Legal records – probate, estate, wills, 1827 - 1881

The collection contains the correspondence and financial, legal, and genealogical records of the Kemp family, especially that of Thomas and John W. Kemp. Correspondence and legal documents comprise the majority of the collection. Much of the correspondence discusses family matters, such as health and travel plans, but also provides insight to life in Talbot County during the late 1800’s. The letters from the 1860’s touch upon the Civil War, in particular a letter from W. T. Kemp written aboard the U.S.S. Patroon, which discusses efforts to blockade Florida and his experiences as a Union seaman. Legal documents related to land purchases in Baltimore and Talbot County also make up a significant portion of the collection. This includes indentures for the family’s Wades Point property purchased by Thomas Kemp in 1813. The collection also includes the financial records for the property after it was converted to a guest house. Another highlight of the collection is purchase orders to Thomas Kemp held in the “ship records” folder in Box 1. These documents include an 1813 order from the United States Navy.