Humphrey Family Postcard Album

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of a single album of postcards that are both correspondence and blank. Postcards that were mailed are dated from 1903 to 1906; others are undated. Many of the postcards are reproductions of scenic images from places including, but not limited to, New York City, New York, Atlantic City, New Jersey, Annapolis, Maryland, and Nice, France. Other postcards are Christmas holiday cards, and there are several cartoon postcards of the story Madame Butterfly. There are four "real photo" postcards on photographic postcard paper. The recipients of the postcards vary, and there is no information as to who compiled the album. Several addressees of the postcards are members of the Humphrey family.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into one series.

Series 1: Postcard Album, 1903-1907

Biographical / Historical

Many members of the Humphrey family experienced long and distinguished careers in the military. Charles Frederick Humphrey Sr. was born in Tioga County, New York on September 2, 1844. His military career began at the age of eighteen when he enlisted in the Fifth Artillery, regular army, in March 1863, as a Private. Humphrey married Juanita Foster DaCosta and the union produced five sons; Evan Harris, Charles Frederick Jr., Julian F., Marion Bell and Joseph DaCosta. Humphrey's military service spanned forty four years. He was the first recipient of the Civil War Campaign Medal and also received the Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross. When Humphrey retired on July 1, 1907, Congress honored his service with the rank of Major General, mostly based on the recommendation of President Taft. After retirement Humphrey resided in Washington, D.C. and his five sons continued the tradition of long military service.

Sons Evan Harris (March 5, 1875-August 30, 1963) and Charles Frederick Jr. (August 11, 1876-January 22, 1968) retired as Brigadier Generals of the United States Army. Another son, Marion Bell Humphrey (September 15, 1887-August 20, 1953) retired as a Colonel of the United States Marine Corps. Julian F. Humphrey retired from the United States Merchant Marine and lastly Joseph Da Costa Humphrey also retired from military service. Charles Frederick Humphrey Sr. died on June 4, 1926 at the age of 81 at Walter Reed General Hospital and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Other members of the Humphrey family are also buried at Arlington National Cemetery.