Mary Celia Dempsey was the mother of William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey, who was born June 24, 1895. He fought his way to become world heavyweight champion on July 4, 1919, and became known as the legendary "Manassa Mauler." He said, "My mother was the most magnificent woman I ever met. I knew from the time I could walk that she deserved a better break. And I swore or vowed or prayed, or whatever it is a kid does, that I would someday make it up to her."