KENNEDY, Samuel, clergyman, born in Scotland in 1720; died in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, 31 August, 1787. He was graduated at the University of Edinburgh, came to this country, and, after studying theology, was called in 1751 to be pastor of the Presbyterian church at Basking Ridge, where he remained until his death. During a meeting of the synod of New York and Philadelphia in May, 1760, attention was called to the case of Reverend William McClenachan, a clergyman of the Church of England in Philadelphia, who had aroused enmity in his denomination by some display of religious zeal. Several members of the synod, including Mr. Kennedy, addressed a letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury, asking him to retain McClenachan in his pastorate, which he seemed in danger of losing. To this letter the archbishop paid no attention, and, the affair soon becoming public, the missive found its way into print and was severely criticised. During the next meeting of the synod it was sold in the streets of Philadelphia with the proclamation, "Eighteen Presbyterian ministers for a groat." Mr. Kennedy added to his labors as pastor those of teacher and medical practitioner.