THE HUMPHREY FAMILY. Timothy Humphrey and his wife, Sabrina Cushing, had seven children. They lived many years at St. Johnsbury Center, where Mr. Humphrey had a small place and was a veterinary surgeon. He afterwards removed to Canada, where he died. Joseph Humphrey, son of Timothy, was born in 1833, and lived at St. Johnsbury Center until ten years after his marriage. He was engaged in various occupations, being a brick maker, and also carrying on his father's small place. In 1853 he married Marilla Burt of Lyndon. In 1863 they came to Burke and settled on the old Allen place east of the green. He carried on his farm and also had charge of the Lyndon Mill company's mill-yard at East Burke. He died in 1885, aged only fifty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey had five children, Alvah, Bion, Emma, Herbert, and Albert. 

Bion, second son of Joseph Humphrey, went to the white school-house and to select schools at Burke Hollow and East Burke. Both he and his sister were bright scholars, and made the most of their advantages in the common school. In 1879 Mr. Humphrey married Celia, daughter of Jonathan and Emeline (Hosmer) Houghton. Before her marriage she was a well-known schoolteacher and always a bright, lovable woman. Her first children, twins, died at birth. Three daughters are now living, Bertha (Mrs. George L. Eggleston), Maud, and Carrie. Mrs. Humphrey died in December, 1893. 

Mr. Humphrey early learned the carpenter's trade, but in 1893 he gave up his trade and purchased the grist-mill at East Burke. He continued in the flour and feed business until 1899, when he disposed of it to Elmer A. Darling, the present proprietor. Mr. Humphrey then returned to carpentering and building, which he still follows, being a workman of rare skill and sound judgment. In 1894 he married Angie Jock of Concord, by whom he has a son, Bion. They, with two of the daughters, live in a neat home in the village. He has been lister and school director six years. 

Mr. Humphrey is affiliated with the Junior Order United American Mechanics, has held the various offices in the local council, and in 1902 was state vice councilor. 

Source:  Successful Vermonters, William H. Jeffrey, E. Burke, Vermont, The Historical Publishing Company, 1904, page 161-162.
 
 

Prepared by Tom Dunn, October 2007