LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

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JAMES R. KEMP

Transcribed by Beverly Gerdts, submitted June 13, 2017

        James R. Kemp, one of the early settlers of Louisa county, was born in Fayette county , Ohio, in 1838, and was the eldest of a family of seven children born to William and Hester (Goodwin) Kemp, who were natives of Maryland, but immigrated to Ohio at an early day, coming to Louisa county in 1855, settling in Grandview town- ...

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...ship, then in Port Louisa township where he purchased a farm.

       James R. was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools of Ohio, and came to Louisa county when a young man.

       In 1865, he became the husband of Lavina Adams, a native of Iowa, and a daughter of Holsond and Aletha Adams, who were born in New York, but settled in the northern part of this state at an early day.

       After his marriage Mr. Kemp purchased a farm of sixty-eight and one half acres of improved land, upon which he built a nice residence and added to it until he owned 400 acres in Grandview, and ten in Concord township, comprising one of the best farms in the county. He made a speciality of buying and selling Durham cattle. In 1866, the death of Mrs. Kemp occurred, leaving one child, William H. Two years after the death of Mrs. Kemp, in 1868, he was united in marriage to Mary Bacon, who was born in South Carolina, a daughter of Uriah and Mary Bacon. Her father was a manufacturer of cotton gins.

       To this union seven children were born, Martha Jane, Oren, Abner Rosdon, Earnest Ormond, James Otto, John Walter, and Vinnie Edna.

       Mr. Kemp witnessed almost the entire growth of the county, and participated in its progress and development, and was highly esteemed among its prominent citizens.

       They moved from the farm to Fredonia in 1909, and made their home where Mr. and Mrs. Edgbert Shellabarger now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Kemp were among those grand old people who lived the good neighbor policy, and were a very important part of Fredonia life.

       Mr. Kemp passed away November 14, 1923, and Mrs. Kemp died September 4, 1924.

       Martha Jane became the wife of Perry Axtel December 12. 1891. Five children graced this union: Lloyd, Inez, Roy, Emory and Edith. Mr. and Mrs. Axtel made Fredonia their home for several years. He was depot agent and post master for several years.

       Walter was born October 22, 1882, and was united in marriage to Iva Orr, December 17, 1910. To this union three children were born: Robert, Donald and Geraldine.

       Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kemp spent most of their married life in our community. He operated the blacksmith shop for a while and operated a sorghum mill, and will be remembered by many as an important part of our community.

       Mrs. Kemp passed away in 1920, and Walter's death occurred on November 23,1940.

       Robert is married and lives in Letts, Iowa, an operates a crew of dirt moving machinery.

       Donald is one of our fine young citizens, is married and make their home here in Fredonia. He also has spent some time operating the excavators.

       Geraldine is married and has a nice family. We think of her as the wonderful little girl she was to help so loyaly and bravely to make a home with her father and brothers, after her mother was taken from them.

       Vinnie Edna became the wife of Harry Mishler November 27, 1907. To this union a family of three children were born: Mildred, Opal and Herbert. They made their home on a farm east of Fredonia, where Mr. Mishler passed away April 8, 1920. Mrs. Mishler left alone to carry the responsibly for her nice little family, remained on the farm for a time, then came to Fredonia, where she secured a position in the Cooperative store. Like her parents before her she is one of those people you feel make your like richer for having known her. With dignity and respect she reared her fine family.

       On December 3, 1929, she became the wife of Herbert W. Sargent, and later moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa where Mr. Sargent owned a group of earth moving machinery. On September 29, 1943, Mr. Sargent passed away. Once more left alone, Mrs. Sargent moved to Columbus Junction in 1947, where she is near her youngest daughter.

       Mildred, the eldest, became the wife of Edward D. Walker on December 7, 1930. He is a sales representative for White-Phillips Company of Davenport, Iowa, but they make their home in Burlington, Iowa. They are the parents of two lovely daughters, Mary Sue and Jeanine Ann.

       Opal Mishler, the second daughter became the wife of George Burns, Nov 7, 1933, and make their …

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... home in Columbus Junction. George spent two years in service in World War II in the engineering department, and was stationed on the Island of Honolulu. He has been in the mail service for Uncle Sam for 26 years, and continues to serve in that capacity. They also, are the happy parents of two lovely girls Barbara Elaine, and Betty Ann. Two families any community can be proud of.

       Herbert the only boy, spent part of his childhood in Fredonia, before the family moved to Oskaloosa, and is well known to everyone. After he was through school, he enlisted in the service and spent 31/3 years as Air Transport Command, getting his discharge at Cairo, Egypt, he then spent two years as company engineer for the Middle East Air lines at Beirut, Lebanon,where he met Emelia Touffic, who was hostess for the company. They were untied in marriage September 6, 1946. They now make their home at San Diego, California, where he is Inspection Assistant Supervisor. Herbert is another of those fine young men you are proud to know. He and his lovely wife have three fine sons: Harry Michael, Gary Lee, and David Keith.