Larkin Dempsey

Larkin Thompson Dempsey (October 25, 1851 - October 10, 1916) served as a private in Company H, 13th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry.

Personal life
Larkin Dempsey was born October 25, 1851 in Carter County, Tennessee to Nathan and Melvina (Thompson) Dempsey. He married Adelaide Banner Lotspeich (1861-1911) with whom he had three children.

Civil War service
Dempsey enlisted as a private in Company H on October 1, 1864 in Carter County, Tennessee for a period of three years and mustered in October 26, 1864 at New Market, Tennessee. His brother William also served as a private in Company H.

He is described as 18 years old, 5' tall, fair complexion, blue eyes, black hair, and by occupation a farmer.

Dempsey is listed as present for duty throughout his term of service. From November 1864 to January 1865 he was detailed as an orderly at brigade headquarters.

Dempsey mustered out with the regiment on September 5, 1865 at Knoxville. He had last been paid to October 31, 1864, was owed $28.71 from the government for clothing, and was owed a $100 bounty.

Post-war life
Dempsey moved to Texas in 1877 as a construction laborer for the Texas and Pacific Railway, which established its headquarters and shops in Marshall, Texas in 1871. He later became a "locomotive engineer", a profession he held until his death.

Dempsey applied for an invalid's pension on May 9, 1876. He died October 10, 1916 in Marshall, Texas and is buried there at Marshall Cemetery.

His obituary stated: "He was just as devoted to his friends and family as he was to his chosen profession, had made a fine home for them here, surrounding them with every loving care, and building up an atmosphere that bespoke him as one of the fine principals." The obituary added: "With the passing of Mr. Dempsey, Marshall has lost an esteemed and progressive citizen, and all who knew him, a kind and loving friend."