Sunday's Obituary: Norma Sharp

Norma Ann Sharp

August 23, 1937 - May 7, 2012

Mrs. Norma Ann Sharp, 74, of Philadelphia, MS died Monday, May 7, 2012 at Neshoba County Nursing Home in Philadelphia, MS.

She was a native of Brookings, SD and had been a resident of Philadelphia, MS since 1973. She formerly worked at Nemanco, Inc. and Wells-Lamont Corp. in Philadelphia, MS. Mrs. Sharp was Methodist by faith. She was a classic example of an army wife. She raised their family while her husband served in the military for 24 years, including tours in both Korea and Vietnam, until his retirement.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James (Jim) Sharp; parents, Pete and Hazel Carter; and brother, Larry (Bubby) Carter.

Survivors include daughters, Lori Sharp Vowell (Brian) of Columbus, MS and Angela Sharp Kelly (Jerry) of Philadelphia, MS; sons, Danny Sharp (Sharon) of Atlanta, GA, Joe Sharp (Donna) of Philadelphia, MS and Randy Sharp of Philadelphia, MS; grandchildren, Brent Vowell, Katie Vowell, Gunner Vowell, Mariah Kelly, Randi Kelly, Shondae Walker, Megan Day, Chris Sharp, Chad Sharp, Mandy Sharp, Colby Sharp, and Jaden Sharp; great-grandchild, Destiny Sharp; sisters, Dee Hust of Las Vegas, NV, Jeannette Crapser of Brookings, SD and Kay Cox of Brown City, MI; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Obituary from McClain-Hays Funeral Home

Air Force names building after fallen Osprey pilot - Randy Voas

Randell Voas, a cousin in the Glenn/Dempster family line has been honored by the Air Force for his service.  Here's the beginning of the story from the U.S. Army  news:

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (Mar. 1, 2012) -- Maj. Randell D. Voas lost his life in a CV-22 crash in Afghanistan on April 9, 2010, but his legacy will now continue to influence future Aviators in the Air Force's 23rd Flying Training Squadron at Fort Rucker.

On Feb. 24, the squadron named its new consolidated operations center after Voas who was in the Army for eight years before transitioning to the Air Force where he flew missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and served as an instructor pilot for the 23rd FTS at Fort Rucker.

"I'm challenged to find a better name to put on this building," said Col. James Cardoso, commander of the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, N.M., during his dedication ceremony address.

All Air Force helicopter pilots start their rotary-wing training with the 23rd FTS at Fort Rucker. "As we teach them the skills, it's appropriate that we also show them what they're going to be a part of," he said, adding that many of the instructors and evaluators currently with the 23rd FTS were trained or mentored by Voas.

He went on to say Voas was a "decorated combat Aviator, a quiet professional and a humble guy" who loved to instruct and pass on the lessons he'd learned during his time on the battlefield.

During the ceremony, much applause was given for each person on a list of honored guests, but the loudest applause was given to the members of the Voas Family. The late major's wife, Jill, and their two children, Maddeline and Mitchell, were there along with several other Family members.

Jo Kallemeyn, the mother of Voas, said the ceremony was "quite an honor for Randy's memory."

"The main thing I want and that our Family wants is that he's not forgotten," she said.

Kallemeyn said her son loved to fly. He was given the Cheney Award in 2003, an annual award given by the Air Force for an act of valor or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian interest, but she said his response was to say he was just doing his job. "But, he did it very well," she added.

"I have learned so much about Randy since this happened. He was my son, and we had good conversations, but I just never really understood the depth of his involvement and what he meant to so many people," she said.  
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Sunday's Obituary: Hannah Dempster

The obituary of Hannah Dempster was published in the Brookings register on 22 November 1915:

Mrs. Hannah Dempster Dies

Mrs. Hannah Dempster passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Boyd, 1018 Williams Street, Monday evening after a lingering illness.  Hannah Gray was born Sept 2, 1830, at Moyarget, County Antrim, Ireland, and departed this life on Nov 22, 1915 at the age of 85 years, 2 months and 20 days.  On Oct 31, 1950 she was united in marriage to George Dempster with whom she came to America in 1883 when the family settled in White, SD, where they lived for about a year.  From there they moved to Brookings.  Mr. Dempster passed away 9 years ago and since that time, Mrs. Dempster had made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Boyd, all of Brookings.  Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dempster, seven of whom survive their mother.  The children are Mrs. Henry Getty, Mrs. Lawrence McGarry, William J. Dempster, and Mrs. Margaret Boyd, all of Brookings.  Mrs. Charles Fish of Castlewood, Mrs. Frank Glenn of Aurora, and George C. Dempster of Estelline. 

Mrs. Dempster was a woman of strong character and impressed her personality on those with whom she came in contact, always leaving the impression of being a woman of clear faith and positive conviction.  She was always hopeful, looking on the bright side of every situation and able to see the humor of life where others saw only sorrow and disappointment.  She was a consistent Christian whose faith was strong, a Christian who tried daily to apply her faith to her life.  She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and always attended the services with unbroken regularity until the death of her husband.  She had been growing feeble with the infirmities of age but never lost interest in her children and the friends who were about her.  The deceased leaves to mourn, besides her immediate family, one brother Charles Gray of Brookings, also a large number of relatives and friends who extend their sympathy to the bereaved family in this time of sorrow.  The funeral services were yesterday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Boyd.  Services were conducted by Rev. Wm. A. Mast.  Internment was in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Sunday's Obituary: George Dempster

The obituaries of Geroge Dempster published in the Brookings Register in November 1906.

George Dempster was born March 17, 1830 near Ballymoney county, Ireland.  He was united in marriage in Ireland October 31, 1850 with Hannah Gray.  They came to America in 1883 and settled with his family and having been a linen weaver in his native country followed his trade here by weaving carpets.  A family of six daughters and three sons came to bless the home of whom five daughters and two sons with the widow and mother live to mourn the loss of a loving husband and father.  The deceased was a devout Christian. The weight of years wore heavily upon him and he was resigned to the change from a transitory life to eternal happiness.  He passed away Tuesday morning, November 27, 1906, and the funeral was held Wednesday.  It is a pleasure to add that Mr. Dempster was one of God's noblemen - a gentlemen and a true friend to the needy.  He had a host of friends who will miss his genial smile and cheery voice. 


George Dempster died at his home in this city (Brookings, SD) Tuesday morning at six o'clock.  Mr. Dempster had been feeble the entire summer, and had an attack of partial paralysis a couple weeks ago which was the direct cause of his death.  The funeral was held from the house yesterday afternoon and the remains were laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery.  Rev A. M. Work of Watertown, a former pastor of the Presbyterian church here had charge of the services.  Mr. Dempster was born in the County Antrim, Ireland, March 17 1830.  He came to America with his family in 1883 coming direct to Brookings County.  The family lived on a farm near White until the fall of 1884 when they moved to Brookings, where they have since resided.  Mr. Dempster is survived by a wife and seven children, Mrs. Henry Getty, Mrs. Boyd, and Mrs. Lawrence McGarry of this city, Mrs. Glenn of Aurora, Mrs. Fish of Oakwood township, and George and William of this city.

Dempster Family Immigrates to America

The Dempster family immigrated from Ireland to America in the early 1880s for a handful of reasons, including the poor crops in the County Antrim and the political unrest between the Roman Catholics and Presbyterians. 

In addition, family stories say that Hannah Dempster was so fearful of their home being attacked that she would sit up at night and keep watch at the window with a candle.  One night Hannah fell asleep and the candle set the curtains afire.  It is said that George decided then that it was time to leave for America.  Another family story tells of young male relative that did not return home one night and was found the next morning strung up by his thumbs in a nearby cave.

Two of George and Hannah Dempster's older daughters immigrated to America in May 1882.  Hannah Dempster (b. 1864) and Matilda (Dempster) McGarry (b. 1858), son-in-law Laurence McGarry, and 1 year old grandson Laurence McGarry Jr. boarded the ship Dominioin in Belfast, Ireland.  They arrived in Quebec, Canada in June 1882.  They stayed in Canada until that winter and then left for Brookings County, Dakota Territory.

From Dempster

From Dempster

George and Hannah immigrated with the rest of the family in the summer of 1883.  The family boarded the steamship Devonia in Moville, Ireland in July.  The Devonia arrived at the Port of New York, likely Castle Garden, on the 7th of August 1883.  Their son Thomas died shortly after they arrived and is buried in the eastern United States.  They came directly to Brookings County, Dakota Territory and likely stayed with  Hannah's brother Charles Gray, who had a farm near the town of White.

From Dempster

From Dempster

Ship list images are snippets taken from the ship lists on Ancestry.com's "Canadian Passenger Lists, 1865-1935" and "New York Passenger Lists 1820-1957".


Some family information taken from Jo Kalleymn and Shari Adair's journal from their trip to Ireland in April and May 2006.  Thanks Jo and Shari!

Those Places Thursday: Moville, Ireland

George and Hannah Dempster and their family left Ireland from the port at Moville in 1883.  This is a view of Moville, Ireland that was taken by Jo Kallemeyn and Shari Adair from a ferry in 2006, about 123 years after the George and Hannah Dempter family left Ireland. 

So take one last look at our homeland and remember it well:

From Dempster

Wisdom Wednesday: Grandma Glenn's Recipe for Rearing a Large Family

Way back in May of 1949, a reporter from the Brookings paper asked Grandma Maria (Dempster) Glenn about her recipe for raising a large family of 104 direct descendants.  She responded with the following:

"Just keep on reading the Scriptures every day. You won't go far wrong, if you practice what the Bible teaches. And keep out of other people's business. Don't gossip about others. If you work hard you won't have time to do that. And then you won't worry and you can live a long time."

To read the newspaper article, check out my post from July 2010 titled "Grandma Glenn Boosts of 104 Grandchildren".

(Not So) Wordless Wednesday: George and Hannah Dempster

In honor of St. Patrick's Day tomorrow, I share a photo of my Irish ancestors.  This is a photo of George and Hannah (Gray) Dempster. 

The little girl was originally thought to be one of their daughters, either Matilda or Maggie.  However, in recent years, some cousins have thought that it could be their granddaughter Mary Boyd, who was born in 1883 in Scotland. 

We also believe the photo was taken in the mid-1880s.

My Irish Genes - Dempsters

'Tis the week of St. Patrick's Day, so I figure I should share some about my Irish roots.  With that said, I only have one Irish family that I know of - the Dempsters.

My fourth great-grandfather, George Dempster was born in Rasharkin, Antrim, Ireland on January 17, 1829 to William and Elizabeth (Wilson) Dempster. His wife and my fourth great-grandmother, Hannah Gray was born in Moyarget, Antrim, Ireland on September 2, 1830 to John and Elizabeth (McConaughy) Gray.

 

They were married on October 31, 1850 in Antrim, Ireland. They had 9 children, all born in either Cape Castle or Ballycastle in the county Antrim, Ireland:

• Elizabeth Hannah "Betty", 1854-1925
• Mary Jane "Jane", 1856-1892
• Matilda, 1858-1937
• William John, 1860-1932
• Margaret Ann, 1863-?
• Hannah, 1864-1939
• Maria Campbell, 1867-1953
• George C, 1869-1942
• Thomas, 1872-1883

The family immigrated to America in 1882 and 1883. (Watch for more on their immigration in another post this week!)  They made their home in Brookings County, Dakota Territory - later South Dakota.

 

George passed away on November 27, 1906 and Hannah on November 22, 1914, both in Brookings, South Dakota.

Mappy Monday: The Journey of My Irish Ancestors

In honor of my Irish ancestors, here is the emigration of the family of George and Hannah (Gray) Dempster.

View Dempster family emigration in a larger map

Locations pinpointed on this map include:

• Rasharking, Antrim, Ireland
• Moyarget, Antrim, Ireland
• Cape Castle, Antrim, Ireland
• Ballycastle, Antrim, Ireland
• Moville, Ireland
• New York, USA
• White, South Dakota, USA
• Brookings, South Dakota, USA
• Aurora, South Dakota, USA

Watch for more about George, Hannah, and the Dempster family this week!

Happy 60th Anniversary Don and Jeannette Crapser!

Sixty years ago today, Grandpa Donald Crapser and Grandma Jeannette Carter were married in the little town of Lake Benton, Minnesota.

Now because these two fell in love,

Along came three children -

Two boys and a girl.

All too soon the children fell in love.

Blessing them with eleven

Little ones to spoil.

The oldest grandbabies fell in love.

Bundles of joy now total eight

To hug and kiss.

Happy 60th Anniversary, Grandpa Don and Grandma Jeannette!

Tuesday's Treasure: Children of Albert and Amy Laabs

Today's treasure is a photo sent by cousin Shari Adair.  The children in this photo are the three oldest children of my Great-Great Grandparents Albert and Amberzine "Amy" Laabs.

This picture was likely taken in 1917.   Kenneth would have been about 7 years old, Hazel about 5, and Agnes would have been about 1 year.  Albert and Amy's fourth child, Frank, was born in July 1918.  Two more children, Myra and Fred, were born to Albert and Amy in 1921 and 1928.

Thank you, Shari, for sharing your collection of Laabs photos!

Saturday Stumble-Upon: It's a Small World After All

Since I started this blog back in July, I have heard from some cousins again and have also been in communication with a few new cousins.

Shari (Searls) Adair, a cousin in the Glenn family line who I've been in contact with for several years now, was surprised to learn that she knew two other sides of my family!  She was in school and 4H with my grandma Sharon (Jorenby) Luze. When the families lived in the Lake Campbell area, the Searls farm and the Jorenby farm were adjacent to each other. Shari's family had also lived near Lowell Workman in Eureka township.

Now with the realization that the cousins from the east (Glenns from Aurora) knew the cousins from the southwest (Jorenbys from the Lake Campbell area) and the cousins from the north (Workmans in Eureka township), I began to wonder how far apart these families really were.  So I pulled up Google Maps and started mapping the childhood homes of my great-grandparents.  Here's the result:

View It's A Small World - family beginnings in a larger map

Not bad!  Brookings is almost the center point of all of their childhood homes.  I'm willing to bet that at some point or another, the families all crossed paths in Brookings.  Moral of the story: It's a small world after all!

Grandma Glenn boosts 104 Grandchildren

Cousin Neta contacted me this week.  Of course this lead me into the Dempster family files, where I re-discovered this neat little article.  On May 29, 1949 The Brookings Register reported that Grandma Glenn had 104 Grand and Great Grand Children! 

I don't know about you, but I can't imagine keeping track of that many cousins!

The full article written by Ed Stanley reads:

"If the people of the little town of Aurora were asked to name the All-Ameican mother of the United States, they would vote unanimously for Mrs. Frank T. Glenn.

For she can boost of what folks around here believe is some sort of record. She has reared 10 children of her own and now can name 60 great grandchildren and 40 more grand children.

And at the age of 82 she can rattle off the names of them all-given a little time. This makes a total of 104 direct descendants and all are living.

Despite her four-score and more years this little old lady still is fairly agile. Her clear blue eyes are sharp and they carry an Irish twinkle when she talks. She was born in Ireland -- up in Ulster -- March 1, 1867, and came to this country August 3, 1883.

On January 11, 1886, (she remembers all of these dates just like they were yesterday) she married Frank Glenn. They lived around Aurora from that time until his death in 1930.

Asked her recipe for rearing such a family with all of the great and grand children, her reply was strickly of an Irish nature.

"Just keep on reading the Scriptures every day," she snapped back quickly. "You won't go far wrong, if you practice what the Bible teaches. And keep out of other people's business. Don't gossip about others. If you work hard you won't have time to do that. And then you won't worry and you can live a long time. Simple, isn't it?"

Her children are Mrs. Georgia Johnson and William of Aurora; Mrs. May Morris, Lake Hendricks; Mrs. Violet Bain, Bushnell; Mrs. Daisy Bain, Wadena, Minn; Mrs. Gladys Blanch, Indianola, Iowa; Mrs. Amy Laabs, Volga; Walter of Aurora, and Mrs. Myra Eer Nisse, Rapid City, S. Dak.

A son, Frank, who was a corporal in the air corps during World War I, died after the war. But Mrs. Glenn calls his wife, Lois Bacon (she remarried and her second husband died) her own child. Lois is in the service and never forgets Mother Glenn on Mother's day.

Mrs. Glenn now lives in a modest home in Aurora where she likes to knit and visit her many "children" who delight to drop in on her for a happy hour or two in conversation about "these good days.""

The article inadvertantly left out one daughter, Margaret. I assume this was the reporter's error, not an lapse in Grandma Glenn's memory.