Humphrey, Benjamin 1843-1906

HUMPHREY, ILIFF, DONOVAN

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 2/7/2005 at 08:40:47

The close of a life, many years of which were spent in this city, occurred on Monday evening at seven o’clock, when Benjamin Humphrey, at his late home in Des Moines, succumbed after only a few hours serious illness, which began the morning of the day his death occurred, though for several years he had not had good health.

Mr. Humphrey was born in Athens County, Ohio, October 2nd, 1843. He was a member of the Ohio Volunteer Company G, and served four years during the Civil War. In 1865 he came to Iowa and the next year, August 12th, he was married to Miss Martha R. Iliff. Just before leaving Newton he was janitor of the central school building. After removing to Des Moines he was elected janitor of the Lake View schoolhouse. This position he held for thirteen years, and had been re-elected for the next year.

He leaves besides his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Hattie Donovan of Des Moines, four sons, E. C. Humphrey, who is the general manager of the Fair Store in Des Moines, H. B. Humphrey, foreman, and C. W. Humphrey, editor of the Watchman, published at Nevada, F. W. Humphrey, an operator on the Register and Leader at Des Moines, and thirteen grandchildren.

Mr. Humphrey was very kind and considerate of the happiness of others, was a kind husband and father and a good true friend.

The funeral was held from his late home at 3125 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, at 9:30 a. m., Thursday, and the body was then brought to this city for burial.

Those accompanying the remains were Mrs. Benjamin Humphrey, Mrs. Hattie Donovan of Des Moines, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Humphrey and C. W. Humphrey of Nevada, and E. C., F. W. and Ralph Humphrey of Des Moines. The services at the cemetery were conducted by Rev. O. S. Baker of the First Methodist Church. ~ The Newton (IA) Daily News, Friday, July 6, 1906, Page 4, Column 3