James Mackintosh Kennedy (November 3, 1848 – August 14, 1922) was a Scottish-American poet, editor, and engineer.

James attended the Parish School in Aberlemno for seven years, to age 12,[2] after which he was employed as a shepherd.

"[4] While in Dundee, he began writing poetry and studying Scottish literature, and contributed poems to several publications.

James married Isabella Low, a Scottish immigrant from Easter Clune near Aberdeen, on December 12, 1873.

He often referred to his surviving children as “four lovely daughters and one promising son.” James Kennedy became a U.S. citizen on October 16, 1886.

James had a close connection with the Scottish community in New York City, often being a speaker at clan meetings, and known for his humor.

[10]  He traveled with his youngest daughter Jean, reading his commemorative poem to great acclaim at the battle site, and visiting Edinburgh and Dundee.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated four days later, leading to World War I, and James and Jean cut their visit short and left Scotland on July 11.

James was actively involved in New York City labor politics between 1902 and 1912, being president of the Harlem Republican Club for eight years, and running for Board of Aldermen, Assemblyman, and Senate.

James Mackintosh Kennedy was a keen observer of human nature and wrote with sympathy and humor.

[10] James Kennedy’s writings were published extensively in the Caledonian, a monthly journal for Scottish immigrants in the United States.

His contributions included poetry, short stories, character sketches, and biographical articles.

Kennedy also published technical articles in Railway and Locomotive Engineering : A practical journal of railway motive power and rolling stock, published monthly by the Angus Sinclair Company, and a book on locomotive engineering.

Below is an excerpt from a letter by James Kennedy to his daughter Isabella, written August 15, 1901, on the subject of "husbandry."