Robert William Kennard

Robert William Kennard (1800-1870), MP for Newport, Isle of Wight, and partner in a number of businesses, including the Falkirk Iron Co and the Blaenavon Co.

His father was John Kennard, born in London, 26 February 1775

1825 Birth of son Thomas William Kennard

1830 Became a co-partner in the Falkirk Iron Co, which was re-named Ashwell and Kennard until 1849.

1833 Birth of son [Henry Martyn Kennard]]

1853 Robert William Kennard probably played a major part in the successful establishment of the Crumlin Viaduct Works which were directed by his sons Thomas William Kennard (1825-1893) and Henry Martyn Kennard (1833-1911).

1870 Died

Buried in Kensal Green Cemetery

His wife Mary Ann Kennard died just ten weeks after him.

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1870 Obituary.

he Late Robert William Kennard.— Mr Kennard has been known and highly respected for nearly half a century as one of the largest employers of labour and owner of one of the most extensive ironworks in Scotland, with branch establishments in London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. In other parts of Scotland he had extensive coal mines and ironworks, and was connected with most of the great works skill and enterprise in this country. He was president of some Belgian railways, and received from the King of the Belgians the Order of Leopold. He assisted most materially a director in the establishment of several most important railroads in India and the Brazils — indeed, one of the most extensive railway enterprises in the latter country owes its existence entirely to the capital and energy he personally devoted to it while in its early and embryo stage, and but for which it would never have been established.

Mr Kennard has been well known for many years the chairman of the Blaenavon Iron Company in Wales— a company for which he had to do battle during perilous times, and amidst almost overwhelming difficulties. This company is now a highly prosperous one, and is likely to become one of the most valuable iron properties in the kingdom. As chairman of the Northern and Eastern Railway Company Mr Kennard was one of the promoters of that beneficial arrangement for the shareholders which secured to them in perpetuity guaranteed dividends of 5 and 6 per cent, upon their stock. He was also for many years the president of the Iron, Hardware, and Metal Trades' Pension Society, an institution which has relieved many hundreds of deserving persons in these trades who had been in more prosperous circumstances, but had fallen into penury; and was the most generous contributor to its funds.

Among his staff he was greatly respected and by none more than by that old and devoted servant who has so long and so faithfully managed his London house —Mr Joseph Crowther. It maybe truly said that not one his employ, from those in the highest point of confidence down to the humblest clerk, ever heard from his lips a really harsh or angry word. Instances of his noble generosity towards those who had been long connected with him are most numerous— but single instance will suffice. On one occasion an old and faithful servant fell into private difficulties for a large sum, and, bowed down with the weight of his distress, besought his aid and counsel to extricate himself. Touched with his grief, he asked to see the total amount of his debts, and at once relieved him by paying off the entire sum, telling him never to allow the subject give him moment's further uneasiness.

Kennard was a deputy-lieutenant of London, magistrate four counties, and patron of the benefice of Marnhull, in Dorset. He represented Newport, in the Isle of Wight, in two or three Parliaments, and was highly esteemed by men of all parties and opinions. Although connected with so many important obligations, like Lord Palmerston, "his bosom Lord sat lightly on his throne." He had the faculty of taking things pleasantly, and believed that they came out well in the end, his mind not being borne down by that over anxiety and care which frequently disable men from the proper and vigorous exercise of their faculties. Wherever Mr Keunard was known his kindness and generosity, his genial humour and hearty good nature, made him a friend and a favourite iv every circle in which he moved.

Mr Kennard was born 1800, and married in 1823. He leaves widow, seven sons, and three daughters. His funeral took place on Saturday the 15th ult., at Kensall Green, and was attended by a large concourse of relatives and friends. Sir Lionel Darell conducted the service in a most impressive manner.

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