My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM J. HUMPHREY, M. D. Cherryville is not without her share of members of the learned professions, who are a Credit to the pursuit they have chosen and to the town itself. Among those who have taken up the calling of medical practitioner is Dr. Humphrey, who devotes himself assiduously to his practice and to those investigations which will enhance his professional knowledge and skill. He is a native of the above place and was born March 25, 1850.

The parents of Dr. William J. Humphrey were Dr. Charles H. and Elizabeth (Stanton) Humphrey, both natives of Northampton County. The father was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and one of the most eminent physicians in this region. He was born in the Irish settlement, and read medicine under the instruction of the late Dr. Edward Humphrey. During the war he was Examining Surgeon for the Eighth Congressional District, and he practiced medicine for over sixty years. He was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, and aided in many ways to spread the Gospel in his community. He departed this life at his home in Cherryville, June 3, 1893, when in the eighty-sixth year of his age, leaving four sons and two daughters, namely: William J., the subject of this sketch; Charles E., a physician of prominence in Bethlehem; Thomas, who was a student in Princeton College during the late war, and offering his services to his country, contracted an illness from which he died at his home in 1867; Robert, also a physician, living in Milligan, Neb.; Mary E., who married John N. Hinkson, and is living in Chester, this state; and Sarah J., who makes her home in Baltimore, Md.

Dr. William J. Humphrey received his primary education in the common schools of Cherryville, and later attended Dickinson Seminary, at Williamsport, Pa. Then, deciding to follow in the footsteps of his honored father, he began the study of medicine in 1870, and afterward entered the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in the Class of ‘72. He immediately took up the practice of his profession in this place, where he has been located ever since.

Dr. Humphrey was married in October, 1875, to Miss Ellen S., daughter of Erwin Mushlitz, a resident of Bethlehem. To their union have been born six children: Thomas S., who is now attending lectures at the University of Pennsylvania; Robert, Charles H., Harold H., Annie and Hattie. In social affairs the Doctor is a Mason of high standing, belonging to the lodge in Slatington. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, in the faith of which he was trained by his parents. In politics he never fails to vote for Republican candidates, believing that party to be in the right. He is well established in reputation as a physician and surgeon, and is recognized as among the able practitioners of the county.