Col William Kemmis and his wife, Ellen Mary Gwendoline neé Warner, lived at Everton Grange from 1907 until William’s death in 1932.
Like his father and grandfather he had been Crown and Treasury Solicitor for Ireland. His grandfather, Thomas Kemmis had conducted the State prosecutions during the Irish Troubles. William was the fifth son of Thomas Kemmis of Killeen, Queen’s County.
He commanded the 4th Battalion, The Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment and served in the South African War in 1900-1901, twice being mentioned in despatches. In the Great War he commanded the 11th Service Battalion, The Hampshire Regiment, Pioneers. William was a popular man, holding shooting parties at Everton Grange, and enjoying hunting. He improved the house and estate at Everton. In 1915 he bought two cottages near Lymore Lane from the Newlands Estate. He and Ellen were very proud of their garden and enjoyed walking in the grounds with their beloved dog, Joey.
William was buried at Boldre Parish Church with two buglers from The Kings Own Royal Regiment sounding The Last Post and Reveille at the graveside. Ellen is buried next to him.
Further Reading
Edward Walford “The county families of the United Kingdom; or, Royal Manual of the titled and untitled aristocracy of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, Part 2” Chatto and Windus, 1892
Marion Cran “I know a Garden” Herbert Jenkins Ltd, 1933
Records
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