THOMAS J. UMPHREY.

Pg 537

         Thomas J. Umphrey, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Morning Sun township, is the owner of a valuable tract of land embracing three hundred and thirty-five acres on section 16. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Louisa county, his birth having here occurred on the 30th of December, 1850. His parents, James G. and Nancy F. (Bevans) Umphrey, were natives of Kentucky and Ohio respectively. Coming to Iowa, the father settled first in Des Moines county and in the year 1848 arrived in Louisa county, here continuing to reside until called to his final rest in 1877. Prospering in his undertakings as an agriculturist, he had accumulated eighteen hundred acres of rich and productive land at the time of his demise. His wife passed away in 1895 and her death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. Their children were ten in number, namely: Maryette, deceased, who was the wife of David Gregory of Morning Sun, Iowa; Francis, who is a resident of Morning Sun; Elizabeth, the wife of S. F. Small, of Wapello, Iowa; Zethania, deceased; one who died in infancy; Jane, who has likewise passed away; Thomas J., of this review; Cordelia and John, both of whom are deceased; and Ida, the wife of a Mr. Dye, of Grant City, Missouri.

         Thomas J. Umphrey attended a private institution of learning in his youth and obtained a high school education. He remained on the home farm until twenty-two years of age and then embarked in the lumber business at Morning Sun, there conducting his interests successfully for five years. On the expiration of that period, having inherited three hundred and thirty-five acres of land as his share of his father’s estate, he took up his abode thereon and has since . . .

Pg 538

. . . devoted his attention to its further cultivation. The property is on section 16, Morning Sun township, and the many substantial improvements thereon, including a handsome residence, stand as monuments to the enterprise and industry of the owner. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of feeding shorthorn cattle and also ships hogs on an extensive scale, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income.

         On the 15th of August, 1876, Mr. Umphrey was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary B. Copeland, a daughter of William and Harriet (Jarvis) Copeland, whose family numbered three children, namely: Atwood, who is a resident of Los Angeles, California; Caroline A., living at Morning Sun; and Mrs. Umphrey. The last named became the mother of seven children, as follows: James, of Morning Sun township; Dayton, living in Washington; Eber, who is at home; Hazel, the wife of Henry Swope, of Wapello; Willa, Loie and Geoffrey, all at home. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 11th of February, 1908.

         In politics Mr. Umphrey is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Church of God. Having resided in this county throughout his entire life, covering a period of six decades, he is well and favorably known here and is widely recognized as an upright and honorable citizen.