General Thomas House Before Torn Down

The image of the “General Thomas House” is the home of Thomas Kennedy, a Revolutionary War veteran who lived in the Cartersville section of the county. He was born 1757 in Virginia and died in 1836 in Garrard County. He is buried in the Paint Lick Cemetery. His government-issued grave marker lists him a Captain in the Revolutionary War. Although he is often called “General”, he did not attain that rank. It is purported that Harriet Beecher Stowe visited the house and that her visit was the inspiration of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. However, I doubt that this Thomas Kennedy was alive at the time of the visit, if it occurred. She was living in Ohio after this Thomas died. Thomas’ son, Thomas Jr., may have been the inspiration for the book. Both Kennedys were known as violent men. Judge Calico’s book recites the story of the formation of Garrard, and the Kennedy’s involvement in that event.
Contributed by Leonard Smith

At the creation of a Kentucky Government in 1792 a Militia was one of the first concerns. Thomas Kennedy was appointed, by Gov. Shelby, a Brig. General in the 2nd Brigade consisting of the area of Madison Co. It is generally believed that he resigned or refused to serve. However, on June 18, 1793 the Governor authorized Genl Kennedy to appoint a sub-alternate officer within his brigade to engage twenty non commissioned privates of the militia to spend six months at the farthest station on the Wilderness Road leading from this State to the Holston Settlements, etc. Therefore. he did serve at least for approximately one year or more.

Respectfully,
Gerald R. Tudor