Born on January 28, 1839 in West Dundee, IL to Alexander Robertson and Jane Blythe Whittaker Dempster.
Died on November 23, 1899 in Des Moines, IA. Buried in West Dundee, IL.
Married to Esther Egleston
Parents to two children: Laura and James
In 1882, Mrs. J. H. Dempster ran a bakery at 954 G.
In 1883, partner with J. A. in Dempster Bros. at 972 G.
In 1885, J. H. partnered with Stewart--Cash Store--at 954 G.
In 1886, the partnership dissolved and Stewart moved to Strang.
In 1886, J. H. ran a gent’s store at 954 G and Limback joined him with a drug store.
In 1888, J. H. and Conwell ran a general merchandise store at 806 G.
In 1889, J. H. and Conwell sold to Jasper Culver.
In 1892, J. H. bought the clothing stock of George Lods at 948 G.
In 1892, J. H. started selling insurance and real estate.
In 1893, J. H. moved his stock to 812 G and then to 848 G.
In 1893, J. H. ran a clothing store with his son-in-law, Joe Fisher.
In 1896, J. H. moved to Florence, AL to be a traveling salesman for Florence Pump and Lumber Co.