Kester Family Genealogy & History

Paul Kester (1870–1933) was a distinguished American playwright and novelist known for his compelling works such as "Countess Roudine" and "The Woman of Bronze," which enjoyed a successful Broadway run. His literary career included collaborations with notable figures like Minnie Maddern Fiske and adaptations of works by Charles Major and Mark Twain, enhancing his reputation in the dramatic arts. Kester also authored several novels, with "His Own Country" addressing complex social issues of his time. His affinity for the country life and contributions to theatre and literature make him a significant figure in American cultural history.

Paul Kester was born in Delaware, Ohio, to Franklin "Frank" Cooley and Harriet Watkins Kester. His father was a traveling salesman, while his mother was an art teacher and a founder of the Cleveland School of Art. Kester shared his artistic journey with his older brother, Vaughan Kester, a journalist. The family lineage also includes notable literary connections, as Kester was a cousin to the esteemed literary editor and critic William Dean Howells.

Howard Kester (1904–1977) was a prominent American preacher and activist known for his role in organizing the Southern Tenant Farmers Union (STFU) in 1934. Influenced by the Social Gospel and Marxist critiques, Kester aimed to unite poor blacks and whites to combat racial and economic injustice. He collaborated with key organizations, such as the NAACP and the Fellowship of Southern Churchmen, advocating for racial justice. Notably, he investigated the Claude Neal lynching and authored "Revolt Among the Sharecroppers," a significant work highlighting the plight of sharecroppers in the South.

Howard "Buck" Kester was born on the outskirts of Martinsville, Virginia. His family moved to Beckley, West Virginia, where his father worked as a tailor. This environment exposed Kester to the social inequalities that shaped his future activism.

Max Kester Dodgson, professionally known as Max Kester, was a distinguished British scriptwriter and lyricist born on 11 December 1901 in Leeds. His career highlights include writing and presenting variety shows for BBC radio, collaborating with Ray Noble, and creating successful series like "The Plums" and "Danger - Men at Work!". Kester also contributed to cinema, co-writing films such as "Crook's Tour" and "George in Civvy Street". He was a prolific figure in the entertainment industry, working with notable performers like George Formby and appearing in the group "Those Four Chaps". Kester's lyrical talent shone through in songs like "Love Locked Out", which gained popularity with artists like Frank Sinatra.

Max Kester was the son of James Dodgson, an artist known for his cartoons in The Yorkshire Post under the pseudonym "Kester". This artistic lineage likely influenced Kester's creative pursuits throughout his illustrious career.

Bernard Kester (1928–2018) was a renowned American designer, artist, curator, and writer, celebrated for his contributions to pottery and textile design. A pivotal figure in the studio craft movement in the United States, Kester played a key role in elevating craft and fiber arts to the status of contemporary art within museums. His career highlights include founding the fiber art program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and being named an honorary fellow by the American Craft Council in 1980. Kester's work as a curator and exhibition designer at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art further solidified his influence in the art world.

Bernard Kester was born on March 25, 1928, in Salt Lake City, Utah. His family relocated to Newport Beach and then to Long Beach, California, during his childhood. Kester's early interest in art began in kindergarten, setting the stage for his future achievements in the field.