Light industry
Light industry of a sort came to Humphreys in 1882 with the establishment of the Humphreys Milling Company, a steam-powered flour mill located in a large three-story building. It was said to have produced up to twenty-five barrels of flour per day at peak capacity. The citizenry's need for news was met by the "Humphreys Gazette", a weekly newspaper founded in late 1881 by Joseph S. Wright. The name was changed to the "Humphreys Advance" in 1884 but the venture ultimately proved unprofitable and publication ceased in August, 1887.