My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES E. HUMPHREY, a prominent resident of Pelham and a member of the Board of Selectmen, was born in Boston, June 15, 1850, and is son of Benjamin F. and Sarah (Howe) Humphrey. The grandfather of Mr. Humphrey, Noah Humphrey, was one of the early settlers of Pelham. He was a cabinet-maker, carried on a wood-turning business, and owned a good farm, which he worked to advantage. He subsequently moved to Oakham, Mass., where he died, at the age of eighty-nine. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, Mary P. Humphrey, became the mother of eight children, of whom Benjamin F., Mr. Humphrey’s father, is the youngest. She died at the age of eighty-two. Benjamin F. Humphrey was born in Pelham, and learned the trade of book-binder. He has enjoyed a long period of prosperity in that business, which he has carried on in Boston at 114 State Street, and later at 5 Chatham Row. He still works at the trade, and is regarded as the oldest book-binder in Boston. He is a Unitarian in religion, and has supported the principles of the Republican party since its formation. His wife, Sarah H. (Howe) Humphrey, who was born in Boston, has had three children: Frank H., who died at the age of fifteen; Susie G., who died at the age of eight; and Charles E., the subject of this sketch.

Charles E. Humphrey was educated in the schools of Cambridge, Mass. He learned the trade of a book-binder with his father, and continued to work in the finishing department of the business. In 1885 poor health caused him to relinquish the trade and seek an occupation which would not require so much indoor confinement. He accordingly moved to Pelham, where he settled upon his present farm of sixty-five acres, and has since conducted general farming with success. Mr. Humphrey is actively interested in public affairs, and has served with ability in various town offices. At present, in addition to the office already mentioned, he holds those of Assessor, Overseer of the Poor, and superintendent of schools. He is independent in politics. On October 8, 1874, he was united in marriage to Eleanor B. Smith, daughter of Lemuel and Mary Smith, of South Hadley Falls, now deceased.