The Kemps

William Kemp was a British trader who came to be among the Chickasaw approximately 1766. He was killed at home, at Oldtown, in the Chickasaw Nation by Creeks during an attack from that tribe. His wife is unknown, but probably full blood Chickasaw. He was known to have two sons: James and Levi Kemp. There may have been another son, Reuben who is unconfirmed at this time.

Levi Kemp was first mentioned by missionary Joseph Bullen, October 1800. He operated an inn on Natchez Trace, near Lee-Pontotoc County, MS, line, 1814. Levi was listed on the Chickasaw census, 1818. He enrolled for emigration, 1837.

Levi married Polly Frazier and was the father of Jackson, Rhoda, Elisa, Evaline, John, Visey, Joel, Sarkeetan, Annica (married Winchester Colbert), William, and Elizabeth a.k.a. Betsy (1800-1897) who married Thomas F. Cheadle. Levi probably died shortly after removal, 1837.

Joel I. Kemp was my ggg grandfather. He was born in 1819. He emigrated west in November 1837. Joel married Mariah Colbert, daughter of Levi Colbert. Joel and Mariah had 10 children, six growing to maturity. They were: Simon Burney, Frances Elizabeth, Joel Carr, Lillie, Mary Jane, Charity, Daisy, Laura A., and Isabella Abigail. Joel later married Cassandra Francis O'Neal. They had a daughter, Sue Ella who was a minor at the time of Joel's death in 1874. His family in 1847 included six members and six slaves.

Mariah and Joel Kemp Portrait contributed by Jay LaPrade descendant of Laura Moberly Perkins (granddaughter)

He attended the Chickasaw constitutional convention, 1851. He was the president of tribal council, 1852-1853. Joel attended the Chickasaw constitutional convention, 1856. He signed a treaty 1861.

The Kemps settled on the Red River near what is known as Liberty, on the present Steakley Ranch. The only thing left is the grave yard; old two story log house is completely gone. ...a plantation of a thousand cleared acres northeast of Ft Towson.

Joel operated a ferry across the Red River. and the Butterfield Stage crossed there going to Bonham which was the only outlet the surplus foods they raised, and the things they had to buy or trade for.

He was the National Treasurer of the Chickasaw Nation and a member of the Chickasaw Legislature. Joel Kemp was instrumental in establishing schools in the Indian Territory. Was in Washington D.C. at the time the Civil War broke out and was made a Captain and charged with raising a army for the protection of the people who remained home in the Indian Territories. They were not allowed to cross the Arkansas line.

Joel died at Kemp, 1874. Date of death was probated 7/15/1874.

17 June 1874 - Simon Kemp, Tishomingo County, Chickasaw Nation. Statement that Joel Kemp made a verbal will in Simon Kemp's presence as follows: "I want my property divided equaly amoung you all. Some of them may say that I gave them this, and may say I give them that - but I have not give you all anything. I want you all to divide it equaly." [Doc #6879]     

31 Aug 1874 - C. F. Kemp. Application for attachment of the effects belonging to the estate of Joe Kemp, deceased, her late husband. [Doc #6880]    

21 Oct 1874 - C. F. Oneal, for herself and her minor child, Sue Ella Kemp, by her attorneys in fact, G. W. Harkins and W. P. Brown. To Hon. Sml. Love, District Judge, Chickasaw Nation. Petition, praying for the record and all papers pertaining to the Joel Kemp estate, to be sent to Panola Circuit Clerk, before January term in 1875, and that all the witnesses in the case be summoned that the case may be ready for trial. [Doc #6881]

15 Dec 1875 - Abigail Kemp. Receipt for her portion of the estate of Joel Kemp, deceased, as itemized, totaling $355.00, for which Mrs. Mary Jane George, nee Kemp was guardian. [Doc #6884]