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Biog. of Wm. W. Humphreys
Wm. W. Humphreys, a prominent farmer of Misissippi County, was born on December 10, 1837, two miles northeast of Charleston. He is a son of Washington and Ann M. (Russell) Humphreys, both of English descent, and natives of Maryland. The family came west in 1836, in company with the Russell and Moore families, making the journey to Wheeling, Va., in wagons, and from thence by water to West Philadelphia, now called Price's Landing. Mr. Humphreys was a shoemaker by vocation, and died two years after his arrival in Southeast Missouri. Mrs. Humphreys was married, in 1840, to W. B. Bush, who removed to Southeast Missouri in 1813, and was one of Mississippi County's most prominent men, having served as judge of the court for a number of years. He died on July 23, 1859. His widow lived until July 7, 1885. There were two children born to the first marriage: James W. (who was born in 1836, and died in August, 1845) and William W. The children by the second marriage are Paleman C., John L (killed by a train in 1869), Richard B (died August 23, 1865), James L,, Joseph R., Galena A. (died in 1873), Mary E. (died September 22, 1862) and Price L.
William Humphreys lived at his mother's home until he was twenty-one years of age, taking charge of the farm after the death of his father. When twenty-two years of age he was married to Emma Noyes, a native of Mississippi County. Her parents were natives of New Hampshire, and immigrated to Louisville, Ky., in 1818, and in 1831 to Southeast Missouri, removing to Mississippi County in 1840. Her father died in 1845, and his widow was married to Francis Kirkpatrick in 1853. She died on October 5, 1875, and was the mother of four children, all of whom are dead. After his marriage Mr. Humphreys located in Long Prairie Township, where he has since resided, engaged in farming, with the exception of seven months in 1871. He sold out and removed to Newton County, but did not like the country, so returned to his native county, and settled where he now resides.
He has taken a prominent part in politics, in which he is a Democrat. In 1882 he aspired for the judgeship of the county, but was defeated on account of the negro vote going solidly for his opponent. He was a member of the Democratic central committee for six years. His wife died on Fegruary 22, 1877, having borne him seven children, viz.: Walter (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Mary G. (deceased), William M. (deceased), Julia, Flora, and John M. (deceased).
On June 2, 1877, Mr. Humphreys was married to Harriet Robinson. Six children have been born to this union: Emma F., Albert H., Minnie L., Gertrude, Cora M. and James A. Mr Humphreys has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-three years. His wife is also a member. He is a Mason. He joined the I.O.G.T. in May, 1855, and he declares that he has never violated the obligation taken at that time. He has also been a member of the A.O.U.W., but surrendered his policy because he was not able to support his family and keep his assessments paid up. Mr. Humphreys has followed teaching school and other vocations, such as railroad agent, shipping agent, clerking in dry-goods stores, weighing corn, etc. He is hale and hearty, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of a large circle of frineds and acquaintances, and seems to be good for many years of active life. His average weight is about 185 pounds.
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