The Doctor and his Lady

Dr. William Washington Humphries (1806-1877) moved from South Carolina to Columbus, Mississippi at age 19.  He held  a medical degree but was also engaged as  a planter, active in commerce and trade,  and Trustee of Columbus Female Institute.  This portrait was painted circa 1845 in Columbus, Mississippi.  His wife, Martha Elizabeth Gregory was the daughter of Francis Gregory and Elizabeth Pegram. Martha Elizabeth  bore her husband  5 children in 7 years, and died at age 28 only two years after this portrait was painted.  These paintings are being shown with the kind permission of the owner who retains all rights and may not be republished without express consent.  We look forward to having a history of the couple and their descendants to share in the near future.