Jackson Kemper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jackson Kemper |
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|---|---|
| Bishop of Wisconsin | |
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| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Diocese | Wisconsin |
| Elected | 1859 |
| In Office | 1859–1870 |
| Successor | William Edmond Armitage |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | January 23, 1814 |
| Consecration | September 25, 1835 by William White |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 24, 1789 Pleasant Valley, Columbia County, New York, United States |
| Died | May 24, 1870 (aged 80) Nashotah, Wisconsin, United States |
| Buried | Nashotah House Cemetery |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Parents | Daniel Kemper & Elizabeth Marius |
| Spouse | Jerusha Lyman (m. 1816; d. 1818) Ann Relf (m. 1821; d. 1832) |
| Previous post | Missionary Bishop (1835-1859) |
| Alma mater | Columbia College |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
| Sainthood | |
| Feast day | May 24 |
| Venerated in | Episcopal Church |
Jackson Kemper (December 24, 1789 – May 24, 1870) was an important leader in the Episcopal Church. In 1835, he became the very first missionary bishop in the United States. This meant he traveled to new areas to help set up churches.
Bishop Kemper was known for his work with Native American communities. He also started many churches in the "Old Northwest" region. This area included places like Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Nebraska. He helped found Nashotah House and Racine College in Wisconsin. From 1859 until his death, he was the first bishop of the Diocese of Wisconsin.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jackson Kemper was born on December 24, 1789, in New York. His parents had moved there temporarily to avoid a health outbreak in New York City. His father, Daniel Kemper, was a supply officer during the American Revolution. His mother, Elizabeth Marius Kemper, came from old Dutch families.
When he was 15, Kemper started studying at Columbia College. He focused on theology, which is the study of religious faith. In 1809, he graduated as the top student in his class.
A Career in the Church
After college, Kemper moved to Philadelphia. He became a deacon in the Episcopal Church in 1811. Three years later, in 1814, he became a priest. He worked at Christ Church in Philadelphia.
Kemper was very interested in spreading the Christian message. He even encouraged his older mentor, Bishop William White, to travel with him. They went on a missionary trip to western Pennsylvania. During this trip, they helped start St. Matthew's Episcopal Church.
Becoming a Missionary Bishop
In 1835, the Episcopal Church decided to send bishops to new areas. These "missionary bishops" would help establish churches in the western parts of the country. Jackson Kemper was the first person chosen for this important role.
After becoming a bishop, he quickly headed west. He traveled to places like Indiana and Missouri. Many priests from the East were hesitant to join him on the frontier. So, Kemper decided to train new priests from people already living in the West.
Founding Schools and Missions
Kemper tried to start a training college in St. Louis, Missouri, but it closed in 1845. However, he had more success in Wisconsin. He founded Nashotah House in 1842, which is still a seminary (a school for training clergy) today. He also started Racine College in Wisconsin. Kemper also helped create the church that became the Cathedral Church of All Saints in Milwaukee.
Work with Native American Communities
Bishop Kemper strongly believed in reaching out to Native American peoples. He encouraged translating the Bible and church services into their languages. His first official act in what is now Wisconsin was to help build a church for the Oneida Indian Mission. This church was called Hobart Church.
Important ordinations (when someone becomes a priest or deacon) also happened at Hobart Church. In 1842, Kemper ordained William Adams and James Lloyd Breck there. These two young men helped him start Nashotah House Seminary. Kemper was often invited to the Oneida reservation by Chief Daniel Bread. In 1859, he ordained Enmegahbowh, a Native American from the Ottawa tribe, as a deacon.
Later Years and Legacy
Kemper supported the Oxford Movement, a group within the Anglican Church. He believed in its ideas but also thought it was important to stay separate from the Roman Catholic Church. He lived next to Nashotah House for the rest of his life, starting in 1846.
From 1847 to 1854, Kemper served as a temporary bishop for the new Diocese of Wisconsin. Then, from 1854 until his death in 1870, he was its main bishop. He also supported creating another new diocese, though it was formed after he passed away.
Two places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of their connection to him. Bishopstead, his home in Delafield, Wisconsin, is one. Kemper Hall, a former Episcopal school for girls in Kenosha, Wisconsin, was named after him.
Honoring Jackson Kemper
Jackson Kemper is honored with a special day, May 24, on the church calendars of the Episcopal Church (USA) and the Anglican Church in North America. This day is called a feast day. Nashotah House and the Anglican Province of America have special funds named after him to support missionary work.
Images for kids
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Jackson Kemper's signature
