LEON H. HUMBERT

HUMBERT

Posted By: Jake Tornholm (email)
Date: 4/23/2020 at 14:06:34

LEON H. HUMBERT, importer and dealer in Percheron and Suffolk horses, was born in St. Pranche, France, Canton De Mirconst, Department Des Vorges, October 30, 1832. He is the oldest child of John and Mary (Aubry) Humbert, an extended notice of whom will be found on another page of this work. He was reared on a farm in his native county, and in the year 1850, in company with his father, brothers and sisters, emigrated to America, sailing from Havre, May 9, in the ship Orlando. After a voyage of fifty-eight days they landed in New Orleans, and proceeded thence to Nauvoo, Illinois, and after a residence there of four years, they came to Adams county; they settled on a tract of wild land, which Leon H. assisted his father to improve. He was united in marriage December 4, 1855, to Mademoiselle Liegerot, a native of France, who had emigrated with her parents to Adams county in 1855. After his marriage Mr. Humbert resided on his father's farm until July, 1857, when he moved to Sonora, Hancock county, Illinois; he was engaged in farming there for a period of eleven years, and then returned to Adams county, purchasing a tract of 160 acres of wild, unimproved land; he at once set about placing this under cultivation, and making a home for himself and family; by close attention to his business, and wise management, he has succeeded almost beyond his anticipations; he has now a landed estate of 500 acres, with many modern improvements, well stocked with high-grade cattle, hogs and horses.

In 1882 Mr. Humbert sent his son, Charles E., to France to purchase some pure-bred horses; the son was then a lad of seventeen years; he made the trip in safety, bought three horses, in which a large amount of money was invested, and returned home, having made the initial purchase of what has since grown to be a large and profitable business. Mr. Humbert has a large herd of full-blood horses, his reputation as a dealer having spread throughout the State; he also does a large business in raising cattle and hogs.

Mr. and Mrs. Humbert are the parents of six children, three of whom have died: Alice H., aged four years, Isabelle, aged two years, and Leon, aged six months, all died of croup within a few days of each other; Mattie is the wife of G. W. Morris, of this township; Charles E. resides in Cloverdale, California, and Ernest L. is at home.

Mr. Humbert is a member of Lodge No. 275, a. F. & a. M., and his wife is a member of the Eastern Star. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.