John Humphreys

Quick Facts

Significance:

Allegheny Portage Railroad worker and Captain of the American Highlanders

Place of Birth:

Ebensburg, Pennsylvania

Date of Birth:

April 1823

Place of Death:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Date of Death:

February 27, 1898

Place of Burial:

East Taylor Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania

Cemetery Name:

Headrick Union Cemetery

John Humphreys was the son of Rowland Humphreys. He was a driver for his father's "horse power" contracts, an Assistant Engineer on Plane 7, a brakeman, an Engineer on Plane 4, a State Agent "in the cars," and finally helped dismantle the railroad after it was purchased and abandoned by the Pennsylvania Railroad in the late-1850s. John served as Captain of the American Highlanders, Co. B of the 2nd Pennsylvania Volunteers, during the Mexican-American War.