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.