This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Dempsey Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lEC.2ACE/378.2 Message Board Post: Michael, My husband is a direct descendant of Philo and Lydia Dempsey, through their daughter, Simildia. Dave gave you quite a few good leads through the census and obituaries. I've found the following information in the History of Grant County, Wisconsin, 1881: "Philo Dempsey, retired farmer; P.O. Fennimore; is one of the early settlers of the town of Fennimore; was born in the town of Brutus, Cuyuga Co., NY, June 24, 1814; he removed to Aleghany Co. in 1831; in 1844, came to the town of Fennimore, and entered a farm in Se. 13; this farm he still owns. His wife was Miss Lydia Walker, born in Massachusetts in August, 1820. Her father removed his family to Grant Co. in 1844, but he first came to the county in 1840. Mr. Dempsey's parents died at his residence in Fennimore. Mrs. Dempsey's father died in California; her mother died in Grant Co. Mr. and Mrs. Dempsey have had six children, five of whom are living - George P., Silas H., Charles S., Robert W., and Similde; lost fifth child, Mary Edna. George P., now a resident of Mason City, Iowa, was a member of Co. K, 12th W.V.I.; enlisted in fall of 1861; veteranized at the expiration of his time, three years, and served till nearly the close of the war, when he was disch! arged for disability. Silas and Charles were members of 38th W.V.I.; the latter was severely wounded, losing a part of one hand. Mr. Dempsey was the first Town Treasurer of Fennimore; was member of Town Board twelve years; Chairman of Board one term." It looks from this, that Eliza is not a child, but in all of my information about the family, Eliza is included. So, your information about her being adopted, is, indeed, news! Let me know if you have any other questions about the family. Roxanne