highly infectious cholera that infestedEast Boston, and died on November 22, 1858–105 years to the day before his great-grandson John F. Kennedy would be assassinated.
Bridget Kennedy later went on to buy a stationery and notions store in east Boston where she had worked. The business took off and expanded into a grocery and liquor store, which helped pave the way for the success of her son P. J. Kennedy.
