Saturday, September 29, 2018

New Book of Interest: The Way of Nile C. Kinnick, Jr.


The Way of Nile C. Kinnick, Jr.:
Insights, Images, and Stories of Iowa’s 
1939 Heisman Trophy Winner
by Mark D. Wilson
 

I got this nice note from the author, today, Mark Wilson. Thought I would pass it along, if you have not seen his new, neat book!!

“Bill, I'm thinking that the families related to Kinnick might be interested in a copy of "The Way of Nile C. Kinnick, Jr." A portion of their purchase, my royalty, will go the The Center for Advancement to help fund the six Kinnick scholarships. If interested, they can get a copy on Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, or ice Cube Press, my publisher's website..... Can't wait for your book!
Mark”


Description on Amazon:

In our lifetimes, many of us have had or still have an individual we look up to; someone who inspires us, challenges us, helps us face adversities, or helps us form a positive outlook on life. Nile Clarke Kinnick, Jr. is that person for me. Kinnick's way of thinking inspired me to write this book, The Way of Nile, is a compilation of 365 memorable quotes from his letters, journals, and speeches. I was also driven to share my connections to this fascinating and admirable young man through my own personal stories. Nile is The University of Iowa's only Heisman Trophy winner (thus far), an Ironman of Ironmen during the 1939 football season. Kinnick, a Phi Beta Kappa scholar, was elected president of his senior class for the College of Liberal Arts. For an individual who died so young during WW II, he had an innate ability to formulate significant thoughts about events from 1936 to 1943. Nile set goals for himself, was disciplined, and dedicated in everything he attempted. In my research, his correspondence revealed perceptions about education, athletics, war, race, and poverty. Numerous other noteworthy topics were written which still reflect issues and controversies in this current day and age. Kinnick's quotes are derived from his years as an undergraduate student-athlete, a graduate student in law school, and an ensign serving his country in the US Navy Air Corps Reserve.


Enjoy the read,

Dr. Bill ;-)


Monday, April 16, 2018

What is the origin of Jasper Kinnick?



What is the origin of Jasper Kinnick?
 



[Note: The following was recently posted to the Facebook page, Kinnick Family Association. It reached a few folks, but not too many. I'll post it here and see if the reach is greater. Comments are welcomed.]

Perhaps the most vexing question remaining in the Kinnick Genealogy History is where did Jasper Kinnick, the husband of Elizabeth Brightwell, and the father of Jasper, Joseph, and William Kinnick (the Revolutionary War soldier), come from?

We have known and have documents (marriage record and land record) of Jasper and Elizabeth with the surname Kennett. I researched Kennett (and other nearby surnames) fairly extensively, but was never able to come to a satisfactory conclusion.

Recent writings in the Kennett family have now come to our attention that a little know Kennett named Peter arrived from England in Northampton, Virginia on 13 June 1655. He is not related to the more well-known Martin Kennett making the same trip a number of years earlier and known ancestor of many well-known Kennett persons, including in St. Louis and other Missouri locations.

This Peter Kennett is said to have had at least three documented children: A Sarah (married John Glaze), born in Charles County, Maryland, in about 1680, a son (unnamed, but descendants-three sons-are known) born in about 1685, and Jasper Kennett, born in about 1690. It is speculated that this is ‘our’ Jasper, who married Elizabeth, and likely changed their name to Kinnick, perhaps because he was a dealer of tobacco, referred to by the Indians as “Kinnikinnick.” He was said to be the father of the three sons, Jasper, Joseph, and William Kinnick, all more documented in early Maryland history.

This story fits with all I have learned, with no contradictions. This does not make it true, of course. But, it does make a very viable theory, one that I am adopting until someone brings forth information to the contrary.

What do you think? Comments and Questions welcomed.

Dr. Bill, aka William L. Smith, billsmith2003@gmail.com