Richard Kemp (governor)
Virginia colonial governor
Sir Richard Kemp (c. 1600 – c. 1650) was a planter and politician in the Colony of Virginia. Kemp served as the Colony's Secretary and on the Governor's Council from 1634 to 1649. As the council's senior member, he also served as the acting Colonial Governor of Virginia from 1644 to 1645 during travels by Governor Sir William Berkeley. Kemp had also worked closely relation with Berkeley's predecessor, Sir John Harvey.
Early and family life
Kemp was born around 1600 in Norfolk, England, the third son of Robert and Dorothy Kemp of Gissing. His relation with William Kempe, formerly of Howes in Leicestershire, England who had represented the "upper parts of Elizabeth City"" in the House of Burgesses in 1629-1630 is unclear.
Political career
In 1634, King Charles I appointed Kemp as secretary of the Colony of Virginia, to succeed William Claiborne. Kemp also became a member of the Virginia Governor's Council, serving from 1634 to 1649.
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