John Kempster was born in Berkshire, county, England, in 1794, an came to the United States in 1819, first settling in Oneida county, New York. He married Miss Lydia Hall, and came to Portland in 1837. The following are the children of this marriage: Julia Ann, wife of Washington Rowe, living in Henry county, Illinois; J. Henry Kempster, who married Miss Eliza Ann Rowe, and living in Portland; William W. Kempster, who married Miss Margaret Hahn, and lives in Portland; and Ephraim H. Kempster, who married Miss Rachel Spicer, and also lives in Portland. Mr. Kempster died in 1869.

Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County Page 358