Edward Kemp (3 works by)
Also writes as: Dion
Born: Established: 30 Dec 1822 Hobart ; Died: 1898 Parramatta
Gender: Male
Kemp married agatha randall in 1854 in hobart tasmania. They had one child who died when she was 3 .http://homepages.slingshot.co.nz/~luvnu/rileyfami/pafg20.htm BC 11/04

Edward Kemp was the first native born Tasmanian to have a book of verse published, so it is important to get his details correct. Firstly, his birth details on AustLit are probably correct and agree with the Tas Colonial Links datasbase. There is, however, a big discrepancy between these details and those given by Miller (I:217) who says that "He was born, probably at Port Dalrymple, between the years 1806 and 1810". So, if we are sure of our facts, should there be a note about the Miller statement?

[Done]

The other matter is that we have no death date. Miller states that his father was Anthony Fenn Kemp and that Edward was educated at King's school Parramatta. Now, on NSW BDM there is an Edward Kemp who died in Parramatta in 1898 and his father was Anthony F Kemp, mother Elizabeth (which is also correct) - maybe just a coincidence, but in view of this author's important place among Tas writers, would it be worthwhile purchasing the death certificate? Not yet - John Arnold, who believes the 1898 death date is correct, will follow it up with Tony Marshall at SLT. TGO'N 17/6/05

Later: SLT confirms birth details, has no info re death. However, after discusssion with JA, KK and CH agreed that it is very likely he died in 1898.

BiographyHistory

Kemp was the son of the pioneer settler Anthony Fenn Kemp (1773-1868) and his wife Elizabeth. Anthony Fenn Kemp was involved in the Rum Rebellion and made a brief appearance in 'The Evolution of Convict Hendy' (a story by 'Price Warung') and in Henry Savery's The Hermit in Van Diemen's Land (1830).

Edward Kemp was prominent in the movement for the abolition of transportation. He contributed to the Tasmanian Punch under the pen name of 'Dion'. A Voice from Tasmania, the first book of verse by a writer born in Tasmania, satirises politicians of the times and a few of the author's literary predecessors. Kemp married Agatha Randall in 1854 in Hobart and they had one child, Ada, who died shortly after her birth.

Notes

  • (1) Miller (I:217) states incorrectly that Kemp "was born, probably at Port Dalrymple, between the years 1806 and 1810". (2) Although Kemp's death date has not been confirmed, it is almost certain that he died in 1898 (NSW births, deaths and marriages database records the death in Parramatta in 1898 of an Edward Kemp, son of Anthony F. and Elizabeth Kemp).