Tempest, William

Year 1918

Reference number: 368Find it on the map

Inscription:

In memory of William Tempest twenty-five years honorary secretary to the Select Vestry of this parish from the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland until his resignation in 1895 & honorary treasurer for sixteen years subsequently: born 13 Nov 1835, died 3 Mar 1918. Lord now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace.

Bio:

Born in Rostrevor, County Down, son of William Tempest and Esther Broughden. He was an apprentice in Newry telegraph printing works. Tempest arrived in Dundalk in 1859, and later established W. Tempest Print. Tempest was married to Jane Backhouse, daughter of prominent Dundalk businessman Henry Backhouse. Tempest and his wife had six children, and one of them was Henry Tempest. Locally known as Harry Tempest, he was responsible for the development of W. Tempest Printing company into the business it became. William Tempest was great supporter of Dundalk, he was forward thinking for the development of the town. He sat on such boards as Dundalk harbour, Dundalk Gas Board and Local Science & Art Committees. Tempest was a founding member of the County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society, and had keen interest in historical matters and local antiquities. He was parish member of St. Nicholas’ Parish Church and served as Honorary Secretary for many years, and his son Harry was responsible for documenting the tombstones in 1944. William Tempest died aged 83 years.