John Thomas DEMPSEY was born in Union County, Kentucky, July 10, 1853. He departed this life November 3, 1918, at the age of 65y3m23d.

He was united in marriage to Martha Arbelle McKINNEY March 29th, 1877. She was the daughter of J. M. McKINNEY of Ina.

To this union were born three children.

Two of these died in infancy, the youngest, Nannie J. survives him, also Minnie B. TAYLER, an adopted daughter. He professed faith in Christ about the year 1882. He lived a faithful and a devoted Christian life. He was a good neighbor and a true friend to youth and was loved by the children and young men and women who were acquainted with him. He was ordained to the gospel ministry by the Free Baptist Church November 7, 1897 and continued a successful and active minister until his death.

He leaves to mourn his loss a wife, two daughters and three grandchildren, namely Vanita TYLER and Lela and Leota TAYLOR. Two grandchildren, Letha and Oral TYLER, preceded him to a better land. He is also survived by two brothers, Samuel C. of Sturgis, Kentucky and Geo. W. of Thebes, IL, also three sisters Mary OWENS of Harrisburg, IL, Susan BIRCH of Dow, Okla., and Nannie SPENCE of Bicknell, Ind. Four brothers and one sister preceded him. Their names were Warner W., William, James, Elvis and Martha.

The church with which he was associated and the community in which he lived will miss his Christian life, and the home he made happy by his kindness and love; but while earth is impoverished we feel that heaven is enriched. So while we weep because we love him, yet we are comforted because of the hope which he professed.

Source: Newspaper Unknown
Date: November 1918
Submitted by: Mary Zinzilieta