Obituary for Joseph Clinton Kempf in The Utica Herald-Dispatch, Monday Evening, September 19, 1921:
JOSEPH C. KEMPF
ILL LONG PERIOD
______________
Founder of Well Known Firm of Kempf Brothers Passed Away Last Night.
______________
STORE FIRST LOCATED ON BLEECKER STREET
______________
The death of Joseph C. Kempf at his home, 424 Genesee Street, last evening, removed one of Utica's most prominent and successful business men. Mr. Kempf had retired from active business about three years ago and had been in failing health for upward of a year. His death was caused by a complication of diseases.
The death of Mr. Kempf will bring sorrow to many friends in Utica and throughout Central New York, for he was well known and highly respected in a wide circle. His life and business activities furnish a notable example of what can be accomplished by a youth of ambition and determination. He came to Utica from a farm near Oriskany Falls about 50 years ago, poor and friendless, but possessed of pluck and confidence in himself. His first work was of the humblest kind, but by habits of thrift and frugality he soon saved a sufficient sum to embark in business for himself in a small way. From a very small beginning he reared a business enterprise that became second to none in this section of the State.
While active and progressive in business affairs he was of a modest retiring disposition and ~unreadable~ for publicity of any kind. His greatest joy was in his own home and his greatest pride in the ~unreadable~ of a family which would be a comfort to himself and his faithful wife as well as a credit to the community and in the conduct of a business along strictly honest and legitimate lines. In both endeavors he was eminently successful.
An example of Mr. Kempf's business judgment and far-sightedness is shown in the erection of the building which bears his name on Genesee street above the City Hall. When he purchased the two old Utica mansions which stood at 248 and 250 Genesee street and razed the buildings for the purpose of constructing on the site a large store and office building, many friends tried to dissuade him from the enterprise, claiming that such an immense investment would never pay in that section. He had confidence in the growth of business. Utica, however, proceeded with the venture, and now the Kempf Building is the center of the fastest growing section of the city.
Born in Newport, Herkimer County, October 28, 1853, Joseph Clinton Kempf was a son of Peter and Margaret Kempf, natives of Alsace-Lorraine, who came to America in 1838 and settled at Utica in 1845. With the exception of about a year which they spent at Newport, they passed the remainder of their lives here. Mr. Kempf was educated in the public schools of Utica and the Assumption Academy. He gave his attention to farming at Oriskany Falls for several years and in 1878 went into the business of selling sewing machines in Utica, forming the Kempf Brothers. His associates were Frederick and Charles C. Kempf. They were located on Bleecker street. In the year 1880 the sale of pianos and musical instruments and merchandise of all kinds was taken over by the firm. They handled the Knabe, ~unreadable~ & Pond, Emerson, Shoninger, Becker Brothers, Crown, etc., and the Angelus and other piano players as well as Victor phonographs. From Bleecker street the firm removed to 145 Genesee street and from there to the Hormey Building. For many years afterward the firm was located in the Marble Block at 50 Genesee street. In 1910 Mr. Kempf purchased the store at 26 Genesee street, which had so long been occupied by Warnick & Brown, and filled it up as a music store, and here the firm has since done a large and steadily increasing business. The name of the firm has not changed, although there have been some changes in its personnel. Frederick M. Kempf died in 1893 and Charles C. Kempf died in 1910. Mr. Kempf's sons, Charles S. and William J., became associated with him in 1905. The former died three years ago, and in 1920 two other sons, Fred M. and Raymond A., entered the firm.
In politics Mr. Kempf was a Republican, but never held office. He was one of the older members of St. Mary's Church and of its Holy Name Society. He married Miss Rosanna Caraher of Deansboro. She died in November 1911. Of six children, four survive. They are William Joseph, Frederick M. and Raymond A., who are associated with their father in business, and Mabel F., who lives at home. One daughter, who was Mrs. J. Phil Bannigan, died in 1913. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Margaret Glattus of Maynard and several grandchildren.
JOSEPH C. KEMPF
ILL LONG PERIOD
______________
Founder of Well Known Firm of Kempf Brothers Passed Away Last Night.
______________
STORE FIRST LOCATED ON BLEECKER STREET
______________
The death of Joseph C. Kempf at his home, 424 Genesee Street, last evening, removed one of Utica's most prominent and successful business men. Mr. Kempf had retired from active business about three years ago and had been in failing health for upward of a year. His death was caused by a complication of diseases.
The death of Mr. Kempf will bring sorrow to many friends in Utica and throughout Central New York, for he was well known and highly respected in a wide circle. His life and business activities furnish a notable example of what can be accomplished by a youth of ambition and determination. He came to Utica from a farm near Oriskany Falls about 50 years ago, poor and friendless, but possessed of pluck and confidence in himself. His first work was of the humblest kind, but by habits of thrift and frugality he soon saved a sufficient sum to embark in business for himself in a small way. From a very small beginning he reared a business enterprise that became second to none in this section of the State.
While active and progressive in business affairs he was of a modest retiring disposition and ~unreadable~ for publicity of any kind. His greatest joy was in his own home and his greatest pride in the ~unreadable~ of a family which would be a comfort to himself and his faithful wife as well as a credit to the community and in the conduct of a business along strictly honest and legitimate lines. In both endeavors he was eminently successful.
An example of Mr. Kempf's business judgment and far-sightedness is shown in the erection of the building which bears his name on Genesee street above the City Hall. When he purchased the two old Utica mansions which stood at 248 and 250 Genesee street and razed the buildings for the purpose of constructing on the site a large store and office building, many friends tried to dissuade him from the enterprise, claiming that such an immense investment would never pay in that section. He had confidence in the growth of business. Utica, however, proceeded with the venture, and now the Kempf Building is the center of the fastest growing section of the city.
Born in Newport, Herkimer County, October 28, 1853, Joseph Clinton Kempf was a son of Peter and Margaret Kempf, natives of Alsace-Lorraine, who came to America in 1838 and settled at Utica in 1845. With the exception of about a year which they spent at Newport, they passed the remainder of their lives here. Mr. Kempf was educated in the public schools of Utica and the Assumption Academy. He gave his attention to farming at Oriskany Falls for several years and in 1878 went into the business of selling sewing machines in Utica, forming the Kempf Brothers. His associates were Frederick and Charles C. Kempf. They were located on Bleecker street. In the year 1880 the sale of pianos and musical instruments and merchandise of all kinds was taken over by the firm. They handled the Knabe, ~unreadable~ & Pond, Emerson, Shoninger, Becker Brothers, Crown, etc., and the Angelus and other piano players as well as Victor phonographs. From Bleecker street the firm removed to 145 Genesee street and from there to the Hormey Building. For many years afterward the firm was located in the Marble Block at 50 Genesee street. In 1910 Mr. Kempf purchased the store at 26 Genesee street, which had so long been occupied by Warnick & Brown, and filled it up as a music store, and here the firm has since done a large and steadily increasing business. The name of the firm has not changed, although there have been some changes in its personnel. Frederick M. Kempf died in 1893 and Charles C. Kempf died in 1910. Mr. Kempf's sons, Charles S. and William J., became associated with him in 1905. The former died three years ago, and in 1920 two other sons, Fred M. and Raymond A., entered the firm.
In politics Mr. Kempf was a Republican, but never held office. He was one of the older members of St. Mary's Church and of its Holy Name Society. He married Miss Rosanna Caraher of Deansboro. She died in November 1911. Of six children, four survive. They are William Joseph, Frederick M. and Raymond A., who are associated with their father in business, and Mabel F., who lives at home. One daughter, who was Mrs. J. Phil Bannigan, died in 1913. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Margaret Glattus of Maynard and several grandchildren.
Obituary for Joseph Clinton Kempf in The Utica Herald-Dispatch, Monday Evening, September 19, 1921:
JOSEPH C. KEMPF
ILL LONG PERIOD
______________
Founder of Well Known Firm of Kempf Brothers Passed Away Last Night.
______________
STORE FIRST LOCATED ON BLEECKER STREET
______________
The death of Joseph C. Kempf at his home, 424 Genesee Street, last evening, removed one of Utica's most prominent and successful business men. Mr. Kempf had retired from active business about three years ago and had been in failing health for upward of a year. His death was caused by a complication of diseases.
The death of Mr. Kempf will bring sorrow to many friends in Utica and throughout Central New York, for he was well known and highly respected in a wide circle. His life and business activities furnish a notable example of what can be accomplished by a youth of ambition and determination. He came to Utica from a farm near Oriskany Falls about 50 years ago, poor and friendless, but possessed of pluck and confidence in himself. His first work was of the humblest kind, but by habits of thrift and frugality he soon saved a sufficient sum to embark in business for himself in a small way. From a very small beginning he reared a business enterprise that became second to none in this section of the State.
While active and progressive in business affairs he was of a modest retiring disposition and ~unreadable~ for publicity of any kind. His greatest joy was in his own home and his greatest pride in the ~unreadable~ of a family which would be a comfort to himself and his faithful wife as well as a credit to the community and in the conduct of a business along strictly honest and legitimate lines. In both endeavors he was eminently successful.
An example of Mr. Kempf's business judgment and far-sightedness is shown in the erection of the building which bears his name on Genesee street above the City Hall. When he purchased the two old Utica mansions which stood at 248 and 250 Genesee street and razed the buildings for the purpose of constructing on the site a large store and office building, many friends tried to dissuade him from the enterprise, claiming that such an immense investment would never pay in that section. He had confidence in the growth of business. Utica, however, proceeded with the venture, and now the Kempf Building is the center of the fastest growing section of the city.
Born in Newport, Herkimer County, October 28, 1853, Joseph Clinton Kempf was a son of Peter and Margaret Kempf, natives of Alsace-Lorraine, who came to America in 1838 and settled at Utica in 1845. With the exception of about a year which they spent at Newport, they passed the remainder of their lives here. Mr. Kempf was educated in the public schools of Utica and the Assumption Academy. He gave his attention to farming at Oriskany Falls for several years and in 1878 went into the business of selling sewing machines in Utica, forming the Kempf Brothers. His associates were Frederick and Charles C. Kempf. They were located on Bleecker street. In the year 1880 the sale of pianos and musical instruments and merchandise of all kinds was taken over by the firm. They handled the Knabe, ~unreadable~ & Pond, Emerson, Shoninger, Becker Brothers, Crown, etc., and the Angelus and other piano players as well as Victor phonographs. From Bleecker street the firm removed to 145 Genesee street and from there to the Hormey Building. For many years afterward the firm was located in the Marble Block at 50 Genesee street. In 1910 Mr. Kempf purchased the store at 26 Genesee street, which had so long been occupied by Warnick & Brown, and filled it up as a music store, and here the firm has since done a large and steadily increasing business. The name of the firm has not changed, although there have been some changes in its personnel. Frederick M. Kempf died in 1893 and Charles C. Kempf died in 1910. Mr. Kempf's sons, Charles S. and William J., became associated with him in 1905. The former died three years ago, and in 1920 two other sons, Fred M. and Raymond A., entered the firm.
In politics Mr. Kempf was a Republican, but never held office. He was one of the older members of St. Mary's Church and of its Holy Name Society. He married Miss Rosanna Caraher of Deansboro. She died in November 1911. Of six children, four survive. They are William Joseph, Frederick M. and Raymond A., who are associated with their father in business, and Mabel F., who lives at home. One daughter, who was Mrs. J. Phil Bannigan, died in 1913. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Margaret Glattus of Maynard and several grandchildren.
JOSEPH C. KEMPF
ILL LONG PERIOD
______________
Founder of Well Known Firm of Kempf Brothers Passed Away Last Night.
______________
STORE FIRST LOCATED ON BLEECKER STREET
______________
The death of Joseph C. Kempf at his home, 424 Genesee Street, last evening, removed one of Utica's most prominent and successful business men. Mr. Kempf had retired from active business about three years ago and had been in failing health for upward of a year. His death was caused by a complication of diseases.
The death of Mr. Kempf will bring sorrow to many friends in Utica and throughout Central New York, for he was well known and highly respected in a wide circle. His life and business activities furnish a notable example of what can be accomplished by a youth of ambition and determination. He came to Utica from a farm near Oriskany Falls about 50 years ago, poor and friendless, but possessed of pluck and confidence in himself. His first work was of the humblest kind, but by habits of thrift and frugality he soon saved a sufficient sum to embark in business for himself in a small way. From a very small beginning he reared a business enterprise that became second to none in this section of the State.
While active and progressive in business affairs he was of a modest retiring disposition and ~unreadable~ for publicity of any kind. His greatest joy was in his own home and his greatest pride in the ~unreadable~ of a family which would be a comfort to himself and his faithful wife as well as a credit to the community and in the conduct of a business along strictly honest and legitimate lines. In both endeavors he was eminently successful.
An example of Mr. Kempf's business judgment and far-sightedness is shown in the erection of the building which bears his name on Genesee street above the City Hall. When he purchased the two old Utica mansions which stood at 248 and 250 Genesee street and razed the buildings for the purpose of constructing on the site a large store and office building, many friends tried to dissuade him from the enterprise, claiming that such an immense investment would never pay in that section. He had confidence in the growth of business. Utica, however, proceeded with the venture, and now the Kempf Building is the center of the fastest growing section of the city.
Born in Newport, Herkimer County, October 28, 1853, Joseph Clinton Kempf was a son of Peter and Margaret Kempf, natives of Alsace-Lorraine, who came to America in 1838 and settled at Utica in 1845. With the exception of about a year which they spent at Newport, they passed the remainder of their lives here. Mr. Kempf was educated in the public schools of Utica and the Assumption Academy. He gave his attention to farming at Oriskany Falls for several years and in 1878 went into the business of selling sewing machines in Utica, forming the Kempf Brothers. His associates were Frederick and Charles C. Kempf. They were located on Bleecker street. In the year 1880 the sale of pianos and musical instruments and merchandise of all kinds was taken over by the firm. They handled the Knabe, ~unreadable~ & Pond, Emerson, Shoninger, Becker Brothers, Crown, etc., and the Angelus and other piano players as well as Victor phonographs. From Bleecker street the firm removed to 145 Genesee street and from there to the Hormey Building. For many years afterward the firm was located in the Marble Block at 50 Genesee street. In 1910 Mr. Kempf purchased the store at 26 Genesee street, which had so long been occupied by Warnick & Brown, and filled it up as a music store, and here the firm has since done a large and steadily increasing business. The name of the firm has not changed, although there have been some changes in its personnel. Frederick M. Kempf died in 1893 and Charles C. Kempf died in 1910. Mr. Kempf's sons, Charles S. and William J., became associated with him in 1905. The former died three years ago, and in 1920 two other sons, Fred M. and Raymond A., entered the firm.
In politics Mr. Kempf was a Republican, but never held office. He was one of the older members of St. Mary's Church and of its Holy Name Society. He married Miss Rosanna Caraher of Deansboro. She died in November 1911. Of six children, four survive. They are William Joseph, Frederick M. and Raymond A., who are associated with their father in business, and Mabel F., who lives at home. One daughter, who was Mrs. J. Phil Bannigan, died in 1913. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Margaret Glattus of Maynard and several grandchildren.
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Joseph C. Kempf
1848-1921
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