Lewis Simpson Hemphill was born on March 9, 1853, in Valley Hill, Mississippi.

[1][2] He attended the public schools of his native Carroll County, Mississippi, and then became a farmer.

[1][2] Hemphill was selected as the Chairman of the executive committee of Carroll County in 1892, and held that position for several years.

[1][2] In 1915, Hemphill was elected to represent the 26th District in the Mississippi State Senate for the 1916–1920 term.

[1] They had four children, named Bessie, James Simpson, Everett Martin, and Vassar Dewey.