•
Walter T. Bailey (1882–1941), architect. Born and raised in Kewanee, Bailey was the first
African-American graduate of the University of Illinois' School of Architecture. •
B. Frank Baker (1864–1939), member of the
Illinois Senate, was a resident of Kewanee and served as its mayor. •
Neville Brand (1920–1992), actor and decorated
World War II veteran •
Mike Cernovich (born 1977), media personality. •
W. K. Davidson (1904–1974), Illinois state representative, senator and restaurateur. •
Edward Robb Ellis (1911–1998), journalist and diarist •
Richard Estes (born 1932), artist •
Frederick Dilley Glidden (pen name
Luke Short), Western writer, known for
Ramrod (1947) and
Blood on the Moon (1948) •
Bill Goffrier, guitarist for The Embarrassment •
Belden Hill (1864–1934), MLB third baseman for the
Baltimore Orioles •
Em Lindbeck (1934–2008), MLB outfielder for the
Detroit Tigers, mayor of Kewanee •
Glenn McDonald (born 1952), NBA small forward / shooting guard for the
Boston Celtics and
Milwaukee Bucks •
Amber McReynolds (born 1979), chief executive of the National Vote at Home Institute and member of the
Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service, was raised in Kewanee. •
Albinus Nance (1848–1911), 4th governor of
Nebraska, was raised in Kewanee •
Dennis Nelson, professional football player •
Sod Ryan (1905–1964), NFL tackle for the
Chicago Bears •
Lindsay Stalzer (born 1984), professional volleyball player, was raised in Kewanee. •
Marjabelle Young Stewart (1924–2007), writer and expert on
etiquette, moved to Kewanee in 1965 and resided there until her 2007 death. •
Teresa Sullivan (born 1949), President of the
University of Virginia (2010–2018), was raised in Kewanee. •
Dale Whittaker, fifth President of the University of Central Florida • ==Transportation==