Dempster, Mrs. Phoebe 1856-1923

DEMPSTER, HODGSON

Posted By: Viv Reeves (email)
Date: 1/24/2006 at 11:05:43

From the LeMars Sentinel, Friday, January 19, 1923 (Page 1, Column 3):

VICTIM OF PNEUMONIA
MRS. PHOEBE DEMPSTER SUCCUMBS TO A BRIEF ILLNESS
FOLLOWS HUSBAND WITHIN THREE WEEKS
Deceased Was a Native of England
and Came to Iowa When a Young
Girl and Was Among First Settlers
in Stanton Township

Mrs. Phoebe Dempster, a pioneer resident of Plymouth county, died on Wednesday night at her home, 221 Second Avenue, SE, following an attack of pneumonia. Less than three weeks ago her husband, John Dempster, succumbed to a long illness. The death of Mrs. Dempster entails a double bereavement on the family. Her devoted attention to her husband in his long illness, in which she faithfully nursed him, had resulted in a run down condition of health, caused by worry and constant anxiety. She contracted a cold which quickly developed into pneumonia and her weakened stamina was unable to resist the inroads of the disease.

Phoebe Hodgson was a native of England, and was born in Durham county on September 19, 1856. When a girl, in 1872, she came with members of her family to the United States and shortly after their arrival they located at Fort Dodge, Iowa. At that place she was united in marriage with John Dempster on April 13, 1875. In 1878* Mr. and Mrs. Dempster came to Plymouth county and were among the first settlers to Stanton township where after surmounting the obstacles and combatting the trials, which confronted the pioneers, they farmed successfully for many years. About nine years ago they retired from the active labors of the farm and settled in LeMars to enjoy a well earned rest and pass the autumn of their lives.

The death of Mrs. Dempster is mourned by a large family of sons and daughters, many relatives and friends.

The children are James Dempster, of Neligh, Neb.; William Dempster and Mrs. Robert Scott, of Plainview, Neb.; John Dempster, Buffalo Gap, S. D.; Henry and Robert, Ellen, Marian, Bertha and Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, of LeMars; Laura Dempster, Sisseton, S. D.; and Mrs. Mable (sic-Mabel) Featherstone (sic-Featherston), of LeMars.

She also leaves her brothers, John Hodgson, of Boone, Robert Hodgson, of LeMars; Stephen Hodgson, of Donnybrook, N. D.; Joseph Hodgson, Harvel (sic-Karval), Colo. and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Fish and Mrs. James Cross, of Palo Alto county, Iowa.

Mrs. Dempster was a devoted wife and mother, and a home maker in the highest sense of the word. Her life was devoted to the interests of her children and in doing good in the religious and social circles to which she belonged. She was a loyal friend and neighbor always willing to assist in time of trouble, and helped to make the world a better place in which to live.

While residents of Stanton township, Mr. and Mrs. Dempster were affiliated with the Free Methodist church. Of late years they attended the United Evangelical church in LeMars and the funeral will be held at the Hildreth Memorial church in this city, Rev. J. W. Davis officiating, at 2 o'clock this afternoon.

All of her children were summoned home when it was seen that death was imminent and were at her bedside when she passed away.
(*This date must be in error, since this family is registered on the 1880 Census as residents of Pleasant Valley township in Webster county, Iowa.)