"Portrait & Biographical Record of the Willamette Valley Oregon." Chapman Publishing Company, 1903. p. 1379. JOHN P. HUMPHREYS Among the pioneers who crossed the plains in 1852, and have since been identified with the upbuilding of this wonderful commonwealth, is John P. Humphreys, younger brother of William J. Humphreys, also a large land owner and extensive stock-raiser of this section. Mr. Humphreys is the, representative of a southern family located for many years in Tennessee, in which state he was born January 2, 1832. The two brothers mentioned were among the most ambitious of a large family of children born to Thomas M. and Jane (Harrison) Humphreys. In their youth they worked hard from morning until night, taking part in the diversions afforded the youth of that neighborhood, and indulging in the dreams of future success, which make up a large part of the existence of an active and healthy boy. The Wilson sisters were born and reared in the same community, and July 21, 1852, a double wedding furnished enjoyment for a great many guests, all of whom partook of a royal feast, and had only good wishes for the happy young people. Margaret Moore Wilson became the wife of John P. Humphreys, and she and her husband made up two interesting members of the party which outfitted and crossed the plains in September, 1852, arriving in due time in Missouri, where the oncoming winter suggested a rest until the following spring. With renewed strength and spirits they started out again in the, spring, and Mr. Humphreys took up a three hundred and twenty-acre claim near Scio, Linn county. A more desolate or unpromising location could hardly be conceived of at the time. However, there was an abundance of timber, and a good water supply, and it was with great hopefulness that the young man hewed logs and built himself and wife a one-room house, 16x16 feet, ground dimensions. This little house continued to be their home until 1858, when they moved upon another place, Mr. Humphreys erecting a saw-mill, which he ran with considerable success until 1861. The mill was traded that year for land in Linn county, consisting of three hundred and twenty acres, upon which they lived during the winter of 1862. The next Spring, they removed to the Waldo Hills, and in the fall, went to Idaho, where he bought a claim. After six months of mining in Idaho, Mr. Humphreys was convinced that he was not born to seek a fortune in the mines, and thereupon returned to Marion county where he bought the farm in Waldo Hills, upon which he lives. He has two hundred and two acres eleven miles east of Salem, and the improvements, are all due to his enterprise and unflagging industry. A practical and scientific farmer, that he has succeeded is not to be wondered at in so enterprising and resourceful a man. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys: Thomas M., a mail clerk in the United States postal service, residing in Woodburn; William H., of Marion county ; Mary Minerva, the wife of James Darby; John A., a resident of Springfield, Ore.; Charles L., of Marion county; Penelope Jane, wife of C. M. Cartwright, residing in the vicinity of Monroe; Oliver, who died at the age of seven, and Joseph Frank, who is managing the home farm. It was here that the latter's birth occurred, April 7, 1872. He was united in marriage, September 16, 1891, to Minnie L. King, daughter of James T. King, of Marion county, and they have four children : Herbert Rodney, Dolphie Albert and Mary Marguerite, the latter dying at the age of nineteen months. Like his brother, John P. Humphreys votes the Republican ticket, and he has taken an active part in local and county political undertakings, having filled a number of offices. He bears an honored name in this county; and, is esteemed as one of the successful, reliable and substantial citizens. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in July 2007 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.