Wm. M. M. Kemp - Chickasaw

The subject of this sketch was born July 7, 1860, and is the son of Levi Kemp, of Panola county, Chickasaw Nation, and a grandson of the celebrated Joel Kemp. He first went to school at Bloomfield College, but his father dying shorlty afterward, he was obliged to work hard in order to provide for his own education. With this end in view, he went on a ranch close to Washita, where he remained one year (in 1881). Returning about twelve months afterward, he put his "shoulder to the wheel" and engaged in stock-herding, attending the Methodist school at Whitebead during the winters of 1884 and 1885. In 1886 he attended Professor Halsell's academy, at Savoy, Texas, where he remained for some monthes, once more returning to Washita. In the fall of 1888 he commenced clerking in a dry goods and grocery store at Wynne Wood. In 1889 he entered Professor Harley's Academy at Tishomingo, where he remained until the following spring. Soon afterward he was elected Clerk of the Chickasaw Senate at an extra session of the Legislature, which position he maintained until the following November, when at a called Council the disfranchisement question was first raised. In October, 1889, he was appointed County Clerk of Panola, which office he has filled in a creditable manner till the present time.

Much credit is due Mr. Kemp for the manner in which he has worked out his own education, his sole capital being industry and perseverance, not a cent being contributed toward his schooling until he entered the National Academy at Tishomingo. He is at present residing with his mother in Panola county.

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