Dempster, John E. 1837-1912

DEMPSTER, FISHER, SHERMAN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 11/7/2016 at 07:59:53

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
June 4, 1912

JOHN E. DEMPSTER

News came as a great surprise yesterday of the death of Hon. John E. Dempster, one of Chester's best known and most respected farmers on Sunday morning in Davenport, where he was visiting relatives.

The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from the Chester church conducted by Rev. H.L. Wissler. Interment will be in Chester cemetery.

Dr. Dempster left here a week ago last Thursday, apparently in his usual good health, but a pimple on his neck, of which he had thought nothing, developed into a carbuncle which finally caused his death. He was aged 75 years, 4 months and 29 days.

Mr. Dempster was a pioneer of Scott county and came to Chester twelve years ago, purchasing the Jason Sherman farm where he had made his home ever since. His wife died some time ago, but he is survived by three sons, John, Alden and Roscoe, all of Chester, and three daughters, Mrs. E.W. Fisher of Chester, Mrs. Wilbur Sherman, of Pelican Rapids, Minn., and Edna, who is at home.

A great many friends learn the news of this unexpected passing with sincere sorrow.

On Sunday morning, June 2nd, he came to the end of life's journey, and closed the earth-life, "like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams."

He leaves a family of three sons and here daughters, and his eldest brother, Perry Dempster, all of whom were present at the funeral, and a host of friends to mourn the loss of a loving father and a true neighbor and friend.

The funeral services were held at Chester Center church, conducted by Rev. H.L. Wissler, assisted by Rev. Mr. McBride of the Sonora M.E. church, and the body was laid to rest in Chester cemetery.