Isaiah Humbert

HUMBERT, JAMES, SHOAF, TATMAN, RHOADS, COOLEY

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/3/2001 at 07:18:02

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties - 1890
ISAIAH HUMBERT
Isaiah Humbert one of the most substantial farmers of Van Buren County now a resident of Milton; claims Pennsylvania as the state of his nativity. He was born in Fayette County, March 29, 1819, and is the son of Jacob and Mary James Humbert, who were also natives of the Keystone State, but the former was of German birth and the latter of Irish descent.
Isaiah Humbert, whose name heads this notice, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farmer lads and received a common school education. Having attained to mature years, he was married in Uniontown of his native county, December 22, 1841 to Miss Mary Shoaf, daughter of James Shoaf, and a native of Fayette County Pennsylvania, born in 1816, of German lineage. Seven children graced their union, four sons and three daughters, but only two sons and one daughter are now living. The record of the family is as follows: William Breckenridge, the eldest was born September 18, 1842, and died January 14, 1852; Ellis Bailey born March 11, 1844, married Annie Tatman and resides on a part of the old home farm in Van Buren County; Peter, born May 10, 1846, married Catherine Rhoads and is living on the old homestead; Serena Ann, born March 5, 1848 became the wife of John Rhoads and died March 7, 1873; Isaiah was born May 7, 1851, and died July 19m 1867 at the age of sixteen years; Mary Elizabeth who was born March 20, 1853, died on February 12, 1863; Martha Belle is the wife of Thomas Cooley of Jackson Township. The four oldest children were born in Pennsylvania and the younger members of the family in Van Buren County.
Mr. Humbert was engaged in farming in his native state until the spring of 1850, when believing he might better his financial condition, he started westward, accompanied by his family. The new state of Iowa was his destination and he settled near Bonaparte, Van Buren County, on a farm, to the cultivation of which in connection with stock raising, he devoted his time and attention until 1861, when he removed to Jackson Township of the same county and purchased a fine prairie farm situated about four an half miles south of Milton. He is now the owner of five hundred and ten acres of well-improved prairie land, including his original purchase, in Jackson Township, which he leases from year to year. He continued to personally operate his farm until the spring of 1889, when he removed to Milton and purchased his present residence, since which time he has practically laid aside all business cares.
In politics Mr. Humbert is a Republican and has voted with that party since its organization, feeling a deep interest in its success. He and his excellent wife are consistent members of the Methodist Church, as are his daughters. Mr. Humbert has lived an active and useful life; well worthy of emulation. In his habits he is frugal and temperate and he has, by patient industry and judicious management succeeded in acquiring a large and valuable property.
I am not related, and am posting this biography for those who may find this person in their family history.