My Genealogy Hound

LESTER H. KEMPTON, a prosperous general merchant of Glendora, Weesaw Township, Berrien County, Mich., is one of the most popular and enterprising citizens of his locality, and has held, with marked efficiency, many of the important township offices. Born within the borders of the county, December 9, 1860, he enjoys a wide acquaintance and the confidence and high esteem of a host of life-time friends. His parents, David F. and Mary (Henderson) Kempton, were both natives of New York. The father, born August 27, 1819, was the son of William Kempton, a native of Vermont, who later made his home in the Empire State, where he died in 1828. David F. Kempton and his estimable wife are both living. They journeyed from New York State to Michigan in 1855, and, locating in Berrien County, have since continued to make their home in this part of the State. The father is by trade a black-smith, and long ago purchased one hundred and twelve acres of woodland, which, with the aid of his sons, he has cleared, cultivated and improved. The deed of the land was given when James K. Polk was President. Unto the parents was born a large family of six sons and five daughters.

Lester H. was the seventh child in order of birth, and, reared upon the old Berrien County homestead, attended in childhood the common schools of the district, afterward receiving the benefit of one year of instruction in the High School of New Troy, and finally completing his studios in the Commercial College in Grand Rapids. He served an apprenticeship to the mercantile business one year in the store of R. B. Jennings, at Troy, and then, on account of his health, varied his employment with the outdoor work of the home farm for two years, in 1882 Mr. Kempton engaged in mercantile business at Hill’s Corners, and in 1891 removed his interests to Glendora, where he now resides. He carries a stock of about $2,500 and does a good and rapidly extending business in the country round about. Upon April 8, 1893, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Florence Hartsell, a native of Berrien County, an accomplished lady and a social favorite in the neighborhood of her home. Mrs. Kempton is the daughter of Jonathan and Laura (Harger) Hartsell, prominent and highly respected residents of Weesaw Township. Mr. Hartsell is a native of the State and was born in Cass County, November 11, 1836.

Politically, Mr. Kempton is a pronounced Democrat. He cast his first Presidential vote for Grover Cleveland, and in order to reach the polls walked from Galien, where he was engaged in a store, to the home district. Fully possessing the regard of the many who have known his record as boy and man, our subject has held, since attaining his majority, various positions of trust. Elected School Inspector in 1884, he faithfully devoted his service for two years to the cause of educational advancement, and for three years occupied the office of Township Clerk. For four successive years he was elected to the responsible office of Supervisor, and discharged the work involved to the great satisfaction of his fellow-townsmen, who would have continued him in the position, but Mr. Kempton, deciding that he had done his share toward the mutual welfare as a public officer, declined any further appointment. Mr. and Mrs. Kempton, occupying a social position of useful influence, are prominent factors in the various benevolent enterprises and social life of the township, and in their attractive home receive and entertain an extensive and life-long acquaintance.