Author: Humphrey, James
Biography:
Humphrey, James (1754-1819)
The Preface to Hymns and Spiritual Songs (1774) is dated from Weymouth MA and declares that the author, distinguished as James Humphrey III on the title-page, was only 19 at the time of publication. It is not clear what his occupation was, but he says explicitly that he did not have the advantage of a liberal education. Surprisingly, the birth records are also confusing: as James III he ought to have been the son of a James Humphrey in Weymouth, but more likely candidates are Samuel and Sarah Humphrey. In 1777 he married Deborah Tirrell (or Terrell); Asa Humphrey (q.v.) was their eldest son. James Humphrey is buried in Weymouth. (ancestry.com 3 May)
Books written (1):
Boston: J. Kneeland, 1774