History of Kemptville, Ontario, Canada

1844 - Church of the Holy Cross established at Kemptville

www.gcatholic.org

1873
KEMPTVILLE, an incorporated village in Grenville co., Ont., on a branch of the Rideau river, 96 miles N.E. of Kingston, and on the St. Lawrence and Ottawa railway, 22½ miles from Prescott, 3H miles from Ottawa. It has good water power, and contains 5 churches, 2 telegraph offices, about 20 stores, 3 grist mills, 3 saw mills, 3 carding and fulling mills, 1 brewery and distillery, 1 tannery, 1 ashery, 2 iron foundries, &c. Pop. 872.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873

1895 - Kemptville
Kempt'ville, a village in Grenville co., Ontario, on a branch of the Rideau River, and on the St. Lawrence & Ottawa Railway, 22 1/ 2 miles N. of Prescott, and 31 1/ 2 miles S. of Ottawa. It has good water-power, 5 churches, about 20 stores, 3 grist-mills, 3 saw-mills, 3 carding- and fulling mills, a brewery and distillery, a tannery, an ashery, 2 iron foundries, &c. Pop. 872.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1895 - A farmer near Kemptville, Ont., killed a lynx that weighed 1000 pounds.

The San Francisco Call
San Francisco, California
April 22, 1895

1896 - THE ICE JAM - Has Backed Up Waters Which May Do Great Damage.
KEMPTVILLE, Ont., April 17 - The ice jam in the Rideu river has backed up the waters to such an extent for miles around, that farm lands are deeply submerged and it is feared much live stock will be lost.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler
Arkansas City, Kansas
April 17, 1896

1896 - ACCIDENT AT KEMPTVILLE.
Kemptville, Ont., June 3. - While John McGovern, an aged man, was unloading boxes at the lower station this morning, his horse became frightened at a train and threw him out of the rig on the side of his head and neck, seriously injuring him. He is not expected to recover.
The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
June 3, 1896

1906 - ROBBED IN A HEN LOFT - Kemptville Man Held up by Toughs. WHO MEET HIM AT HIS OWN BARN.
Threaten Him With Revolvers and Take $325 From Him.

Kemptville, Ont., May 10. - About half past four o'clock this morning, Mr. Wm. Jackson, egg buyer of this town, went to his egg barn to get ready for an early start on the road. He was met by two toughs, who came out of the hay loft and demanded money. When Mr. Jackson was not willing to gratify them they made him go at the points of revolvers into the loft where they relieved him of about $325. They then gagged him and securely tied him with ropes, and after throwing buffalo robes and an oil-cloth over him, took their departure. He managed to get the gag out of his mouth and called for help. Mr. John Davison heard the call and hurried to his assistance. No traces other than foot marks across and adjoining ploughed field have as yet been found of the ruffians.
The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
May 10, 1906

1908 - FREEZES WITH HELP IN SIGHT - Terrible Experience of Man Fastened in Snow.
Kemptville, Ont. - A sad occurrence is reported from Osgoode Township, Carleton county, as a result of the recent storm and severe cold snap, during which Thomas Crawford of Reid's Mills had his feet frozen solid to the ankles and his fingers frozen to the knuckles.

Mr. Crawford left the home of his son Willie on Wednesday for Greeley. He then started home, going by way of North Gower, Kars and Osgoode. About three miles south of Osgoode Village, at a turn in the road leading to Reid's Mills, his horse got down in the snow. Mr. Crawford unhitched his horse and tried to get to William Hicks' house, which was only about 30 rods away, but found he was unable to reach it, so he left the horse at the fence and returned to the cutter.

This was about 4 o'clock Saturday evening, and a fierce storm was blowing. Mr. Crawford lay down beside the cutter, and there remained until Monday morning at 9 o'clock, when Messrs James Moses and William Hicks found him. They had started to open roads... Read MORE...

1909 - AGED WOMAN BURNED TO DEATH IN FIRE AT KEMPTVILLE, ONT.
Special to The Journal.
Kemptville, Ont., Nov. 26. - The entire community was shocked here to learn of the death by burning of Miss Louisa Shaver, an aged and respected resident. Miss Shaver resided with her niece, Mrs. Rutledge, and was left alone in the house Thursday afternoon, there being, of course, a fire in the coal stove. In some unaccountable manner, the aged lady's clothing caught fire. Her cries alarmed neighbors, who entered the house and called to Mr. Jos. Purcell, carter. This was about 3.30. Mr. Purcell rushed into the house and found the place full of smoke and the unfortunate woman in flames. He smothered out the flames, Miss Shaver's clothes being burned to cinders. A physician found the unfortunate woman burned from neck to toes and nothing could be done, save to ease the pain of her last moments. At 6.30 she passed away still unable to tell the story of the terrible accident which had befallen her.
The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
November 26, 1909

1916
Kemptville, a banking village of Grenville co., Ontario, on a branch of the Rideau River and on the Canadian Pacific R., 22 1/ 2 miles N. of Prescott. It has milling and other industries. Pop. about 1500.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Kemptville and its surrounding areas:
Ferguson Forest Centre: This is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. The Ferguson Forest Centre is a vast green space with numerous trails for hiking, walking, and biking. In the winter, it's a great spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The forest also hosts educational programs and events throughout the year.

Rideau River Provincial Park: Just a short drive from Kemptville, this provincial park offers camping, picnicking, fishing, and canoeing opportunities. It's a peaceful place to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Kemptville Farmers' Market: If you're visiting during the summer or fall, don't miss the Kemptville Farmers' Market. It's a great place to pick up fresh, locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal products. It's not just a shopping experience; it's a chance to connect with the local community.

Historical Walking Tour: Take a stroll through the town and explore its historical buildings and sites. Pick up a map from the North Grenville... Read MORE...