Thomas Blake Kennedy was born April 4, 1874 in Commerce, Michigan. He was part of the first class to graduate from Syracuse University law school in 1897. Kennedy practiced law in Syracuse, New York, from 1898 to 1901 when he moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming. There he continued his private practice until 1921. Kennedy served as a U.S. District Court bankruptcy referee from 1903-1913 and 1919-1921. In 1921, President Warren G. Hardin nominated him for Wyoming’s lone U.S. District Court of Appeals seat, succeeding Hon. John A. Riner and becoming Wyoming’s second federal judge since statehood. He served in this capacity until his death in 1957, obtaining senior status in 1955. During his lengthy career on the bench, Kennedy heard many historically significant cases including the Teapot Dome annulment trial (1925), and U. S. v. 63 Draft Resisters (1944). He was also one of the defense attorneys in the Tom Horn trial (1903).

Kennedy was active in local organizations including the Elks, Masons and the Cheyenne Rotary Club, and an avid baseball fan. He credited his career and social life to his longevity, especially following his wife’s death in 1950. Kennedy died on May 21, 1957 and is buried in Cheyenne.