In 1872 Alva Humeston sold 80 acres of his farm to the railroad to be used for the development of a town site. S.W. Mallory, a railroad official from Chariton named the town Humeston.
Alva Humeston constructed the first building and was also the first postmaster. He held that position for 24 years.
He also served as the mayor of Humeston for awhile and was a member of the school board.

The sad intelligence of the death of Alva Humeston, Sr. on May 29, 1889 reached this community by telegram.
Mr. Humeston had resided with Prof. Harkness, his son-in-law, in Fairfield, IA for a few years and after a few months of illness passed away on that morning at 8:15.
Mr. Humeston was one of the earliest settlers of this region. He moved from Ohio here in the year 1864, just 25 years from the day of burial.
For many years he conducted a large farm southwest of Humeston, and carried on a general store in town. He was a man of great moral power and Christian worth, and has left an influence behind him for good that will be felt for many years.
For many years he held the office of township trustee, and was a member of the Legislature during the 15th General Assembly.
In the year 1872 the CB&Q Railroad Co., purchased 80 acres of the northeast side of his farm for a town site, and afterwards it was named Humeston in his honor.
Like many settlers of this part of the state, he was a native of the east. He was born in Harwington, CN. on April 20, 1815.
At an early age his parents settled in New York, where in Clinton, Oneida Co., he was married to Miss Mary Northrup on the 23rd of Sept., 1840. (She died suddenly in Fairfield, Ia Nov. 22, 1885).
Eight children were born to him of whom five are still living: Daniel, Susan, Litchfield, Monroe and Alva Jr.
When about 34 years of age he united with the Christian Church in Fowler, Trumbull Co. He was one of the chief agents in organizing the congregation of the church here and served it as an elder from the beginning.
While, during the late years, about Jan. 20 last he became seriously ill and his friends became very anxious. He lingered on until the Tuesday before his death, when he grew worse and on Friday had a serious sinking spell from which he partially recovered, but it was repeated on Sunday morning and from that time he was in a deep stupor, still whenever aroused he was wholly conscious.
At the age of 74 years, one month and nine days ended this good man's life.
Funeral services were conducted in the Christian Church, which was filled to overflowing.
Prof. E.J. Gantz preached the sermon from Rev. 13-14, Rev. Hard and Simpson assisted in the service.
Interment was in the Humeston Cemetery.