Samuel Kem 1604-1670
Samuel or Samuell KEM or KEME 1604-1670
Biographical Note
Kem was born in London and studied in Oxford, BA Magdalen College 1625. He was vicar of Newark, Nottinghamshire in 1628, rector of Little Chart 1630 and of Albury, Oxfordshire shortly after being created BD in 1636. After the civil war he became vicar of Low Leyton, Essex. He balanced his ecclesiastical career with one of military and naval service. He was an active supporter of parliament during the Civil War, becoming chaplain to Robert Devereux and serving as captain in the earl of Denbigh's regiment. He later served in the Netherlands and Scotland.
Books
At least one of Kem's books is extant, a copy of Robert Allen's The Doctrine of the Gospel (1606). His will makes no mention of his library, but he bequeathed all of his books to Benjamin Kem, who seems likely to have been a son (though not his eldest).
Characteristic Markings
Kem has inscribed his copy of The Doctrine of the Gospel with a short history of the book's provenance: "This booke was given my Deare Mother by the Author Mr Allen: and by him given to mee Samuell Kem when I first entred into the ministry 1630 and by me given to my dear wife Mrs Mary Kem the 1 May 1661. Samuell Kem".
Sources
- CCEd Clergy of the Church of England Database.
- Will of Samuell Keme, Rector of Albury, Oxfordshire, The National Archives PROB 11/334/414.
- Donagan, Barbara. "Kem, Samuel (1604–1670), Church of England clergyman and army officer." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
- Information from The Wisdom Pedlars (eBay auction ended 26/02/23 20:40:00 GMT).