KEMPTON, Maria

KEMPTON, DONELAN, LARAWAY, JAMISON, HAMILTON, GILLILLAND, GREEN, WILKINS, WILLIAMS, BALDWIN

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner (email)
Date: 4/20/2006 at 09:24:51

Mills County Tribune
May 3, 1917

Mrs. William Kempton

This estimable woman and pioneer resident of Glenwood, of whose death mention has been made in The Tribune, died at her home at 2125 Spencer street, Omaha, on April 25. Her body was brought to Glenwood cemetery on Thursday by auto for burial. The funeral cortege arrived about 5 p.m. Her old time acquaintances of Glenwood were on hand to act as pallbearers and to pay their respects to one who in life they had admired and loved. These pall bearers were Drs. J.M. and F.E. Donelan, J.W. Laraway, D.G. Jamison, C.P. Hamilton and S. Gillilland. For the many courtesies shown by Glenwood people on this occasion the children of the deceased are truly thankful.

The older residents of Glenwood who were her associates during the near half century of her residence, speak in highest terms of admiration of her splendid character.

Maria West was born at Independence, Mo., March 20, 1833, and died in Omaha, Neb., April 25, 1917. She came with her parents to Iowa in 1848 and lived for a time on Silver Creek near the present site of Silver City.

She was united in marriage April 25, 1853, to Manley W. Greene, member of the pioneer mercantile firm of Glenwood and Plattsmouth of Tootie, Greene & Co. To this union two children were born; Charles Green of Omaha, of the Standard Oil Co., and a daughter, Kate, whose first marriage was to a Mr. Wilkins and after becoming a widow became the wife of H.B. Williams, a pioneer attorney of Glenwood. Mrs. Williams died at Bellingham, Wash., some years ago.

Manley Green died probably in 1860, and on June 15, 1862, Mrs. Green was united in marriage to William Kempton. They shortly thereafter moved to Nebraska. Mr. Kempton had served as a member of the first legislature of Nebraska territory, and was the second mayor of the incorporated town of Glenwood. Two sons, Jerry Kempton of St. Joseph, Mo., and Shelby Kempton of Omaha, and one daughter, now Mrs. Bertha Baldwin of Omaha, was the fruit of this union.

The deceased is mourned by three grandchildren besides her immediate family.

She was a life long member of the Episcopalian church.