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Formerly known as the Guelph Public Library Jim G. Dempsey collection.
Collection consists of letters, photographs, and postcards received by way of correspondence between Linda Kearns, former archivist, and Jim G. Dempsey. The photographs and postcards are of soldiers in military dress or uniform. Included are pictures of William Pearson a Guelph native who died in the First World War. Other photographs include civilians, possibly relatives of Mr. Dempsey, and photographs of a pilgrimage he took to the battlefields of the First World War in the 1980s.
The textual components consist of three letters one written by William Pearson and another by a comrade who served with him. A third letter was addressed to Mrs. Pearson by an army chaplain. This letter provided news of her son’s death. Also of interest is a Guelph Evening Mercury Newspaper edition with an article about William Pearson’s death.
There is no further arrangement to these records.
The letters are fragile and require care in their handling and use.
Access to these records is restricted for conservation reasons. Please contact the Guelph Public Library archivist to gain access to these records.
The copyright status of these photographs and textual records varies across the collection. Please contact the Guelph Public Library archivist for more details. Permission of the Guelph Public Library is required for publication.
To access records in this series, consult file list C22 to narrow down your search. Order the desired boxes from the Guelph Public Library Archivist.
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This picture shows William Pearson, a Guelph native, in military dress. William Pearson died while serving overseas during the First World War.
D-8-192
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This portrait is of Clara Allen. She is likely the mother of Mr. Dempsey. "My mother Clara Allen" is marked on the reverse of the photograph.
D-8-193
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This picture shows an unidentified soldier sitting with his feet crossed while his left arm rests on a small table.
D-8-194
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This picture shows William Pearson in military dress.
D-8-195
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This picture shows the Canadian Machine Gun Depot Band posing with their musicial instruments.
D-8-196
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This picture shows an unidentified soldier. There are notes on the reverse of the postcard.
D-8-197
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This picture is a portrait of William Pearson's mother.
E-5-145
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This picture show three men sitting near a small table. Two of the men are wearing military uniforms while a third man is in civilian cloths. "W. Pearson, my grandfather and British Soldier" are marked on the reverse of the postcard.
D-8-198