MEN WHO HAVE SUCCEEDED
[Mr. Kemp]
Democrat
March 14, 1912
The
subject of this sketch was born sixty-four years ago in the State of Georgia
and came to Texas in 1887, settling in Erath county. Two years in the
western country found him dissatisfied and then he pitched his tent in
Collin county, renting land from William McTee, near Snow Hill, five years,
in the meantime buying 150 acres of land adjoining the field he was
cultivating, making the first payment of $200 on date of purchase, the net proceeds of the three first crops afterward lifting the
entire debt. Not satisfied with a mere homestead, Mr. Kemp added from time
to time such farms as were offered for sale near his home and at this time
he pays taxes on over seven hundred acres of as rich land as Collin county
affords.
It has only been
a few years since Mr. Kemp had a beautiful residence built on one of his
farms near Snow Hill, costing over $9,500, which in point of comfort and
conveniences, will take first rank among the rural homes of Texas.
Snow Hill
is perhaps indebted more to the enterprise and public-spiritedness of this
man than to any other of her citizens, because, years ago, with a family of
children to educate and rear among Christian influences he realized the need
of establishing a school and church. Taking time by
the forelock and getting the co-operation of his neighbors, a school house
was built, a church organized and this formed the nucleus for a large
community known for its good morals. Christian zeal and educational work as
demonstrated by the erection of a large and modern Baptist church, followed
in due time by a commodious school house.
The writer was
present several years ago when subscriptions to build their church were
called for, when Mr. Kemp arose and with his 200 pounds avoirdupois, started
the ball to rolling by announcing a sum that was staggering except to those
acquainted with his nature and manner of doing things.
The decline in
price of cotton does not bother this up-to-the present farmer for he has
sown 200 acres in spring oats, contemplates a large corn acreage, looks out
over an alfalfa field that will augment the forage crop, and still another
source of revenue is the big herd of Durham cattle browsing lazily in the
pasture carpeted with the most succulent grasses.
In young
manhood, he led to the marriage altar Miss Lizzie Tallant and six children,
two boys and four girls, have come to bless their home and only one has
crossed the mystic river. The youngest child, a girl still in her teens,
remains with her parents to cheer and comfort them in their declining years.
The sage of Snow
Hill has been on very friendly and intimate terms with Senator Perkins for
about twenty years, supported him in every campaign and now has no reason to
regret the confidence reposed in him and will not at this time withhold his
influence and support in his ambition to go higher.
Surname Index
Recommended Citation:
"Mr. Kemp,
EARLY SETTLERS OF COLLIN COUNTY." Collin County, Texas History
and Genealogy Webpage by Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries, Inc., <http://www.geocities/genfriendsghl>
[Accessed Fri February 13, 2004 ].
