The Humphreys family in America - citizen hylbom blog

590
1 868, to Owego, in the same county; was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a man of
active habits, prominent!}- known in business circles for his intelligence, prudence, and success.
He was honorably and intimately identified with the public interests of Tioga County. In his
social relations he was eminently practical, open, genial, benevolent and charitable. His upright,
consistent conduct was a standing rebuke to the equivocal customs current and common among
business men. Concerning these practices, and in regard to all questions relating to religious truth,
he maintained a fidelity worthy of imitation. He became a communicant in the Presbyterian church,
in 1820, and led an exemplary Christian life. His death occurred at Owego, N. Y., 14 April,
1878, at the age of 78 years.
Mrs. Humphrey survived her husband several years, and died at the residence of her son-
in-law. Dr. J. D. Quinlan, in Evanston, 111., 3 Mch., 1884, se. 81 years. We add the following
sketch of her life, which appeared in T/ie Evanston Index, March 15th, 1884:
"When she was a child, the parents of INIrs. Humphrey removed to Owego, N. Y. Here the
young life of this truly noble woman rapidly developed under the tuition of the Christian teachers of
that day, and she united with the Presbyterian Church, of which she was always a loving, loyal
member. -
She early indicated a love and zeal for thorough knowledge, and subsequently became a
pupil of Mrs. Emma Willard, at her Seminary in Troy. The relations of teacher and pupil soon
ripened into the personal friendship of years. The inestimable value of these associations was
realized and appreciated to the latest days of her life. Returning from school life. Miss Bell, as
familiarly known to hundreds of the youth of the day, became one of the most successful teachers
of Western and Central New York. As a Christian teacher, eternity alone will reveal the work,
well done, upon the minds and hearts of those intrusted to her keeping.
"In later years, as wife and mother, surrounded by a large family, she exerted an influence
in the home made beautiful by her grace and ministry which comes to-day as a blessed inherit-
ance to the loving and afflicted children, who 'rise up and call her blessed.'
"Hers was that rare character, that none, from the saddest and poorest to the highest and
most learned, ever came into her presence without feeling that the atmosphere itself was purer
and sweeter for the words of love and comfort, purity and wisdom, which flowed so naturally
from her sympathetic, great heart.
"After the decease of her husband, in 1S78, Mrs. Humphrey visited the home of her daughter,
Mrs. J. D. Quinlan, where, after repeated journeys East and West, she at length became a loved
and honored member of the household. Though in many respects it was a great trial to leave
old associations and friends of the East, Mrs. Humphrey, with her lovely dignity, ease and culti-
vation, soon made many warm and attached friends, whose kindly courtesies added greatly to her
happy, peaceful life.
"When laid aside by reason of failing strength from the former activity of doing greater
things in the service of her Master, she was lovingly content to serve in humbler ways. Many
are the deeds of mercy, acts of kindness, and words of strength and encouragement, of which she
has been the quiet, unknown instrument, in her life among us.
"She was a firm, stalwart believer in Christianity; loved the house of God, and was often
found there after her hearing had become impaired; but as this infirmity increased she preferred
to spend the hours of Divine service in prayer and meditation, thus living in intimate communion
with her Savior.
"During the last few months, when a fatal malady had made its appearance, from which
was anticipated severe and continued sufli"ering, she was enabled through faith to be resigned to
suffer God's will. She 'set her house in order," antl attended personally to every detail, however mi-
nute, that could be of any benefit or comfort to her loved children. Forgetful only of self—and
without a murmur, she calmly and trustfully awaited the coming of the Master. One after another
cif her devoted children hastened to the bedside of tiieir venerated mother, hastening with burdened