TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A portrait of Major and Mary Kennedy was unveiled at the Texas African American Museum in Tyler. The event highlighted the legacy of the couple, who struck oil on their land during the East Texas oil boom.
Their granddaughter, Tammy Kennedy, gathered with family members, including some who traveled from out of state, for the unveiling.
“It makes me happy, but it kind of makes you sad because it seemed like all the good days, the people that we love so much are gone, but we have a chance to get back together,” Tammy Kennedy said.
Kennedy’s background
Major Kennedy attended Texas College in Tyler. His family says he built a legacy beyond striking oil in East Texas.
The story was showcased with the help of Stanley Crofer, president of the Texas African American Museum. Crofer said he was researching to find someone who made a mark during the oil boom.
“I was very excited to hear about Major Kennedy. I mean, I never heard, when we first done our research, I never, as far as I know, I never heard of him. And so I started doing my research and realized he was from Eastern Texas,” Crofer said.
Kennedy’s legacy
According to the Texas State Historical Association, Major Kennedy struck oil on his land. By 1930, businesses followed. He helped form the Tiger Oil and Gas Company and donated to Black colleges, causes and organizations.
According to the Texas Historical Association, Kennedy built the town of Easton on the Gregg-Rusk county line. He owned a store, garment factory, sawmill and rental houses. He donated to Black colleges, the YMCA and civil rights causes, and gave 50 acres to the Boy Scouts, now known as Camp Kennedy.
Tammy Kennedy said it is exciting to help share their family’s history with future generations of East Texans.
“We’re here. We’ve been here. We’re standing strong,” Tammy Kennedy said.
There is currently no historical marker for Major Kennedy in East Texas. The museum’s president says the first step is to secure funding.
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