 | Webmaster/Editor John Scott Kemp Inaugurates W.C. Kemp Website
WELCOME to all Kemp & associated family members! For those who don't know me, I'm the second son |
of John W. Kemp, a grandson of W.C. Kemp. I've been a computer programmer, website author, and NC college instructor since 1990. I enjoy creating websites and working with graphics. It seemed like a perfect companion to my love of Kemp Family genealogy. So here it is!
Our family and particularly our children should benefit greatly from knowing their family history; as one wise man said, "You can't know where you're going if you don't know where you've been!"
The aim of the W.C. Kemp Family Website is, therefore, many-fold:
First, to act as a storehouse of family information, both textual and graphical, and as an active organ for publishing Kemp genealogical research. It was my cousin, Jeddie Kemp Botsford, who some years ago supplied me with family information that began an amazing and always interesting journey for me into the annals of our incredible Kemp family. The W.C. Kemp Family Website is now a member of the International Kemp Family Association (KFA), whose website has links advertising our website (other Kemps will be visiting!).
Second, to act as a central communication hub, promoting a "coming-together" of the far-flung W.C. Kemp family. A listing of family members' mailing and e-mail addresses, websites, birthdays, anniversaries, etc., should be useful in this endeavor. A ChatRoom is planned where keyboard-literate ("hunt-and-peck" approved) Kemps can keep in touch without the long-distance charges. The Kemp Times will publish family announcements, concerns, advertisements, etc.
Third, the W.C. Kemp Family Website may serve other needs and purposes, such as planning the Kemp Reunion 2000, and other family affairs.
The only thing that is certain is that I can't do the job alone. Anyone who wants to participate will do so! Our college- and high school-age members may want to take part for some Journalism/English credit.
Thanks in advance for your help and participation in this ground-breaking 21st-century multimedia event!! All articles may be submitted, including picture attachments, to collectorjims@yahoo.com.
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 Barney Kemp Undergoes Heart Surgery
Everyone will be very happy to know that "Uncle Barney" has come through his recent heart surgery with amazing resiliency. The surgery, performed in Huntsville, AL last Thursday, was preventative, and involved replacement of the aortic valve and a single bypass. After a short stay at the hospital, he was allowed to come home early, where he will convalesce for five or so weeks. Many calls, flowers, and other signs of affection have flooded Barney and Ethel's home over the past two weeks. Several close family members are there to help during his recovery. Barney Everette Kemp is the first-born son of William C. and Viola Bivens Kemp. His sons, Ronald and Harold, and nephew, John Kemp, and their families also live in Huntsville. His daughter, Jeddie Botsford, came in for a few weeks from her home in Edmund, OK. Barney's third son, Ray, lives with his family in TN.
Articles needed! Announcements, News, Stories, Memories, Comments, Pictures! Send them to collectorjims@yahoo.com.
 During my most recent summer trip, I went to St. Louis and met my Aunt Ann for the first time I could remember. She is the widow of my "Uncle" Bill Kemp, and still lives in the home in St. Ann, MO where they moved in the 50's and raised a family of four. The afternoon-evening stay was jam-packed with looking through their photo album, recording an interview (see picture above) with Aunt Ann, and meeting and talking to her sons, Bill Jr. and her youngest, James. In our talk, Aunt Ann shared many interesting memories from her eighty-five years, over forty of those years married to Uncle Bill. Her daughter Barbara and husband Frank Doering and their three daughters live nearby.
[Editor's note: This was a really sweet lady! A few years after this visit, when Aunt Ann heard about some tornadic weather that was passing through North Carolina where I lived, she called me to make sure I was alright. I have not forgotten that since it happened over fifteen years ago. Aunt Ann passed away herself at 87 just a few years ago].
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