Profile written and submitted by Saye Carrie (granddaughter of Robert H. Quellie-Kennedy Sr. and Gertrude H. Quellie-Kennedy)

Over the years Liberian patriots made major contributions and broke down barriers within Liberian society. The late Honorable Robert H. Quellie-Kennedy, Sr., my maternal grandfather is among many patriotic Liberians who contributed to the advancement of Liberian society. My grandfather was born in the Zozoma District of Lofa County. At the age of seven, he left Zozoma to live with the Pittman Kennedy family in Careysburg, Montserrado, County. He obtained a good education because his adopted family could afford to educate him. During that time period my grandfather was among the few fortunate indigenous people who were able to acquire an education and graduate from the University of Liberia. In May 1955, my grandfather married Gertrude H. Harris of Harrisburg. My grandmother is of the Congo/Caribbean ethnic group. A few months into my grandparents’ marriage, they both decided to go back to the Western Province and give back to their indigenous people. Throughout their early years in Lofa, my grandfather was a school teacher and my grandmother a school nurse. I am happy to say that my grandfather was able to help give the education that he received to others in his hometown. As time passed, my grandfather progressed and became the first principal of the new Voinjama High School.

                On the other hand, external and internal pressure was placed on the Tubman government to open the provinces of Liberia. In 1964, the Eastern and Western Provinces were made into four counties by an act of the Liberian Legislature. The new counties that became part of the political subdivision of Liberia were Lofa, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, and Bong Counties. President Tubman then appointed Hon. Robert H.Q.Kennedy, Sr., Hon. Gabriel G. Farngalo, Hon. Moses P. Harris, Sr. and Hon. James Y. Gbarbea as superintendents respectively of the new counties. However, the superintendent position was the last contribution my grandfather made for his county and Liberia from 1964 through 1968. During my grandfather's term, my grandmother assisted in designing the Lofa county flag and then other counties followed the Lofa insignia in designing and creating their own flags.