Greenbury Humphrey

HUMPHREY, CHAFFEE, WOLFF, PARK, COOPER, PRATHER

Posted By: Valerie Ward (email)
Date: 3/29/2004 at 00:59:02

GREENBURY HUMPHREY OBIT. and photo

from state line Democrat, Keosauqua, Iowa June 12, 1907

PASSING OF A PIONEER
Death of Greenbury B. Humphrey, a Former Lebanon Merchant---Was Honorable
and Good-Hearted

Last week the Democrate noted briefly the death of Greenbury Humphrey, which occurred about 4 o'clock of the previous Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Humphrey had been a merchant at Lebanon for 37 years and perhaps no man in
the western part of the county had a wider acquaintance. He was a public spirited man, and full of energy, and there was scarcely a republican convention in the county or an old settlers meeting the he did not attend.
Although 80 years of age, Mr. Humphrey didn't look it by 10 years; no one could think of him as an aged man, so active and energetic was he. Up to a week before his death Mr. Humphrey was active and around as usual,
but on Wednesday, May 22, he was taken suddenly and seriously ill. His malady was so violent that it resembled ptomine poisoning. Dr. G. S. guernsey was called promptly and later Dr. McClure of Douds-Leando. was called to consutation but was
all to no avail and May 29 he passed away.
Greenbury B. Humphrey was born in Virginia May 12, 1827, and was at the time of his demise aged 80 years and 17 days old. His parents were David and Mary Humphrey. About the year 1837 they removed from Virginia, and after
residing s short time in Ohio, they came on to Van Buren, County. They were among the earliest settlers in the vicinity of Lebanon. The deceased witnessed the transformation of the wilderness into a land of prosperous and happy homes.
Mr. Humphrey was one of those hardy pioneers who by their labor and hardship have helped to make the county what it is today.
When a young man he made his start as a blacksmith at Lebanon. Afterwards he lived a short time at Troy, in Davis County, Iowa, but soon returned to Lebanon where he conducted a general store for 37 years. Several years ago
he retired from active business but continued to manifest a keen interest in current affairs.
Feb. 13, 1851. Mr. Humphrey was united in marriage to Silena Chaffee. To them were born eight children five sons and three daughters, three of whom passed away in infancy. Those who remain are Mrs. Elora Ann Park of California; Mrs. Mary
Cooper of Oklahoma; Mrs. Ida Prather of Ottumwa; and Silas and Edgar of Lebanon. There are also 16 grand children and 12 great grand children.
The funeral services were held at the Methodist church at Lebanon on Friday, May 31, being conducted by Rev. H. F. Gilbert, assisted by Rev. Mr. McClure. The attendance at the funeral was very large All the children were present except Mrs.
Park of California. There were also present an aged sister of the deceased a Mrs. Wolff of Libertyville,
Iowa, and an only brother of the deceased wife , a Mr. Chaffee of Marshalltown.
We give a portrait of the deceased that his many friends and acquaintances in life may look upon the genial kindly face of their friend once more.
Deceased was honorable, hospitable, and sociable, and as one of the small number of pioneers, he will be greatly missed.