Dempsey Woodward was named as a son in the Wake Co, NC will of John Woodward. This John Woodward was son of another John Woodward who moved from Isle of Wight, VA to Edgecombe Co, NC where he left his will. The name was sometimes spelled Woodard. If you'll go to groups.yahoo.com/group/Woodwards-of-Wake you can search the records there for information on this line. You will need to subscribe as a member to access the archives.