Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 515
SETH HUMPHREYS, a leading and worthy citizen of Bloomington Township, who has been a resident of this county for thirty-eight years, was born in Canton, Hartford Co., Conn., in 1819, and is a son of Decious and Laura ( Adams ) Humphreys. He was the sixth in order of birth of eleven children namely: Sereno, Hannah, David, Rachel, Martha, Seth, Solon, Laura A., George, Laura and Mary. In 1840 the family emigrated from Connecticut to Ohio, where the father engaged in farming, During his residence in that State our subject was ten years engaged as a singing-teacher, but in 1851 he left the Buckeye State and came to Iowa. Locating in the city of Muscatine he engaged in the wholesale grocery business for about seven years, after which he removed to his present home on section 17, Bloomington Township, where he has since engaged in farming and stock-raising. His farm now comprises a fertile tract of 200 acres, situated in Lake Township, and thirty acres in Bloomington Township. The fine home with its beautiful surroundings are fit subjects of pride to the owner. In front of the elegant residence is a large and well-kept lawn presenting a pleasing picture to the eye when clothed by nature in her robe of the richest green.

Since his arrival in this county Mr. Humphreys was united in marriage, his union, which was celebrated in Muscatine in October, 1853, being with Miss Mary Jarboe. Mrs. Humphreys is the eldest of a family of six children, the remaining members being: W. Scott, who married Anna Gruel, and resides in Columbus Junction; Susan, who wedded A.F. Wilkinson, a resident of Fall River, Kan., was left a widow in 1878; J. Burke, who now resides at Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Tex.; Laura married Dr. Malam Bailey, whose home is in Chanute, Kan., and Lee is located in Burlington, Coffee County, Kan. In 1886 Mr. Humphreys was called to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in the month of February, and was buried in Muscatine Cemetery. In political affairs he has always taken an active part, and is an ardent and inflexible adherent to the principles of the Republican party. For many years he has resided in Muscatine County, has witnessed the greater part of its growth and development, and has won for himself an honored place in society, receiving the respect of all.

Our subject was reared if the faith of the Congregationalist, but now holds to the Protestant faith. Mrs. Humphreys was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Being an invalid for many years she was deprived of the privilege of regular attendance at the house of worship, but in resting in the pronise of her Master, she died in the hope of Resurrection. The portraits of herself and husband are given upon another page.

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