His father, who died in March 1845, had been the British Chargé d'affaires in Naples, Italy[2] and the Secretary of Legation to the US.
Their children included:[10] During his time at Cambridge, Kennedy represented Trinity College at cricket with appearances against Huntingdonshire in May 1866 and June 1867.
He played in the FA Cup match against Crystal Palace on 20 January 1872, which ended in a 0–0 draw, with both teams progressing to the semi-finals.
[14] Described as "No mean forward and very great in front of the enemy's goal",[14] he was selected to represent "Scotland" in the second pseudo-international match against the English side, organised by Charles Alcock.
[16] On leaving university, he became a barrister, being admitted as a pupil of the Inner Temple in January 1867 and called to the bar on 30 April 1870.
[6][14] His publications included A Guide to the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887[17] and The Law of Land Drainage and Sewers.