John Kemp

c. 1891 – 28/9/1952

Jack Kemp was Ernie Sherman’s opal buying agent at Coober Pedy, who in late 1945, bought the first small parcels from the newly discovered 8 Mile field from Tottie and Charlie Bryant.

When he was shown their first big parcel, he was too frightened to buy it and sent Ernie a telegram by pedal wireless to come up at once, which allowed anyone with a radio to listen in and the word got out.

That set into play a race between Ernie Sherman and Tom Brady, to get to Coober Pedy from Sydney which they did virtually together and then to see the parcel and make the first offer. Following a heated argument, they agreed to toss a coin to see who would get first look, and Ernie Sherman won, buying the fabulous all red opal.

The Bryant’s also had a nice second parcel of green material that Sherman left for Tom Brady to buy.

Death Notice
8-10-1952

KEMP, John 61 – A very old resident of the Opal Fields, died suddenly at Coober Pedy, September 28 1952.
Will be remembered for companionship and acts of kindness.
Inserted by R Trow.