J. Henry Kendall was born at the Kendall Tavern in Leominster, Massachusetts on December 1, 1795. Although born in Leominster, he spent most of his younger life as a non resident, living mainly in the Holyoke/Springfield area where he had business investments.
He is best know in Leominster for his generous gifts to the community, especially gifts which furthered the education of young children. He is considered one of the original benefactors of formal education in the town. According to the provisions of his will, he had Kendall Hall erected in 1865 on the spot on which it now stands. Kendall Hall, at J. Henry's request, began its life as a school and community gathering place for the North Village of Leominster. He also made a generous $5000 donation for the purchase of books for the towns first Public Library.
Aside from these generous contributions he also made a number of large money donations to the town for other various projects and is responsible in large part for the lovely trees that line Main Street in North Leominster (known then as North Village) up to the Lunenburg line. He was also responsible for the many trees that adorn the Park in Monument Square at the center of Leominster proper.
J. Henry died in Leominster in 1862 at the age of 67 years. His gravesite is in the Evergreen Cemetery.
More information on J. Henry Kendall and the Tavern can be found here.
KENDALL HALL IN THE NEWS
From the Sunday Worcester Telegram September 25, 1983
