Charles Adam Dempsey was born 15 November 1844 in Alexandria, Virginia. He was appointed to the United States Military Academy 1 September 1861, and graduated in 1865. Dempsey was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant, then promoted to 1st lieutenant 23 June 1865 and assigned to the 17 Infantry Regiment stationed on Hart's Island in New York. He was transferred to the 35th Infantry Regiment in Texas 21 September 1866. After being transferred to the 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3 June 1870, Dempsey served in Alabama, Idaho, and Nebraska, promoted to captain 9 February 1878. Commissioned a major of infantry 26 April 1898, Dempsey served in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Promoted to lieutenant colonel 16 June 1899, Dempsey commanded troops in the Philippines from 1900 to 1901. Appointed a colonel of infantry 4 March 1901, Dempsey retired from active service 27 September 1901. He moved to Richmond, Virginia, and was recalled to military duty with the militia of Virginia, serving from 13 October to 20 January 1922. Dempsey and his wife Lena Lawson Dempsey had one son. Dempsey died 4 June 1941 in Richmond, Virginia, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
From the guide to the Charles Adam Dempsey Papers, 1866-1941, (The Library of Virginia)
