A portrait honoring Major and Mary Kennedy, pioneers who struck oil during the East Texas oil boom, was recently unveiled at the Texas African American Museum in Tyler. The event celebrated the couple's significant legacy, which includes business development, community building, and philanthropy across East Texas. Family members, including their granddaughter Tammy Kennedy, gathered for the unveiling, with some traveling from out of state to attend.
Major Kennedy, an alumnus of Texas College in Tyler, built a legacy that extended far beyond his oil discovery, according to his family. The Texas State Historical Association notes that Kennedy struck oil on his land, an event that spurred further business development by 1930. He went on to help establish the Tiger Oil and Gas Company.
The Texas Historical Association also reports that Kennedy was responsible for building the town of Easton, located on the Gregg-Rusk county line. In Easton, he owned and operated a variety of businesses, including a store, a garment factory, a sawmill, and rental houses. His philanthropic efforts were extensive, with donations directed to Black colleges, various causes and organizations, the YMCA, and civil rights initiatives. He also contributed 50 acres of land to the Boy Scouts, which is now known as Camp Kennedy.
The museum's president, Stanley Crofer, played a key role in bringing the Kennedys' story to light, having researched individuals who made a significant mark during the East Texas oil boom. Crofer expressed his excitement upon discovering Major Kennedy, noting that his name was not initially familiar during the research phase despite Kennedy being from East Texas. Crofer stated he "started doing my research and realized he was from Eastern Texas."
Tammy Kennedy reflected on the unveiling event, expressing a mix of happiness and sadness. She noted that while "all the good days, the people that we love so much are gone," the occasion provided a chance for family to reconnect. She also emphasized the importance of sharing their family's history with future generations of East Texans, affirming, "We’re here. We’ve been here. We’re standing strong."
Despite their profound impact on East Texas, there is currently no historical marker commemorating Major Kennedy in the region. The museum's president indicated that securing funding is the crucial first step toward establishing such a marker.
