Member JohnKemp

The books owned by John Kemp of Norfolk County, Virginia are documented in the probate inventory of his estate, taken 22 July 1648 and published in Edward W. James, "Libraries in Colonial Virginia." WMQ 3:1 (July 1894), p. 43. If the original record can be located, it would be of much interest, as the transcription appears deficient in a couple areas.

The inventory includes "seven books of Chriurgerye viz [?] his works, the Surgions mate, two of Barrowes method of phisick pte of the Regmt of health, Aristotles problems," valued at 200 pounds of tobacco; "five Divinity books: vizt a small bible Mr Calvins Institutions ye practice of piety ye true watch Christs Combat with Satan the effectual Calling," valued at 250 pounds of tobacco; "some small books of small valew," valued at 50 pounds of tobacco; and "Pastalls abrigmt of ye Statutes & pt of ye Court Baron & Leet," valued at 200 pounds of tobacco.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Do you know of additional books which should be included here? Please contact Libraries of Early America coordinator Jeremy Dibbell.