Patrick Kennedy (1823-1858) was the youngest son of farmer James Kennedy Sr. (1770-1840) and Maria Maiden (1779-1836). He was the first kennedy to reside in the U.S.A and the first member of the family to engaged in business and politics, and from him the dynasty began. He was also the first generation of the family as a businessman and politician. He married Bridget Murphy (1821-1888).