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Amos Kendall House

Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky

Marker Inscription

Amos Kendall (1789-1869). This noted journalist-politician lived here. A Massachusetts native, he migrated to Kentucky in 1814 and spent one year with the family of Henry Clay as tutor. From 1816-28, Kendall resided in Frankfort as editor of the Argus of Western America. First a supporter of Henry Clay, he later promoted Andrew Jackson and helped carry Kentucky for him in 1828. See over. (Reverse) Amos Kendall - Amos Kendall moved to Washington with Jackson administration, 1829. Joined group of close presidential advisors known as "Kitchen Cabinet" and served five years as postmaster general. He gained wealth as business agent for Samuel F. B. Morse, 1845-1869; his generous donations helped to found school for deaf and mute, later Gallaudet College in Washington, D. C. Over.

Erected by Kentucky Historical Society

The Story

Massachusetts native Amos Kendall (1789–1869) migrated to Kentucky in 1814, tutored in Henry Clay's household, and edited Frankfort's Argus of Western America. Turning from Clay to Andrew Jackson, he helped carry Kentucky in 1828, followed Jackson to Washington as a trusted "Kitchen Cabinet" adviser and postmaster general, then grew wealthy as Samuel F. B. Morse's telegraph agent and helped found the school that became Gallaudet College.

Why it matters

Kendall bridged Jacksonian politics, the telegraph revolution, and the founding of deaf education, shaping national life far beyond Kentucky.

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Related people

  • · Amos Kendall
  • · Andrew Jackson
  • · Henry Clay
  • · Samuel F. B. Morse

Themes & tags

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