A. J. Kemp
KEMP, A. J.
Weekly Democrat, March 14, 1912
MEN WHO HAVE SUCCEEDED
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 $5,500,, 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 the 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.
Weekly Democrat, March 14, 1912
MEN WHO HAVE SUCCEEDED
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 $5,500,, 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 the 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.
