John Pendleton Kennedy

(Born: October 25, 1795 - Died: August 18, 1870)

American statesman and author. He was born in Baltimore, MD. In addition to his literary pursuits, he served several terms in Congress and was the Secretary of the Navy under President Millard Filmore. In 1833, he was one of the judges for the contest offered by the Baltimore Saturday Visiter, awarding Poe first prize for “MS. Found in a Bottle.” Kennedy befriended Poe, and recommended him to Thomas Willis White to assist him with editing of the Southern Literary Messenger. In later years, Kennedy was too engrossed in politics, and perhaps somewhat weary of Poe’s incessant need for money, favor and reassurances, and Poe felt that he was somewhat abandoned.