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Edward H. Mumby

A descendant of England, a man fortunate to count himself by birth a member of that nation which has spread its dominion farther than empire before ever extended, which has developed a language that will soon become a world tongue, is the subject of this sketch. And it is the virtues of just such stalwart citizens as this man, the brawn of the empire, which have made England great and are making her descendant, the United States of America, greater.

Edward H. Mumby was born in Fulston, Lincolnshire, England, March 10, 1837, and reared on a farm until sixteen, when he learned the blacksmith trade. He came from England to Quebec, worked at his trade two years in Canada, then, in the fall of 1860, moved to Rockford, Illinois, to a farm. In 1869 he came to Eden township, this county, and for twenty-one years rented one of Mr. J. Harris's farms, the old homestead. He has now one hundred and twenty acres of his own in Eden township which was deeded to him by Mr. Harris for his excellent services.

On December 10, 1863, Mr. Mumby married Christie Ann Elliott, who was born in Winnebago county, Illinois, where he lived several years. She died in 1880 and was the mother of five children: J. W.; Frank E., farmer in Morton county, North Dakota; Zilla, wife of James Prouty, McGregor, Iowa; Mary Olive, wife of L. C. Gifford, of West Union; Herbert, farmer in Eden township. In 1861 Mr. Mumby enlisted I company G, Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer infantry. He was absent from home six months and was in the battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, but was discharged from hospital on account of disability. He was in the hospital longer than in field service. He is a member of Sutherland Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Waucoma, and is a past commander. He has been present at four national encampments, at St. Paul, Minneapolis, Chicago and Milwaukee. He is a very enthusiastic member and has done much for the support of his post. He is a Republican, was justice of the peace for sixteen years, and has held other township offices. The Waucoma lodge of Masons claims him as one of its best members and he has filled most of the offices in the lodge. He is very familiar with the Masonic work and has visited lodges in many other states. He is also a member of the Eastern Star. Mr. Mumby's reputation is above reproach and he is a very entertaining man with whom to spend some time in conversation.

~transcribed for the Fayette Co IAGenWeb Project by Tom & Sharon Dorland