E. P. Tinker, who had lived since 1911 on the Tinkler farm, a few miles northwest of this city, died on December 29, at the home of a son in Kinsman, Ill., to which place Mr. and Mrs. Tinker moved in August, 1918. We reprint from the Humboldt, Nebr., Standard of January 2 the following sketch of Mr. Tinker's life:Another old settler, one of the very first to step his foot on the town site of Humboldt, was laid to his final rest in the silent city on the hill Wednesday morning at 10:00 o'clock. Edward P. Tinker, son of Oliver J. and Charlotte Tinker, on whose homestead the city of Humboldt is built, passed away at the home of his son, Paul, at Kinsman, Ill., on Monday, December 29, at the ripe old age of 82 years lacking just a few days.
It would be impossible for the historian to paint a word picture of Humboldt in its early life without closely linking with same the name of E. P. Tinker, his father and bothers. It was in 1857 when the family came to Nebraska and entered as a farm most of the land which now comprises the town site. It was the intention of the father, O. J. Tinker, to homestead the land, but the homestead law being vetoed by president Buchanan, he was obliged to purchase it, paying $200 for the quarter section upon which is now found the public square, which was donated to the city as a public park, and the greater number of the business houses of the town. E. P. Tinker, the son, acquired title to the land which is now the main residence section north of the square. To him belongs the honor of suggesting a name suitable for the city.
In this connection we take from the pages of the History of Richardson County, compiled by Lewis C. Edwards, the following excerpt written by Mr. Tinker himself: "In 1861-5, I was in Uncle Sam's army and had considerable scouting to do and, on one occasion rode into the town of Humboldt, Tennessee, just about sunrise. We quickly noticed that there was a rebel flag floating over a hotel. The flag was set at the extreme corner of the building on a pole twenty feet long and was nailed to the post. Our major called for a volunteer to take down the flag and I offered my services for the job. I went up on the roof of the hotel, then climbed the flag pole and tore off the rebel flag, which I threw to the ground, where it was soon torn into small strips and divided among our command. There was a detachment of rebel cavalry in the suburbs of the town, but they got wind of us before we found them so they got away with small loss. We remained at Humboldt for several days and got acquainted with some of the Humboldt people, so that afterwards, when the question of a name for a town in Richardson County came up, I proposed the name of Humboldt. Father was satisfied with the name, so we named it Humboldt."
Edward Porter Tinker was born on New Year's Day, 1838, at Ridgeville, Ohio. While still a small boy the family moved to the state of Iowa, and he reached his 19th year when, in 1857, the second move was made to what was then the territory of Nebraska, settling in Humboldt. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Tinker returned to Iowa in order to volunteer, and became a member of Company C. 5th Iowa Cavalry. While not taking part directly in any heavy engagements, he saw much active service during his four year enlistment, receiving a wound in the right shoulder and carried the bullet to the day of his death. It was very soon after the close of the war that he became a member of the Christian church organization here. This was many years before the erection of the first church building.
Mr. Tinker, during his forty seven years residence in Humboldt, was at different intervals in the lumber, general merchandise and hardware and furniture business and was widely known as an enterprising and successful business man. Upon securing an honorable discharge from the service of his country, he was united in marriage to Almeda Berry. There were born to them two sons, Arthur, who died at the age of 14 years, and Alonzo C., who is now residing at Portland, Oregon, also one daughter, Florence. Some time after the death of this wife deceased was married to Frances Quackenbush, and to this union were born three sturdy sons. Hiram Alwin of Coldwater, Kans., Edward Porter of Lincoln, Nebr., and Paul M. Tinker of Kinsman, Ill. Leaving Humboldt in June, 1904, Mr. Tinker settled on a farm near Hubbell, Neb., where they remained until 1911, when the family moved to Coldwater, Kansas, near where he acquired a wheat and stock ranch of 88- acres.
About two years ago Mr. Tinker suffered a stroke of apoplexy a recurrence of which took place about a year ago, and since that time he had been bedfast. The body was brought to this city Tuesday evening accompanied by the widow and three sons, Edward and Paul, with their families, and Alwin, and at 10:30 Wednesday morning funeral services were held at the Christian church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Molley, after which the remains were interred in Humboldt cemetery.
Besides the wife and sons deceased leaves four brothers, Dwight of California, Truman of Haxtum, Colo., Oliver of Oklahoma City, Okla., W. K. Tinker of California, and one sister, Mrs. Lottie Hurtless of Milledgeville, Ill. Deceased was a man of generous impulse and never forgot the hospitable ways of the pioneer. At all times and under all circumstances he walked in the well beaten path of righteousness and was one of the staunchest supporters of the Christian church of this city. He was a fearless advocate of prohibition at a time when the cause was unpopular and he stood almost alone. And now his long career on earth is ended, but his memory and influence will go on. To the bereaved relatives is extended the sympathy of all.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
Thanks to Jacob Tinker, great-great grandson of E.P. Tinker, for pointing out that the original article from which the account on this page was transcribed incorrectly spelled the Tinker surname as "Tinkler".This website is being created by HTML Guy Jerry Ferrin with the able assistance of many Contributors. Your comments, suggestions and contributions of historical information and photographs to this site are welcome. Please sign the Guest Book. This page was created 16 March 2005 and was last updated 27 January 2007.