P. J. Kenedy, New York

John Kenedy (1794-1866), a native of Kilkenny, Ireland, opened a bookstore in Baltimore in 1826. Kenedy moved to New York in 1838. His son, Patrick John Kenedy (1843-1906) joined him in the publishing business and in 1866 upon the death of John Kenedy, took over the business.

Kenedy to some degree expanded by absorbing the assets of other companies. T. W. Strong owned the plates of the failed Dunigan firm and sold them and the name, Excelsior Catholic Publishing House in 1877. In 1894 Kenedy purchased the plates of Kelly & Piet. In 1898 Kenedy bought the catalogue of Henry McGrath. Beginning in 1896 and 1897 the D. & J Sadlier books were bought out little by little and finally in 1912 the remaining Sadlier assets were transferred to Kenedy.

In 1895 when P. J. Kenedy’s health began to fail, his son Arthur returned from college to help in the family firm. The other brother, Louis, joined the company soon after. In 1904 the outfit was incorporated as P. J. Kenedy & Sons with Arthur and Louis as the principals.

John Kenedy 1826-1866
P. J. Kenedy 1866-1903
P. J. Kenedy & Sons 1903-

1826 Franklin Street, Baltimore
1838-1848 44 Center Street, New York
1848-1873 47 Mott Street, New York
1873-1911 5 Barclay Street
1911- 44 Barclay Street

P. J. Kenedy published a number of series/libraries for juveniles. Several of the libraries listed here are probably more for adults but there may be some their titles for older Sunday School readers.