Kemp - Reuben
Source: Waynetown Despatch, 31 Oct 1913
Uncle Reuben Kemp, one of the best known and oldest men of this section of the state, died at the home of his granddaughter, Mrs. Effie Mink at South Whitley, Ind last Saturday where he had gone a short time before for a visit, as has been his custom once each year for several years past. The body was brought here and Monday the funeral service was conducted from the Christian church, a large number of the old friends and relatives attending the service. Interment was made at the Masonic cemetery. Reuben Kemp was the son of Edward and Elizabeth Kemp and one of a family of 12 children – 8 girls and 4 boys, of which 10 lived to a ripe old age, two having died while very young. Uncle Reuben was born in Harrison County, Kentucky and with the family moved to Ohio when 9 years of age. In 1839 the family once more gathered together the few household goods they possessed and by boat they came down the Ohio River to the Wabash and then up that stream to Covington and from that place over land to a farm near the old Snyder mills west of town, where they lived for many years, finally changing for a farm on Dry Run, now owned by John Stevens. Feb 22, 1856, he was married to Dezire Suitors, to which union three children were born, Joellen, Stephen E and Nathaniel D, of which two are still living. Nathaniel, who resides at Cedarvale, Kansas and Stephen E who lives on a farm just north of this place and with whom Uncle Reuben has made his home for some time. His first wife died Nov 15, 1864. In 1868 he was again married to Emeline Hays at Pailo, Ill, and came to his home on the farm now owned by Ben Hutchison north of town, where he had lived with his first wife for several years. Here he resided for several years after his second marriage, finally moving to Wingate and later moving to Cedarvale, Kansas. His wife died March 15, 1896 and two years later he returned to Indiana and has since made his home with his son, Stephen E. Kemp north of town. Besides the two sons already mentioned he leaves one brother, 20 grand children and three great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. He united with the Christian Church at Sulpher Springs just east of Hillsboro, when a young man and has lived a true Christian life. He was a loving husband, a kind father and a friend to every one. The world has been made the better for his having lived, because he did what he could and did it the best he could. - kbz