Bio of KENYON, Thomas N. (b.1863), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical
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Vol III, pg 450-453
THOMAS N. KENYON
Thomas N. Kenyon, sole owner of the Kondon Manufacturing Company, manufacturers
of proprietory medicine at No. 2608 Nicollet avenue in Minneapolis, was born in
Thurman, New York, December 19, 1863, and is a son of Nathaniel and Betsy
(Rexford) Kenyon, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. The father
engaged in business as a contractor and builder. Both he and his wife passed
away in New York.
Thomas N. Kenyon was educated in the common schools, but his opportunities in
that direction were somewhat meager. He was reared on a farm with the usual
experiences and environment of the farm bred boy, there remaining to the age of
nineteen years. In 1882 he arrived in Minneapolis and sought employment in a
grocery store, where he continued for about three years. He then went on the
road as a traveling salesman, handling drug specialties for Frederick F. Ingram
of Detroit, Michigan. He was thus active in the business world for about twelve
years, but in the meantime the business, of which he is now sole owner, was
established and for more than twenty-eight years he has been active in
connection therewith. He was the originator of Kondon's Catarrhal Jelly, which
has been on the market for more than thirty years. The business was begun on a
small scale, but the energy and enterprise of Mr. Kenyon were at once manifest
in increasing results after he became identified with the business. He
recognized from the outset something of the enormous commercial value of the
catarrhal jelly and the great necessity for such a thoroughly reliable remedy
through­out the country. Becoming sole proprietor, he removed the small business
to Minneapolis and at once began to devote his entire energy to the manufacture
and distribution of the product, giving up his position as a traveling salesman.
Today the remedy which he manufactures is used extensively throughout North and
South America, Canada and England and, in fact, has been sent into almost every
corner of the globe. The results achieved were the outcome of his indefatigable
energy, his splendid salesmanship and his firm purpose. There were times when
the outlook was not bright, when the storm clouds of disaster seemed to gather,
but he has always turned apparent failure into victory. His first method of
advertising, which has been one of the strong forces in the attainment of his
success, was the continuous distribution of free samples everywhere. This was
followed by strong letters to dealers, telling them the value of Kondon's
Catarrhal Jelly, which by sheer merit has forced its way into recognition. At
first the basement of his home was used for the manufacture of the product, but
after a period this became too small and work was at once begun in larger
premises and on a more extensive scale. Distribution of free samples continued
and from the time of the erection of the new building success seemed certain.
The sale of the output is increasing year by year. For a considerable period Mr.
Kenyon devoted much energy to the development of the business districts which
were most affected by catarrhal complaints. He sent free samples, urging the
dealers to stock up with his remedy and gradually he built up a substantial
business. The public became convinced that the remedy meant relief and cure and
the sale has grown year by year. Mr. Kenyon possesses enthusiasm born of
conviction. He felt that if he could once obtain a trial of his remedy there was
no doubt as to the ultimate results. There was an uphill fight before him to do
this, but he fought bravely and had the handicap of a lack of capital at the
beginning, but gradually one business difficulty after another was obviated and
the business constantly grew and developed. Sixteen years ago Mr. Kenyon made
his first small appropriation for newspaper advertising. He used space freely in
a limited number of papers in the west and anxiously awaited results. The result
was electrifying. Since that time he has steadily increased his appropriation
among the prominent dailies of the east and middle west. He is thoroughly
systematic in his advertising and a firm believer in concentration. He covers
territory by territory from east to west. The success he has achieved, while in
a great measure due to hard work and judicious advertising, could never have
been accomplished without the backing of merit. Successful as he has been in his
manufacturing interests, Mr. Kenyon has also extended his efforts into other
fields and is now well known as a director of the Minneapolis National Bank and
the vice president of the Citizens State Bank of Monticello, Minnesota.
On the 18th of November, 1889, Mr. Kenyon was married to Miss Effie D. DeMille
of Minneapolis and they have one daughter, Norma, who is now the wife of Asa J.
Hunter of Minneapolis; and also a son, Donald D., who is with his father in
business as advertising manager. Mr. Kenyon is well known in the club circles of
this city, having membership in the Minneapolis Interlachen, Lafayette and
Minneapolis Automobile clubs. He is likewise identified with the Civic and
Commerce Association and with the Lake Street District Association of Commerce.
He is a Mason of high rank, belonging to the Scottish Rite bodies and to Zuhrah
Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise identified with the Royal Arcanum
and he is a member of the Hennepin Avenue Methodist church, in which he is
serving on the board of trustees. The interests and activities of his life are
evenly balanced, making him a man of well rounded character, and the substantial
worth of his work along many lines is widely acknowledged.