T. Blake Kennedy, of the firm of Matson & Kennedy, long active and prominent members of the Cheyenne bar, was born in Commerce, Oakland county, Michigan, on the 4^th of April, 1874, a son of Thomas B. and Mary (Blake) Kennedy, both of whom have now passed away. He was the youngest child in a family of five sons and three daughters.
    In the public schools he began his education, which was continued in a college course at Franklin College of New Athens, Ohio, where he won the Bachelor of Arts degree. He then went east to Syracuse, New York, for the study of law and was graduated with the class of 1897. He located for practice in Syracuse, entering into partnership with one of his classmates, R. N. Matson, organizing the firm of Matson & Kennedy, which relation has been continued to the present time save for a brief period when Judge Matson was upon the bench. They remained in Syracuse from 1898 until 1901 and then sought the opportunities of the growing west, becoming residents of Cheyenne. The record of the firm is certainly unique. From the beginning of their law practice they have been associates, their interests having always been closely allied. They are now largely specializing in oil litigation and for this purpose maintain an office in Casper. They are especially well qualified for corporation practice and their business in this direction is extensive and important. For a period of ten years Mr. Kennedy was referee in bankruptcy for the state of Wyoming, serving in that important position from 1903 to 1913.
    On the 8^th of February, 1906, Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage to Miss Anna H. Lyons. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Cheyenne Lodge, No. 1, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master, and he is also grand master of the grand lodge at the present time. He has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and has crossed the sands of the desert with the nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In the Elks lodge he is a past exalted ruler and he is identified with the Order of the Eastern Star and with the Woodmen of the World. His membership relations likewise extend to the Industrial Club. He is fond of outdoor sports and particularly of golf.
    His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served his party in the capacity of a county chairman, and as secretary and vice chairman of the state central committee, but he has never sought or held political office. His attention on the whole has been given to his professional interests, which have constantly developed in volume and importance. Few lawyers have made a more lasting impression upon the bar of the state, both for legal ability of a high order and for the individuality of a personal character which impresses itself upon a community. His colleagues and contemporaries manifest the highest consideration for him as a colleague owing to his integrity, dignity, impartiality and the strong common sense which has marked his character both as a lawyer and as a man.