Born in Morgan County, Kentucky, Kendall attended the common schools and Owingsville Academy, where he studied law.

He was admitted to the bar in 1854 and commenced practice in West Liberty, Kentucky.

During the Civil War Kendall served as first lieutenant and adjutant of the Tenth Kentucky Confederate Cavalry.

He was interred in Barber Cemetery, West Liberty, Kentucky.

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