The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1910-12-09
DORSET
Memorial Tribute.

phrey, widow of the late Rev 2. NJ.
Humphrey died after a brief illness
Of bronchitis, aged rs years.
II is but a few weeks since Mrs.
Humphrey closed her summer resi-
dence here and for a time took leave
of her Dorset friends. She seemed
so bright and cheerful in anticipation
OF the winters sojourn in the new
home at New Haven, that one could
little divine it was to be her final
farewell, and so the news that she
had been summoned into rest was re-
ceived with exceptional sadness.
Mrs. Humphrey, who was daugh-
ter of William Sykes, was married
on April 2Oth, 1853 to Rev Zephaniah
Moore Humphrey, ID. D., who through
out his life was Jealous and sue
cessful minister of the gospel, occupy
ing pulpits in the four cities, Racine,
Milwaukee, Chicago and Philadelphia,
afterwards being elected to the chair
of Ecclesiastical History and Church
Polity" in Lane Theological Seminary
in Cincinnati.
DR.. Humphreys father was one Of
the earliest presidents Of Amherst
College, and his ancestors included
families identified with the annals Of
American history in the early Colon
ial epoch; and numbered among them
was John Brown OF Ossawatamie,
who was own cousin to DR.. Humph-
rey's father.
Throughout the twenty eight years
of married life before Dr. Humphrey
was called from earth, Tin 1881 in
all the varied and arduous labors con-
nected with his ministries, Mrs. Hum
phrey was an able, sympathetic and
devoted helpmate, and in the men,
cries of his life written by close
| friend she is referred to as zone who
was as present with him in his intel
lectual and spiritual as in his out
ward and visible life; one who stud
led with him, thought with him,
planned with him, worried with him,
and in every possible way cheered
and strengthened and helped him.
Four of the seven children born to
DR.. and Mrs. Humphrey passed away
in childhood, and three daughters
now survive the mother; charlotte,
wife of Prof. Edward Morris of Yale
college, Bessie and Zephine the
youngest (named for her father who
has won distinction as authoress of
numerous books as well as OF many
interesting stories and sketches.
Some years ago Mrs. Humphrey
purchased "Westover," making inn
provements on the property until 1t
developed into one of the most valu-
able summer homes in this section,
and while living there during the
greater part of each year she be-
came closely identified with the life
of Dorset.
Mrs. Humphrey was deeply attach
ed to this home, where as a reyered
mother. she was also a genial com
panion and constant inspiration to
the two daughters who remained
with her, and it was here in her soc
lal and friendly relations that her
true sterling and tender traits were
observed
Her remarkably pleasing manners
were the admiration OF all who met
her. Her countenance was endowed
with sweetness OF dignity and bene
Violence. and the matchless grace OF
culture.
Always ready to extend the hand
OF friendship and kindness. she has
ever shown a facility in gaining and
retaining trends: but to those near
est and dearest remains the fullest
appreciation OF her earthly careel
now merged in the life immortal.
Mrs. Humphrey was characterized
by high intellectually. and hel
broad and comprehensive knowledge
and scholarly tastes were reinforced
by her careful and discriminating
love for the best in literature. Sh'
was a connoisseur of art, and pro
found admirer Of nature. She was
rare and fascinating conversational
list, and having been an extensive
traveller her mind was stored witt
rich treasures from history legen'
and song. Her busy brain was ap
parently tireless in depicting scenei
both humorous and instructive, an'
with marked originality.
Mrs. Humphrey took an helpful an'
anxious interest In all affairs OF th'
church in Dorset. Her kindly atten
ton in behalf OF little children con
stantly evinced itself during her lif'
here. and more than one little boz
will regret that he can never tip MI
hat again to Mrs. Humphrey
Many child here, and those o
older growth, will cherish the remem
brance of her kindly ministratoni
and the tokens which she continually
dispersed. The thought OF the IRA
grant flowers which she loved ant
SO often picked for the pleasure o.
friends. or to mark some sad anniver
sary. and the perfume OF all her char
tiles. will ever sweeten her memory
breathing on all impulses TOWARD
hotter lives. Above her grave lives
no bitter thought or memory.
Thus. while exalthLs the virtues
which Mrs. Humphrey so happily
possessed. would express, however
inadeouately, the intense sorrow o,
this community for the loss sustained
Sr Nor doath r. l.. X.
| rN,..,t noconahpr sixth.