Humphrey, James 1834 - 1907

HUMPHREY, OLEARY, MCCARTHY, MCLAUGHLIN, BEER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 4/7/2019 at 19:56:18

Elkader Register, Thur., 10 Jan 1907. Condensed.

James Humphrey was born in the parish of Doon, Limerick County, Ireland, in the year 1834, and died at his home in Monona, Wednesday, at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 2nd, 1907, aged past 72 years.

Mr. Humphrey, at the age of 13, with his parents, came to America, landing at Quebec where the father died, leaving the mother and five young boys alone to wage the battle of life, and shortly following this sad event, the family came west, locating in Racine, Wisconsin. In 1852 the family removed to Clayton County, making their home in Monona Township. For years the family home was headquarters for the hospitality of weary travelers and home seekers coming to this section of the then wild west. Early settlers in this and adjoining counties will recall the good offices rendered by the family. The hospitality of the Humphrey home was never begrudgingly extended; it was a paradise to the seekers after locations, a home in which all were cordially welcomed.

In 1855 Mr. Humphrey and Miss Catherine O'Leary were united in marriage, the young people locating on a farm in Giard township, which was their home until about fifteen years ago, when they came to Monona. The fruits of their union were seven children, six of whom, with the aged mother, survive the father; and all of whom were present at the funeral: Mrs. Mary McCarthy, of Sturgen, Mo.; Mrs. Margaret McLaughlin, of Elkader; Miss Ella Humphrey, at home; Michael Humphrey, at home; James Humphrey, Jr., of Elkader, and Mrs. Anna Beer, of Elkader. A brother, Richard Humphrey, of Monona, with other relatives in this vicinity, mourn his death. The funeral was held from St. Patrick's church, Monona, on Friday, at 10:30 a.m. Solemn Requiem Mass, celebrated by Rev. Father Hogan, assisted by Revs. Father O'Reilly, of Elkader, and Father Hecker, of Cherry Mound. Burial in the Catholic cemetery of Monona.

The Honorary Pall Bearers were Thos. English, Thos. Conway, J. J. Littler, Patrick Mulqiun, Patrick Connell and Thos. Clark.

Pall Bearers: F. L. Wellman, James McLaughlin, George Losch, John Grady, John Geraghty and Thomas Loney. - G. H. Otis in the Monona Leader.