1898 photograph of May Miller and Cordell Humphreys with his and hers bicycles. Cordell was George’s older brother.

We do not know if this Travelers’ Expense Book belonged to young George but it contains many interesting notations and prices for services and items purchased. This page was for a trip that included fare from Pineville and a stay at the McNath Hotel.

Condolence letter signed by the employees of Humphreys Mercantile Company, July 16, 1904.

Old News

From the 3rd floor
of the Webb City Public Library

Genial traveling salesman George Humphreys was mourned by many friends

Webb City Area Genealogical Society
November 8, 2023

This week we continue from last week with information recently received from the Humphreys family.

George Higgins Humphreys was the third child of Henry C. and Sarah (Higgins) Humphreys. He was born in 1881 or 1882 in St. Louis. George moved with his family to Webb City in 1889, where he later worked as a salesman at Humphreys, the family dry goods store.

In 1904, George traveled to St. Louis for an operation on his ear. After the operation, he developed symptoms of typhoid fever and in his weakened condition was not able to recover from the effects of both the fever and the operation.

George was described to have a genial disposition and had a number of warm personal friends in Webb City who belonged to a class of young society folks who held many functions in the city, Carterville and Lakeside. George was buried at Manchester Methodist Cemetery in Manchester, Mo.

At the appropriate time, prior to Veterans Day, this postcard was recently found in a box of World War I mementos on the Third Floor.

Sentinel bound volumes are now in the Genealogy Room

The WCAGS has accepted ownership of the complete collection of bound volumes of the Webb City Sentinel, from 1983 (after the fire) until the final issue on Dec. 30, 2020.

Those issues can also be viewed on microfilm, along with much older issues.

Webb City Area Genealogical Society

WCAGS members staff the Genealogy Room on the third floor of the Webb City Public Library. Current hours are noon to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in the Genealogy Room.

Everything you want to know about Jasper County Missouri Schools is available at a site compiled by Webb City Area Genealogical Society member Kathy Sidenstricker.