Thomas Kempshall

Who was Thomas Kempshall?

Thomas Kempshall was a U.S. Representative from New York.

Born in England about 1796, Kempshall attended the common schools. Immigrated to the United States with his father, who settled in Pittsford, New York, in 1806. He moved to Rochester, New York, in 1813. He was employed as a carpenter. He engaged in mercantile pursuits and later became engaged in milling. He served as member of the board of aldermen in 1834 and again in 1844. He served as mayor of Rochester, New York, in 1837.

Kempshall was elected as a Whig to the Twenty-sixth Congress. He resumed milling. He was an unsuccessful candidate for mayor in 1852. He died in Rochester, New York, January 14, 1865. He was interred in Mount Hope Cemetery.