HUMPHREY, Sanford - 1912 Bio (1839-1920)

HUMPHREY, EDWARDS, KENDALL, ENGLE INGLE, SPIELMAN

Posted By: Debbie Nash (email)
Date: 7/5/2003 at 18:46:56

From the "History of Jefferson County" - 1912, Volume II
Pages 436-437

"SANFORD HUMPHREY.

A well earned rest is now being enjoyed by Sanford HUMPHREY, who for many years was identified with general agricultural pursuits but at the age of seventy-two years is now living retired. He was born in Penn township, this county, November 22, 1839, and is undoubtedly one of the oldest, if not the oldest, native son. He can tell many interesting tales of the early days, when Iowa was still a part of the territory of Wisconsin, when its broad prairies were uncultivated and when in certain districts of the state the Indians were more numerous than the white settlers. He has seen much wild game and remembers the days when there were no railroads and comparatively few wagon roads.

His parents were Raleigh and Phoebe (EDWARDS) HUMPHREY, both of whom were natives of Virginia, but in 1839 the family home was established in Jefferson county, Iowa, the father here entering land from the government in Penn township. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place, but he at once set about clearing and developing the property and continued the cultivation of his fields throughout the remained of his life. He died in April, 1877, at the age of sixty-nine years, and his wife passed away in 1905, at the remarkable old age of ninety-six years.

Sanford HUMPHREY was reared upon the old homestead farm and early became familiar with the arduous tasks incident to the development of new fields. In his youthful days he attended the district schools and after putting aside his text-books, he continued to devote his energies to the work upon the home farm, until he reached the age of thirty years. He then started out independently, purchasing eighty acres in Penn township, which he at once began to cultivate. Year after year he tilled the fields and good crops were harvested, for his methods were practical and progressive. He studied the best time to put in his seed and cultivated such cereals as are best adapted to soil and climatic conditions. From the sale of his crops he was able to add something to his income each year and in 1908 he retired with a handsome competence, removing to Pleasant Plain, where he purchased a fine home which he has since occupied.

On the 25th of May, 1871, Mr. HUMPHREY was united in marriage to Miss Margaret KENDALL, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (ENGLE) KENDALL, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was a cooper by trade and followed that pursuit for some time but afterward purchased a farm in Penn township and at once began to clear and improve it. Year by year he operated his land until 1893, when he sold out and retired from business life, removing to Fairfield, where his remaining days were spent in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He died in September, 1901, at the age of eighty-two years, and was survived by his wife until 1909, when at the age of seventy-five years she was called to her final rest. Their daughter, Mrs. HUMPHREY, was born in Ohio, in 1851, and was brought to this county by her parents in August, 1855. By her marriage she has become the mother of ten children: Minnie M., now the wife of G. A. SPIELMAN, a resident of Packwood; Alonzo A., residing at East Pleasant Plain; Leward S., who makes his home in Jacksonville, Illinois; Clarence Emmett, living in Superior, Nebraska; Charles R., a harness dealer of Pleasant Plain; Frank R., who resides in New York; Wilford K., who met his death in a railroad accident in 1909; Iva E., who is attending school at Cedar Falls, Iowa; M. Zona, at home; and Wilbur Clyde, who died in January, 1881. The family attend the Friends church and are loyal to its teachings. Politically Mr. HUMPHREY is a republican, having supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has always been loyal to the best interests of the community and his life has ever been an upright, honorable one, commending him to the confidence and good-will of all who know him. He has never sought to figure prominently in public affairs but has been content to do his duty well day by day and the years have brought him the high regard and honor of his fellow townsmen."

I am copying this information for the benefit of genealogical research and am not related to said individuals.