Born: October 1, 1869
Where: Hokes Bluff, Calhoun County, Alabama
Died: January 7, 1924
Where: Kelso, Washington
Note: Death date on tombstone is incorrect

Lou Dempsey was born in Hokes Bluff, Calhoun County, Alabama. Her mother's name was Elisabeth but her father's name isn't known. She married Albert M. Miller in Etowah County, Alabama, in 1887. They had two daughters, Susan Elisabeth and Leona Francis. Lou and Albert later divorced. About 1902 she married Charles Finley Dempsey. It isn't known how they met or exactly when they married.

Lou was known for making beautiful "Poke Bonnets." She had a wonderful sarcastic sense of humor. All the photos of her have "my dear, sweet, Mama" written on the backs.

Lou died in Kelso, Washington, of Brights Disease.


Bio submitted by: Diane Dodge, February, 2002