Born in Montrose, Iowa, Kennedy completed preparatory studies.

He was interested in horticultural pursuits and later engaged in business as a nurseryman.

He served as member of the Iowa House of Representatives for one two-year term between 1903 and 1905.

At the time of his nomination, his political philosophy was described as "strongly standpat,"[1] a reference to the "stand-patters" faction of the Republican Party that provided a conservative alternative to the Party's progressive wing.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress