James
Kemper
was born in Virginia in 1823. After graduating from Washington College
he worked as a lawyer. He fought during the Mexican
War and served in the Virginia House of Delegates.
On the outbreak of the American Civil War
he joined the Confederate Army. He was
commissioned as colonel of the 7th Virginia Regiment and served at
Bull Run (July, 1861). Leading his
brigade he fought at 2nd Bull Run
(August, 1862), Antietam (September,
1862), Fredericksburg (December,
1862) and Gettysburg (July, 1863)
where he was seriously wounded and captured.
Kemper was exchanged in October, 1863, but his poor health made it
impossible to return to active duty. On 19th September, 1864, Kemper
was placed in charge of the Conscript Bureau in Virginia.
After the war Kemper served as governor of Virginia (1874-77). James
Kemper died in 1895.
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