My Genealogy Hound

JOHN W. DEMPSEY, a prominent pioneer settler and successful general farmer and stock-raiser of Bertrand Township, Berrien County, came with his parents to this State in very early days, and in 1838 settled in the woods, living in the log cabin built by his father. A sturdy, resolute boy of ten, he soon adapted himself to the privations and experiences of pioneer life, and as he attained to manhood became an important factor in local progress and advancement.

Our subject was born in Allen Township, Allegany County, N. Y., July 30, 1827. His father, John Dempsey, was also a native of the Empire State, and was born in Schoharie County, July 16, 1800, and was reared in his birthplace, and early trained to assist in the duties of his father’s farm. He continued in the pursuit of agriculture all his life. Married in his early home, he located on a farm in Allegany County, N. Y., and remained there a number of years. Finally, following the stream of emigration headed Westward, he, with his family, journeyed to Berrien County, Mich., and settled in the then wilderness, building the humble cabin of logs which safely sheltered himself, wife and children.

Arriving in the State of Michigan in 1838, John Dempsey survived fourteen years, and was an active participant in the wonderful changes wrought in that time. He passed away in 1852, mourned as a public loss by the community among whom he was well known and highly regarded. The paternal grandfather, Mark Dempsey, born in New York, was of Scotch-Irish descent. Three brothers, who emigrated from the Old Country and were soon separated after reaching the United States, were the founders of this branch of the Dempsey family in America, the original Dempseys having been among the early Colonists. The mother of our subject, Betsey (White) Dempsey, was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., July 30, 1793. She lived to be seventy-three years of age, and was of Scotch-Irish-German descent. The parents of John W, Dempsey were blessed by the birth of ten children, three daughters and seven sons. Three sons and two daughters survived to maturity. The three sons are now living, our subject being the eldest-born. James E. resides in Dayton, Berrien County, Mich.; he lives with a son. Joseph M. is a well-known citizen of Benton Harbor.

Mr. Dempsey was but ten years of age when, with his sisters and brothers, he located in Michigan. He had enjoyed instruction in the schools of his native State, but afterward attended the primitive schoolhouse of his home district, walking through storms and sunshine, a mile or more each way. He assisted upon the farm until the death of his father, and then took full charge of the work of the homestead, but as others were able to cultivate the family acres, he found employment by the month on adjoining farms, and aided his father long before his death with his hard-earned dollars. Money was not plentiful with the Dempseys then, and year after year they continued to make their home in the log cabin.

July 4, 1866, John W. Dempsey and Libbie R. Dakin were married. Mrs. Dempsey was a native of Ingham Township, Ingham County, Mich., and was born in 1848. Her father, John Dakin, was born in the State of New York, and found his way to Michigan in an early day. Her mother, Amaryllis (Southworth) Dakin, was, like her husband, a native of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Dakin were the parents of nine children, four daughters and five sons, Mrs. Dempsey being the eighth child. She was educated in the State of her nativity.

Our subject located where he now resides, upon section 3, immediately following his wedding, and there, upon the old home farm endeared by many memories, Mr. Dempsey and his estimable wife have reared their family of two sons and two daughters. Charles H. makes his home in the State of Washington; Nora is the wife of Arthur Miles, of South Dakota; and Zelma and John William are at home with their parents. The farm of one hundred and sixteen acres is nearly all under productive and profitable cultivation, and is devoted to general farming and stock-raising.

Mr. Dempsey and his family are members and attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Buchanan Township, and are active in the good work and social enterprises of that denomination. Mr. Dempsey affiliates with the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, and is a member of the lodge at Buchanan. He also belongs to the Eastern Star, and his daughter and wife are members of the same order. Politically, our subject is a Democrat, and is interested in local and national affairs. By his own efforts he has overcome the difficulties of early days, and now, financially prospered, may enjoy the success he has so worthily won by persistent and intelligent industry.