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THE HIGLEYS AND
THEIR ANCESTRY
AN OLD COLONIAL FAMILY
BY
MARY COFFIN JOHNSON
"I HAVE WRITTEN FRANKLY,
GARRULOUSLY, AND AT EASE,
SPEAKING OF WHAT GIVES ME
JOY TO REMEMBER
SOMETIMES VERY CAREFULLY OF
WHAT I THINK MAY BE USEFUL
FOR OTHERS TO KNOW, AND
PASSING OVER IN TOTAL SI-
LENCE THINGS WHICH I HAVE NO
PLEASURE IN REVIEWING."
— Prceterita
LIMITED EDITION
NEW YORK
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY
MDCCCXCVI
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1892, by MARY COFFIN JOHNSON,
in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
2012371
/
OM£
f
PREFACE.
THE story in this book is not new; it is but a repetition of the
story told " o'er and o'er " since man's existence — " born, married,,
died."
It is a plain record of the lives of a great many noteworthy
plain people, as well as of a number of men and women who have
distinguished themselves in their relations to life.
The faults or deficiencies of the subjects are not dwelt upon.
"It is always fair," Henry Ward Beecher used to tell us, "to
credit a man at his best— let his enemies tell of his worst."
The work contains many side lights on topics relating to the
times in which its subjects lived, and glances at the early settlers
in the beginnings of many of our States and Territories. Great
pains have been taken to make the work historically accurate.
The fullness of the biographical sketches is a notable feature.
I much regret that many individuals and families are mentioned
only in the genealogical line. This is because our information
concerning them was quite incomplete, very few facts or none at
all having been contributed. But no amount of painstaking can
render a genealogical work perfect. The errors, especially in
dates, are as frequently the fault of the contributors as of the
editor.
I have from first to last had in mind the young people. There
is already a whole generation of youths and maidens, whose
activities and influence belong to the wider development of the
twentieth century, now growing up in the remote new West and
South under the onward progress and changes of the present
period ; they are found in the full tide of enterprise and eager
desire of the American spirit, near rapidly built railroad lines,
new villages and towns, oil cities, natural gas discoveries, elec-
trical appliances, mines, and quarries. To these the old New
England Puritan story of their grandsires is quite unknown ;
they read latter day publications and have scarcely been afforded
iii
iVr PREFACE.
a glimpse of the domestic portraits and life surroundings that
made their ancestor human.
For such this book is written.
This work was first projected by Greenleaf W. Higley of New
York City, and was first begun without an idea of so extensive an
enterprise as it has proved; indeed, when undertaken by the
editor it was not intended to go beyond arranging, for print, some
valuable MSS. and scraps of traditions which Mr. Higley had
interested himself to gather, he having for some years been far
from indifferent concerning his ancestors.
In its earlier prosecution, without the slightest expectation of
pecuniary compensation, he took upon himself the entire expense
incurred in gathering the material, till on account of failing
health and other unavoidable reasons, he was reluctantly obliged
to abandon the work.
To Judge Warren Higley of New York City is due the honor
of assuming the financial responsibility of the publication of the
book. From the beginning of the undertaking I was the recipient
of his uniform kindness, cheerful encouragement, and practical
co-operation; his due appreciation of the vast amount of labor
imposed upon me in securing the facts taken from official records
by extensive personal research, as well as in handling the large
volume of contributed matter, and answering hundreds of letters,
was practically shown during the long interval till its completion,
and justly deserves here to be recorded with honorable mention.
The pleasant duty is also mine of expressing grateful acknowl-
edgements to others who have cheerfully extended every facility
that could be extended, not only from time to time giving fresh im-
pulse to the work, but who have generously given of their time and
labor toward collecting material and obtaining traces of lines of
descendants not of their own. Among those whose names in this
connection may be justly associated with this book, are Pomeroy
Higley of West Simsbury, Conn., Albert C. Bates of East Granby,
Conn., Henry W. Goddard of Simsbury, Conn., all of whom reside
in the neighborhood of the old ancestral localities; Thompson Hig-
ley of Windsor, O., William A. Higley of Windham, O., Miss Emma
L. Higley of Middlebury, Vt., and Milo H. Higley of Rutland, O.
To mention some who have lent important assistance in fur-
nishing material in their own lines of descent would be to the
writer most gratifying.
MARY COFFIN JOHNSON.
BROOKLYN, N. Y., March, 1896.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER PAGE
I. BOYHOOD OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY, THE FIRST AMERICAN
ANCESTOR, i
II. A BIT OF HISTORY, . 5
III. PURITAN GRANDSIRES, 7
IV. ONE OF THE FOREFATHERS, 15
V. MATERNAL ANCESTRY 19
VI. ANCESTRAL LINKS, 22
VII. YOUTH AND MARRIAGE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY, . . 28
VIII. EARLY MARRIED LIFE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY, 1671-78, 33
IX. BUSINESS PROSPERITY. — A GRANDMOTHER'S MEMORIES, . 41
X. SIMSBURY, CONN., 47
XI. PUBLIC LIFE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY, .... 56
XII. CAPTAIN JOHNV HIGLEY'S SECOND MARRIAGE. — LIFE'S AC-
TIVITIES, . 63
XIII. LAST SCENES IN CAPTAIN HIGLEY'S LIFE, ... 71
SKETCHES OF THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY OF HIGLEYS.
XIV. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — JOHN HIGLEY, JR., . . 85
XV. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — JONATHAN HIGLEY, IST, 88
XVI. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — ELIZABETH HIGLEY BAN-
CROFT, .. 4 ...... gi
XVII. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — KATHERINE HIGLEY NOBLE, 96
XVIII. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — ENSIGN BREWSTER HIG-
LEY, SR., 99
XIX. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL, 106
XX. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — JOSEPH HIGLEY, . .114
XXI. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — SAMUEL HIGLEY, IST, . 115
XXII. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — MINDWELL HIGLEY Tis-
DALE FITCH, 135
XXIII. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY.— SARAH HIGLEY LOOMIS, . 137
XXIV. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY.— NATHANIEL HIGLEY, . 139
VI
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER PAGE
XXV. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — JOSIAH AND JOSHUA HIG-
LEY ' . 144
XXVI. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — ABIGAIL HIGLEY THORP, 147
XXVII. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — SUSANNAH HIGLEY BLACK-
MAN, 149
XXVIII. THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — ENSIGN ISAAC HIGLEY, 153
XXIX. DESCENDANTS OF KATHERINE HIGLEY NOBLE, . . .159
XXX. BREWSTER HIGLEY, 20, 162
XXXI. ENSIGN BREWSTER HIGLEY, 30, ...... 169
XXXII. HANNAH HIGLEY ALFORD PORTER, . . . . 176
XXXIII. SETH HIGLEY, IST, 185
XXXIV. WARREN HIGLEY, SR., AND HIS DESCENDANTS, . . 199
XXXV. AMELIA HIGLEY BATES, 220
XXXVI. JUDGE BREWSTER HIGLEY, 4TH 233
XXXVII. ERASTUS HIGLEY, 243
XXXVIII. REV. HERVEY OWEN HIGLEY, 249
XXXIX. DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 4TH, . . . 267
XL. DAVID HIGLEY, 280
XL1. CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, 284
XLII. MICAH HIGLEY AND HIS DESCENDANTS, . . . 300
XLIII. COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY, 304
XLIV. DESCENDANTS OF COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY, . . 321
XLV. LIEUTENANT ASA HIGLEY, 340
XL VI. OZIAS HIGLEY, . 349
XL VII. ABIEL HIGLEY, 354
XLVIII. SIMEON HIGLEY, 373
XLIX. HANNAH HIGLEY OWEN MILLS, 376
L. JOHN BROWN 380
LI. HESTER HIGLEY CASE, 390
LII. JOHN HIGLEY, SR., 392
LIII. HAYDEN HIGLEY, ' . . . 401
LIV. CARMI HIGLEY, 409
LV. "DEACON" OBED HIGLEY, SR., 416
LVI. POMEROY HIGLEY, SR., 428
LVII. ELIZABETH HIGLEY MILLS, 440
LVIII. DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL, . . 444
LIX. DESCENDANTS OF GOVERNOR JONATHAN TRUMBULL, SR. , . 464
LX. JONATHAN HIGLEY, SON OF SAMUEL, IST, . . . 474
LXI. DESCENDANTS OF JONATHAN HIGLEY, JR. (OR 20), . . 492
CONTENTS.
Vll
CHAPTER
PAGE
LXII.
HON. JONATHAN HIGLEY (30),
. 500
LXIII.
HUME HIGLEY
517
LXIV.
ALLEN HIGLEY,
. . 544
LXV.
MARY HIGLEY WHITE
570
LXVI.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY,
. 583
LXVII.
ROSWELL HIGLEY, .....
LXVIII.
FAMILY OF SOLOMON HIGLEY,
. 621
LXIX.
LIEUTENANT DANIEL HIGLEY, .
635
LXX.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, IST,
. 658
LXXI.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, IST,
674
LXXII.
ELIJAH HIGLEY AND HIS DESCENDANTS, .
688
LXXIII.
JAMES HIGLEY AND HIS DESCENDANTS,
. . . .70?
APPENDIX,
713
INDEX,
721
ILLUSTRATIONS.
FACING PAGE
WESTWARD, Ho ! . . . Frontispiece
MRS. MARY COFFIN JOHNSON, i»
HOME OF DEACON JOHN MOORE IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY, . 15
MAN IN STOCKS, 17
ARMS OF DRAKE 20
THE HIGLEY COPPER, 126
HOMESTEAD OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 20, 162
REV. WALTER O. HIGLEY, 193
CHAUNCEY AND MARGARET H. HIGLEY, 203
CHESTER AND PRUDENCE MILLER HIGLEY, 207
HON. WARREN HIGLEY, 209
CHRISTINA J. HIGLEY, 218
ELIZA Z. HIGLEY NICKASON, 218
ALBERT C. BATES 223
HERMAN WARD HIGLEY, 228
PROFESSOR EDWIN HALL HIGLEY, 258
JULIUS B. HIGLEY, 271
MARIA L. FUQUA HIGLEY, 272
HON. BRAINARD S. HIGLEY, 289
WILLIAM E. HIGLEY, 296
ARTHUR LUCIEN HIGLEY, 297
CHARLES WILLIAM HIGLEY (OF BOSTON), 297
COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY, 304
ROBERT McKowN HIGLEY, 319
EDWARD B. HIGLEY, 320
JULIA M. HIGLEY, 321
LORIN HIGLEY, ' 324
MATTHEW P. HIGLEY 331
ALFRED M. HIGLEY, 336
JOHN BROWN 380
HAYDEN HIGLEY 401
POMEROY HIGLEY, 429
CLAYTON W. HIGLEY, . . 431
X ILL US TRA TIONS.
FACING PAGE
GOVERNOR JONATHAN TRUMBULL 444
RECORD OF JONATHAN HIGLEY'S BIRTH (FROM " PUBLIC RECORDS OF
SIMSBURY, CONN."), 474
GREENLEAF W. HIGLEY AND FAMILY, 533
JONATHAN HIGLEY (OF WINDSOR. O.), 55°
CURTIS DIVINE HIGLEY, 595
SARAH E. BUELL HIGLEY, . 595
IRVIN BUELL HIGLEY, 596
MARY E. HIGLEY McLouo, 596
ALICE E. FREEMAN PALMER, 614
GEORGE TRASK HIGLEY 649
GENERAL JOHN HUNT HIGLEY, 679
ELIJAH HIGLEY, 700
LYDIA J. HIGLEY HIBBARD, 704
REUNION AT WINDHAM, O., 716
THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
CHAPTER I.
BOYHOOD OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY, THE FIRST AMERICAN
ANCESTOR.
If it be pleasant to behold a fair, round timber tree, sound and perfect, or a fine old mansion,
not in decay, how much more an old family that has stood the weather and the winds. — LORD
BACON.
IN the old church records at Frimley, Surrey, England, is found
the following entry :
"Jonathan Higley and Katherine Brewster Married January
Ye 3 Anno Dom, 1647."
At a later date, among the birth records appears the announce-
ment:
"John, Ye sonne of Jonathan Higley, borne Ye 22 of July.
Baptized August Ye i2th, 1649."
No other children of Jonathan and Katherine Higley are
recorded upon these ancient parchments, though tradition says
that John Higley had two sisters, whom he left behind with his
mother when he emigrated to America.
Concerning Jonathan Higley's origin in England,1 we have not
made research beyond the Frimley parish register, and all that is
known of him may be briefly stated.
His wife, Katherine Brewster, was clearly of the ancient
Brewster family of England, to which belonged "Elder" William
Brewster of the Mayflower fame. A branch of the family settled
in Kent in the time of Elizabeth, where they owned lands in
several parishes in 1560.
The death of her father, the Rev. John Brewster, is entered
upon the parish records of Frimley as taking place August 14,
1656, and that of her mother, February 23, 1657. This branch
1 The task of searching out the lineage of Jonathan Higley in England, or Germany, is left for
some descendant of another generation.
2 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
of the Brewster family were residents in this parish from a very
early date of that century.
Originally Frimley was a very small hamlet, surrounded with
woods and heath lands, and is said to have been once connected
with Windsor Forest as a hunting ground. It lies in the valley,
with slight rising lands on the side, about thirty miles from
London. The district has the name of having been, in years gone
by, a wild, rough country, with few inhabitants. The old form
of the word Frimley was Frymley. The railroad from London to
Southampton now passes through the village, though Frimley-
Green and its old church are a mile away. The village is seven
miles from the well-known Aldershot military camp.
The church in which John Higley was baptized, when he was an
infant three weeks old, and in which the ancient records are
found that give us the earliest history we have searched, was built
in 1602, and the first entries in the register were in 1594.
It was amid these surroundings that John Higley, the first
ancestor of the Higleys of America, was born and nursed. To
him the lineage of all by the name is traced.
From Church, Colonial, State, and other public records,
together with old papers, old account books, MSS. yellow and
seared by age, from which copious extracts are taken, some of
which furnish statements supported only by traditionary evidence,
but all fully sustained and confirmed by facts in history, and con-
sidered unquestionable, the story of his life is gathered.
His father died about the year 1664 at the age of forty, which
left the care of the family devolving upon the mother. By this
bereavement the practical energy and force of character with
which it is said she was particularly gifted, were called out and
put into exercise.
Soon after the death of his father, and according to a common
custom of those times, she apprenticed John to a trade, that of
manufacturing gloves. The boy was then fifteen years of age.
His master proved severe and overbearing, and John Higley
formed no attachment for him. The weekly tasks were hard
and heavy, and the lad was overworked. One Saturday night, on
failure of performance of a certain amount of work that had been
allotted him, he was promised a sound flogging to be adminis-
tered on the following Monday morning. His independent
nature revolted at such treatment. It was not that he lacked
industrious habits and close application, as will be seen in his
BOYHOOD OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY. 3
future, but possessing a strong sense of justice and a courageous
spirit, he could not consent to be beaten for the nonfulfillment of
an unreasonable task.
He had been apprenticed for a term of not less than seven
years.1 The law provided that should the apprentice depart from
his service before the expiration of his time, "he should be
legally apprehended on warrant," taken "before one of His
Majesty's justices of the peace," and returned to his master with
a severity of punishment far greater than that which he might
have received for unfulfilled tasks. John Higley conceived the
idea of running away. Keeping his intentions profoundly
a secret, not even taking his mother into his confidence, it was
easy for him to find a way of escape; and on the evening of the
next day — Sunday, he was aboard a trading vessel, setting sail for
America. His first night at sea found him in severe isolation,
amid the solitudes of the great ocean, a stranger to all about him,
supported by no friendly boy comrade, and without money, with
an uncertain voyage of many weeks before him, his destination
an unknown land, with no familiar roof upon its shores " save
the sky." It was certainly a period of unquestionable trial to his
courageous heart, and well might his spirits have relented, had
not the independence and the excitement of a boundless life on
the wild new shore toward which his face was turned buoyed him
up. He could not decipher the hieroglyphics in which his future
was enwrapped. However, despair and gloominess had no place
in his natural temperament, and full of the sensibilities of youth
and hope, he sought his bunk and did not dream. John Higley
had found a secure retreat from his harsh taskmaster, the glove-
maker, as well as an outlet for his eagle spirit.
The captain of the vessel arranged to give him his passage with
the understanding that he was to be sold upon the arrival of the
ship in port, for at least a sufficient amount to pay for his passage
across the ocean." It was a period in the history of the colonies
when inducements were offered to emigrants of every description
to come to this country. "There was need, and great demand
for workmen and artisans of all kinds, and tillers of the soil found
ready employment awaiting them."3
1 It is authoritatively stated that " No apprenticeship to a trade iright expire until the apprentice
was twenty-four years of age."
4 " Since the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and under James and his successors, minors had been
granted to court favorites, or sold in open market to the highest bidder." — Extract.
' " At the outset of American colonization one finds persons bound for long terms before leaving
4 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
On the arrival of the ship off the American coast, she sailed up
the Connecticut River to Windsor, the oldest settlement in the
Colony of Connecticut, situated fifty-seven miles from its mouth.
Here John Higley, with his own consent, was sold for a term
of service.
We are fully justified in the conclusion that his purchaser was
John Drake, though this name is not given in the old MS., but
subsequent events point strongly to the fact that he was taken
immediately into the home of this worthy family. The fact is
recorded that the young man worked faithfully for his employer,
cleared the entire debt of his passage across the ocean, and,
having his employer's full confidence, continued in his service
for some time after he had attained his majority.
God's smiling providence had followed the boy across the sea.
England, and treated as recognized species of property. English laborers bound themselves to
serve a term of years, fairly hoping to better their condition in America ; and men in domestic or
other trouble would sell themselves for a term of service : trusting to luck to come up in better
plight in a new world. Runaway apprentices were greedily welcomed by crimps or decoy agents
concerned in shipping recruits to the new colonies. In those days of slow communication, men of
every sort were as utterly lost in America to their old lives as they could have been had they
migrated to the moon." — Edward Eggleston, Century Magazine, 1884.
CHAPTER II.
A BIT OF HISTORY.
'Tis like a dream when one awakes —
This vision of the scenes of old ;
'Tis like the moon when morning breaks ;
'Tis like a tale round watch fires told.
— John Pierponfs Hymn.
WINDSOR,' Conn., was the first trading post in the colony.
It was established October 16, 1633. The attention of the Eng-
lish colonists and Puritans on the Massachusetts coast was
called to the rich broad valley of the Quonektacut," by an Indian
chief,* who, escaping the savage cruelty of overpowering neighbor-
ing tribes, made his way from Matianuck (now Windsor), through
the wilderness to Boston, and solicited Governor Winthrop " to
come to plant in his country"; extolling its richness and its ad-
vantages for trade, and offering "a full supply of corn, and an
annual present of eighty beaver skins."
The Indians, who were numerous upon the river, belonged to
several different tribes which were located forty-five miles from
its mouth, and thickly settled in the region above, who were con-
stantly in warlike relations, driving each other here and there.
This sagacious chief no doubt desired the favor and presence of
the white man to regain for him his hunting grounds and to pro-
tect his people with his firearms. Governor Winthrop saw noth-
ing in the proposition to merit his attention.
Through similar sources knowledge came to Governor Winslow
of the Plymouth Colony of these valuable lands, which were
described as lying at the juncture of the two beautiful rivers, the
Connecticut and its picturesque tributary the Farmington; lands
rich in timber and furs, and abounding with beaver, whose future
under the busy hand of trade and civilization promised to "flow
with milk and honey."
1 The main facts in this historical narrative of the early settlement of Windsor, Conn., are extracts
taken from Dr. David McClure's paper in the "Massachusetts Historical Collection," vol. v. ;
Dr. H. R. Stiles' " History of Ancient Windsor"; and the "History of Hartford County, Conn.,"
by J. Hammond Trumbull.
8 The Indian name for Connecticut.
8 Wahginmacut.
2 5
O THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
An adventurer, John Oldham, who with two companions were
the first white men who made the journey overland to Matianuck,
risking his life among the dense forests and deep rivers, returned
with glowing representations of the western valley. Governor
Winslow looked with approval upon a movement in this direction.
The result was that the Plymouth Colony took the project in
hand.
The Dutch had for the last ten years been visiting the river
as traders. In 1614, a Hollander, Captain Adrian Block, in the
Dutch merchant service, while cruising about in a small yacht of
sixteen tons exploring the unknown and rugged shores of Long
Island Sound, discovered the Connecticut River, up which he sailed
to near the head of navigation (now Windsor Locks). The Dutch
West India Company had since the year 1621 a monopoly of trade
on its banks, and had sometimes bartered with the savages for as
many as ten thousand beaver skins in a single year, but had made
no attempt at a settlement. However, when the attention of
the English on the Massachusetts coast was being turned in this
direction, the Dutch, to make their claim to the right of possession
secure, and prevent usurpation of their rights, purchased in June,
1633, of the Indians, a tract of meadow land at Matianuck, and
built a small fort, manning it with two small cannon.
To ignore the claim of the Dutch, and get possession of the
desirable lands above their rude defense, it was necessary for the
English to choose a man of courage and determination, together
with a crew of equal metal. Captain William Holmes, with " a
large bark " belonging to the Plymouth Company, sailed from
Boston in October, 1633. He had on board the frame of a
house which was prepared in Plymouth with all the materials
requisite for its erection. He also carried with him Nattawanut
and other Indian sachems, the original proprietors of the soil,
who had been driven thence by the warlike Pequots, and of
whom the Plymouth people afterward purchased the land.
Passing under the guns of the Dutch fort at Hartford, and up
the river a few miles above, he arrived at a location chosen just
below the mouth of the Tunxis or Farmington River in the
present town of Windsor. Here he erected his house on a lot
of 43^ acres, and proceeded to fortify it with palisades.
The Dutch, after emphatic protests, finally withdrew, and
in 1653, twenty years afterward, when England and Holland
were at war, their little fort at Hartford was taken. In 1655 the
A BIT OF HISTORY. 7
last vestige of Dutch claim on the Connecticut River was
yielded.
The original limits of the town of Windsor were about forty-
six miles in circumference, lying on both sides of the Connecti-
cut River. It was first called Dorchester. At the Com-
missioner's Court held February 21, 1637, it was "Ordered, yl
the plantacon called Dorchester shall bee called Windsor; " * and
the ancient town has since borne that name.
Here we shall find, in this old town which has pleasantly stood
for more than two hundred and fifty years, the early scenes of
the ancestry of the Higleys.
1 " Connecticut Colonial Records," vol. i. p. 7.
CHAPTER III.
PURITAN GRANDSIRES.
Roll back the curtains of the years and let your eyes behold
The distant times, the ancient ways, the sturdy men of old ;
Across the stormy deep they came, the forest wilds they trod,
To find a home for Liberty, a temple for their God.
And now behold these exiles here, John Wareham and his flock,
Made up of good old English names, and good old English stock ;
They come with hearts that trust in God, and hands made strong for toil,
To build their rude and humble homes, and break the waiting soil.
— I. N. TARBOX, D. D.
To the illimitable New Erigland forest, uninhabited save by
the wily Indian and grizzly denizens of the thickets, including
every species of wild beast native to the country, came the
Rev. John Wareham, Deacon John Moore, and John Drake, Sr.,
with their families.
They were of the large body of Puritans who came with John
Winthrop from Plymouth, England, and settled first at Dor-
chester, Mass. John Winthrop had said, "I shall call that my
country where I may most glorify God, and enjoy the presence
of my dearest friends,"1 and these staunch Puritanic forefathers,
echoing his declaration, accompanied him.
The story of the emigration to the American coast of the
church to which the Rev. John Wareham was a minister, and
John Moore a deacon, and afterward its removal in a body to the
wilds of Connecticut, is interesting to our readers, inasmuch as
the ship Mary and John brought to this land these families from
whom the Higleys are direct lineal descendants, through their
honored Puritan grandmothers, ancestors in the maternal line.
" It was during the years of tyranny which followed the close
of the third Parliament of Charles that the great Puritan
emigration founded the States of New England. The Parliament
was hardly dissolved, when ' conclusions ' for the establishment
of a great colony on the other side of the Atlantic were circu-
lating among gentry and traders, and descriptions of the new
1 " History of the English People," by J. R. Green, M, A.
8
PURITAN GRANDSIRES. 9
country of Massachusetts were talked over in every Puritan
household. The two hundred who first sailed for Salem were
soon followed by Winthrop himself with eight hundred men; and
seven hundred more followed ere the first year of royal tyranny
had run its course.
"Nor were these emigrants like the earlier colonists, 'broken
men,' adventurers, bankrupts, criminals, or simply poor men
and artisans. They were in great part men of the professional
and middle classes; some of them of large landed estate, some
zealous clergymen like Hooker and Cotton, some shrewd London
lawyers, or young scholars from Oxford. They were driven
forth from their fatherland, not by earthly want, or by the greed
of gold, or by the lust of adventure, but by the fear of God, and
zeal for a godly worship."1
In March, 1630, this strong body of Puritans met in Plymouth,
Devonshire. After spending a solemn day of fasting and prayer
in the New Hospital, they covenanted in church fellowship.
Two of the grandsires of the Higley ancestry were placed in
responsible church relations, the Rev. John Wareham, " who was
chosen a minister, and John Moore, who was appointed a deacon.
1 From " History of the English People," by J. R. Green, M. A.
8 Rev. John Wareham was a clergyman of Exeter, England, ordained by the bishop of that
diocese. He was a learned man of celebrity and widespread influence in his native country. He
espoused the Puritan faith, and it is recorded that li his example as much as his precept greatly
aided the decision of others " to emigrate to America. Roger Clap, in his " Memoirs," mentions
his name with other " famous ministers," as " sound, godly, learned men."
After remaining more than five years at Dorchester, Mass., he again transplanted his church, the
larger proportion of its membership coming with him, to Windsor, Conn., in 1635. Here he was
devoted and untiring in his labors during a long pastorate of thirty-four years. It is said that he
was more liberal in sentiment than many of his Puritan ministerial brethren of those times, and
was a preacher of great attractive power, "having an uncommon influence over his hearers of all
ranks and characters." He is said to have been the first minister in this country who used notes
when preaching. His biographers are faithful enough to tell us that he was subject to moods of
gloomy fancies, and that there were times when he refused to partake of the sacraments on account
of a " sense of unworthiness," even when he officiated in the presence of his people. It is sup-
posed that he possessed good estates in England. He was twice married, and had a large family.
His daughter Sarah married Return Strong, May n, 1664. His granddaughter Sarah Strong, the
eldest child of his daughter Sarah, became the second wife of John Higley, and was the mother of
seven of his children. At his death, Rev. Mr. Wareham left a large estate in lands.
His tomb at Windsor, Conn., which has been carefully preserved for more than two hundred
years, in the old cemetery surrounding the church. " now the oldest orthodox church organiza-
tion in America" (Stiles' " History of Ancient Windsor," p. 858), bears the following inscription :
" IN MEMORY OF THB REV. JOHN WAREHAM.
" He was installed Pastor of this Church at its organization in Plymouth, England, in 1630,
They arrived in this country the 3oth of May the same year, and remained at Dorchester. Mass.,
five years, when they removed to this town. Here Mr. Wareham continued his pastoral labors
to his flock until April i, 1670, when he slept in the Lord. He was among the most eminent of
New England's early Divines.
" ERECTED BY HIS CHURCH."
10 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
The ship Mary and John, a vessel of four hundred tons, was
chartered for the voyage to America, and fitted out at Plymouth.
The large company embarked on the twentieth of the month, and
were seventy days in making the passage.
Says Roger Clap, who was one of the number, in an interest-
ing account of the voyage and landing, given in his " Memoirs":
"What a wondrous work of God it was, to -stir up such Worthys
to undertake such a difficult Work as to remove themselves, and
their Wives and Children, from their Native Country, and to leave
their galliant situations there, to come into this Wilderness to set
up the pure Worship of God here ! So we came, by the good Hand
of the Lord, through the Deeps comfortably; having Preaching
or Expounding of the Word of God every Day for Ten Weeks
together by our Ministers.
"When we came to Nantasket, Captain Squeb, who was Captain
of that great ship, would not bring us into Charles River, as he
was bound to do, but put us ashore, and our Goods, on Nan-
tasket Point, and left us to shift for ourselves in a forlorn Place
in this Wilderness."
Procuring a boat of some Planters, and "some men well
armed," they proceeded up the Charles and finally landed "with
much Labor and Toil, the Bank being steep. Night soon came
on and we were informed that there were hard by us three
hundred Indians. A man was sent to advise them not to come
to the camping pilgrims in the Night. Sentinels were appointed,
and we laid ourselves down in the wilderness to sleep. In the
morning some of the Indians came and stood at a distance
off, looking at us, but came not near us; but when they
had been a while in view, some of them came, and held out
a great Bass towards us. So we sent a man with a Biskit, and
changed the Cake for the Bass. Afterwards they supplied us
with Bass, exchanging a Bass for a Biskit, and were very
friendly to us.
" In the beginning many were in great straits for want of Provi-
sion for themselves, and their little ones. Oh, the Hunger that
many suffered, and saw no hope in the Eye of reason to be
supplyed; only clams, and muscles, and Fish. But Bread was
with many a very scarce thing; and flesh of all kinds as scarce.
And in those Days, in our straits, though I cannot say God sent
a Raven to feed us as He did the Prophet Elijah, yet this I can
say to the praise of God, that He sent poor ravenous Indians,
PURITAN GRANDSIRES. II
which came with their Baskits of corn on their Backs to Trade
with us, which was a good supply unto many.
" . . . In those Days God did cause his People to trust in
him, and to be contented with mean things. It was not
accounted a strange thing in those Days to drink Water, and to
eat Samp, or Homonie without Butter or Milk. Indeed, it would
have been a strange thing to see a peice of Roast Beef, Mutton,
or Veal, though it was not long before there was Roast Goat.
"After the first Winter, we were very healthy, though some of
us had no great store of Corn. The Indians did sometimes bring
Corn and Truck to us for Clothing, and Knives; and once I had
a Peck of Corn, or thereabouts, for a little Puppy Dog. Frost-
fish, Muscles, and Clams were a relief to many."
One account relates that "We found out a neck of land joyning
to a place called by ye Indians Mattapan, so they settled at
Mattapan. They began their settlement here at Mattapan ye
beginning of June, A. D. 1630, and changed the name into
Dorchester."
For full three years the pilgrims at Dorchester lived in har-
mony. We quote again from Roger Clap1: "In those days
Great was the Tranquility and Peace; And there was great love
one to Another; very ready to help each other; not seeking their
own, but every one another's Wealth." They early made progress
toward comfortable living. Wood writes, in 1633, " that they
had fair corn fields, pleasant gardens, a great many cattle, goats,
and swine, and that the plantation had a reasonable harbor for
ships."
There seems to be some obscurity as to the primary cause of
the agitation which resulted in the decision of this ancient church
to remove in a body to the Connecticut wilderness. It was
probably owing to a variety of reasons. Clap goes on to say :
"But the work of God towards his People here was soon
maligned by Satan; and he cast into the minds of some corrupt
Persons, very erroneous Opinions; which did breed great Dis-
turbance in the Churches. . . The Godly Ministers were
accused of preaching false doctrine, and theological points came
into discussion. Troublers of the country went about and many
were drawn away with their Disseminations."
Added to this, the Massachusetts Colony had enacted laws
which were a yoke to their liberty-loving and determined spirits,
1 " Memoirs of Capt. Roger Clap," printed in Boston, New England, 1731.
12 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
and their intense love of freedom was undoubtedly another cause
prompting their removal. It is clearly evident that they had
a high instinctive consciousness of rights and possibilities in the
pursuit of the true principles of religious freedom, and believed
that somewhere upon the soil of the New World there was a spot
where they could enjoy happiness. The Massachusetts law per-
mitted "none but Church members to even be called freemen or
to become voters." They were interfered with in a thousand
little matters which were of a private nature, and which might
7best have been left to themselves. Sir Richard Saltonstall, who
came with the fleet in 1630 and returned to England the follow-
ing year, wrote to the Boston ministers as follows:
" It doeth not a little grieve my spirit to hear what sadd things are reported
daily of your tyranny and persecutions in New England, as that you fyne, whip,
and imprison men for their conciences. These rigid ways have layed you very low
in the hearts of ye saynts." *
The subject of removal westward was weighed in its different
bearings by Mr. Wareham's entire church. They held days of
prayer and fasting, and finally the main body determined to leave
Massachusetts for the Connecticut valley. Rev. Mr. Wareham
was the minister and leader-in-chief of the new and hazardous
undertaking. The decease of his associate, Rev. Mr. Maverick,
had previously taken place,, They sent a party in advance to
view sites for the settlement where is now Windsor, and the main
body of sixty men and women set out in the autumn of 1635,
carrying with them the original records of the Church. They
were fourteen days making the journey.
Their road lay through the unbeaten and almost trackless
paths of an unknown forest, with deep muddy soil and across
swift, swollen streams, which were without bridges and without
ferries. During storms the tall trees of the thick woods were
often prostrated in heaps like stubble across the rude Indian
paths which sometimes led their way. They had scarcely any
provisions during the journey except what they carried with them,
procuring by the way such as the forests afforded.
"Their household furniture, bedding, and winter provisions
were sent around by water, and it is probable that some families
also took this means of conveyance. ' Never before had the
forests of America witnessed such a scene as this.' Driving the
1 " History of Hartford County," by J. Hammond Trumbull, vol. i. p. 26.
PURITAN GRANDSIRES. 13
cattle before them, the compass their only guide, commencing
and ending each day's march with songs of praise and heartfelt
utterance of prayer, which sounded strangely among these soli-
tudes— they journeyed on.
"Before they reached Connecticut the hues of autumn had faded
from the forests; winter set in unusually early. By the fifteenth
of November the river was closed with ice, and as yet the vessel
containing their household goods and provisions had not arrived,
nor were there any tidings of it. The rude shelter and accom-
modations which had been provided for themselves and their
cattle proved to be quite insufficient to protect them against the
extreme inclemency of the season. They were able to get only
a portion of their cattle across the river, the- remainder were left
to winter themselves as best they could on the acorns and roots
of the forest." l
Disputes and contentions with other claimants about posses-
sion of the choice lands at Matianuck met them upon their
arrival, November i, 1635, which added to their discouragements.
In less than a month a small party from their number, "driven
by hunger and distress," retraced their way to the eastern coast
amid great vicissitudes and at peril of their lives. A larger num-
ber journeyed down the river on foot to within twenty miles of
its mouth, where they found a small vessel which had been ice-
bound in the river, and which fortunately had just been loosened
by a winter thaw. In this they set sail for Boston. The hard-
ships and sufferings of the families which remained were direful
in the extreme. They had not sufficient food or shelter, and it
is said their loss in cattle was very heavy.
In the early spring those who had made their way back
to Massachusetts during the winter returned, and settled them-
selves permanently with their Connecticut friends.
These settlers first established themselves under the general
government of the Massachusetts Colony, but it was not long
before they formed a separate commonwealth — the " COLONIE
OF CONNECTICUT."
1 Stiles' " History of Ancient Windsor," p. 25.
CHAPTER IV.
ONE OF THE FOREFATHERS.
" Love, Truth, and Justice stamp the man of worth
And yield the homage of enduring fame."
THE Moores and Drakes were participators in all the changes
and experiences of the migrating Puritan Church which gathered
itself together in the dark days of Protestantism at the seaport
of Plymouth, England. John Moore appears to have been active
in the notable Day of Prayer held just before the embarkation at
Plymouth, since he received the appointment and "came as
Deacon," and ever after was closely allied in friendship with the
Rev. Mr. Wareham, who found in him a stanch supporter during
the remainder of his life. He was made freeman * at Dorches-
ter, Mass., May 18, 1631.
In Matthew Grant's MSS. ancient Records of the Church at
Windsor, Conn.,2 the following interesting entry is found: " List
of Members of the Church that were so at Dorchester, and came
up here with Mr. Wareham, and are still with us." Among other
names in the " List " is that of " Deacon John Moore," and " of
women, Deacon Moore's wife."
Thomas Moore, the father of John, appears to have come to
America, and to have finally settled in Connecticut with his son.
In the earliest grants given of lands in Windsor was a "lot ten
rods wide " 3 which was " set off " to him, adjoining on the north
one of like measurement "set off" to Deacon Moore. "The
1 One who is entitled to franchise. " The principal part of the first settlers having no political
rights under the charter, the court immediately made arrangements for extending the privileges
of freemanship to all suitable persons, and on the first application of this right, October igth, 1630,
among 108 persons, twenty-four belonged to Dorchester.
" Besides the right of suffrage, freemen enjoyed advantages in the division of lands. The prin-
cipal qualification for this privilege was church membership."— History o/ Dorchester ; p. 27.
* In possession of the Connecticut Historical Society.
8 The Court of London, held May 21, 1629, had ordered : " For the purpose of mutual defence
settlements must be very compact, and that within a certain plot, or pale, every one should build
his house. A half-acre is named as the size of a house lot within this pale."
Says Eggleston : " No man might live far away from the meeting house. The Church was a pow-
erful force from within holding the town compacted, and the almost unflagging hostility of the
savages for nearly one hundred years, gave a pressure from without, making it convenient to live,
not upon farms, but upon home-lots." — The Century, 1884, p. 851.
14
HOME OF DEACON JOHN MOORE
IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.
ONE OF THE FOREFATHERS. 15
two lots correspond very nearly with the grounds now held by
the present resident, the Hon. H. S. Hayden. "
There is little recorded of Thomas Moore except that he
served as juror from the year 1639 to ^42, and died in 1645.
He was probably advanced in years.
Deacon John Moore became possessed of large landed estates,
and in later years built one of the most costly houses of the times.
By special courtesy of Henry R. Stiles, M. D., a drawing of the
residence is presented.
" It was in its day a fine house. Some of its ornaments remain, sufficient to
hint of its former glory." . . " I have pointed out [says the writer] the door for
the cat, for at that early day it was considered a very necessary accommodation to
so important and privileged a member of the household. The old elm which over-
shadows the house always possessed as much interest as the dwelling in the hearts
of the descendants, being one of the oldest and most beautiful trees in the town." J
A portion of the venerable house — the gable end, was still to
be seen in the year 1888.
Deacon John Moore enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his
townspeople in matters of local and public trust, and held a con-
spicuous place in the town proceedings.
In those days the town meeting served all the local purposes
of the community. By it almost every concern was regulated.
None but men of stanch integrity and upright life held the
affairs of these meetings in their hands.
We find Deacon John Moore's name at the General Court
serving as member of the jury as early as 1642, and in 1643 he
was a deputy. The General Court, which consisted of the
governor, the magistrates, and deputies, afterward became the
General Assembly. To this body he was repeatedly re-elected
representative until 1677, the year of his decease. In those times
the civil officers served for the honor of the office and the good
of the community without compensation.
In his public career he was closely associated with Governor
Winthrop, Mr. Henry. Wolcott, Benjamin Newberry, and other
distinguished Connecticut men of the times, in perfecting the
foundation system upon which the structure of the State and our
National existence was afterward reared.2
1 " History of Ancient Windsor," by H. R. Stiles.
'"Connecticut's Town Government had a peculiar character. The town was the original unit,
the State a confederation of the towns. Each town was a miniature republic and sent its repre-
sentatives to the General Court. It was by Connecticut ideas, historians agree, the troubles of
forming the United States Government were solved." — from Speech of Senator Joseph R. Hawley.
1 6 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Deacon Moore was a Puritan after the straitest of his sect.
We may imagine his supernatural look of grave dignity as he sat
in the General Court, confirming various enactments of stringent
law and rule, and voting strictly against any measure which
tended toward loosening in any wise the bands of their rigid high
beliefs. The old Puritan commanded reverence, not by words
more than by his awe-inspiring, somber dignity, so that even at
middle age his appearance was venerable.
Many of the Acts of the "General Court," during the period
that this honorable grandsire was a member, are to be noticed
with special interest. In December, 1642, he was among the
number who framed and established the Capital Laws.1 The
Code contained twelve different offences for which the penalty of
death was imposed.
Neither did these eminent religionists spare the gossips and
1 " Capitall Lames, Established by the General Court, the First of December, 1642 :
" i. If any man after legall conviction shall have or worship any other God but the Lord God,
hee shall bee put to death. — Deut. 13 : 6, and 17 : 2. Ex. 22 : 20.
"2. If any man or woman bee a Witch (that is, hath or consulted with a familiar spirit), they
shall bee put to death. — Ex. 22 : 18. Lev. 20 : 27. Deut. 18 : 10.
" 3. If any person shall blaspheme the name of God the ffather, Sonne, or holy Ghost, with
direct, express, presumptuous, or high-handed blasphemy, or shall curse God in the like manner,
hee shall bee put to death. — Lev. 24 : 15, 16.
" 4. If any person shall committ any willfull murder, which is manslaughter committed uppon
malice, hatred, or cruelty, not in a man's necessary and just defence, nor by mere casualty against
his will, hee shall be put to death. — Ex. 21 : 12, 13, 14. Numb. 35 : 30, 31.
" 5. If any person shall slay another through guile, either by poisonings or other such Devillish
practice, hee shall bee put to death. — Ex. 21 : 14."
The 6th, /th, 8th, and gth laws relate to unchastity and were punishable by death. — Lev. 20 :
10, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20. Deut. 22 : 33, 24, 25.
" 10. If any man stealeth a man or mankinde, hee shall bee put to death. — Exodus 22 : 16.
" ii. If any man rise up a false wittness, wittingly and of purpose to take away any man's life,
hee shall bee put to death. — Deut. 19 : 16, 18, 19.
" 12. If any man shall conspire, or attempt any invasion, insurrection, or rebellion against the
Commonwealth, hee shall bee put to death."
The following Laws were adopted in 1650 :
" 13. If any Childe or Children, above sixteene years old, of suffitient understanding, shall Curse
or smite their natural) father or mother, hee or they shall bee put to death ; unless it can bee suf-
ficiently testified that the parents have been very unchristianly negligent in the education of
such children, or so provoke them by extreme and cruell correction that they have been forced
thereunto to preserve themselves from death, maiming. — Ex. 21 : 17. Levit. 20.
"14. If any man have a stubborne and rebellious sonne of sufficient years and understanding,
viz., Sixteen yeares of age, which will not obey the voice of his ffather, or the voice of his mother,
and that when they have chastized him will not hearken unto them ; then may his ffather and
mother, being his naturall parents, lay hold on him and bring him to the Magistrates assembled
in Courte and testifie unto them, that their sonne is stubborne and rebellious and will not obey
theire voice and Chastisement, but lives in sundry notorious Crimes, such a sonne shall be put to
death. — Deut. 21 : 20, 21."
MAN IN STOCKS.
ONE OF THE FOREFATHERS, 17
slanderers, who were made to feel the keen punishment and dis-
grace of the stocks and pillory; and in some cases the whipping-
post, which "we have it as a tradition," says Trumbull, "was
placed on Broad Street Green, the most conspicuous part of the
town." It was not entirely abolished until 1714. For defama-
tion, " one Bartlett, in 1646, was sentenced to stand in the pillory
during the weekly church lecture, then to be whipped, pay a fine
of five pounds, and suffer six months imprisonment."
" For the preventing and avoiding of that foul and gross sin
of lying," an ordinance was passed " that when any person or
persons shall be accused and found guilty of that vice, it shall be
lawful for the particular Court to adjudge and censure any such
party either by fine or bodily correction." ' " Branding with the
letter B for burglary, and whipping at the cart's tail for crimes
against morality, were also methods of punishment.""
In the year 1648, one Peter Bussaker was sentenced by the
Court to "bee committed to prison, and there bee kept in safe
custody till the sermon, and then to stand in the time thereof in
the pillory, and after the sermon be severely whipt, for saying:
that he hoped to meet some of the members of the Church in hell
ere long, and hee did not question but hee should." a
On the 6th of December of the same year, with dignified
solemnity the Court considered the state of their Zion, and
decided that Heaven should be besieged by prayer for her pros-
perity. The following was passed :
" Ordered, that there bee a day of Humiliation kept by all the
churches in this Jurisdiction, to seeke ye face of ye Lord in be-
half e of his Churches upon this day fortnight"4
The next morning, upon resuming their seats in council, the
jury presented a bill of indictment against one Mary Johnson,
declaring that "By her own confession shee is guilty of familly-
arity with the Devill. " 5
In the days of Deacon Moore they wrestled with witches.
Superstition still had a hold upon them. It must be remembered
that their new religious principles were engrafted upon an old
system, which was environed by superstitions from which they
1 " Connecticut Colonial Records."
4 " History of Hartford County," by J. Hammond Trumbull, p. 508.
' " Connecticut Colonial Records." The sermon was anywhere from one and a half to two
hours long.
4 " Connecticut Colonial Records."
* " Connecticut Colonial Records."
1 8 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
were not yet emancipated, and says Green : " With all the strength
and manliness of Puritanism, its bigotry and narrowness had
crossed the Atlantic too." '
Mary Johnson had tried the forbearance of our ponderous and
solemn heroes before this frank confession which she now made.
The records show that their executive power had been called
into exercise concerning her in 1646, when she was found " guilty
of theury," and was "Ordered, to be presently whipped, and to
be brought forth a month hence at Wethersfield and there
whipped." Upon this second consideration of her case they
appear to have been roused into a spirit quite the contrary to
that religious "charity which never faileth." Mary was found
guilty of witchery and was probably executed early in 1649.
"There seems but little doubt," says J. H. Trumbull, "that a
woman was hung in Windsor for witchcraft (and perhaps other
crimes) about this time, and there were in the Commonwealth
several accusations and trials for witchcraft, and a few execu-
tions." s
Deacon John Moore continued to fill the office of deacon of the
church until his death. The latest record in connection with his
official duties in this station, is a bill for bread furnished for
sacraments from June, 1666, to February, 1673, amounting to
;£4 2s. od. He also filled his seat as representative to the
General Assembly at the May session previous to his decease.
Among his children was a daughter, Hannah, one of the
ancestral grandmothers of our story, who was probably born in
England, or soon after the arrival of her parents in America. In
Windsor Records are found the dates of the births of other chil-
dren, one of whom was John Moore, Jr., who was also for many
years a deacon.
John Moore, Sr., died September 18, 1677. The interment
was in -Windsor burying ground on the following day.
1 " History of the English People," by J. R. Green.
a " Connecticut Colonial Records."
* " History of Hartford County," by J. Hammond Trumbull, vol. i. p. 352.
CHAPTER V.
MATERNAL ANCESTRY.
O faithful worthies, resting far behind
In your dark ages, since ye fell asleep
Much has been done for truth, and humankind.
— WHITTIER.
THE Drakes were a very ancient family. They descended from
a long line of valiant men, who can be traced back for many
centuries. There is sufficient well-authenticated history relative
to these maternal antecedents of the Higleys to fill a separate
volume. From the time of the Reformation they are of the purest
Protestant blood; and as far as can be learned, the good grand-
mothers so impressed their principles upon their offspring that
the Higleys, at least, to this day maintain with hereditary instinct
the characteristic of clinging bravely to reforms, and hold with
tenacious devotion to broad and liberal principles.
From a genealogical book published by a descendant, Samuel G.
Drake of Boston, in 1845, the following extracts are taken : l
"As early as the Norman Conquest there were several families
of the name, residing chiefly within a small compass, in the south
part of Devonshire, England. In Doomsday Book a six estates
are mentioned as possessed by persons of the name. Indeed, we
are told that Honiton, one of these estates, was well known to the
Romans, and was held by Drago the Saxon, before the Conquest.
Hence the fact that the Drakes were Saxons. Not long after the
conquest of England by William of Normandy (1066), we find a
family seated at Ebcmouth, the head of which was John Drake.3
1 " Account of the Drake Family in America," by S. G. Drake.
1 The Doomsday Book is the result of a survey begun in 1080 by William the Conqueror, and
completed in 1086, and briefly registers the names of the Saxon landholders and their possessions.
The original book is still in existence and is in two volumes. Taxes were levied from it down to
1522, when a more accurate survey was taken.
3 Several members of the Drake descendants are mentioned in various connections in ancient
records of Great Britain.
"An ancestor [John] went from Devonshire to Ireland in isisby special permission of Edward II.
' to go beyond the sea,' and we have distinguished mention of some of his descendants.
" Captain George Drake of Apsham [1553] was the first Englishman who explored the river St.
Lawrence.
" Robert Drake suffered as a martyr. He was a minister of Thundersly in Essex, who was burnt
20 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
"Prince, vicar of Berry-Pomeroy, who wrote and published
' The Worthies of Devon,' speaking of the Drake family at
Ashe [in the parish of Munsberry, about i^ miles to the south
of Axminster], says: 'This ancient and honourable family came
originally from Exmouth, a small hamlet on the east side of the
river Ex where it flows into the mouth of the British Ocean.
Here dwelleth JOHN DRAKE, a man of great estate, and a name of
no less antiquity.' 'This account,' says Prince, he 'received from
Sir William Pole [descended from that family on the maternal
side], who says : "I copied it out of an old Roll, and written all
with mine own hand in the month of April, in the year of our
Lord God, 1616."
" The motto has always been :
" 'AQUILA NON CAPIT MUSCAS."
" The figure in the shield is called by heralds a wivern, which
is another name for the fabled Dragon of antiquity. Draco or
Drago is the Roman name of Drake. . . We find that the
Dragon was displayed on the banners of the Britons as early as
1448, and that churches have borne the emblem from time
immemorial.
at the stake in Smithfield, April 23, 1556, in the reign of Mary. When exhorted by Bishop Bonner
to renounce his heresy, Drake made him this bold and memorable reply : ''As for your Church of
Rome, I utterly deny and defy it with all the works thereof, even as I deny the Devil and all
his works? He had then lain nearly a year in prison, and was immediately thereafter ordered to
execution.
" The father of Admiral Sir Francis Drake, Knt., was named Robert, and was also an outspoken
Protestant clergyman, who, to avoid suffering in the same flames which had consumed his kindred,
fled his place of nativity, near South Tavistock, Devon, and secreted himself and his family in an
old forsaken ship for many years. He had twelve children, all sons, several of them born ' in the
hulle of the shippe,' most of whom followed the sea in foreign parts.
" Sir Francis was the eldest of the twelve boys. By perseverance and resolution in overcoming
difficulties, and by unflinching courage, he rose in gradual succession to the highest rank in the
English Naval service, and to the honor of knighthood bestowed by the Sovereign. This extraordi-
nary man was the first Englishman that circumnavigated the globe, or, as one of his historians
says, ' the first who ploughed a furrow round the world.' A special coat of arms was granted him
in recognition of his distinguished services to his country." — Life of Sir Francis Drake, by John
Barrow.
" Of the Drake descendants from the house of Ashe a century later, and of more modern times,
was Samuel Drake, D. D., a man of eminent literary attainments, who died in 1673 ; Francis Drake,
M. D., surgeon of York and F. R. S., a great antiquary, the author of the history and antiquities
of York ; William Drake, A. M., F. S. A., Vicar of Isleworth, was his son. Of the same family was
Nathan Drake, M. D., of Hadleigh in Suffolk, the well-known essayist and most skillful and suc-
cessful annotator and biographer of Shakespeare. And before him in point of time was Dr. James
Drake, F. R. S., whose discoveries in anatomy are not surpassed in importance by those of Harvey.
" This list might be extended with names equally claiming attention." — Account of the Drake
Family, by S. G. Drake.
1 " The eagle doth not prey upon the fly."
ARMS OF DRAKE.
MATERNAL ANCESTRY. 21
" That the original bearer of the Arms of DRAKE * performed
some act to entitle him to it, there is perhaps no question, but
what that precise act may have been has long since passed beyond
the utmost bounds of tradition.
"John Drake of the Council of Plymouth, one of the original
Company established, by King James in 1606 for settling New
England, was of a branch of the house of Ashe, two of whose
sons came to America — John, who came to Dorchester, near
Boston, in 1630 with two or more sons, and who finally settled at
Windsor, Conn., and Robert, who settled in Hampton, N. H. From
these brothers are descended all by the name in New England,
and most, if not all of those bearing the name in the middle,
southern, and western United States."
1 The armorial bearings of the Drake family are the same in all the lines of descent, except the
special arms granted to Sir Francis Drake. All by the name, whose antecedents are traceable to
the Devonshire family, are justified in claiming lineage from this distinguished ancestry.
CHAPTER VI.
ANCESTRAL LINKS.
It was the star of Bethlehem that Jighted their way across the Atlantic and went before them
to the place where the young child of the Republic lay in its wilderness manger. — CHARLES
CARLETON COFFIN.
THE American colonist, John Drake, was one of the con-
temporary band who came with his family in the Winthrop fleet.
Persecution, nearly a century before, had intensified Protestan-
tism, and at a later period infused Puritanism into the veins of
the descendants of the ancient family, and these principles were
born in John Drake's blood. Both himself and his wife were
stanch Puritans.
His application to be made freeman is found in the list of the
first persons who requested that franchise at Dorchester, Mass.,
October 19, 1630, only a few months after the arrival of the
Puritan ships. It is believed by some historians that he resided
for a brief period at Taunton, Mass., where members of his
family remained, before he came to Windsor, Conn. In 1639 he
is found at the latter place, where he spent the remainder of his
life.
Land grants were not put upon record in Windsor until the
year 1640. Among the earliest entries of that year is one relat-
ing to a portion twenty-two and a half rods in width, "set off"
to John Drake.
In 1643 he served the General Court as juror, and was again a
member in June, 1646.
From an entry upon the Colonial Records about this period, it
appears that this high old Puritan sometimes permitted his
temper to get the best of him, and with it fell his dignity. Using
language, one day, which his fellow-jurors considered profane,
they at once imposed upon him a fine to the full extent the law
allowed, viz. :
"John Drake, for his misdemeanor in ppphane execrations
is fyned 40 s." *
Singularly enough, Deacon John Moore, his friend and neigh-
1 "Connecticut Colonial Records," 1636-1635.
ANCESTRAL LIXKS. 23
bor, was a member of the jury and of the court which con-
demned his unadvisable utterances.
In October, 1648, his temper was again wrought to a boiling
point at the slanderous gossip of one John Bennett, a townsfellow
of doubtful reputation, who declared that he — John Bennett —
" had intised and drawne away the affections of his daughter." '
Straight to the General Court he goes and enters complaint.
John Bennett was duly brought up at the next sitting of the
Court, whereupon he retracted his statement, and promising to
be more careful in his conversation about the girls thereafter,9
the " Court was willing once more to pass by his Corporall
punishment," and he was "bownd over for good behavior."5
The law was not only expressly severe upon backbiters and
slanderers but "against any man who should inveigle the affec-
tions of any ' maide, or maide-servant,' unless her parents or
gaurdians should 'give way and allowance in that respect.'" *
With the exception of these few unflattering experiences, — and
they are the only ones that can be traced, — John Drake's life at
Windsor, Conn., among the number who were shaping the future
of the young colony, was marked by usefulness, and left its good
impress upon generations of posterity.
His wife, Elizabeth Drake, was born in England in 1581. This
worthy pair were nearing middle age when they came to America.
They left behind them all the comforts of an English home of
the "gentry" class, severed themselves from cultured society
and associations, and came to the strange wild shores of an unin-
habited wilderness, for the sole purpose
..." serenely high,
Freedom to worship God."
They were the parents of three sons, Jacob, Job, and John
Drake, Jr., all of whom, together with their daughters, one of
whom bore the name Hannah, were born in England. Their
children accompanied them to America and became prominent in
church affairs, and in founding their Christian Commonwealth.
Job Drake married Mary, the daughter of Henry Wolcott, Esq.,
the founder of a family distinguished to this day.
It was a most natural circumstance that came to pass between
these two good families of the forests, the Moores and the
1 " Connecticut Colonial Records." * " Connecticut Colonial Records," 1636-1635.
* We may conclude that his conduct improved, as in 1652 he was granted liberty by the town
" to be entertained by William Hayden in his family."
« Edward Eggleston in The Century, 1884.
24 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Drakes, who were knitted together by the common bond of
religious fervor and voluntary exiles from their motherland, that
Deacon John Moore's daughter, Hannah, became the wife of John
Drake, Jr. Their marriage took place at Windsor, November
30, 1648.
The following narrative of John Drake, Sr.'s, sudden death,
which occurred on the iyth of August, 1659, is taken from the
ancient Town Records at Windsor:
" Mr. John Drake, Sr., dyed accidentally, as he was driving a
cart loaded with corn to carry from his house to his son Jacob's.
The cattle being 2 oxen and his mare, in the highway against
John Griffin's, something scared the cattle, and they set a run-
ning, and he labored to stop them by taking hold on the mare,
was thrown upon his face and the cart wheele went over him
and broke one of his legs, and bruised his body so that he was
taken up dead; being carried into his -daughter's house had life
come again, but dyed in a short time, and was buried on the i8th
day of August, 1659."
Elizabeth Drake survived her husband twenty-two years, and
died October 7, 1681, at the ripe old age of one hundred years.
In the last years of her life she was ministered to by her son
Jacob and his family. She was one of those mothers of colonial
times of whom it has been said : " From the time when that ' faire
maide,' Mary Chilton, first leaped upon the rock at Plymouth, to
the present day, their influence has been an important element
in our national character." Mrs. Sigourney beautifully portrays
them: "On the unfloored hut, she who had been nurtured amid
the rich carpets and the curtains of the motherland, rocked
her babe and complained not. She who in the home of her youth
had arranged the gorgeous shades of embroidery, or, perchance,
had compounded the rich venison pastry as her share in the
housekeeping, now pounded the coarse Indian corn for her
children's bread, and bade them ask God's blessing ere they took
their scanty portions. When the snows sifted through their
miserable rooftrees upon her little one, she gathered them closer
to her bosom; she taught them the Bible, and the catechism, and
the holy hymn, though the war whoop of the Indian ran through
the wild. Amid the untold hardships of colonial life, she infused
new strength into her husband by her firmness, and solaced his
weary hours by her love." '
1 " History of Dorchester," by a Committee, p. 142.
ANCESTRAL LINKS. 25
JOHN DRAKE, Jr., as has been already stated, came with his
father to America and settled at Windsor, Conn. He had
thorough Puritanic training in the home of his parents. Like his
father, the younger Drake was active in the opening and widening
field of western-world civilization. He filled many places of
public trust, and became identified with the founding of both the
towns of Windsor and Simsbury, Conn., being among the first
grantees and landed proprietors in these "plantations." After
his marriage with Hannah Moore in 1648, he took up his residence
in Windsor. In April, 1655, according to the ancient record,
the "wife of John Drake" was "taken into full communion" in
the transplanted Windsor church, the oldest orthodox church
organization in America. Of the names and ages given of "Men
and Womenkind," "set down" as born and baptized in the same
church, is a daughter whose birth is entered in this wise : "Of
womenkind, Hanna, of John Drake, 'born Aug. 5, 1653, baptized
April 15, '55. "' This girl "Hanna," as will presently appear,
grew to be a notable woman in the ancestry of the Higleys.
She was one of a family of eleven children, five sons and six
daughters.
At just what period John Drake, Jr. or 2d, removed from
Windsor to Simsbury is not known. It appears, however, to have
been between the years 1672 and 1676 — if indeed he ever removed
at all. It is evident that he remained a resident at Windsor
for several years after he was the owner of lands in Simsbury.
Among the first grants of lands at Massacoe, the Indian name of
Simsbury (1677) of which there is any record, are portions "set
off to John Drak." This was, no doubt, the younger Drake, or
John Drake 3d. Spots and places in the latter town retained
the Drake name for one hundred and fifty years. The hill
opposite the old Congregational Church upon which the residence
stood bore the name for more than two centuries, and the
memories of those who have scattered to every part of our broad
land from the old town recur with pleasure to the familiar scenes
of their early childhood about Drake's Hill and Drake's Brook.
In 1676 Simsbury was on the very edge of the settlements.
The Indians were fierce and menacing, and a general solicitude
was felt throughout the colony for the safety of the inhabitants.
Finally, in the month of March a general order was issued for
them to remove at once for safety, and they all left with dispatch,
the larger number fleeing to Windsor. On Sunday, the 26th, the
» Old Church Record.
26 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
town was pillaged and burned by the powerful Phillip and his
dusky warriors. Whether John Drake the elder, with his family,
was among the number who fled and did not return is not clear.
It is supposed that he was. His son, John Drake 3d, returned
and spent his life here. His name, with others, is found signed
to a petition by the owners of estates at Simsbury to the General
Assembly in the following year (1677), while the town was yet
deserted, requesting a lighter taxation on account "of the late
afflictive bereavement, having been greater sufferers than the
other plantations in the Colony," and incapacitated "to rayse
rates in the common way as the law required." The General
Assembly granted the petition, exempting "persons, land, and
cattell," for three years from taxation.
The home life of John Drake, Jr.'s, family (of Windsor), of
which John Higley became a member when he landed from Eng-
land, as indicated in the first chapter, was of a Christian type.
They were strictly church-loving people, and were liberal to the
distressed. The "distressed," however, belonged to other
colonies, for there were few poor in Windsor.
A report to the General Government about this time (1667)
says: "The people, as respecting religious views, were 'some
strict men, and others more large (or liberal) Congregational
men." Both law and gospel were thoroughly taught in John
Drake's, as in all the colonial homes of this period. "You
might find in every house a shelf upon which was kept a large
Family Bible, and several other books of a religious kind."1
Regular family worship was required, reading the Scriptures,
"catechizing the children," and "dayly prayer, with giving of
thanks," was to be attended to conscientiously by every family,
" to distinguish them from the heathen whoe call not upon God. " a
McClure states that "the aged people among us say that they
could never learn that an individual Windsor Indian ever became
a Christian."
These laws governing households were by no means a dead
letter. The select men were vigilant to see that they were put
into practice. If any "heads of families were obstinate and
refractory," and would not yield to the power of persuasion in
the performance of these required duties, the grand jury were to
1 From that time to this the most popular of all religious books has been the Puritans' allegory
of " The Pilgrim's Progress," and the most popular of all English poems, the Puritan epic of the
" Paradise Lost." — History of the English People, by J. R. Green, p. 582.
* " Connecticut Colonial Records," 1665-77.
ANCESTRAL LINKS. 27
present such persons to the Court to be fined or punished. The
fine in every instance of neglect was twenty shillings.
The Capital Laws were required to be taught weekly in every
household, and legal surveillance demanded that all persons should
attend church services, not only upon the Sabbath day, but all
thanksgivings and days of fasting and prayer, on penalty of a fine.
A young man might not "board or sojourn " in a family without
permission granted by the Town Meeting; and it was "Alsoe,
Ordered, that all such boarders or sojourners as doe live in
families shall carefully attend the worship of God in those
families where they so sojourn, and bee subjected to the domes-
ticall government of the family, upon the penalty of forfeiting
five shillings for every breach of this order." '
Such was the discipline of the household of which John Higley
became a member when he landed in America.
John Drake, Jr., the head of this hospitable home, died at
Windsor, the place of his residence, in the latter part of Sep-
tember, 1689. His will was made on the izth of the month just
before his decease. The inventory was taken October 31, 1689, and
amounted to ^223 25.* The father and son died near together.
His son, John Drake of Simsbury, who had been John Higley's
close companion since first they met, died on the gth of July
(1689) preceding his father's death. He was one of the very
early settlers at Simsbury, where he resided until his decease.
The tombstone which marks his grave is the oldest in the ancient
cemetery, and has stood for more than two hundred years. The
following is its inscription :
fjere Xe^s
Gbe :©OOE of Hobn SJrafee limbo
Departed Cbis ILifc
tb 1688 ageo39
" O mind then man, thy life's a fpan
look here & learn To dye
how soon yt death can ftop thy breath
then comes Eternity."
The inventory of his estate was taken by John Higley and
Thomas Barber. His property was valued at ^393 155. 4
I " Connecticut Colonial Records," 1665, p. 77.
II " Hartford Probate Records," book v. pp. 24, 25.
a This date is an error. John Drake, 3d, died July 9, 1689, as recorded in " Simsbury Records,"
book i. Also as shown by his Will.
4 " Simsbury Record of Grants," book i. pp. 80, 82.
CHAPTER VII.
YOUTH AND MARRIAGE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY.
It is a deep mystery — the way the heart of a man turns to one woman out of all the rest he's
seen i' the world, and makes it easier for him to work seven years for her, like Jacob did for
Rachel, sooner than have any other woman for th' asking. — GEORGE ELIOT.
JOHN HIGLEY had ready adaptability, and soon accustomed
himself to the interests and habits of the well-ordered household
of the Drakes. His infantile years had passed during the event-
ful time of Cromwell's reign. Charles I. was beheaded the year
he was born. Until he was eight years old, he no doubt fre-
quented the home of his grandfather, the Rev. John Brewster
(for whom he was probably named), when " England was greatly
stirred, and eager debates and heated arguments on Puritanical
subjects were continually taking place m every household,"
especially those associated with ecclesiastical affairs. The time
lapsing between eight and sixteen years of age, following his
grandfather's death, great events had been passing. Charles II.
had come to the throne. " Puritanism had been well-nigh
silenced under stern repression. The Revolution and great
changes had taken place in the social world." '
Though young in years we may well conclude that his quick
perception and naturally sagacious mind had fully taken in a
good many of these things that were passing. " On the restora-
tion of Charles II. to the throne, religious despotism with merci-
less energy was revived."
The sight which John Higley had seen before he left England,
"of pious and learned clergymen driven from their homes, and
their flocks ; of religious meetings broken up by constables ; of
preachers put side by side with thieves and outcasts ; of jails
crammed with honest enthusiasts whose piety was their only
crime," * must have left a deep impression on his youthful mind.
No lad of sixteen years with his lively intellect could have been
ignorant of the iron hand which was laid without mercy upon the
Quakers during this time (1662-65). "The fires of persecution
1 Extracts from Green's " History of the English People."
3 " History of the English People," by J. R. Green, p. 609.
28
YOUTH AND MARRIAGE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY. 29
were hot," says Sewell. The victims were flogged in the streets;
husbands and wives were separated and condemned to transpor-
tation; they were distrained of their property, and large numbers
were banished to strange countries.1 " In 1662 the returns from
their meetings throughout England showed that between four and
five thousand were then lying in prison " merely for religion's
sake." "These prisons were cold, leaky, and filthy, and many
men and women had nothing but a board to lie upon." Many
were relieved only by death.3
It may have been that these measures, taken against inof-
fensive peace-loving religionists, not only touched John Higley's
tender and sensitive nature, but kindled a strong instinctive sense
of their unjust treatment, which had the effect of giving him the
tolerant spirit, and which rooted in him the idea of the indi-
vidual liberty of every man, with which he was endowed in
after life.
The summer previous to leaving London he had witnessed the
awful devastation of the Plague (1665), a never-to-be-forgotten
period of his life. Death reigned in the streets. Entire families
were swept away. Citizens who were apparently in health in the
morning, were found dead in the afternoon. Sewell relates that
" the city became so emptied that grass grew in those streets that
used to be so populous, few people being seen by the way. Thus
the city became a desert, and the misery was great. Great fires
were kindled in the streets to purify the contagious air ; but no
relief was found by it, for in the latter end of September there
died in London alone eight thousand people in one week, as I
remember to have seen in one of the bills of mortality of that
time. There was little to be earned by the tradesmen. Travel-
ing in the country was stopped." " The plagues of the Lord fell
heavily," continues the narrator. "It is stated that the entire
number of deaths during that fatal summer exceeded sixty-eight
thousand." De Foe, in his story of the Plague, mentions " glove-
makers" among other tradesmen whose establishments were
closed. It was one of these to whom John Higley was apprenticed.
It is reasonable to suppose that he returned for the time to his
mother's cottage-home in Frimley, though here was no safe refuge,
for the destroying pestilence mowed down the inhabitants of the
1 " History of the People called Quakers," by William Sewell.
9 " The Fells of Swalhmore."
' " History of the People called Quakers," by William Sewell.
30 THE HIG LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
suburbs adjacent to London, and "blasted into voiceless and life-
less desolation " many of the beautiful valleys in the vicinity.
But our reader will remember that it was neither religious per-
secution, nor political principles, nor the destroying pestilence,
that exiled the lad from his native shores. The boy no doubt
often experienced in his new life in the western world a strange
yearning rising within him, for the glen in which he was born.
He may have had many a longing look toward the stars that were
twinkling above his mother home and the group assembled there.
Sometimes when among the solitudes there may have fallen upon
his heart a shade of melancholy, as memory brought before his
face the boy-friends and associates whom he had left behind.
But he was not disappointed in his American home. He was
admitted to the family as one of its number, and became a
favorite in the household. Soon an intimacy sprang up between
the young English stranger and the young people of John Drake's
house. The eldest son was near his own age — two months
younger — and Hannah, the eldest daughter, was a bright girl in
her teens just enough his junior to be interesting. As a matter of
course they were brought into daily association.
The time came when the large heart of the stripling was no
longer his own. He saw in Hannah Drake all that was worth
living and striving for, and if she, in her maidenly reserve, had
resolved not to allow herself to be ensnared by his handsome
appearance and good qualities, her resolution did not hold out.
The young lovers came to an understanding, to which her parents
appear to have freely consented.
But the affairs of true love were sometimes fraught with great
difficulties in those days, as they are in these. The hard old
taskmaster in England was yet alive, and the unexpired appren-
ticeship from which young John had fled lay unsettled. Besides
this, the Article of Indenture under which he had been appren-
ticed read, " No Apprentice shall contract Matrimony within the
said term of apprenticeship."1 The colonial law also imposed
a penalty upon "both male and female not being at his or her
own disposal," who should "either make or give entertainment
to any suit in way of marriage without the knowledge and con-
sent of surviving parents, masters, or guardians, or such like. " a
1 From Book of Old English Laws.
a " Connecticut Colonial Records," 1643.
The following law was enacted by the General Court June 3, 1644, which had not then been
repealed :
YOUTH AND MARRIAGE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY. 31
The wide Atlantic lay between him and his mother, and these
formidable obstructions to his future happiness. However, it
was not probable that one of his earnest nature, and of the force
that was born in him, would be deterred by barriers. His first
step was to pen a carefully written letter to his mother stating
his case. We may easily imagine the young lover in the attic
of the rough-hewed wooden house of early colonial days, with
anxious heart and puzzled brain, straining every nerve to put upon
paper just the proper thing to be said, which would insure her
favor, and her mediation between the offended employer and him-
self. Then the uncertainty of receiving a favorable answer to
his petition arose in his mind. Another plan came into his
devising brain. Success was already crowning his labor, and with
his savings he would return to England the bearer of his own
letter, visit his mother, and settle all claims. Instigated by the
noblest spirit of life, with his heart set upon an idol-love, he was
off at once. He retraced his way across the wide ocean to his
English home.
In those days is was a serious undertaking to cross the Atlantic.
It required fifty-one days to make the passage. Ocean steamers
were as yet unknown. The journey occupied more than four
months. Landing safely in England, he reached Frimley and
gazed once more upon familiar scenes. He soon crossed the
threshold of his mother's home. The tall, well-formed man,
roughed in personal appearance by forest-life in the New World,
and bronzed by the winds of a seven weeks' sea voyage, did not
closely resemble the glover's apprentice boy whose sudden dis-
appearance had caused such consternation five years previous.
He placed his letter, which contained the declaration of his true
and honest heart, into her hand, unrecognized. As she read it,
she wept — then glanced at the stranger before her, and read
again. Then, another scrutinizing glance. Maternal instinct is
subtle and keen.
Advancing to his side she parted his hair and pierced all dis-
guises; for she discovered a well-known mark, a scar that he
received by a fall on the stairs when he was ten years of age,
" Whereas many stubborn, refractory, and discontented servants and apprentices withdraw them-
selves from their masters' services, to improve their time to their own advantage ; for the prevent-
ing thereof I
" It is Ordered, that Whatsoever servant or apprentice shall hereafter offend in that kynd, before
their covenant or term of service are expired, shall serve their said masters, as they shall be appre-
hended or retained the treble term, or threefold time of their absence in such kynd."— O»-
necticut Colonial Records.
32 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
which left a deep cut high on his forehead that he carried through
life. "John, you rogue ! Is this you ?" she exclaimed, and rais-
ing her hand she gave his ear a sound cuffing.
Gladness and joy were in the village-home that night. The
evening was given to quiet chat about the boy's life. Like other
mothers, since the world began, she affectionately entered into the
interesting plans and future career which were opening for her
son. A satisfactory settlement was made with his former master,
and after a short visit he returned to America.1
In Windsor, Conn., the town of his adoption, he married
Hannah Drake on the pth of November, 1671.
1 The main incidents concerning the courtship and marriage of John Higley and Hannah Drake
are drawn from the best sources. It is an interesting fact that there have been venerable grand-
parents, hale and hearty, whose years of early manhood were contemporary with some of John Hig-
ley's sons and daughters, and whose lives extended to the middle of the present century, bridging
the gap between that era and descendants now living, to whom it was their delight to recount the
interesting story. These channels, with the traditions gathered from nearly every branch of the
family now widely scattered in many different sections of our country, many groups of whom had
no knowledge of each other until recent time, together with old scraps and papers written nearly
a half a century ago, all agree upon these points — that of the apprenticed runaway lad, the
circumstances under which he came to America, and his romantic love story as related above. — THE
EDITOR.
CHAPTER VIII.
EARLY MARRIED LIFE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY, 1671-78.
"First Gent. All times are good to seek your wedded home
Bringing to a mutual delight.
" Second Gent. Why, true,
The calendar hath not an evil day
For souls made one by love, and even death
Were sweetness, if it came like, rolling waves
While they two clasped each other, and foresaw
No life apart."
AFTER their marriage John Higley and his young wife took up
their residence upon the eastern shore of " Ye Great River " —
the Connecticut. The attention of the grandfather, Deacon
John Moore, Captain Benjamin Newberry, and others had been
fixed upon the rich meadows on that side of the river, and they
had already secured large grants of land which were considered
"among their most important and valuable interests." Deacon
Moore possessed an ownership in one tract of about four hundred
acres.
" Until a few years previous these lands were not occupied
except as a pasturage for their cattle, and some small pieces for
mowing. Tempting as were the advantages offered by its broad
expanse of fertile meadow, there were obstacles and dangers in the
way of its actual settlement which could be neither overlooked
nor rashly encountered. The broad stream of the Great River,
at all times an inconvenient highway, was in the winter season,
when not frozen over, almost impassable with ice and drift. It
was also a serious barrier to social intercourse and mutual aid or
protection, while its annual freshets obliged them to build on the
uplands at a considerable distance from its banks, and conse-
quently a greater remove from the main settlement." '
"The Indians abounded in all that region, and though these
river Indians were generally friendly and peaceful, yet there
were warning signs and tokens which made families fearful about
taking up their residence at points remote from the main body of
1 Stiles' " History of Ancient Windsor," p. 221.
33
34 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
settlers." ' It is stated that there were ten distinct tribes within
the boundaries of the township of Windsor, and, says Stiles, "the
greater number resided on the east side of the Connecticut
River." The repeated enactments by the General Assembly for
many years about this time, as measures of protection against
these savages, evidences the constant danger of the scalping-
knife and tomahawk to which the inhabitants of the young settle-
ment were subjected. However, "a number of middle-aged or
young married men, urged by the adventurous spirit of the day,
or by the necessity of larger accommodations for their growing
families, crossed the river and built their humble dwellings along
the uplands which overlooked the meadows." 2
Among these were John Higley and his wife Hannah. In the
"List of Persons on the East side of Ye Great River," who were
appointed to make some improvements on a road, in June, 1672,
the name of our enterprising John is on record.
The same year Major Pyncheon, in his account book, entered
the following:
"1672. The charge and cost of my saw-mill at Stony-River.
Viewing and searching for a place, alsoe hiring John Higley to
discover, &c. . . likewise myselfe and my expence with you,
and feriage &c wch come to, ^i : o8s : ood." '
Out of this amount the "discoverer " of the suitable location
for the saw-mill was probably paid his share of the " charges and
costs " for his time and labor.
Young married people in those days set out upon their own
responsibility, and the first proceeding after their wedding
festivities was to found their own hearthstone. It was custom-
ary for the young man to build a house before marriage. From
the houses of the early settlers of the times we catch a glimpse
of the first dwelling which furnished the rude home comforts of
this youthful pair. They were made entirely of untrimmed logs.
Scarcely an implement was used in their construction other than
the ax and auger. The rough, wooden, eighteen-inch shingles
called clapboards, which formed the roof, the floors, and doors,
were hewn out of logs, and were undressed and unplaned, and
fastened into their places by wooden pins. It is, however,
barely possible that the occupants of this simple home in ques-
1 " History of Hartford County," by J. Hammond Trumbull, p. 107.
* Stiles' " History of Ancient Windsor," p. 233.
* " Documentary History of Suffield," by M. S. Sheldon.
EARLY MARRIED LIFE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY. 35
tion may have enjoyed the luxury of doors and floors of sawed
plank procured at the saw-mill after it was established, though it
was about eight miles distant through the dense woods. The
door was hung upon wooden hinges and closed with a wooden
latch. There were few nails used, for there were none to be had
except those hammered one by one upon the anvil of the neigh-
borhood blacksmith.
The chimney, huge in dimensions when compared with the
building itself, was built against the house upon the outside. It
was built of sticks and thoroughly plastered with clay. Im-
mense fires of logs, taken from the dense forests surrounding the
house, were kept constantly going, and were a necessity to keep
the occupants of the dwelling even in tolerable comfort in winter
weather. The sweeping winds whistled between the logs which
constituted the side walls of the apartment, it came in under-
neath the door, and from the cracks in the floor, with chilling
draughts.
The windows were small, and there was no window glass.
"Bring oiled paper for your windows," writes one of the
Plymouth pilgrims to some who were about to come over. Oiled
paper for a long time let a dusky light into the obscure rooms
of many settlers' houses. About 1700 "window shasts with
crystal " — that is, with glass that one could see through — are
spoken of as a luxury. Carpets were hardly known at all in
America until seventy-five years after this period.1 The floor
of the cottage log dwelling was therefore carpetless.
On the i6th of August, 1673, the birth of John Higley's first
child is recorded. He was given the name of his father, John,
and on February 16, 1675, the birth of the second child is
announced, called Jonathan, probably in honor of his grand-
father Higley, who was laid in his moss-covered grave in Frimley
churchyard, England, more than ten years before.
Windsor now contained about one hundred families. On Sun-
days the people residing on the east side of the Connecticut
crossed the river in boats to attend church service. It was no
small undertaking to get the family in readiness and over the
distance between their home and the ferry, then await the ferry-
man to bring them across the deep, swift, angry stream, which in
some seasons of the year was filled with floating ice, causing the
passage to be attended with danger. Strict laws, by decree of
1 " The Colonist at Home," by Edward Eggleston, The Century, 1884-85.
36 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Court, governed this ferry. But thirty-seven persons were per-
mitted to cross at one time, the number exceeding this must
stand upon the banks and await their turn. And yet the select-
men were ever on the alert, and if each household did not
appear at the place of worship it was liable to a fine. To
announce the hour of service a drum was beaten. The towns-
people were not in possession of a church-bell, and for more
than one hundred years after these times, it was the practice for
a man employed by the town "for the beating of the drume on
ye Sabboth dayes " l to ascend to the roof of the church, where
a footwalk was constructed, and sound a trumpet or a drum, " to
give warning to ye inhabitants when to begin meting."
We fancy that we see our John in the saddle upon the back of
the family horse, with little John in front of him, and his wife
Hannah, behind, clinging to him with one arm, while with the
other she held baby Jonathan to her bosom, wending their way on
a quiet Sabbath morning to the house of worship. The saddle
horse, if taken across the river, was led swimming alongside the
ferryboat, and tied to a tree close to the church with scores of
others.
The sermon was long, usually from an hour and a half to two
hours, and was the principal event of the week for discussion.
King Phillip's Indian war followed soon after the birth of John
Higley's second child. The year 1675 was a stormy one for the
Connecticut colonists. Both social and political surroundings
were full of intense excitement and increased dangers. Rumors
of Indian plots "for the distruction of the English" were con-
stantly reaching the ears of the inhabitants, together with
reports of the hostilities of the Dutch at New York, and the "un-
warrantable practices " and uneasiness given by Major Andros.
"The distressed condition of our neighbors and countrymen on
Long Island" was also a source of solicitude. "It was a time
of difficulty with us,"1 say they, on the loth of July, 1675. So
threatening was the aspect of affairs, and so great was the need
of men, that the General Assembly ordered that if any one de-
serted the colony who was "above fourteen years of age, or
under seventy, he should pay a fine of one hundred pounds, and
be "liable to corporal punishment." '
"The young settlement [on the east side of the river] had but
just fairly commenced," says Stiles, "when great fear fell upon
1 " Connecticut Colonial Records."
EARL Y MARRIED LIFE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLE Y. 37
the land. Danger lurked in every bush, and peered from behind
every tree; their houses were scattered, their numbers few; the
Indians numerous; and the broad stream of the Long River cut
them off from any immediate help from their friends and neigh-
bors on the west side.
"In that hour of anxious fear and torturing suspense they felt
that 'in union there was strength.' Many removed to the
opposite side of the river, and those who remained carried their
4 lives in their hands." Finally the inhabitants on the eastern
side of the Connecticut were ordered ' forthwith ' to remove
themselves, with their cattle and grain, to the west side; and
garrison houses were ordered to be kept for the protection of the
few who were obliged to remain. In fact the settlement was
temporarily broken up and dispersed." *
We are assured that John Higley was found bearing his part in
the defense and safety of the homes, though there is no record
of conspicuous service. He was now a man twenty-eight years
of age, strong and able-bodied, and it was evident that he was
early put into military training. It had been required by law for
many years that, "All persons above the age of sixteen years,
except magistrates and church officials, shall beare arms."2
They were required to have "in continual readiness a good
musket or other gun fit for service," with "a sword rest and
brandaleers," and ammunition kept in good order.2 At this time,
all the men were impressed into military service on sentinel
duty. Regular watches, consisting of one-fourth of the men of
the town, were appointed, the watch continuing from the "shut-
ting in of the evening till sunrise." It was "Ordered, that no
man walk about singly," and they might not work in fields
except in groups of six together, with guns at hand, " well fixed
and fitted for service."* Everyman was obliged to go constantly
fully armed, and stand ready night and day to do battle. They
slept upon their weapons, and as had been a custom, they carried
them to church. Scouts were constantly kept in service, and
were required to be on duty " by sun an hower high in each day."
1 Stiles' " History of Ancient Windsor."
2 " Connecticut Colonial Records."
3 In October, 1675, " Ordered, to joyne together to gather the Indian corn and bring it on ye west
sideof ye Great River, into places of best security." In November, "Ordered to kill and salt up
what of their cattell were fitt to kill and secure it in the best places they could from the enemie "
— to thresh and bake up their wheat into bread, " for use of the soldiers on gaurdfor our defence."
" Ordered, that 200 bushells of wheat be baked into biskit with all the speed that may be, and
200 bushalls of oats for the army,"— Connecticut Colonial Records.
4
38 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
As the year neared its close, troops from the different colonies
were called together and a successful contest followed on the
evening of December 19, 1675, at Pettyquamsquot, in the north-
east part of Connecticut, where the Indians had taken refuge in
a log-constructed barricade. The struggle was ended by a bloody
fight; the soldiers set fire to the rude stockade, and burned with-
out mercy warriors, squaws, helpless old red-skins, and children,
in one mass of flame.
It is stated that "three-hundred warriors were slain, and
nearly the same number taken prisoners, including women and
children. The entire number -of Indians thought to have been
inside the fortress numbered into thousands. Those who were
not consumed or taken prisoners, fled to the swamps, where they
spent the cold winter night without food, fire, or covering." " It
was cold and stormy," says one narrator, "the snow fell deep,
and it was not until after midnight the army got in."
The MS. of the Rev. Thomas Ruggles says: "The burning
of the wigwams, the shrieks and cries of the women and children,
and the yelling of the warriors, exhibited a most horrible and
affecting scene, so that it greatly moved some of the soldiers.
They were in doubt then, and afterwards often seriously inquired,
whether burning their enemies alive could be consistent with
humanity and the benevolent principles of the gospel." 1
At the following May session of the General Assembly (1676)
— our worthy Deacon Moore being a member for Windsor — there
was a reiteration of some of the laws bearing upon subjects of
a social and moral nature" indicating that the recent trials through
which they had passed were the cause of awakening the colony
to a greater degree of devotion. The last day of the month was
1 " History of Hartford County," by J. Hammond Trumbull.
2 It was Ordered, " If any persons on Saturday night or the Lord's Day, though it be after
sun-sett," were found "sporting in the fields, or drinking in houses of public entertainment or
elsewhere," should be subject to fine or to "suffer corporall judgment." " Noe serville worke"
was to be done on the Sabbath, " such as were not workes of piety, necessity, or charity." " Noe
profane talke" was allowed, nor " irreverent behavior."
Ministers were strongly recommended " to look into the state of families." " Noe person " was
to " retayle any less quantity than an anchor of drink at a time without special lycence." " Dilli-
gent search" was to be made by all constables and grand jurymen for all transgressions of this
order. Special " care and notice was to be taken by all persons frequenting publique houses
and spending their precious time there." " If he be fownd in such place and convicted," he was
to be fined five shillings or " sit in the stocks one hower for every such offence." The " sin of
uncleanness" was "on the increase," and ministers were recommended " to beare such due tes-
timonie against such wickedness according to law (if it be God's holy will) that such sin may be
prevented."
" Excess of Apparell" also claimed the Court's attention, as " unbecoming a wilderness condi-
EARL Y MARRIED LIFE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLE K. 39
" apoynted to be kept as a day of Solemn Humiliation, of fasting
and prayer." *
It is reasonable to suppose that John Higley with his young
family was of the number who removed, when the general order
to that effect was given, to the main settlement upon the west
side of the river, where he is found established soon after.
Amid the scenes of terror in which they had for many months
been living, it does not appear that his material prosperity had
been seriously interrupted. His feet were continued on the
ascent. In a 'Mist" of voluntary contributions "made to the
poor in want in other colonies " in June of the following year,
is found the name of "Hana Higley" as having donated is. 3d."
Her grandfather, Deacon Moore, Sr., contributed 6s. 6d. to
the same fund, and was one of a committee of three appointed
by the General Council "to distribute according to good dis-
cretion."2
From an old "Book of Rates" it appears that John Higley's
amount of list on January 25, 1676-77, was ^24, and his tax was
i6s. The following year, on the 2ist of January, his "List" is
recorded ,£22 and the "Rate" 143. 8d.s From these modest
amounts he came in after time to be one of the heaviest taxpayers
in the colony.
On " March ye i4th, 1677-78," the following was recorded: " A
Town meeting was held to publish ye Town rate for ye year past,
and ye ferry tax, — alsoe John Higley is now granted liberty to
take a parcell to bild on 25 foot in length against ye river, and
20 foot in breadth ye other way. But he must take after ye
Widdow Marshall has git out her grant, next after George
Griswold. " 4
It was upon this piece of land that he erected a warehouse.
His remarkable business and public career was now taking per-
manent shape.
tion, and the profession of the gospel, whereby the rising generation is in danger of being cor-
rupted." Persons wearing "gold or silver lace, gold or silver buttons, silk ribbons, or other super-
fluous trimmings, or any bone lace above three shillings per yard, or silk scarfs," were required to
be heavily assessed. Exception was made to " Magistrates, public Officers, their wives and chil-
dren, who are left to their discression, or any settled Military Commissioned Officer," and if " any
taylor shall fashion any garment for any child or servant contrary to the minde of the parent or
master," a fine was to be imposed. — Connecticut Colonial Records.
1 " Connecticut Colonial Records."
9 Old Church Records, Windsor, Conn.
1 " Book of Rates and Town Meeting Proceedings," Windsor, 167- to 1683.
4 " Windsor Records," book ii.
40 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
On the i3th of March, 1677, Elizabeth, his first daughter, was
born, and the same year (September) is marked by the death of
the grandfather, Deacon John Moore, who had for more than
forty-two years, with true-hearted devotion, been one among the
valuable lives of his times ; having shared the stress of sore
trials incident to those who had cast their lot with the new
colonies, and set going a stream of civilization and progress.
He stamped his footprint upon the early annals of our colonial
history, and left behind him a memory enriched by his example,
his character, and his work.
The old Puritan heroes who came from the motherland had
most of them quitted this earth life. Few were left. His
honored friend, Governor John Winthrop, with whom he was
a co-laborer for many years, died the year preceding, and Henry
Wolcott, Esq., the most prominent citizen and his associate in
town and colonial affairs, had died long before.
" They have left unstained what there they found,
Freedom to worship God."
CHAPTER IX.
BUSINESS PROSPERITY. — A GRANDMOTHER'S MEMORIES.
To be born where great and good men have had their nativity, to live where they have lived,
to be allied to them by kin, is, as it were, a patent of nobility. — CHARLES CARLKTON COFFIN.
IN vol. i. of the ancient Land Records at Windsor, Conn., is
found the following entry, under date of November 4, 1679, the
last part of which seems to be a confirmation of the former grant
of 1677. " A parcell of woodland that John Drake makes over to
his son-in-law John Higley; it is out of that land he formerly
bought of Richard Lyman, it Lyes towards Hartford Bounds;
he is to have out of it fifteen acres of the South end of said Lott. "
[Here follow boundaries].
"Alsoe, he has a parcell of Land whereon he has bilt his
Dweling house, the land was set out to him by his Grandfather,
Deacon Moore, it is one acre and half of the Land Called Cow-
feild." [Here follow boundaries].
"Alsoe, he hath a Small parcell of Land Granted him by The
Town on the North side of the ferry by the Rivulet to bild a
warehouse upon; it is set out below the widow Marshels's which
Lyes between it and George Griswold's, and this of John Higley's
is in length on the top of the bank against the River, thirty foot
in length downward and in breadth twenty-four foot." '
He is now found in possession of other lands, a new dwell-
ing, and a business house. After this period his life had to
do with many diverse interests. His warehouse, which was the
beginning of his commercial transactions, proved a channel
for his genius in business and was an element of success and
wealth.
Windsor at this time was not merely a village on the foreline
of western civilization, but was a chief center for trade, and a
port of entry. Sailing vessels of sixty, and up to seventy tons,
ascended the river to this point, and there was not only a thriv-
1 " Windsor Land Records," vol. i. p. 344.
42 THE HIGLEYS AND THEI'R ANCESTRY.
ing coastline trade, but an extensive commerce carried on be-
tween England and the West Indies.
It was a day of bustle and excitement in the streets when a
ship arrived from England. The townspeople turned out en
masse to hear the news from the old home-country, and spectators
lined the shores. The docks presented a lively scene, men
hurried to and fro, and business at the warehouses was active.
Two neighbors, with whom John Higley is found closely associ-
ated in the following years (Benjamin Newberry and George
Griswold), owned warehouses close by.
In the record of items left on the pages of his account-book,
in his own handwriting, it appears that he held the appointment
of Officer of the Customs, and there is some evidence that he
possessed an interest in vessels plying between this coast and
Bermuda. The latter, however, is not quite clear.
Much of the business of the warehouse had to do with the
importation of rum.1 The island of Barbadoes, with which there
was much communication at that time, "was the first sugar
colony which the English possessed, and was a place of consider-
able importance. In 1684 the distillation of rum from the cane
juice was extensively carried on, and there were not fewer than
358 sugar works in operation."2
But there were obstructions to trade in the colony, as reported
to the House of Lords by a committee appointed to make in-
quiry into the state of the colony, " for want of men of estates
to venture abroad, and of money at home for the management of
trade, and labor being so dear." *
John Higley turned his attention in this direction. According
to old MS., he made two voyages to the West Indies and some
coastwise trips. His name is also found in the return passenger
list as follows:
1 The following entries are extracts from John Higley's Account-Book :
" Aprill 25, 1683. Mr. Henry Wolcott made entry of one barroll of Rum for transportation and
if he did not transport it he would pay the costom of it."
"July 10, 1683. Nathaniel Bissell made entry of a cask of rum of about 52} gals., which he
entered for transportation, marked NB."
"August 5, '83. Mr. Thos. Cook made entry of one hhd. of rum for transportation : mark
TC [ . . . some words not deciphered] ye was — & mye same boats and barroll of Rum for
Tho: Dewey of Rum."
" 1683. _ Josias Wolcott made entry of 6 barrolls of Rum for transportation and if he did not
transport it for costom."
Says Eggleston : " There was no class in the colonies that could be called temperate, if judged
by modern American standards. . . . Drinking was universal. The birth of a child, the taking
of a piece of land, the induction of a new minister, an election of officers, weddings, funerals,
auctions, and even religious meetings in private houses, were occasions for drinking." — " The
Colonist at Home" The Century, 1884-83.
2 " History of Barbadoes," by Sir R. Schoonbruck.
* " Connecticut Colonial Records.
BUSINESS PROSPERITY. 43
" Persons of Qualitie who went to the American Plantations," sailing from Bar-
badoes in 1678 : viz.
" Ticquetts granted out of the Secys Office of the Island of Barbadoes for the
departure off the Island, March the 24th, John Higley on the ketch Mary for
Boston. John Gardener, Commander."1
The commodities shipped direct to Barbadoes and Jamaica
were " there bartered for sugar, cottonwood, and rumme and some
money." At this time in the history of the colony, " the chief
staples for trade were wheat, peas, hemp, ' Ry,' barley, Indian
corn, 'Porck' beefe, 'woole,'flax, cider, staves, and horses." The
great forests supplied materials for shipbuilding. These were
"good timber — oak, pine, and spruce for masts, 'tarr' and
pitch." The wearing apparel of the colonists was procured by
shipping the provisions they raised to Boston, which were ex-
changed for goods "to cloathe with." There were now "about
thirty black slaves in the Connecticut Colony."*
It was seldom that relief was needed for the poor. " Labor is
deare and provisions cheap," continued the Report to the House
of Lords. A day laborer was paid two shillings a day, and some-
times two and sixpence. "Beggars and vagabond persons were
not suffered," and when discovered were " bownd out to
service." a
On the 7th of August, 1679, his daughter Katherine was born,
and in 1680 a son was born, to whom John Higley gave his
mother's maiden name — Brewster. This son became, in aftertime,
the paternal ancestor of a long line of descendants bearing sterling
qualities.
At the town meeting held December 30, 1680, John Higley was
chosen a constable for Windsor, the first public office to which he
was elected.
"The constable was an officer of superior dignity." He was
to the inhabitants "the right arm of the king himself; a function-
ary treated with reverent awe and obeyed with implicit deference.
Whoever resisted the power resisted the ordinance of God. The
first constable in Windsor was Mr. Henry Wolcott, appointed in
1636." 3
About this time John Higley began to scent in the air the
1 Hotton's " Original Lists of Persons of Qualitie, Emigrants, and Others," etc.
2 " Connecticut Colonial Records."
' Noah Porter, D. D., President of Yale University, in " History of Hartford County," vol. iL
p. 306.
44 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
future fortunes in the growth and values of lands. In the years
1681 and 1682 he purchased additional tracts at Windsor.
The year 1681 witnessed the death of the venerable grand-
mother, Elizabeth Drake, who died on the yth of October, at the
age of one hundred years.
John and Hannah Drake Higley now had a family of five chil-
dren. We indulge in the fancy of seeing the eldest, John, a boy
of eight years, standing beside the old armchair of his great-
grandmother, listening with gaping wonder to the stories of well-
nigh a century. Her life had been co-extensive with the stirring
events in the rise and progress of the Puritans' colonization.
What " grandmother tales " she could tell ! not old wives'
fables, but entertaining historic reminiscences. Is it any sur-
prise that we have traditions ? And why not give them their due
weight and credence ? It has recently been said that " obscure
memories and vague traditions are powerful forces in our social
fabric." ' The tendency of the day to original inquiry and his-
toric facts obtained from actual record, has, perhaps, produced an
inclination to underestimate the importance of this kind of
material. These old lives spanned each other many years,
repeating and linking together successive periods of history, and
we cannot but maintain that they conveyed a vast amount of
truth ; and, while we readily admit that there were many errors
and inaccuracies, we recognize all the way along a stratum of
well-grounded fact which deserves due regard.
Books were very scarce in the days of Grandmother Drake, and
newspapers there were none; consequently the range of conver-
sation upon present events was naturally limited; however, there
was little room in her mind for dwelling upon the ordinary
matters of the neighborhood, or upon visionary things.
Her eventful life had been made up of actual realities, which
were no myth. As she sat, day after day, she must have readily
recalled a thousand memories of the long, long past years — her
recollections went so far back that they were beyond the reach of
everybody.
We learn of no lament falling from her aged lips over past
hardships. Her heroism had never failed. The sweet-winged
angel, Faith, had buoyed her from first to last, and she walked
through the vicissitudes of the Puritan's life gazing upward.
1 Hon. Thomas F. Bayard, Secretary of State, Speech at Holland Society Annual Meeting,
New York, 1889.
B U SIN ESS PROSPERIT Y, 45
She could tell of her girlhood days among the charming land-
scapes of the Devonshire hills looking out upon the waters of the
changing sea, of how they had, long years ago, heard strange tales
from the "sea kings," and fishermen, and fur merchants, of the
wild shore beyond the great ocean; then how they were marked
for persecution, and of the dark years that preceded the dawn
and epoch of their religious liberty, of severing the loved ties in
their native land, of the remarkable sea voyage, when they were
helplessly tossed in storm and wave, the fright and conjectures
whenever a sail appeared upon the horizon, about supposed
Spanish privateers, which were infesting the seas; of seventy-two
days of continuous " feasts of devotion " which the floating,
homeless church enjoyed with its voice uplifted in song above
the roar of the billows — the fire of powerful sermons preached
twice each day; and, finally, when land was descried, with what
joy they greeted "the smell of the shore, like the smell of
a garden." '
She could speak of the sense of isolation which stole secretly
into their hearts, and the high pitch of courage required, as they
neared our unfamiliar coast where
" the ocean eagle soared
From his nest by the white wave's foam ;
And the rocking pines of the forest roared
This was their welcome home ! "
Then, in our imagination, came her narratives of the dreadful pri-
vations, makeshifts, adventures, and escapes through which they
passed during their life among wild savages — " the heathen,"
as they called them ; how these intruded themselves into their
homes whenever they inclined to open the door and walk stealthily
in without even knocking ; meddled with everything they fancied
to lay their hands upon, and wrapping themselves in their bear-
skins would lay themselves down to sleep upon the floor in front
of the great fireplace.
Mrs. Drake could well remember these savage rovers when
they became fierce and treacherous, how they tortured to death
and tomahawked the settlers on the river, and " wore headbands
made of the fingers and toes of their victims," the thrilling excite-
ments in the settlements when they kidnapped and carried off
into the dark wilderness neighbors and little children, and the
1 Winthrop's Letter*.
46 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
dreadful horrors these endured, and how stout hearted women
used the musket in defense when needful.
Grandmother Drake had many a true story to relate of packs
of hungry wolves and other wild beasts of the thickets close to
her dwelling, howling and snarling at night, just outside the door.
But her best stories must have been about real, live, so-called
"witches," who haunted the neighborhood — no mere phantoms,
but women whom they believed were intimate with evil spirits,
and saw and heard things supernatural, who did an endless string
of things which upset the community.
Her voice no doubt trembled as she sometimes talked with the
older people of the gloomy news that often reached them from
the motherland in that remarkable age in the history of Eng-
land, the disorder and turmoil that prevailed at periods in the
political world, the insecurity of government, and the grievous
suspense they endured between the long intervals of the ships
coming bearing news from home — sweet home.
But now the eventful journey of Elizabeth Drake's life was
closed. A wild informal beauty surrounded the scene as they
laid her to her slumbrous rest. It was early autumn. The corn-
tassels were brown, and the stocks were golden. All nature was
ripe and mellow. A glorious luxuriance in color clothed the
boughs of the great forest trees, and the bushes which fringed the
majestic river, upon whose banks, as "a pilgrim and a stranger,"
she had found a home. Its waters glistened between the brilliant
foliage in sight of her resting place. The sun reddened the
western sky, and covered the summits of the rich valley with a
glow. The birds, in flocks, were passing high in the air, migrat-
ing to a sunnier home. The wind-breezes blew a little wild
among the giant pines, and furnished the music which wafted her
away in holy triumph, as she took new wing and went onward to
another world and another life.
And so she parted — our last old Puritan grandmother — leaving
behind her, from the blossoms her life had yielded, a rich fruitage
of hope, courage, and devotion.
" I am the last. Once more we are complete,
To gather round the Paschal feast. My place
Is near my Maker. My Lord !
How bright Thou art, and yet the very same
I loved on earth ! "Tis worth the hundred years
To feel this bliss ! So, lift me up, dear Lord,
Unto Thy bosom. There shall I abide."
— St. John, the Aged.
CHAPTER X.
SIMSBURY, CONN.
And from this ancient town, went forth men
Whose deeds, recorded by the pen —
Became historic. Their unflinching faith,
Endurance, and amazing hardihood,
Set the great seal of deathless Industry
Upon their labors ; carving for themselves,
With cumbrous ploughshare.
— The Titles of a True Nobility.— PL. E. JKNKS.
IT was about the year 1683 that John Higley's attention was
turned toward the settlement at Massacoe,1 nine miles distant,
for his future home. The rich meadows upon the banks of the
noble stream — the Tunxus, now the Farmington, which was
swarming with myriads of fish, and the rich wooded upland slopes,
gave to his far-seeing eye future promise of prosperity.
As early as March n, 1663, the grandfather, Deacon John
Moore, with Captain Benjamin Newberry and Edward Griswold,
all residents of Windsor, were appointed by the General Assembly
a committee "to lay out the undivided lands at Massacoe, to such
inhabitants of Windsor as desire and need it,"" and "in 1667 the
first grants given by this committee, of which any record exsists,
were made." s
Among those who secured estates thus granted, was John Drake,
the father-in-law of John Higley. The following year, October
1668, the General Court ordered, " that Massacoe, which hitherto
hath been an appendix to the towne of Windsor, may be improved
for the making of a plantation ; and Capt. Benjamin Newberry,
Deacon John Moore, and Mr. Simon Woolcott, the present Com-
mittee for the grant of those lands, are desired and empowered
by the Court to the further planting of the same, and to make
such just orders as they shall judge requisite for the well ordering
of the sayd Plantation, so they be not repugnant to the publique
orders of this Colony."*
The first acknowledged deed given formally by the Indians, and
having the sanction of the General Assembly, was not executed
1 The Indian name for Simsbury. ' Phelps' " History of Simsbury."
* " Connecticut Colonial Records," vol. i. p. 397. 4 " Connecticut Colonial Records."
48 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
until twelve years later — 1680, though "the Inhabitants had held
quiet possession without interruption for some years previous."
The year before his removal to Simsbury, John Higley's name
was "propownded" to the General Assembly, May 10, 1683,' for
admission as freeman. There is no explanation given why he
deferred his application until he was near thirty-four years of age.
He was "accepted " at the following term of the Court in October.
The act of the Assembly under which the Connecticut colonial
residents were given this franchise at this time required, "that
they present themselves with a certificate under the bands of ye
maior, and of the Townsman where they live, that they are per-
sons of civil, peaceable, and honest conversation, and that they
attain the age of 21 years, and have ^20, estate beside their
person, in the List of estate, and that such persons so qualified to
the Court's approbation shall be presented at the October Court
and admitted after ye election at the Assembly in May. And in
case any freeman shall walk scandalously or commit any scandalous
offence, and be legally convicted thereof, he shall be disfranchised
by any Civill Courts."*
On the 22d of August the same year (1683) occurred the
happy birth of his daughter, Hannah, who was destined, years later,
to become the mother of Connecticut's first governor, America's
distinguished "Brother Jonathan" of Revolutionary fame,3 and
grandmother and great-grandmother to others of Connecticut's
chiefest and most notable citizens, including two governors, and
one signer of the Declaration of Independence.
About this time John Higley became involved in a lawsuit, evi-
dently in connection with his warehouse transactions. In Septem-
ber, 1681, Joseph Trueman recovered judgment against him for
twenty-six gallons of " Rume," and cost of court, amounting to
;£i los. 6d. The execution was levied upon two hundred and
seventy-one yards of "old statute lace." The General Assembly
repealed this judgment at the May session, 1683, because Trueman
thought the value of the lace was not equal to the amount of the
judgment, and Trueman was given liberty to apply to the Court of
Assistants. The litigation in this case continued through a period
of several years. *
The precise date in 1684 of John Higley's removal with his
1 " Connecticut Colonial Records."
* " Connecticut Colonial Records," 1665-77.
8 See sketches of Hannah Higley Trumbull, p. 103, and Governor Jonathan Trumbull, chapter
Iviii.
SIMSBURY, CONN. 49
family to Simsbury cannot be ascertained. Legal documents
upon record, concerning purchases of land with which he was con-
nected, clearly state that he was a " resident of Windsor " on the
4th of March in that year (1684). His homestead farm at
Simsbury was secured at two purchases, the first from Samuel
Brooke in March, 1684, and the remainder on the ad of Sep-
tember of the same year from George Griswold. Since the
deed to that purchased from Griswold includes the dwelling,
barns, and other buildings, and in the December following he is
found to have become a permanent resident of Simsbury, it is
conclusive that he removed from Windsor and took possession of
his new abode early in the autumn of 1684. The property was
known as the " Wolcott-farm."
A very old record shows that this was a part of the original
tract of land "laid out" to Simon Wolcott, January 28, 1675.
It gives to Wolcott " land which lyeth adjacent to his house-lott
(which house lott, by a previous grant contayned 5 acres and 64
rods) and Contayned by estimate Twenty Accres, one Roode, and
two perchase." '
Mr. Simon Wolcott afterward added lands to this tract. He
occupied the property until about the year 1680, and one of its
chief glories has been that it is claimed to have been the birth-
place of Governer Roger Wolcott.8 The house also bears the
distinction of having been the first licensed place at Simsbury for
the sale of liquors. Wolcott, while he was its owner, having been
" granted liberty to retayle spirits."
John Higley finally became the purchaser of the entire farm,
which contained ninety-four acres, and additional adjacent lands.
For some reason Simon Wolcott had divided the property and
sold a part to Christopher Saunders of Rehobeth, Mass., and the
remainder to George Griswold of Windsor.
The early Land Records of Simsbury were accidentally burned
about the year 1684-85, and in many cases a second deed of
property, which had been previously placed upon record, is found
in the ancient Records as though given at a later date.*
1 From Book i. " Records of Simsbury."
* The Rev. Increase Tarbox, in the " History of Hartford County " by J. Hammond Trumbull,
states that Simon Wolcott removed to East Windsor in 1680, and that his son, Roger Wolcott, was
then an infant, one year old. Family tradition has long had it that about three years intervened
between Simon Wolcott's sale of the estate and John Higley's purchase of the same.
* The following is taken from a statement in Book i. " Simsbury Land Records," p. 26, dated
May i, 1688 :
" On March 4th 1683-4 John Higley of Windsor bought of Samuel Brooke, son of John Brookes,
5° THE HIGLEY S AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
The estate was situated in the extreme northern part of the
present limits of Simsbury township, upon the direct road lead-
ing from the town to the old Newgate prison and copper-mines,
and half a mile above the spot where the road to the village of
Salmon Brook branches off. The property, which included this
farm, was purchased and presented to the town, in 1883, by
Amos R. Eno, Esq., for a "home for the poor of the town," and
is now known as the " Town Farm." '
When owned by John Higley, it comprised rich bottom lands
of the Farmington River, including a sloping ridge, or uplands,
that bound the valley, which are said to have been covered by
stately pines. Pickeral Cove, which formed one of the boundaries,
is to this day a beautiful and romantic spot, and the " little brook "
mentioned in the deed is still a lively, dancing stream, whose
waters flow by in forgetfulness of its owner of two centuries ago.
The house and buildings were placed on the slope of the rising
land, looking across the valley, and stood upon the east side of the
road. Its quaint, old-fashioned exterior was distinctly remem-
bered by Dr. Lucius I. Barber and Mr. Newall Goddard of Sims-
bury, who were born and brought up near the site where it stood,
both of whom described it to the writer.
It was a good specimen of the better class of colonial home-
steads, and was far above the primitive dwelling-houses of those
late of Simsbury, Deed., land distributed to said Samuel Brookes from the estate of his father, as by
the ' honored Court Records may appear," a certain portion of land, which was the one-half interest
of the property known as the Wolcott farm, ' for and in Consideration of a Valuable summe to him
payd and Secured.'
" The Deed from Christopher Sanders of Rehobeth, Mass., to John Brookes of Windsor, of said
farm reads thus ; ' Which sayd Farrne was bought by me, the said Christopher Sanders, of Simon
Wolcott of Windsor, the Whole farm being by estimation Ninety-four Accres.' "
From Book i. "Simsbury Records":
" I, George Griswold ... of Windsor, in consideration of the sum of one hundred and twenty
pounds, paid by John Higley of Windsor, have sold . . . the moiety of one half of a certain ffarmme
which was formerly bought of Mr. Simon Wolcott of Windsor, the whole farm being by estimation
ninety-four acres more or less, situated on the westerly side of the river above the falls, and begins
at a little brook by the river side, which brook bounds it next to land I bought of John Griffen, 116
rods in breadth by the river, and runs from the river towards the upland 130 rods ; the land
which was anyways granted or given to Simon Wolcott by the Inhabitants of the said town of Sims-
bury, together with all buildings, edifices, fences, orchards, gardens, and all other parts and appur-
tences, as also ; And moreover tbe moiety of one half of that parcel of land which Samuel Phelps
and I, the aforesaid George Griswold bought of John Griffen, the whole being about twenty acres
lying on the same side of ye river and abutting S. W. on the Aforementioned farm, easterly by the
river, and north N. E. on Pickerall Cove.
" Dated ; This Second day of September, one thousand six hundred and eighty-four.
" [Signed] GEORGE GRISWOLD."
An adjoining tract of land is recorded as follows :
At a town meeting held " March ye 34 1690, given to Lieut. John Higley a certain parcel! of land
lying without the line that was laid out to Mr. Samuel Wolcott, it is a kind of frog Pond ; alsoe
there is thirty acres of land joins sd Lieut. John Higley's on his Brook between his land and
Salmon Brook path," etc.
NOTE.— Many of the earliest papers concerning lands at Simsbury were burned in 1676. Dr.
Lucius I. Barber is authority for stating that there were also a number burned in an accidental
fire which occurred about 1684-85.
1 The present buildings on the " Town Farm " are upon the west side of the road, nearly opposite
to the spot where John Higley's house stood.
SIMSBURY, CONN. 51
early times. This one is described as a substantial frame struc-
ture, commodious in size, two stories in front, the rafters of
whose roof slanted downward in the rear to within eight or ten
feet of the ground. This rear part of the building was called
" the lean-to."
There was one massive chimney, which it is stated was full
twelve feet square, and stood like a great tower directly in the
center of the roof. The fireplace was eight feet wide, and
several feet deep, built of stone laid in clay. The chimney was
topped with brick brought from England. The windows were
small, after the style of the times, containing window-panes
6"X8", and were three panes wide.
" These homes," says Eggleston, " had an air of domesticity —
of large and elegant domesticity, but still they looked like homes,
the homes of people of sense, and taste, and character." '
A few venerable apple trees, which have leaved and budded at
the springtime of years numbering almost a century, which were
probably planted by John Higley's grandchildren, are all that is
now left to mark the spot where stood the old homestead which
has long since disappeared. It was torn down in the year 1827 by
Alexander Holcombe, who was at that time the owner of the farm.
It was here that Captain Higley's son Joseph was born, and this
was also the birthplace of his son Samuel, who has become a char-
acter of national interest, as the designer and manufacturer of the
earliest American copper coin put into circulation. It was also
within its walls that his daughter Mindwell was born.
John Higley afterward purchased adjoining tracts and addi-
tional lands, until his estates in the northern part of Simsbury
township extended from the town of Simsbury to the village of
Salmon Brook, and thence running east across the Farmington
river, included some of the best meadow lands in the township,
and the present site of Tariffville.
This region of country, extending full four miles along the
river north and south, and from the river to the West Mountain,
a distance of at least 3^ miles in another direction, was after-
ward called Higley-town, and was so known for more than
150 years. He was also the possessor of lands at a settlement
a few miles away, called Scotland, and at Turkey Hills, and
Windsor. An excellent map of Simsbury, made by order of the
Connecticut General Assembly in 1730, the original of which
1 Edward Eggleston, in The Century, 1883.
52 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
is still in existence, shows Higley-town marked with beautiful
clearness, and indicates the dwellings contained in the entire
township, with the names of the land-owners, 'among whom are
a large number of the Higleys of the second and third generations.
Upon his removal to Simsbury, John Higley's usefulness in his
new sphere of life is soon apparent.
On the 24th of December, 1684, a committee was appointed by
the town meeting to provide for and superintend " Ye finishing
of ye Meeting House, with full power,"1 etc. This committee
consisted of the townsmen, and John Higley. The following
summer a committee was chosen "for ye procuring of a
minister," the Rev. Mr. Stow declining " to stay no longer than
to mak up his four Years which will terminate said he in the
middle of October." The record reads as follows :
"August 14, 1685. — At a Town-Meeting of the Inhabitants of
Simsbury there was a Committee chosen by the Inhabitants
thereof who have full power by virtue of this vote to choose and
look after and procure a Minister for the sd town of Simsbury
and give him suitable Incouragement according to our capacity "a
This committee consisted of nine persons, one of whom was
John Higley.
By a subsequent vote of the town the committee was con-
tinued, and John Higley was delegated by this committee, as its
messenger, " to treat with Rev. Mr. Emmerson or Other suitable
person for the right discharge of the ministeriall function," and
authorized unanimously by vote, "to tender fifty pounds
annually," and if he could not be prevailed upon to come on
these terms, "then sixty pounds " were to be offered. He was
also invested with considerable latitude in the offer of certain
lands to anyone whom he might consider a " suitable man for
the place," in case Mr. Emmerson did not accept.
In December, 1685, he was chosen "townsman," and was
re-elected to the position after this almost every year until 1692.
Upon the 3ist of the same month he was made one of a com-
mittee to "lay out, state, and settle " matters concerning fenc-
ing, "in some just and equitable way."
There was no end to the vexations and annoyances incident to
1 " Simsbury Records of Town Meetings," book i. p. 34.
• " Simsbury Records of Town Meetings," book i. p. 42.
SIMSBURY, CONN. 53
life in an unsettled wilderness. The lands were not defined at
this time by settled boundaries, and there was little or no fencing,
and great trespasses and contests were practiced. Later on,
after fencing had been ordered, but had not been attended to by
the inhabitants, John Higley, with his associate " Selek men of
Simsbury,'1 in behalf of the townspeople offered a petition to the
"Generall Assembly," in which they portray in pitiful complaint
the imposition of their neighbors' " horses, catell and swine,"
which were permitted to roam at large, saying :
"Our Cornfields lye exceedingly hazzardous and .our labors be
distroyed, as we are Yearly so Distroyed and devoured one of
another that it is most grevious : which if there be not some
speedy care taken of us that our meadows and cornfields be
secured, and our crops preserved, we shall bee very much
empoverished : neither shall we bee able to carry on any publique
duties, either in eccleasticall matters or civill effayres, ... so that
in sense thereof we do most earnestly begg, pray and Implore this
honnered Court to take vs, and our most sadd estate, into your
serious Considerason and find out some way for our reliefe and
welfare. . . so that we pray and entreat your worships to afford
us some reliefe. And in hopes shall crave leave to subscribe
ourselves your humble petitioners."1
Serious questions arose as to the validity of the Indian titles
under which the lands of Simsbury were then held. To settle
these questions the governor, Robert Treat, by authority
and direction of the General Assembly, issued, March n, 1686,
a Patent of the township of Simsbury to eight proprietors and
their associates; and one of these eight proprietors named in the
patent was "Mr John Higley."* The Patent was again con-
firmed by Act of the General Assembly in 1703, while Captain
John Higley was yet living.
From this period (1686) to the close of his life, he was
a leading spirit in the town, and prominent in the annals of
public affairs in the colony. Except in those of the Church, his
1 Phelps' " History of Simsbury," p. 79.
8 The names appearing in this original Patent of Simsbury, are : " Major John Talcott, Capt.
Benjamin Newberry, Ensign John Terry, Mr. John Higley, Mr John Case, Mr Joshua Hoi-
combe, Mr Samuel Wilcox, and Mr Thomas Barber."
A duplicate copy of this Patent, recorded on parchment, is in the hands of Miss Emma Higlev
of Vermont, which has descended with other relics left by Captain John Higley.
5
54 THE HI G LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
name appears upon the records in connection with nearly all of
the important interests of his time.
While his career was one marked by stanch integrity, justice,
and truth, and the utmost fidelity to any cause that he espoused,
his religious communion appears to have been in the invisible
world, and not as a member of the Puritan church organization.
His name, as thus connected, is not to be found upon any church
records or in private papers, and even tradition is silent.1 There
is, however, no proof that there was infidelity in his mind. He
lived in the Christian faith. But his religion was more a matter
of life than of creed, of deeds than of outward profession.
The town meeting in those days managed all ecclesiastical
affairs, and through this channel he was active in means pertain-
ing to public worship. He contributed faithfully to the support
of the Church — the law requiring the minister's rates to be col-
lected by the same methods as the rates for the town. In the
Windsor meetinghouse he was assigned a seat, by the •" Seating-
Committee," April 13, 1681, in the "first gallerie," for which he
appears to have paid four shillings.
Unhappily there was a bitter contention in the old Windsor
Society, and a lack of unanimity, covering a period of several
years during John Higley's residence there, and he was probably
never attracted, in this state of things, to become personally iden-
tified in membership with the church.
The tranquillity and peace of the churches in the colonies were
disturbed by controversies about the grounds for admission to
church membership, baptism, and other doctrinal issues, and at
Windsor there had been a long period of seething discontent and
inharmony upon the question of repairs of the meetinghouse,
which resulted in contention and bitterness. The participators
in the contending parties upon one side were Jacob and Job
Drake, and John Moore, Jr., the uncles of Hannah Drake
Higley, who took their prominent part, as did other influential
families with whom John Higley was in daily association — among
whom were the Wolcotts, Captain Newberry, the Loomises, Gris-
wolds, Bissells, and Phelpses.
At Simsbury there was a prolonged contention, lasting several
years, concerning the location of a needed house for worship.
The unhappy differences were finally settled "at a solemn meet-
1 " Church membership, as in Massachusetts, was not a requisite qualification in the Connecti-
cut colony, for a freeman."— Pitkin's History, p. 44.
SIMSBURY, CONN. 55
ing on ye 24th of May 1683," by "too PaPers put into ye hatt,"
which were " Drawne by ye lott,"1 and at the time of John
Higley's removal to the place the following year, the meeting-
house, a building 28X24 feet, was erected, but stood unfinished.
It was located upon the west side of the river just across the
road, or street, which now runs by the ancient Hop-Meadow
burying-ground. As has been before stated, his first appoint-
ment by the town meeting, after coming to Simsbury, was to
serve with "the Selek-men for the finishing of the house," which
was accomplished in 1685.
In due time "a floor was laid, seats or benches furnished,
and a pulpit built." It was eleven years after this before the
building was ceiled, and supplied, for the first time, with windows
and a gallery. "It was never painted — though the town once
voted 'to daub it.' This house was used for public worship
and town meetings nearly sixty years."8
At the time that John and Hannah Drake Higley became
residents in Simsbury, "Rev. Mr. Samuel Stow" was preaching
in the place. His salary was fifty-six pounds a year. "The
town agreed with Samuel Adams for to get Mr. Stow's firewood
for a whole year compleat, and for his reward he is to have ^5,
i28." Thomas Barber received ten shillings yearly "for the
beating of the Drumme on the Sabboth Dayes. " 3
The Rev. Samuel Stow remained but a brief period, and in
1687 John Higley was again active in behalf of the town meeting
in securing the services of the Rev. Edward Thompson. In
June of that year Mr. Thompson "was employed to preach,
though not as a Settled Pastor." * He came with his family, from
Cape Ann, Mass.
1 Old Simsbury Records.
a Phelps' " History of Simsbury," p. 47.
3 Simsbury Public Records.
4 Old Records of Congregational Church Society, Simsbury.
CHAPTER XL
PUBLIC LIFE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY.
Man's true fame must strike from his own deeds. — MIDDLETON.
IN political affairs the colonies were in disturbed relations with
the transatlantic power. In 1685 Charles II. died and James II.
came to the throne of England. James followed in the wake of
Charles as a tyrant. He soon began measures to have the Ameri-
can colonies surrender their patents, and to unite them into prov-
inces under a governor-general appointed by the Crown. In 1686
the Connecticut General Assembly sent a petition to the king by
a special representative, praying for the privilege to continue
its charter. The royal government turned a deaf ear to the
request.
Sir Edmund Andros arrived in Boston in December of the same
year, to assume the position of governor-general over New Eng-
land. On the 3ist of October, 1687, Andros, with a company of
soldiers, came to Hartford while the General Assembly was in
session, to which body he was courteously escorted by the train-
bands. Ensign John Higley was present. Andros demanded the
Connecticut charter, which, after a heated debate, prolonged until
nightfall, was brought into the Assembly chamber and laid upon
the table.1 Suddenly the lights were extinguished, "leaving the
chamber in complete darkness," during which the charter was
spirited away.
" The tradition is that Captain Joseph Wadsworth was the chief
actor in this episode. The act has given his name a worthy place
among those honored by Connecticut as patriots and heroes."5
But that Captain Wadsworth had his helpers in the " irregular
proceeding," who were at hand to assist in this shrewdly managed
action, is plain to be seen.
1 The following entry in the Colonial Records doubtless has reference to this scene :
" Sundry of the Court desiring the Patent or Charter might be brought into.the Court, the
Secretary sent for it and informed the Governor and Court that he had the Charter, and
showed it to the Court, and the Governor bid him put it in the box again, and lay it on the table,
and leave the key in the box, which he did forthwith." — Hollester's History of Connecticut.
a " The Story of the Charter Oak," by W. I. Fletcher, Librarian, Connecticut Historical Society.
56
PUBLIC LIFE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY. 57
Old private MS. in the hands of the Higley descendants state
positively that the document was given to their honored ances-
tor, John Higley, that he mounted his horse and galloped off with
it to Higley-town, where he kept it secreted six weeks, before it
finally found its hiding-place in the hollow of the since famous oak
tree in Hartford.
That there was a duplicate copy of the charter is well known,
and whether this may have been the prize preserved by our worthy
hero cannot be stated; indeed, it is not known how authentic is the
story, which comes down to us direct, of his fast horseback ride
through the forests bearing the valuable parchment to Higley-
town; but since it is both possible and creditable, true to the old
tradition we record it here, knowing that John Higley was a
man equal to any great emergency, possessing bouyancy and great
tact, full of clear grit and defiant courage.1
The times were stirring, and the prominent men were on the
keen alert during the critical situation, more especially that "it
had been declared that the titles of the colonists to their lands
were of no value, and Andros had said that Indian deeds were
no better than ' the scratch of a bears flaw.'"* Indeed many
proprietors of lands "were obliged in many instances to take
out new patents for their estates, for which a heavy fee was de-
manded." It would seem a matter of course that, as a public-
spirited man, Ensign John Higley would be in Hartford watching
with eager interest the proceedings. His fortune and his prop-
erty were at stake. Besides, his military duties demanded his
presence in Hartford with the train-band, of which he was a mem-
ber, these having been ordered to the town on the day in question.
He was also a member of the General Assembly.
Whether or not we may receive it as a quiet reward, or recogni-
tion of his gallant deed, we find John Higley soon after commis-
sioned by Governor Robert Treat as an officer of the militia,
1 " The extinguishment of the lights," says Fletcher, " and the removal of the Charter h*ad
been the act of a few private individuals, whose desire to save the precious document ex-
ceeded their fear of the consequences to themselves of a rash and dangerous attempt. It was long
before it was prudent to have the names of these men known, and the necessity goes far to ex-
plain the haziness of the history which has come down to us."
" To complete the chapter it only remains to add that government under the Charter was
resumed in 1689, when, on the news of the revolution in England reaching Boston, Andros
had been arrested and imprisoned." — Fletcher's Story of the Charier Oak.
" Connecticut obtained from the most able lawyers in England an opinion that the colony, not
having surrendered the Charter under seal, and no judgment being entered on record, the Charter
was not invalidated." — Barber's Historical Collections, p. 23.
1 " Connecticut Historial Collections," by John Warner Barber.
5§ THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
and bearing the distinction of ensign.1 This was, at that
time, the highest military official in the town.
If a man played a distinguishing part in administrative affairs in
those old days, it was a guarantee that he was of good character
and good habits, and possessed well-balanced abilities,' directed to
ends valuable to the Commonwealth. Repeated and successive
promotions signalized John Higley as having qualities of good fel-
lowship which commanded the admiration and confidence of his
townspeople and political associates.
On May 21, 1688, he was chosen "commissioner for Sims-
bury."8 This invested him with the power of a public civil
officer for his town, whose duty was " the dispensation of justice."
In August, 1687, he was chosen deputy to the General Assembly,3
and was elected to a seat in that body as a representative for
thirty-seven terms, held during the twenty-two years following.
During this long period of legislative service he received various
appointments on committees of importance.
In May, 1690, the number of Simsbury soldiers having been in-
creased, he was promoted by the General Court to the grade of lieu-
tenant,4 and in 1691 he was again recorded by act of the General
Assembly a "commissioner," which office he held by successive
annual elections until the colonial legislature at the May term in
1693 "provided by law "a "Commission for Justices,"6 replacing
the office formerly known as commissioner. To this office he
received the first appointment for Hartford County, and filled it
by annual election for twelve successive years. In 1710 he was
appointed a " Justice of the Quorum," an office akin to the county
court. "Thus," says Dr. L. I. Barber, "he was the first citizen
of Simsbury to hold the several offices of ' Commissioner,' 'Justice
of the County Court,' and ' Captain of the Malitia.' '
During these busy years in public affairs his comprehensive
grasp and persistent industry caused his vocations to be diverse
apd numerous. In addition to serving upon important com-
\
1 "Connecticut Colonial Records."
a " May 21, 1688. — At a General Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Simsbury Mr. John Higley
was chosen Commissioner for the Town of Simsbury, to attend to those Offices as by Law required
of such Commissioners, and he is to serve in ye place till ye next May come Twelve Month." —
Simsbury Records, book i. p. 65.
'"General Court held at Hartford, Conn., October 10, 1687 ; Ensign John Higley, Deputy for
Simsbury."— Connecticut Colonial Records,
* " May term 1690. — John Higley is allowed Lieutenant, and Thomas Barber Ensign of Sims-
bury Train-band, and are to be Commissioned." — Connecticut Colonial Records, vol. iv.
* " Connecticut Colonial Records," vol. iv.
PUBLIC LIFE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY. 59
mittees of the General Assembly, he was constantly engaged in the
detail of town government. The town records abound in the use
of his name associated with its various interests. Among other
appointments it may be noted that he was again made chairman
of a committee early in August, 1691, " to be active in ye procur-
ing of a minister," the Rev. Edward Thompson ' declining longer
to serve as pastor of the church.
Among other town improvements he was granted liberty at
a town meeting held in February, 1697, "to set up a saw mill
north on Bissell's Brook," and the following year, in partnership
with Daniel Adams, " to set up a Dam and Grist Mill in any stream
in town that they may choose." By papers recorded at the
settlement of his estate it is shown that he had been engaged in
obtaining tar and turpentine from his " Pine plains." Draft was
made upon his time by frequent appointments to "lay out"
lands. Among many appointments of like character, he "was
empowered" by the General Assembly in 1698 to ^ lay out" a
grant of two hundred acres to the Rev. Dudley Woodbridge, pas-
tor of the church at Simsbury, and the next year he was chosen
to "lay out to Mr. Henry Wolcott land formerly granted him."
It must be remembered also, that he had a young and constantly
increasing family to provide and care for, and the wilderness was
in process of being turned into grain-bearing fields, while the
scarity of laborers was severely felt.
He was all the while doing conspicuous and honorable service in
the military line. In 1698, " there now being nine files of soldiers,"
the number required to make up a full company, Lieutenant John
Higley was advanced, by act of the General Assembly, to the rank
of captain : "an office of great dignity in those days, and, with
a single exception, the highest then known in the colony — each
county having, as chief military officer, a sergeant-major."2
Training-day was usually a great public day. "It was in these
days, when the people were assembled, that the town business was
generally transacted. The train-bands contained sixty-four men,
and some had more than one hundred. No distinctive uniform was
required before the Revolution. The men were armed with fire-
locks [later called flint-locks] and pikes, swords and cutlasses." 8
1 For further particulars concerning Rev. Edward Thompson, see chapter xxi.
* Phelps' " History of Simsbury," p. 83. Also " Connecticut Colonial Records," vol. v.
" Lieut. John Higley was confirmed Captn of the Train-band in the Town of Simsbury, and
to be Commissioned Accordingly."
* Extracts from "History of Hartford County," by J. Hammond Trumbull.
60 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
As a matter of course, they carried the British flag. Our fore-
fathers were born and reared under the mother government, and
they at this time had not a thought of breaking away from her.
There was as yet no sight of "star and stripe"; our honored
spangled banner that to-day floats forty-four stars was not
then dreamed of.
"Those were the times when everything associated with the
community revolved more or less around the Church," says
Senator Hawley, in a recent speech. "There were four great
men in these towns, the first selectman, the captain of the militia,
the preacher, and the schoolteacher. It was a military, if not a
warlike, people. They were up to every demand of the king." '
"To the military organizations the meetinghouse was in some
sense the center. The minister was summoned yearly to
offer prayer upon the Green amid the assembled companies, and
invited to dine with the officers. Should it rain beyond endur-
ance on training-day, the meetinghouse was opened to protect
the soldiers from drenching. Its sacred walls have many a time
reverberated to drum and fife, and the tramp of files along the
aisles, while excited boys looked down from the gallery with won-
der at so strange a spectacle." 2
The morning of the 4th of August, 1694, dawned with a cloud
of heavy bereavement in the home of Captain John Higley ; for it
was on this day that the death of his estimable wife, Hannah
Drake Higley, the beloved mother of his nine children, took
place. She became his wife at the age of eighteen, and during
the twenty-three years of their married life they had together
divided* many toilsome days. It is safe to say that few, if any,
shadows had cast themselves over the domestic fireside. They
had had much sunshine both outside and inside their home, and
in material prosperity their feet had been on the continual ascent.
Hannah Drake witnessed the early struggles of her husband
while seeking to get a start in life, and shared in the great battle
of civilization, the dangers of a frontier home, the hard work, and
the cares and solicitude of a growing family; and had stood
strong while the husband and father had been occupied for several
years in public and political engagements. Every day of her
1 Hon. Joseph R. Hawley of Connecticut, at annual dinner, in New York City, of the New Eng-
land Society.
a " History of Hartford County," by J. Hammond Trumbull.
Training-day was a holiday observed so essentially the same in each town that had its military
company, that the description given of one will belong to all.— ED.
PUBLIC LIFE OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY. 6 1
whole existence had been passed in the wilderness. She was
born and bred within the nightly sounds of howling wolves, and
was familiar with the prowling habits of the bear and the native
wild animals of the forests. She had no practical knowledge of
life away from the privations and inconveniences attendant upon
the pioneer. She knew what it was to singe her hair, blister
her hands, and scorch her clothing while cooking over an open
fireplace, a method now growing to be known only in the hunter's
camp and in history. The tread of her foot and the spinning-
wheel performed accompanying parts in the round of her daily
duties, and her busy hands managed the loom. The minister,
the teacher,1 and the meetinghouse had been almost her only
instructors. Yet she had a long lineage back of her, gifted
with superior intellectual abilities, and with such antecedents and
home-training, it is not surprising that her mind was cultivated to
a considerable degree. Her parents and grandparents knew on
coming to the wilderness that no greater stigma could rest upon
them than that of leaving their children without the opportunity
of an ordinary education, but for the most part it was the boys of
the Puritan households, and not the girls, who received these
advantages. The schoolhouse was planted simultaneously with
the church.* The course of education was limited to elementary
groundwork. These were thoroughly taught; though it may be
doubted whether Hannah Drake was ever a schoolgirl.3
The original old Puritans with whom her girlhood was spent,
and their sons and daughters who emigrated with them, brought to
the new country habits of intelligent observation and discussion,
and shared with their children around the table the results of
their acquaintance with the world; these children were taught to
listen intelligently. From these Hannah would naturally imbibe
the knowledge that there was in the somewhere, a moving, restless,
and busy world; but she had never seen it — her only glimpse of
it had been at the stately ships which came to and fro into the
Windsor port.
1 An installed teacher was connected with many New England churches in the early times.
" It was the general opinion that the pastor's work consisted principally in exhortation ; but the
teacher's business was to teach, explain, and defend the doctrines of Christianity." — Barber's
Historical Collections, p. 128.
a Schools were at once established. By an early statute it was ordered that " every town con-
taining thirty families shall maintain a school to teach reading and writing, and that every county
town should have a Latin school. The pupils were grounded in reading, writing, and the cate-
chism."— History of Hartford County, by J. Hammond Trumbull, p. 354.
* Old business accounts and receipts evidence that Captain Higley's daughters were taught the
elementary branches of education.
62 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
And yet, though she knew no people but a community " cradled
in Christian faith," and swarms of dusky Indians, she was familiar
with the sea and its wonders, through voyages made by her
kindred and those made by her husband. She must have been
intelligently acquainted with social and political affairs, both
in Great Britain and the Colonies, which were much talked of
themes in every home circle, and in her father's house she had
always had the rare advantage of the constant association and
instructive conversation of the Rev. Mr. Wareham,1 a man of
high culture and superior attainments. And she shared too in
the friendship and everyday interests of life with the Griswolds,
the Wolcotts, and other notable families who were originally from
the cultivated homes of England.
Such a life, trained in an industrial education, quickened the
faculties, heightened the abilities, and gave that' firmness of
character which adorned the women of those times. As her
children came into her arms one by one, no doubt her aspirations
for them reached above the tree tops that swung over the roof of
her home in the forests, and beyond the thickets and briers and
brush that belted their domain.
And now that she had folded her arms and laid her down, and
the grave closed over her while they were all yet young, she had
done well her work. Every one of her children, as time brought
them to mature years, took an honorable, and most of them a
prominent position in interests connected with Church and com-
munity, and were living evidences of the united care and training
of their parents, as well as of the worthy example they set before
them in right living.
Her grave, if it ever had a memorial stone, cannot be found —
every vestige of it has been swept away by Time, that
" Old ruin-maker, gnawer of tombstones,
Father of buried centuries :
Who dost not hesitate to lay thine
Envious tooth upon the hardest monuments
That man hath reared."
The following entry is preserved in the ancient Records at
Simsbury:2
"Mrs. Hannah Higley, whose maiden name was Drake, departed this life in ye
year of our Lord God 1694, August 4 day."
1 See chapter iii. a Book i. leaf 3.
CHAPTER XII.
CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY's SECOND MARRIAGE. — LIFE'S ACTIVITIES.
A good life writes its own memorial and tablet day by day. — HENRY WARD BEECHER.
CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY did not resume his seat in the General
Assembly the year succeeding his wife's decease, — 1695, — nor
again until the year 1698. It appears from the records that no
representatives were sent from Simsbury to the May sessions of
1695-96. These, with the sessions of 1690 and 1703, are the
only years in which he did not serve as a member of that legisla-
tive body from 1689 to 1711.
His second marriage took place about 1696. Sarah Strong
Bissell, who became his second wife, was the daughter of Return
Strong, of one of the good old families of Windsor, Conn. She
was an old acquaintance, and there existed a family connection,
her husband, Joseph Bissell, being a first cousin to John Higley's
first wife, Hannah.
Sarah Strong Bissell was born March 14, 1666, and married
Joseph Bissell, July 7, 1686. Joseph Bissell was the grandson of
Deacon John Moore, Sr. On both sides of Sarah Bissell's family
she was of a lineage distinguished in Colonial annals for contain-
ing some of the foremost characters of Puritan belief among the
founders of New England. Elder John Strong, her paternal
grandfather, is historically known as one of the first and most
active founders of the towns of Taunton and Northampton,
Mass.,1 and upon her mother's side she was the granddaughter
1 The Strong family^n England was originally located in Shropshire. One of the family
married an heiress of Griffeth of the County of^Caernarvon, Wales, in 1561. In I596he removed to
Taunton, Somersetshire, England, where he died in 1613, leaving a son, John, then eight years of
age, and a daughter, Eleanor. John Strong was born_in Taunton, England, in 1605, whence he re-
moved to London, and afterwards to Plymouth. Having decided Puritan principles, he sailed from
Plymouth for the New World, March 20, 1630, in company with Revs. John Wareham, Maverick,
Mason, John Moore, the Drakes, and Roger Clap, in the ship Mary and John. The grandfather
of Elder John Strong was, as tradition informs us, a Roman Catholic, and lived to a great age. In
1635, after having assisted in founding and developing the town of Dorchester, Mass., John Strong
removed to Hingham, Mass. Here his stay was short, as on December 4, 1638, he is found to be
an inhabitant and proprietor of Taunton, Mass. He remained at Taunton until 1645, and was
deputy to the General Court in Plymouth, Mass., 1641-44. From Taunton he removed to Windsor,
Conn., where he was appointed, with four others, "to superintend and bring forward the settlement
of that place." In 1659 he removed from Windsor to Northampton, Mass., of which town he was
one of the founders. In Northampton he lived forty years, and was a leading man in the affairs of
the Church and the town. He was a tanner, and very prosperous in business. He was ordained
elder of the church, March 13, 1663. His first wife, whose name is not known, died on the pas-
sage to America, leaving two children. In December, 1630, he married Abigail Ford of Dorcester,
63
64 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
of the Rev. John Wareham, who was the most distinguished
person who came to our shores in the.Winthrop fleet; if we except
Winthrop himself. Return Strong, her father, "was the sixth
child of Elder John Strong.1 He was born in 1641 and on the
nth of May, 1664, married Sarah, daughter of Rev. Mr. Wareham.
He was a tanner by trade, and a man of large estates. His wife
died, Dec. 26th 1678, at the age of thirty-six years. Return
Strong removed in later years to Northampton, Mass., where he
died April gth 1726."
Sarah was the eldest child of his family. Joseph Bissell, her
first husband, died August 3, 1689, leaving her a young widow
with one child — Joseph, Jr. On the 7th of December following,
four months after his father's decease, another son was born,
whom she called Benoni," " the son of my sorrow."
Mrs. Sarah Bissell assumed many responsibilities when she
entered the home of her husband, Captain Higley, with her two
children and became the second mother to his family of nine
children. They began life together with a household of eleven
children. It seems, however, that her intuitive mind coped well
with the great task before her. As the duties came to her one
after another, both of a social and domestic nature, she faithfully
fulfilled them. It is easy to detect the results of her excellent
motherhood to her husband's children as well as her own, espe-
cially the younger ones, by a decided religious influence growing
out of her life in the household. And she seems to have given
them the sympathy born of a true woman's love, since we find
them, both elder and younger, using affectionate terms respect-
ing her. It was always "Our dear mother," even in business
entries and transactions years later, of which there were many
after their father's decease.
In 1697 Captain Higley's tenth child was born, to whom was
given the name of her mother — Sarah.
" This was a year," says Governor Wolcott, " of great scarcity
and mortality. The summer was cool and cloudy — not a month
01 wnom naa lammes. n is son i nomasnaa sixteen cnuaren, jeaeaian naa lourieen, oamuci nai
twelve. His grandson Jonathan had seventeen. His son Return Strong settled at Windsor,
Conn. — Condensed from History of the Strong Family , by B. \V. Dwight,
1 " History of Strong Family."
5 Joseph Bissell, Jr., born March 21, 1687, lived to have a grandson, Benjamin Bissell, born October
i, 1720. Benoni Bissell lived to seventy-one years of age, and died August 26, 1761, an honored
and respected citizen. There are many reasons for the conclusion that both of these sons were
brought up with Captain John Higley's family.
LIFE'S ACTIVITIES. 65
without frost in it; the winter was very long and severe. In
February and March the snow was very high and hard. There
was a great cry for bread; the cattle perishing in the yards for
want; the sickness was very distressing and mortal."1 On the
loth of November the same year, Rev. Dudley Woodbridge was
ordained pastor of the Simsbury church.
In the year 1698, Captain John Higley is again found a member
of the Colonial legislature. At the May session an act was passed
that the October sessions should afterward be held in New Haven.
This involved, for our legislator, a tedious journey on horseback,
through forest-lined bridle paths, the underbrush grown in
tangle mass, and across unbridged swollen streams, through
which he must swim his horse. This was the only method of
travel by land, in those times there being no wheeled vehicles.
The next year, 1699, occurred the birth of his son Nathaniel,
who is found upon record in after time as a man of fine abilities
and uprightness of character.
Captain Higley appears to have been pursuing his busy avoca-
tions with the energy that marked his earlier years. Marriages
are placed upon the records as having been performed by him,
and his appointments in local matters continued many and
various.
The cause of higher education was a subject discussed with
much earnestness by the learned minds in the colony, who,
grasping the needs of the future, saw that provision for mental
culture of their sons upon a more extended basis was essential
to the future elevation and prosperity of the rising generations.
It was also their desire that an educated ministry should be provided
for within the limits of the Connecticut Colony. The standard
at the schools had already deteriorated, and they, were no longer
cheerfully sustained. The result was the birth of Yale College.
In the year 1700, ten ministers, "nominated by general
consent, formed themselves into a society," and proceeded to
carry out their project, among whom were two of Captain John
Higley's closest friends and associates — the Revs. Samuel Mather
of Windsor and Timothy Woodbridge of Hartford. In October,
1701, the Connecticut Assembly passed an act to establish the
"Collegiate School," which has since become the famous seat of
learning — Yale University. The charter ordained that the cor-
poration should consist of ministers only. The founding of the
1 Stiles' " History of Ancient Windsor."
66 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
institution becomes of interest in these pages from the fact that
Captain John Higley was a member of this legislature which
granted the charter; and less than five years later, being one of
the proprietors of the valuable mines at Copper Hill, was a lead-
ing member of the association which made the first appropriation
of funds toward the support of the institution. We fancy his
enthusiasm as very earnest in the subject of advanced educa-
tional opportunities for young men, since the after history of
his own large family shows that he was not negligent in pro-
moting its education, as far as was practicable under the limited
resources of that day.
The eventful changes which time always brings to a large
family came to the household of the Higleys. In 1701 twins
were born, Joshua and Josiah, one of whom — Joshua — died an
infant of seven months; and during the same year the first mar-
riage took place, that of Jonathan, the second son, to Ann
Barber. In 1703 their daughter Abigail was born, and the fol-
lowing year two daughters were married, Katherine, a gifted
girl, married James Noble of Westfield, Mass., and Hannah
married Joseph Trumbull, and became the founder of a family
distinguished in American history through several generations.
A daughter who was named Susannah was born in 1705, and two
years later, on July 20, 1707, the youngest son and last child,
Isaac, was born. It was about this period that his eldest
daughter, Elizabeth, married Nathaniel Bancroft. Captain John
Higley was the father of sixteen children, fifteen of whom lived to
over twenty-one years of age, and thirteen married and had fami-
lies. The eldest and the youngest were thirty-four years apart.
Early in the new century an agitation arose in the Simsbury
community through the circulation of flying reports that the west-
ern slope of the Talcott Mountain contained .valuable deposits of
mineral, and was especially rich in copper ore. There are slight
historical intimations that this fact had previously been surmised,
but no definite discovery had yet been made.
These elevated lands, which have since been known as Copper
Hill, were yet undivided, and were still held by the original pro-
prietors of the town. They were in a wild state, frequented by
the Indians as a hunting-ground.
The "Patent" of Simsbury, it will be remembered, which was
confirmed by the General Court to the proprietors in 1685-86, had
been reconfirmed by act of Court in 1703.
LIFE'S ACTIVITIES. 67
Thomas Barber, John Higley, Samuel Wilcoxen, and John Case,
of the original patentees, were still living.
Near the close of 1705, at a town meeting, the following resolu-
tion was passed, which was entered upon the Records : '
" There being a report made in the town-Meeting of eithor a silver or Copor min or minorall
found within the Lymitts of the township of Simsbury, eastwardly, as the town being moot
together December the i8th 1705, did mak chuse of Decon Holcomb and John Pettibone Junr. to
mak sorch for the same, bring in an account of the same to the next meeting.
" Voted in the affirmative."
The report of the above committee was evidently favorable,
though it is not found upon record. An association was formed,
composed of the landed proprietors of the town, and at a town
meeting held May 6, 1707,* the subject was taken up in a practical
manner. Various resolutions were passed, and different commit-
tees were appointed "in referance to the coppor affaires now in
hand." It was "propownded to the people to give their freedom
to chose a committee to treat with workman." A contract was
drawn and presented at a "Subscribers'" meeting, held on the
i7th of May, in which the association "agreed to pay the town io8
on each ton of copper produced which should create a fund for
educational purposes." Two-thirds was appropriated for the sup-
port "of an able schoolmaster" in Simsbury, and the other one-
third was voted to the "Collegiate School" — Yale. A certain
amount went to the Crown of England as revenue. " The residue
of profits was to be divided among the partners pro-rata, accord-
ing to the amount of their respective shares." Jonathan Higley,
the second son of Captain John Higley, was one of the signers to
the agreement.
An acrimonious controversy followed, between the proprietors
of the town and the townspeople. The pitch of excitement con-
cerning the valuable lands ran high, and there was sharp diver-
gence of opinion between the two factions claiming supreme
rights. A great ado was made over the richness of the "find," and
the people who laid claim believed themselves upon the verge of
immense wealth.
At this time Captain Higley owned the largest quantity of land
in the township, and was the heaviest taxpayer. Lieutenant
Thomas Barber — the father-in-law of his son Jonathan, who had
also increased his estates — stood next on the list. Captain Higley
had now three sons who were men of full age, — John, Jonathan,
1 " Simsbury Records," book ii. p. 79. * " Simsbury Records," book ii. pp. 84, 85.
68 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
and Brewster, — all landholders. The representation of the Higley
family was therefore very considerable. And, always vigilant in
business, it is a matter to be noted, how keenly alive they appear
to have been through this contest to their own family interests.
They were careful to be represented in all the meetings, and
generally some one of them had a place in the committees which
were appointed. On the 2Qth of July, 1707, a severe protest by
the "aristocratic" landed proprietors is recorded on the books,
claiming that "The Towne by vote having sequestored the
coppor-mins that are commons in said towne of Simsbury for
their own benefit . . . and their having been some persons pre-
tending themselves to be the only proprietors of ye said copor
mines, have in a very disorderly Sacactilgious [sacrilegious ?]
manner given away the right and benefit of the said Coper mines,
to some persons which are unconcerned in the towne, which is
greatly to the disturbance of the peace of many principall persons
in Sd towne, Pantentees, proprietors and Inhabitants. [Here
follows protest] against such unrighteous, and irregular, unjust
dealings and actions, and We do hereby protest against the . . .
[illegible] of all or any such unjust contracts, or votes of such
pretenders, in our towne record books.1
[Signed] "JOHN HIGLEY, Sen.
THOS. BARBER, Sen.
SAMUEL WILCOXEN, Sen.
JOHN GRIFFEN,
JOHN HIGLEY, Jnr.
BREWSTER HIGLEY, "and
others.
The controversies over the copper-mining district were finally
carried to the General Assembly in 1709, when a commission
was appointed to settle them. For many years litigation was
going on, during which the proprietors of the town worked the
mines, or leased them to other parties who agreed to pay a per-
centage upon the ore produced.
In 1721 the mining lands were divided, and Captain John
Higley's sons came into possession of a fine tract of the mineral
section. "
These mines have since become famous, not only from the rich
1 Book ii. " Simsbury Records," p. 85.
* The reader is further referred to the sketch of Dr. Samuel Higley, p. 115.
LIFE'S ACTIVITIES. 69
quality of the ore which they yielded, but as a prison fortress of
historic interest associated with the American Revolution. The
prison was called after the name of the "world-renowned" prison
of London. Says Phelps : " There is an exciting fascination in
the eventful history of this Newgate of Connecticut."1
"An important branch of the trade on the coast of New England
was furnishing the Royal navy with yards and bowsprits. White
pine trees over two feet in diameter were reserved for the navy, to
be used for masts, which were at that time made of one piece."'
At the October session of the General Assembly, 1705, Captain
John Higley was chosen as one of "Sundry principall gentleman
in this and other governments to undertake the management of
procuring masts, and other navall stores for the supply of her
fleet (Lady Queen Ann) and other shipping of the nation."*
Since the burning of Simsbury in March, 1676, the Indians had
not slumbered. The inhabitants had never been free from fear
and imminent danger of destruction, and were still obliged to
maintain constant watchfulness. Simsbury was yet on the fore-
line of civilization. The French were in possession of Canada,
and in every possible way they were moving the savages to attack
the English settlers. Roving bands were constantly skulking
through the dense forests, and were likely at any hour to suddenly
wreak vengeance upon those innocent of provocation for wrongs
they conceived somebody had done them. The parsonage at
Simsbury was fortified in 1690 ; and again in the year 1700 old
time frontier forts, or block-houses, were built. "In 1707 there
was an alarm spread that the Indians comtemplated an invasion
of the town, when the Assembly granted seven pounds from the
treasury to fortify it ; and the next year, a further grant of seven
pounds and six shillings was made, to pay the soldiers belonging
to Simsbury, who had been employed under Captain John Higley,
in the public service" It was also ordered about this time, that
"Two faithful and trusty men, as a scout, be out every day, to
observe the motions of the enemy."' One strong fortification
called Great Fort, the remains of which are still to be found, was
built in 1708, by order of the General Assembly, with colonial
1 This picturesque, historic spot, though now but little known, continues to be a place of intense
interest to the tourist. He will be well repaid to seek the attractive views from the Talcott Moun-
tains and Copper Hill, with its rock-hewn caverns fifty feet below the surface which are ruins
stored with remarkable relics of the past, and filled with tales of thrilling horror.— ED.
a " Connecticut Colonial Records," vol. iv. p. 535.
* Phelps' " History of Simsbury," p. 33.
6
7° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
funds, and was "located in Higley-town, probably through the
sagacity and legislation of our untiring hero, who would neglect
no opportunity for the direct benefit of his own immediate domain.
The garrison was within a half a mile of his house.
In the autumn of 1707 the community was thrown into a high
state of alarm and solicitude at the capture by the Indians of
Daniel Hayes, who was a neighbor of Captain Higley, and no
doubt on intimate friendly terms with his family. He was a young
man, twenty-two years of age. He was carried to Canada and
sold, and there kept in captivity nearly six years before he could
succeed in getting released. During this time his experiences
were thrilling, and were sometimes attended with barbarity.
From the hour when he was kidnaped, near to his home, he heard
nothing from his relatives or friends, and they, hearing no tidings
of him, gave him up as dead. Every effort was made by the
people of the neighborhood to find the captive, but their pursuit
was without avail. The Indians finally sold him to a Frenchman
in Montreal, who kindly opened the way for him to earn money
to purchase his freedom, and sent an Indian guide to accompany
him down the Connecticut valley far enough to "point to him the
smokes of his friends, ' the pale faces.' " *
The recent defense in the warlike threatening, with French and
Indians, brought an increased burden of taxation, and caused even
greater scarcity of specie than had heretofore existed. The
colony had always been embarrassed for want of circulating cash.
There was little actual money passing. "Provision pay "was
therefore resorted to as the legitimate exchange in business trans-
actions. On the town records it is seen, "that one Thomas
Bacon mortgaged his farm to Capt. John Higley, for the full and
just summ of £8, in current wheat, peas, and Indian Corn, at
equal proportions at current market price." a
1 The following act was passed by the General Assembly, October, 1713 : " Upon consideration
of the petition of Daniel Hayes of Simsbury, having been taken by the Indian enemie and carried
captive to Canada — praying for some releife : This Assembly do grant unto the petitioner the sum of
seven pounds to be paid him out of the public treasury of this Colony." — Connecticut Colonial
Records.
A fuller narrative of Daniel Hayes than is here given, may be found in "Newgate of Connecti-
cut," p. 103. He lived in the village of Salmon-Brook, to the good age of seventy-one, " a thriving
agriculturist, and a respected citizen." A monument, still standing, marks the spot of his last
resting-place in the village cemetery.
5 Book i. " Simsbury Land Records."
CHAPTER XIII.
LAST SCENES IN CAPTAIN HIGLEY's LIFE.
Have left a name behind them. — Eccltsiasticus xliv. 8.
NUMEROUS transactions in the purchase and sale of lands, aside
from Captain John Higley's public career, were apparently the
chief feature of his private business interests after his removal to
Simsbury. By judicious investments in lands he found himself,
in the prime of life, with large possessions — from the standpoint
of those times — of ever-growing values. For several years he
enjoyed the distinction of being the largest taxpayer in the
township, and as the owner of these estates his assessments
exceeded in amount those paid by any fellow-citizen. Before
his decease he settled lands upon those of his children who had
arrived at full age.
From business transactions found on record, it would seem
that he was yet in the midst of his engrossing interests as the
twilight of his active life was approaching, when night suddenly
fell — he left mortality and passed peacefully into the silent-land.
He lived three weeks beyond his sixty-fifth birthday. The entry
upon the Simsbury records is as follows :
" Cap*- John Higley departed this life August 25th 1714."
Of the disease and illness which ended in his death, no mention
is made in private memoranda yet discovered, further than that
he was attended by his friend and physician, Dr. Samuel Mather
of Hartford, and that toward the last, probably when there was
grave apprehension that his life must be despaired of, Dr. Haston
was called into consultation. He was laid to rest by the side of
his brother-in-law, John Drake. His grave is yet to be seen in
the old Hop-Meadow (Simsbury) burying-ground, directly in the
rear of the site where the first meetinghouse of the town once
stood, and near to the tablet monuments of the Revs. Dudley and
Timothy Woodbridge.
The tombstone is a neat red sandstone slab, standing two feet
7*
72 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
high, with a tasteful panel around the face of it, bearing the
following inscription :
Oaptt.
DteO august
25*1714
66
From the ancient account book in which his executors kept
their accounts in the settlement of Captain Higley's estate, we
extract some of the expenses incurred upon the occasion of his
death, mainly made up of the funeral costs, which contrast
strangely with the heavy funeral expenses of the present day.
The entries are in the clear-handed penmanship of his son, Dr.
Samuel Higley. The fact of the first and most important item
used on the day of his decease being rum, seems scarcely credible
in our day. Yet this was the custom in "ye olden time." "A
colonial funeral," says Eggleston, "deserved to rank as a festive
occasion — a time of much eating and a great deal of drinking." l
The emblems of "mourning" supplied consisted of black ribbon
for badges and trimmings. As the ten elder children were grown,
and the most of them were married, it is likely they provided
their own somber habiliments.
By special provision of the town meeting, a citizen stood
appointed ''to mak coffins for our Townspeople." "Unkel
Holcom"set about making a coffin, while Mary Holcombe, who
appears to have been a useful busybody who repeatedly rendered
service in the household, invaded the kitchen to make ample prep-
aration for the expected funeral guests.
Rev. Timothy Woodbridge was at that time the settled pastor
of the church at Simsbury, but we cannot say whether or not
he officiated at the funeral services. Some of the towns were
about this time deviating from the customs of the earliest New
Englanders, who " followed the body in silence to the grave
'without funeral service of any sort, lest they, ' confirme the popish
error that prayer is to bee used for the dead';"1 and it may
have been that the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge conducted prayers at
the house, or at the grave.
Captain John Higley's will, the original copy of which is still
extant," bears the date, May 6, 1714 — three months before his
1 Edward Eggleston, in " Social Life in the Colonies," The Century, 1884.
a" Hartford Probate Records," vol. ix. p. 41.
CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY' S WILL. 73
death. He constitutes his two sons, John, Jr., and Samuel, the
executors of his estate.
"The Last WILL and TESTAMENT of John Higley of Symsbury, in the County of Hartford, and
Colony of Connecticut, in New England, which is as followeth — Being under many weaknesses,
age, and infirmities of body, but of Sound Judgement and understanding and not knowing how soon
the time of my dissolution will be, I do therefore Committ my Soul into the hands of God who
gave it, and my body to the earth for a decent and Christian burial), Expecting by faith a
Glorious Resurrection. And as for those worldly goods, which God in his Providence hath
bestowed on me, I thus dispose of them when my Just Debts and funeral! charges are paid.
"Imprimis^ I give unto my loving Wife Sarah one third part of my moveable goods of Housing
Stuf and Utencells thereto belonging to her disposall as She Sees cause to dispose of them to my
children by her ; Alsoe, I give her that third part of moveables of her former Husbands [Joseph
Bissell] Estate which is yet undivided. I Likewise give unto her the one third part of this my Reai
Estate, here in Symsbury, with the Use of my now Dwelling house during the term of Nathaniall's
life, or as long as She continueth my Widow, and if by the providence of God She be Married
again. She Shall be allowed by my Executors Six pounds a year, for the third of my Real Estate
during life, to be disposed of by her, among my Children by her.
"Item. I give to my Eldest Son John Higley, a double portion out of my whole Estate, and to
the rest of my Sons, Jonathan, Brewster, Joseph and Samuel, Nathanel, Josiah and Isaac, to each
of them a Single portion out of my whole Estate, with what either of them has already Received.
"Hem. 1 give unto my daughters Katherine, Hannah. Elizabeth, and Mindwell, Sarah, Susan-
nah, and Abigail to each of them half so much as to each of my Sons, Excepting John, out of my
Estate, with what Either of them have already received at Marriage, to be paid to them in Twelve
months after my decease, or at Eighteen years of age, by my Executors hereafter mentioned.
"Item. My Will further is that my Sons Shall have all my Lands, they paying to their Sisters
what is wanting of the moveables to make up their portions.
"Item. All the lands which I have at Windsor, which came by my first Wife, I give to my five
Eldest Sons which I had by her, in equall Share, they paying to their four eldest Sisters twenty
shillings each.
"Item. I give my wearing apparell unto my Youngest Sons, viz., Nathaniel, Josiah and Isaac,
and provided that Either of them, or their Sisters shall dye before they are of age their por-
tion Shall be divided among their Survivors.
"Item. AH my books, bonds, bills, and debts standing out I leave with my Executors, and
hereby Impower them for to Recover and cause to be added to the Inventory of my whole Estate,
they being Reasonably paid for their pains and Costs.
"And I do hereby Appoint, Authorize, and Constitute my loving Sons John Higley, and Samuel
Higley to be my Executors to this my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have here-
unto Sett my hand and fixed my Seal, this the Six day of May, in the year of our Lord, God, One
thousand Seven Hundred and fourteen, and in the twelth Year of the Reign of Anne of Great
Britain, Queen &c. Anno Dom. 1714.
" Signed and Sealed , — - *— .
in presence of Witness, JOHN HlGLEV."
JOHN CASK, 1 SEAL> f
THOMAS HOLCOMB, — -v— '
his
ROBERT RH. HASKINS.
mark.
The inventory of the estate was taken the 3oth of December,
and is full of curious details. It was the custom of the times to
record minutely the smallest personal belongings, and from these
inventories we learn something of the daily habits of the deceased
individual.
The following extracts show the quantity and value of lands
Captain John Higley held at the time of his decease, after having
settled portions upon his children who had reached a legal age :
"94 acres, formerly Simon Wolcott's, .£200; 20 acres adjacent to the west side, £to ; 10 acres
called 'the Strap,' .£20; 40 acres marsh and upland adjoining, £10 ', 14 acres east side the river
against the 94, £10 ', 42 acres upland with house and barn, £80; 32 acres up the brook called
' Simon's Brook.' £15 ; 100 acres at a place called N. E. corner, £25 ; » 100 acres Pine-plain toward
Salmon-Brook, .£20 ; 20 acres bought of Jute Hayt, ,£50 ; 38 acres at Salisbury, ,£14."
His lands at Windsor were given to his elder children, and are
not described.
1 " The N. E. corner " was afterward called " Turkey Hills," and is now East Granby, Conn.
74
THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Among his books mentioned are a "Physic Book," 45., Con-
cordance, 45., Sermon Book 35., Psalm Book, 3 Sermon Books,
and sundry "old books."
His clothing, as is shown by the will, was bequeathed to his
three youngest sons. Among the articles named was a "broad-
cloth coat lined with shalloone," and a "heavy coat." In the
list is his " sword, a sword belt, etc., 155., a gun, 125., small gun,
2os., caps and pistols, 245., a pair of brass scales and weights used
for weighing coin, 8s., an hour glass." (There were no clocks in
New England in those times. ) His equipments for traveling (as
there were no carriages or wagons) were "a saddle and furniture,
1 8s., a bridle, 45., ' portmantle, ' mail pillion, straps, and spurs,
135." There are quantities of household articles, farming imple-
ments, and live stock catalogued, and the essential "cydar press."
The inventory of personal effects was appraised at ^605 35. id. In
the executor's account are to be seen the original autographs of
several of Captain Higley's heirs signed as receipts for moneys
paid to them: "Nathaniel Bancroft for my wife Elizabeth."
" Sary," " Kateron," "Abigail," "Susana,"and "Isaac." The
book contains other signatures in connection with various mat-
ters, among which are John, Jr., Jonathan, Brewster, Samuel, and
"Josias." Mindwell Hutchason "alias Higley " of Lebanon,
Conn., received "the sum of wun pound in money" from John
Higley, executor, January 10, 1723. The receipt is signed- by
"Abigail Thorp alias Higley." By the following entries taken
from the same book, it would appear that the staple articles of
living were rye, Indian corn, and pork.
MEMORANDUM OF WHAT MOTHER RECEIVED.
£
s.
d.
1714
Oct.
Nov.
22
i
i
i
6
6
4
3
4
3
9
12
3
4
2
3
2
3
3
3
i
2
8
6
6
9
3 bushels Indian corn ,
a bu % R y
To one bushel % Ry
LAST SCENES IN CAPTAIN HIGLEY'S LIFE.
75
£
i.
d.
Jan. 1720
1721
1722
1724
Jan. 1729
i73»
1739
2
I
3
8
o
4
a
7
a
2
4
6
8
12
4
10
8
o
6
6
6
8
2
6
10
o
o
By fifteen pounds pork out of bbl. by Nathanel at 60 O bbl
8 " Flax by Nathaniel.
The distribution of Captain Higley's estates was ordered by
the Court in Hartford, May 10, 1720. This distribution seems
to have been set aside and a new one took place April i, 1723.
There appears to have been some disagreement between the
guardians of the younger children and the executors previous to
the final distribution.
Of the ancient relics there are but few. His autograph and the
old account-book containing entries by Captain Higley's own
hand, the latter half of which was appropriated by his executors
for items concerning his estate, has survived the accidents of
more than two centuries, and is now held in high value by his
descendants. It has reached this day well preserved through the
care of his son Brewster's line of descent, and is now in possession
of Miss Emma L. Higley of Vermont.
A venerable walking-stick has come down to the present gen-
eration through the line of another son, Dr. Samuel Higley, and
is in the hands of Jonathan Higley, Esq., of Ashtabula County,
Ohio. It is marked in clear lettering, "J. H. 1714." The
carving was probably done by Samuel's hand near the time of his
father's death.
His compass, which was the essential accompaniment and guide
in his journeys about the wilderness, has descended to the
seventh generation, and is owned by Milo H. Higley, Esq., of
Meigs County, Ohio.
A pair of ancient balances, such as were used for weighing
THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
money, etc., which belonged either to Captain John Higley, or
his son, Brewster, or perhaps to both, is in the possession of
Alfred Higley, Esq., of Middlebury, Vt. It is supposed that
these are the same which are mentioned in the inventory.
Captain Higley's second wife, Sarah, survived him twenty-five
years. In February, 1716, she was appointed the guardian of her
daughter, Abigail. She appears to have removed from the home
farm at Simsbury in the spring of 1725, and returned with the
younger children of the family to Windsor, where she resided the
remainder of her life. She died at the age of seventy-three years.
The record of her decease is found upon the Windsor records as
follows :
" Mrs. Sarah Higley Dyed may the 27th Anno Dom. 1739."
The inventory of her estate was taken December 4, 1739, and
was "presented to the Court by her son-in-law Jonathan Loomis
and Sarah his wife." Jacob and Job Drake and Timothy Loomis
were the appraisers. Her property was bequeathed to her own
children. The final distribution of her estate was not made until
March 26, 1750.' One year previous to this date, the Probate
Court ordered money distributed to her children, Benoni Bissell,
Nathaniel, Josiah, and Isaac Higley, Sarah Loomis, Susannah Black-
man, and " to the heirs of Abigail Thorp their mother's part."
The children of Captain John Higley were as follows :
John, born March 16, 1673.
Jonathan, " February 16, 1675.
Elizabeth, " March 13, 1677.
Katherine, " August 7, 1679.
Brewster, " 1680."
Hannah, " April 22, 1683.
Joseph, " about 1685.
Samuel, " " 1687.
Mindwell, " " 1689.
'Sarah, " " 1697.
Nathaniel, " November 12, 1699.
Joshua, ) tw. born September 8 I70I
Josiah, )
Abigail, " November 4, 1703.
Susannah, " 1705.
^Isaac, " July 20, 1707.
1 " Hartford Probate Records," vol. xv. a Tradition says in the month of March.
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CHARACTER OF CAPTAIN JOHN HIGLEY, 77
Captain John Higley's career was a part of the history of Sims-
bury. He was a marvel of uniform courage, energy, and industry,
and must have possessed almost inexhaustible vitality. From
the first knowledge that has been discovered concerning him, he
did nothing in a half-hearted way, and his earnestness of charac-
ter and vigorous push were dominant at every step. He left no
opportunity for rust or mold to gather upon any part of his busy
years. And these splendid qualities, coupled with a wise intelli-
gence, caused him to strike good blows for civilization and
progress.
He came to America with little to indicate the signally success-
ful course he was to run. His education could not have given
promise of achievement, since he left England a lad of not yet
seventeen years. It is, however, very probable that he attended a
•regularly established school, or was under private instruction, and
gathered a fair English education before the time of his father's
death, when he was fourteen, as he belonged to a class which
considered educational interests a paramount necessity. He added,
no doubt, much to his knowledge after his arrival in this country
while he was a member of John Drake's household, and some-
where he obtained advantages for the study of English common
law. The fragments left of his penmanship show that it was
excellent, and there is nothing whatever to intimate that he was
illiterate.
While no pretense to social eminence on his part can be
discovered, he was well-born and well-bred. On Katherine
Brewster's — his mother's — side, his parentage was of the clergy-
man's stock, who were of the learned and refined professional
class of society. When but a boy he lived with, and finally
married into, a family whose claim to family Arms was perfectly
legitimate and confirmed, a family which represented the English
gentry.
That these primitive settlers held with natural adherence to
the English characteristics apd customs, wherever there could be
adaptation to the new surroundings in a new country, is a matter
of fact. Though amid primitive surroundings, their tastes were
not primitive. As they grew richer, and their facilities increased,
the lines of influence that had belonged to their old lives were
forces that gathered strongly about their present circumstances.
It is well known that class supremacy and social lines of distinc-
tion were much considered in those days. Our hero and his
78 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
family moved among those on the upper rounds of the social
ladder.
That the early generations of Captain Higley's descendants put
on the full coat of American armor, entered wholly into the
spirit of the Federal Government when it was established, and
have always maintained the rank of solid, well-to-do, substantial
yeomanry, and that many have risen to proud heights in different
exalted stations, is upon full record in the historical annals of
New England and other sections of our country.
We shall never know how Captain John Higley gained his first
knowledge of military tactics, but conclude that he was initiated
into training ranks soon after he came to America, as all persons
"above the age of sixteen except magistrates and Church Offi-
cials" were required " to beare Arms." '
The military spirit of this honored grandsire emphatically
descended to his posterity. The honorable position which he
himself occupied has been already shown. It is impossible to
recapitulate the remarkable war history, or even give the names
of the long succession of brave soldiers among his descendants
who have gone out to fight our country's battles and give her aid
when aid was needed. There are those in every generation who
deserve an eminent record of praise for their self-devotion. In
the history of all the wars they answered to the call, from the
very first Indian troubles down to the latest struggle — the Civil
War. They did not shrink from the hardships of the camp or
the dangers of the field. They were of the noble men who were
there before the victory as well as after, and who stood with
unflinching firmness shoulder to shoulder with their comrades,
maintaining the ground. Indeed none are known to have turned
back in the hottest of the fight. Few such parallels in one family
line can be found, where so many men served in the rank and file
of the common soldier in so many different generations.
It may be said that the greater number did excellent and noble
service in the downright hard life of the private in the ranks, and
it was the few who rose to great distinction ; though among them
were some who gained the prominence of generalship and stand
in conspicuous places in the nation's annals.
These mingled voices of Captain John Higley's war descend-
ants speak, from scores of battle-fields and military prisons from
which many never returned, of lofty heroism and patriotic devo-
1 " Connecticut Colonial Records," 1665-1667.
CHARACTER OF CAPTAIN JOHN HI G LEY. 79
tion. With inexpressible gratitude we place in spirit, upon their
unmarked and long-lost graves, as well as on those marked, the
laureled wreath of sacred remembrance —
IN MEMORIAM.
" On Fame's eternal camping-ground
Their silent tents are spread :
And glory guards with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead."
The brave fellows whose lives were not a sacrifice upon the
field of contest, when mustered out of service went back to their
working-clothes, became true citizens in the nation's peace, and
have joined those who march on, among private citizens, living
quiet, unostentatious lives.
There is not a glimmer of fact to confirm the tradition afloat,
that Captain John Higley ever returned to his native land more
than once after he quitted the scenes of his youth. No letters
or papers are extant to warrant the belief. Nor is there left
upon record anything concerning his stature or personal appear-
ance. If we measure his proportions by his progeny, we may
conclude that he was a broad-shouldered, hearty specimen of
manhood, of commanding physique, full six feet high, and possess-
ing strength in proportion. Old family letters still preserved,
which were written during the lifetime of those who lived con-
temporary with his youngest son, Isaac, speak of Isaac's unusually
fine proportions, and especially his height, that he was so nobly
tall — six feet and five inches — that he was obliged to stoop to
enter a door of ordinary height. There have been hundreds of
Captain John Higley's lineal descendants living in the different
generations, down to this day, who are noticeable anywhere for
their fine figures and avoirdupois.
At this late period we cannot analyze the life of Captain John
Higley, but from the few helps to our inferences, the essence of
it was a sympathetic temperament and highly amiable qualities.
That he was magnetic and possessed an open and full nature
there is no question. And we may again attest this fact by his
posterity, who are inheritors of his blood. If he were sensitive
and sometimes fiery under great provocation, his anger was short-
lived. His wholesome life, which was both popular and peace-
able, brought genial good fellowship, and consequently many
friends.
8o THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
That he was keen-sighted, shrewd, and equal to good bargain-
ing has been elsewhere alluded to, yet there is not a shadow to
lead us to suppose that he was not at all times strictly correct
and just in his dealings.
We are warranted in believing that his method of action in
public affairs was in accordance with the wise principle, ''In
essentials, unity ; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things,
charity." Though it is conclusive that he never subscribed to
formal religious creeds, he evidently practiced the better require-
ments of the Puritan's rigid administration, or he could not have
been so popular with that church-governed people ; but he did
not participate in the austere and rigorous measures of the times.
The records are utterly silent, nor can there be found proof that
he took part in the prosecution or trial of any case in which
severity in judgment and public punishment was likely to be the
final decree, unless such may have come under the jurisdiction of
the court over which he presided. Though he was a member of
the General Assembly in 1692, and was present at the discussion
and appointment of a committee to take in hand a number of
alleged witches, he is not heard from. Indeed, except in connec-
tion with two prominent lawsuits, one of which was concerning
his landed rights to the valuable copper mining-lands, he cannot
be traced in the general animosities of his times.
In a case of arbitration which claimed his judgment by appoint-
ment of the General Court, the parties were brought together,
the appeal was withdrawn, and the papers were ordered to be
delivered to the parties, "they having determined to burn them,
both plaintiff and defendant." We take note of this for the
reason that it brings out a native trait of character that Captain
Higley left as an inheritance to his posterity, many of whom, to
this day, possess a great natural aptitude or capacity for peace-
making. If the "sins of the fathers" are visited "upon the
children, and upon the children's children unto the third and to
the fourth generation," we may well conclude that their virtues
also course through the channels of transmission, and are as well
a legacy of truly noble and God-blessed gifts, received by the heirs
in generations following.
Thirteen of Captain John Higley's children lived to be married
and to have families. One son lived and died a bachelor, another,
an unmarried man, died nine months after his father's decease,
and one was buried an infant. His daughters all married into
LAST SCENES IN CAPTAIN HIGLEY'S LIFE. 8 1
prominent families — time-honored to this day. Not a child dis-
appears from view, and as has already been stated, all filled posi-
tions of more than ordinary and prominent usefulness to the
world about them.
There are found in the long line of numerous descendants, as
there are in all families, some degenerate offspring ; "but still
the fact remains," as someone has remarked, "that even degen-
erate descendants are not the worse for having had illustrious
sires." In no case, all through the long period of two hundred
and forty years, is there a renegade, or those criminated, to be
discovered.1
The strong, active, and vigorous life we have been tracing, full
of manly independence and earnestness of purpose, which was
"a life well worth living," is an inspiration to those young men
among his descendants, who, like Captain John Higley, have no
other capital with which to begin their future than a good stock
of common sense. His name, as the founder of the family in
America which bears it, will be held in honor and sacred posses-
sion in their many gathered households to their latest day.
1 If some of our readers shall say there should be an exception made in the case pf John Brown,
of Harper's Ferry fame, we may call attention to the fact that public sentiment has so changed
during the period of time elapsed since his wild struggle to liberate the slaves, that a large pro-
portion of the people now believe him to have been a hero of human freedom, led on by a fanaticism
not born of wisdom. — ED.
SKETCHES OF THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY
OF HIGLEYS.
SKETCHES OF THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY
OF HIGLEYS.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — JOHN HIGLEY, JR.
By ascending to an association with our ancestors ; by contemplating their example and study-
ing their character ; by partaking of their sentiments and imbibing their spirit ; by accompanying
them in their toils ; by sympathizing in their sufferings and rejoicing in their successes, we
seem to belong to their age, and to mingle our existence with theirs. — DANIEL WEBSTER, ON
PLYMOUTH ROCK.
JOHN HIGLEY, JR., was the first child born of Captain John
Higley's marriage with Hannah Drake.
His birthplace was at Windsor, Conn., March 16, 1673. He
was eleven years of age at the time of the removal of his
parents to Simsbury. When but a boy of twelve years, his father
secured for him a special grant of land containing twenty acres,
"lying upon ye west side of ye mountains on ye little brook
that runs under ye mountains into ye falls," given by the
town meeting held December 31, 1685, in his own name —
John Higley, Jr. This was the cheerful beginning of his be-
coming in after time a large landed proprietor. Other grants
of land to him are recorded as early as 1698 and 1699.
He was qualified according to law and took the freeman's oath,
April 30, 1717. Of his earlier years little is known, and how he
received his education cannot be stated. He appears to have had
some insight into Latin. Latin was a chief study in the schools
of his day. In the year 1717 we find him the schoolmaster of the
town.
" June the tenth 1717; then Received of the Select Men of Simsbury two pounds
in bills of Credit pro nos John Higley for Keeping of School."
To a great extent, after reaching maturer years, he followed
in the footsteps of his father, though his life does not betray an
energy of character equal to that which was so prominent a char-
7 85
86 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
acteristic of Captain John Higley. The records show that he
was a citizen of distinction.1 He held posts of honor; and family
papers convey the statement that his reputation for integrity in
his intercourse with his fellow-men was good.
His appointment as one of the selectmen of the town, and his
association with different public enterprises, his holding various
local offices, with nominations and elections as Representative
to the Connecticut General Assembly from 1728 to 1730, repeat
the verdict of approval of his public services.
By his father's will, John, with his brother Samuel, was intrusted
with the settlement of Captain Higley's estate, which claimed his
attention for a period covering more than eight years.
In the contest with the inhabitants of the town concerning the
valuable Copper-Hill lands and mines, he took decided grounds
sustaining his father. Besides receiving, by special bequest,
"a double portion out of the whole estate " of Captain Higley, in
conjunction with his brother Brewster he finally, in 1725, secured
the original family homestead. He also received by inheritance
one-fifth share in lands at Windsor, which came by legacy from
his mother; and deeds are extant showing that he secured by
purchase from his brothers and sisters several of the shares
belonging to their father's estate. At a town meeting held
January 2, 1723, when a general distribution of the common lands
was made, John and Brewster are named together as having
shares apportioned to them, and at the death of their brother
Joseph, who died unmarried, they became possessed by legacy of
his property. In 1716 he was appointed "sole executor" to the
estate of his brother Jonathan, and is named in Jonathan's will as
a legatee; also receiving lands through this channel.
John Higley, Jr., never married. Between his brother Brewster
and himself there existed the closest brotherly relation. Their
landed interests were largely in partnership, and until his decease
they occupied the old homestead together after their stepmother,
Mrs. Sarah Higley, had returned with the younger children to
Windsor. To his brother Brewster Higley he bequeathed his
entire property, both real and personal, and "constituted him his
sole and lawful executor." There is no record bearing evidence
that he ever was a member of the Simsbury Church.
His health was in a failing condition for some time previous to
1 The prefix " Mr." is generally found placed before his name. " Mr." was an aristocratic class
title in those days.
JOHN HIGLEY, JR. 87
his decease, but of what disease he died no facts are given. His
will is brief, and was executed October 24, 1741, but six weeks
before his death. It begins with the usual form of expression in
those times, declaring that he was "of sound mind — Blessed be
God therefor," etc. He died December i, 1741, aged sixty-
eight years, and was interred in the ancient cemetery in the
village of Simsbury.
CHAPTER XV.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — JONATHAN HIGLEY, 1ST.
A life spent worthily should be measured by a nobler line— by deeds, not years.— RICHARD
BRINSLEY SHERIDAN.
IT appears from the records that Jonathan, the second son of
Captain John and Hannah Drake 'Higley, lived and died in Sims-
bury. There is less in his life of a conspicuous nature to record
than of his brothers who lived to the same age, his walk having
been in quieter and more unobtrusive channels.
He was born at Windsor, February 16, 1675, and died in May,
1716, at the age of forty-one years, less than two years after his
father's decease. Of his earlier childhood there are found no
memoranda. Captain Higley had imbedded an ambition in this
boy before he was thirteen, as he did in all of his older sons, for
the possession of lands, by securing for him by grant of the town
in his own name two lots of land, the whole containing twenty-
five acres, situated on the east side of the river. He was honored
by the town meeting with sundry local appointments in the town
and neighborhood while yet a young man, and served in matters
concerning the Church.
The following documents are upon record, to which his
name, with that of his brother John, Jr., and other citizens, is
appended, showing an agreement entered into by the town upon
a call to Rev. Dudley Woodbridge as minister, and the method by
which his salary should be paid. Jonathan was now twenty-two
years old.
"Whereas here propounded at a Town Meeting held June 2gth 1697 that the
Inhabitants of Simsbury to se what ye gud simsbury people would give in labour to
Mr. D. Woodbridge Annually for the space of four years : it was agreed by subscrib-
ing to give him three days work in a year, and all heads of families ym-selves and
all under their command, children or servants, also those young men that are free
hand engaged : three days work once a year a piece for four years, the persons en-
gaged are Male persons fit for labour from sixteen years and upward, to help to bring
his land in tillage in case Mr. Woodbridge settles in office amongst us in Simsbury."
88
JONATHAN HIGLEY, iST. 89
Three years later the following receipt is recorded :
" Rec*1- of Jonathan Higley of Simsbury the full proportion of Three days labor
that he engaged to me, which was three days work a year for four years, as is
intimated in Simsbury records. I say received by me.
"DUDLEY WOODBRIDGE, Jan. i4th, 1700." '
On the 4th of December, 1701, Jonathan Higley married Ann
Barber, the daughter of Lieutenant Thomas Barber. Lieutenant
Barber was at that time in command under Captain John Higley of
the Simsbury militia. The family of Barbers were, if not the lead-
ers, among the most prominent citizens, and founders of the town.
Jonathan and Ann settled upon their home farm at the "N. E.
Corner," afterwards called Turkey Hills. An unusual fatality
appears to have overtaken their children. The successive births
and deaths of four infants occurred. Except one, a daughter,
none lived beyond babyhood. This daughter, who was named
Mercy — a family name among the Barbers — was born November
12, 1712, and baptized on the i3th of the following June. At the
age of twenty the town meeting ordered lands "laid out" to her.
She afterward married John Coult and resided at Harwinton,
Conn., and became the mother of a family ; her eldest son, born
October 13, 1735, bearing his grandfather's name — Jonathan
Higley Coult.
Jonathan Higley's name frequently appears upon the Land
Records, in the purchase and sale of lands, and in this connection
it may be remarked that repeated transactions in business, as well
as social relations between his brothers and himself, indicate a
beautiful harmony and kindly family feeling existing between
them, which commands hearty admiration. In the sharp diver-
gence and bitter contest between the proprietors of the town
and the townspeople over the Copper-Hill lands, he represented
the family in the people's meetings. As has been previously stated
the Higleys were careful that some one of their number should
be present at all public discussions where measures concerning
these lands were likely to be taken.
He died in May, 1716. Jonathan Higley's will was dated April
9, 1716, one month before his death. The main bequests were to
his "beloved wife Ann," and to his "only daughter Mercy."
He gave legacies in land to his " six brothers," and divides his
Windsor property between his "three eMest brothers, John,
1 Book ii. " Simsbury Records."
90 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Brewster, and Samuel," and remembered in his bequests David,
the second son of Brewster, who was then but a lad. He named
his brother John Higley, Jr., as his "Sole Executor." The will
was presented in court the following July. But a partial inven-
tory appears to have been taken, the greater portion of the per-
sonal effects having been left in the hands of his wife, without
being appraised. She being a person possessed of considerable
property, their united estates represented an unusual amount
of wealth for those times.
Ann Higley survived her husband but six years, and died No-
vember 15, 1722, leaving their only child an orphan ten years of
age. The child became heir to all of the property that belonged
to both of her parents. An additional and very long inventory
was taken within a week following her mother's decease, which
includes quantities of land and farms, with every sort of belong-
ing contained in a Colonial home of the well-to-do class. In this
list are found the articles of clothing which had belonged to both
Jonathan and his wife. Among the garments named, showing
that they were among the better dressed people of that day, are
the following from Ann Higley's wardrobe:
" Silk hoods, gloves, Ribbons, Damask petticoats, a black damask petticoat,
black crape coat and mantle, linen ' changes,' linen night west-coat, silk and lace
handkerchiefs, woolen gloves, a green gown, one silk damask mantle, a Riding
gown and Riding hood, etc."
All such materials and garments were brought across the
Atlantic Ocean. The last mentioned was probably a "French
hood," which were much in vogue and were worn in all colors.
Such an one provoked the following advertisement from a parish
vestry about this period :
" All ladies who come to church in the new fas honed hoods are desired to be theft
before divine service begins, lest they divert the attention of the congregation" 1
In addition, the inventory contains, "a white worked blanket,
tablecloths and napkins, laced pillow cases, sheets, a pair of fine
sheets," etc., etc.
It is not known where Jonathan and Ann Barber Higley were
interred. Time has obliterated every record. The only child
they left was barely old enough to remember her parents.
The brief obituary of Joseph, ruler of Egypt, is fitting to these :
" And he died, and all his brethren, and all that generation."
" Ye fashon of this wurld passeth awaie /"
1 " Book of Costumes," p. 145.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. ELIZABETH HIGLEY BANCROFT.1
" All that tread
The globe are hut a handful to the tribes
That slumber in its bosom."
ON March 13, 1677, there was born in Windsor, Conn., to Cap-
tain John and Hannah Drake Higley their first daughter, who was
baptized Elizabeth.
There is no record of her early years. It is to be regretted that
woman's estate was inconspicuous and limited in those bygone
times, and it was not the custom to chronicle much concerning
her daily round of existence.
It appears that Elizabeth Higley remained at home with her
father until she was about thirty-three years of age; probably
having general supervision of the household after her mother's
decease, or until her father's second marriage. She married
Nathaniel Bancroft of Westfield, Mass., between the years 1706
and 1710, the exact date not being known.
Her husband, Nathaniel Bancroft, was born in Windsor,
Conn., September 25, 1680. While he was yet a young man his
parents removed to Westfield, where he married in 1705, but lost
his wife by death in less than one month. Elizabeth Higley
became his second wife. He was, by profession, a surveyor.
The Bancrofts of Westfield held large possessions, and the
descendants of some members of the family became historically
quite famous.
From the date of the birth of Elizabeth Higley, which took
place amid perilous times, when the yells of the Indian's wild
war-whoop had scarce died from the surrounding forests, and the
village of Simsbury was yet lying in ashes and deserted, her life
seemed destined to be spent amid fightings and torturing appre-
hensions of danger from the hostile savages.
During her young womanhood, and through the period of the
French and Indian war, it was never known what day or night the
1 Many valuable facts for this sketch were kindly furnished by J. M. Bancroft, Esq., historian of
the Bancroft family. — ED.
9»
92 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY,
enemy might burst like a cyclone on the settlement. It was
needful ever to be on the alert. These grave and alarming
threatenings were often the cause of her father, Captain Higley,
holding himself and his soldiers in readiness for active service " at
an hour's warning." The men of the settlement went constantly
armed and the families were often forced "to haste to th' Garri-
son house for saftie." A church which was erected in an adjacent
settlement, about the time of her marriage, "was provided with
' gaurd seats,' as they were called, when some ten or twenty men
could be on the lookout near the doors against a sudden
assault." '
" ' We could scarce abide in oure house,' said some aged dames
one day, according to a story of ' ye olden time,' who were over-
heard talking over those days of strange and woeful experiences
when ' th' dreadful folk ' were on the war-path.
" 'We could scare abide in oure house,' said they, 'so fear-
some were we of redskins. For alle th' wurld doth know y* in
those years th' red men harried alle New England. We grew soe
passionatelie afeared, y* if a hen did but cackle on a stone steppe
th' cloud would grow upon our faces and wee, ready cloathed for
flight, would glance fearfullie about and goe t' th' casement, alle
peering out together upon y6 deepe woods.
" ' Upo' a Lord's day morn, do ye mind, how as ye men sat
combing their locks, with we maids going up and down the still
room brushing th' rushes up o' th' floor into the pattern o' stars,
there would come a thwack athwart the house, and th' cry, ' The
Redskins ! I' the East Part ! ' wi' y6 far clattering o' hoofs down
oure lane.
" 'Then was th' brand covered hastilie wi' ashes, and we alle
did rush into th' long path atween high nodding weeds to th'
Garrison House to th' west. What a long, trembling day it was;
gossip, eating off another's dishes, wi' naught natural but the
spring sun westerning slowly ups th' strange slopes !
" 'But oh ! th' saftie o' th' night, when wee women alle slept i'
th' loft together for companie, cuddling th' children atween us,
wi' th' certaintie that every man o' Simsbury sat below wi' his
Queen's arms upo' his knee !
'"And here be I, goode wife, who was ever listening so painfully
for th' singing arrows that folk smiled. Yet, would I exchange
this fire dropping apart soe peacefully upo' this hearth for one o'
1 " History of Hartford County " by J. Hammond Trumbull.
ELIZABETH HIGLEY BANCROFT.
93
th' days ? They do hold my round cheek and the dark color
o" my hairs with them. Alack ! Thou and I do belong to
yesterday ! ' '
Nor did Elizabeth Higley escape these troubles after her mar-
riage and removal to Westfield. Her husband's brother, Edward
Bancroft, died on the $th of September, 1707, from the effect of
mortal wounds received from the Indians. Early in the year 1724
the family were again brought into distress by these fierce, relent-
less foes, who fatally wounded her father-in-law, Nathaniel Ban-
croft, Sr., which resulted in his death on the 2oth of February.
Elizabeth, in common with the other heirs, received her portion
in lands, etc., at the distribution of her father's estate.
The following account, which it is evident was made out by
her brother, Dr. Samuel Higley, is found among the executor's
papers, and is receipted in a clear hand by her husband :
"BROTHER BANCROFT CREDIT.
• by keeping me when sik by agreement.
December the 26 1716.
paid to Nathaniel Bancroft in money. .
A mar and colt.
September 14, 1715, by money you had.
payd. for you to Joseph Adams
detor by a claim of Brewster
by tobacco you had
"Jan. 24, 1719.
" This above account I have upon the account of my wife Elizabeth's portion . . . this is to be
understood part of her portion. [Signed] " NATHANIEL BANCROFT."
Both Nathaniel and Elizabeth Bancroft were members of the
Westfield church, though Mrs. Bancroft did not unite in its mem-
bership till 1738, about the time that a very remarkable revival
of religion took place there, when she had passed her sixtieth
year. Her husband had ''owned ye covenant" many years
previous — as early at 1712.
Of their family of nine children but two lived to maturity. We
find the mother often plunged into the "boundless sea" of
sorrow ever the graves of her family. The two first of whose
births record is made, died in infancy — one born October 7, 1711,
and another, December 26, 1712. Their next, a daughter named
1 This living picture, so graphically given, of twenty-four hours of the terror in which many of
our ancestors of New England were accustomed in those times to live, is kindly contributed by
Adeline A. Knight of Exeter, N. H.
94 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Desire, was born November 14, 1713. Their fourth child,
Susannah, was born January 30, 1716, and was the only child who
lived to be married. She was united in marriage to Benjamin
Ashley, May 17, 1739."
Their only son, Nathaniel, was born July 23, 1720, and lived
but fifteen months. He died October 23, 1721. Mercy and
Experience, twins, were born May 17, 1723. Experience
died on the i7th of the June following her birth. A daughter
named Terza came next, and a daughter named Elizabeth was
born March 17, 1729, of whom there is no further account, and
who probably died in infancy.
The year 1736 closed to Elizabeth Higley in grief. Three
more graves in the parish burial-ground told the story of their
family sorrows. Mercy, one of her twins, who had now lived to
be a girl of thirteen, died on the zyth of November. The next
daughter, Terza, died on the 2d of December, five days after
her sister. Their mournful footsteps had scarcely turned from
the graves where they laid these, than they were called to stand
upon the same spot and place beside them Desire, a young
woman of twenty-three, who died on the 7th of the same month.
These loving daughters were laid in the green resting place for
the dead within ten days.
" Insatiate archer ! could not one suffice ?
Thy shaft flew thrice ; and thrice my peace was slain."
Elizabeth Higley's cup of bitterness was not yet drained; it
remained for her to follow, in four brief years after, one more to
the grave, the last child of their affection left to them — Susannah,
who died in childbirth on the first anniversary of her marriage
day, May 17, 1740. She left a young infant, who survived its
mother but a few days.
Scarce six weeks had elapsed after the decease of Susannah and
her child, when on the i3th of June (1740), her husband
Nathaniel Bancroft died, leaving Elizabeth Higley a bereft and
childless widow. His age was sixty.
Her journey after them was not long — only three years and
six months. She died December 7, 1743, aged sixty-six years.
" They all passed
To where beyond these voices there is peace,"
Nathaniel Bancroft named his wife Elizabeth in his will as
executrix of his property, and among other bequests left a
ELIZABETH HIGLEY BANCROFT. 95
legacy "to Joseph Higley of Simsbury, Conn., the son of
Brewster Higley, Sen., my wife's brother."
The will of Elizabeth, which is still extant, was admitted in
Court January 7, 1744. She appointed her brother, Brewster
Higley, Sr., the administrator of her estate, and he appointed
his son Brewster the attorney.
The members of the family were all interred in the ancient
burial ground at Westfield, Mass.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — KATHERINE HIGLEY NOBLE.
Life is but a repetition —
For the man who lives to-day
Loves and hopes, like countless millions
Who have lived and passed away.
— A. G. CHESTER.
KATHERINE, the second daughter of Captain John and Hannah
Drake Higley began her life in the old town of Windsor, August 7,
1679. She appears to have been a very clever girl, and was fif-
teen at the time of her mother's death.
At twenty-five she married James Noble of Westfield, Mass., a
young widower two years her senior, who had two children. He
was born October i, 1677.
The Noble family was one of great antiquity in Great Britain,
and is old and time-honored in this country. James was one of
the younger of the eleven children of Thomas Noble, the first
ancestor bearing the name who came to America. He settled at
Westfield.1
James Noble and Katherine Higley were married February
24, 1704. Katherine's married life covered but a few brief
years, her husband dying in the vigor of manhood — only thirty-
four — leaving her with three children. His decease took place
January 18, 1712. " Lietts " of administration on his estate
were granted to " Katheron, Widw & Relict, and Thomas Noble,
on ye 28th Day of March. Anno Dom 1712."
The inventory of his estate shows that they were among the
well-to-do yeomanry, and the prefix "Mr.," placed before his
name upon all the records, indicates them to have been ranked
socially among the "upper class."
It was but a few years later on when Katherine, to her rights
in property which she received from her husband, had added from
her father's estate legacies which made her the possessor of a
considerable property, for those times.
1 In this sketch much valuable information was obtained and extracts taken from the " Noble
Genealogies," by L. M. Boltwood.
96
KATHERINE HIGLEY NOBLE. 97
The inventory of James Noble's estate contained "a house and
homestead in the town ; " "a house and homestead at the farm ; "
" one Acre of land lying in the homelot that was John Noble's; "
"16 acres of land behind Thomas Noble's barn;" "the brush
pasture;" and several other small lots of land, in addition to
which was an ample quantity of "live stock, grains [Rye, Peas,
and Indian corn], farm and house utensils, and furniture," etc., etc.
Katherine received "all of the moveable goods to beat her
own absolute dispose for Ever," and "one 3rd part of the Real
Estate to be for her Use and Improvement for the term of her
life only."
In addition to the bequests in lands and money from Captain
Higley to which she was heir, she was, through the executors of
his estate, the recipient of specialties which are noted in their
settlement with her, viz. :
" A yock of cattoll, a mare, 'a copor cup' and a 'copor kittoll,'
a ' mortor and pesoll,' and a sermon boock. "
Some years after her husband's death Katherine is found teach-
ing the village school. She is said to have been the first woman
school teacher in Westfield. On the 3d of May, 1725, the town
meeting voted :
"To give the Widow Katherine Noble twenty-five shillings a
month for keeping school so long as the Town sees cause to
improve her in that service, and she sees cause to attend it."
Her children were as follows :
Lydia, born December 7, 1704, who married, April 30, 1734,
Stephen Kelsey of Killingworth, Conn. James, born January 12,
1707, who died in Westfield, unmarried, January 4, 1739. He was
a farmer and "dish-turner." David, born March 3, 1709, who
married Abigail Loomis, daughter of Philip and Hannah Loomis
of Simsbury. ' (See chapter xxix.)
In 1732 Katherine Higley Noble removed with her son David
and his family to Hebron, Conn., where "they settled in that
part now called Gilead. The homestead was about three and
a half miles northwest of the Hebron church, and one mile west
of the Gilead meeting-house, on the highway leading to Marl-
borough." ' Here Katherine united with the church, no doubt
under the preaching of Whitefield, after she had reached her
sixty-first birthday. The Rev. Benjamin Pomeroy was pastor of
1 "Noble Genealogies," by L. M. Bolt wood.
98 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
the church at that time. He is said to have been "an ardent,
zealous, and thundering preacher of the Newlight order." He
was a great admirer and supporter of Whitefield, and Whitefield,
"who counted the world his parish," came about this time to
Hebron while he was on an evangelistic tour through Connecticut,
setting the towns ablaze with his fiery sermons. However, he
seems to have found it hard to kindle the place into flame.
"Hebron," he writes, "is the stronghold of Satan, for its people
mightily oppose the work of the Lord, being more fond of earth
than heaven."
It was but shortly after, in the early spring, that Katherine
Noble closed the peaceful evening of her days. Her moss-
covered tombstone, which has now stood for one hundred and
fifty years in the ancient place for burial at Hebron, bears this
inscription :
1Tn memory of
flfcrs. ikatbarn TRoble
of THaestfielo, mbo
2>feo /Ifcarcb 7 1740/1
in ye 62o Uear of
ber age.
1T Gbess. 4: 14. "Gbem
also TKHbfcb Sleep
in Sesus will <3oo
bring witb bim."
Katherine Noble's descendants continued, chapter xxix.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. ENSIGN BREWSTER HIGLEY, SR.
Inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers. —
JOB viii. 8.
A LITTLE more than thirty years ago the Hon. Jeffery O. Phelps
of Simsbury, Conn., brother to Noah Phelps the historian, writing
to Judge Erastus Higley of Vermont, made the following remark :
"It appears by our Town Records for many years that Brewster
Higley was a very prominent man in the Town. I will send you
what information I possess regarding this large, ancient, and
respectable family."
The above testimony, given by one well qualified to speak, being
himself a descendant from some of the earliest inhabitants of
Hartford County and the ancient town, and having heard the
older people talk who lived contemporary with the Higleys, is fully
sustained by recent research.
Brewster Higley, the third son of Captain John and Hannah
Drake Higley, was born in 1680' in Windsor, Conn., while his
parents occupied a dwelling in the main settlement of that town
upon the west side of the Connecticut river.
He was their fifth child. As has been already stated, he was
given the family name of his English grandmother — Brewster,
and proved the founder of a successive line of Brewster Higleys,
extending through seven generations to the present day. When
Brewster was about four years old his parents removed to Sims-
bury, which was his home the remainder of his life.
That he received a fair rudimentary education in the school at
Simsbury is reasonable to believe, as Captain John Higley gave
his children the best available opportunities for learning that the
times afforded. That he was trained in the school of practical
1 The date and month in the year have not been preserved. Brewster Higley, 4th, who was born
before the death of Brewster Higley, Sr., and lived contemporary with many of that generation,
used to say, the correctness of which cannot be doubted, that each Brewster who headed the line,
in the successive generations was born in March.
100 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
effort was demonstrated by his vigorous life and the versatility
of his occupations in after years.
Two points in their history were early drilled by precept and
example into the sons of Captain Higley — the accumulation of
lands and military aspiration. When Brewster was but seven-
teen his father obtained for him a grant from the town of thirty
acres of land, which the youth must have held with some degree
of allowable pride, and just before he came of age he received
additional grants through the same channel.
From the yet scattered state of the inhabitants, and the neces-
sity of as strong a military force as could be gathered in the
young colony, it was still necessary that every available male
inhabitant should join the rank and file of the soldiery. Brewster,
no doubt, from the time he was sixteen, the age required to
enter service, was a member of the military company of which
his father was then lieutenant and afterward the captain.
His name appears in appointments by the town society as
early as 1707, while he was yet a young man; and his useful
career in the affairs of the town continued throughout his long
and valuable life.
On the i7th of February, 1709, he married Hester Holcombe,1
the daughter of Deacon Nathaniel and Mary (Bliss) Holcombe
of Simsbury, an old family of excellent standing.
In December of the same year their first child was born, and
named Brewster, who when he reached manhood was known as
Brewster Higley, 2d. They had been married five years when
their " honored father " Captain Higley died. After this event,
upon the removal of Captain Higley's widow to Windsor, in the
spring of 1725, Brewster and his young family, with his eldest
brother John, took up their residence in the old homestead at
Higley-Town, which lost none of its former prestige through its
new occupants. It was here the younger members of their circle
of eight children, who gradually filled the family home, were born.
There were four sons and four daughters, viz. : Brewster, 2d;
David, Joseph, Hannah, Hester, John, Elizabeth, and Naomi.
Their daughters Hannah and Elizabeth became the great-
grandmothers to John Brown of Harper's Ferry fame, and Naomi
was grandmother to Rev. Heman Humphrey, late President of
Amherst College.
1 The entry of this marriage upon the "Simsbury Records, "book ii , gives the name as " Hester."
In the latter part of her life she was known as " Esther."
ENSIGN BREWSTER HIGLEY, SR. IOI
It is plainly evident that, by nature and habit, Brewster Higley,
Sr., was a man full of push and constant occupation, and that he
inherited largely the strength of character of his father.
Those old land-owners mingled the professions with all sorts
of employments and trades in a way that seems most curious to
the present generation. With right good heart and will they
used their own hands to meet the needs arising out of life in a
newly settled country, and did not despise honest industry of any
kind. There is reason to conclude from the quantity of cooper's
tools catalogued in the inventory of his estate that Brewster
was a cooper by trade. He was engaged with his brother John
in making tar, and besides attending to his extensive farming
estates, and pursuing his military duties, he studied and practiced
medicine, though it does not appear that he ever applied for a
license. He possessed a human skeleton, — a rare acquisition for
those times, — and grew to be somewhat of an adept at surgery,
which was his specialty.
The medical practice in those early times was such as
progressive medical science and the profession of to-day would
scarcely tolerate; but by dint of perseverance and close study
of the few medical works of which he could lay hold, Brewster
Higley was fairly successful and enjoyed a considerable neighbor-
hood patronage. His excellent natural ability as a nurse greatly
aided him in his practice as a physician. Judge Erastus Higley
states in his Journal that "the aged people of Simsbury speak
of his practice with approbation and respect."
In the proceedings of the General Assembly of the Colony,
under date of October, 1726, the following Act was passed, which
gave him honorable distinction :
"This Assembly do establish and confirm Mr. Brewster Higley
of Symsbury to be Ensign of the north Company or Train band
in the town of Symsbury aforesaid, and order him to be Com-
missioned accordingly."1
He was thus commissioned an officer and was afterward known
as " Ensign Brewster Higley Sen."
The good terms and strong brotherly affection which existed be-
tween him and his eldest brother John are again worthy of remark.
Their lives appear to have been thoroughly in accord. They
bought, sold, and received grants of land together, held large
8 * '' Colonial Records of Connecticut," vol. vii.
102 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
estates in partnership, and lived under the same roof until John's
decease. We may well imagine the afflictive bereavement it was
to Brewster when his brother's death took place, whom he outlived
nineteen years. Brewster received by legacy all of his brother's
property. Having also come into possession of his younger
brother Joseph's entire estate, and having received bequests
from his brother Jonathan, in addition to his own full share in
his father's estate, he was estimated as a man of large wealth.
The inventory of his personal belongings reveals the fact that
Brewster, Sr., enjoyed the luxury of fine clothes. His attire was
that of a gentleman of that period.1
The list of articles belonging to his wardrobe evidences that
his garments were suited to his position and his various callings.
To his family he left, among various articles, at his decease,
his handsome belongings as follows:
"A gold ring, Pocket case, and the money it contained— £2,25, two chains, silver buttons, three
silver buckles, gun and pistols, 'a fine hat,' strait-bodied coat, a waistcoat, a striped waistcoat,
'fine' stockings, 'fine' shirt, two linen shirts and two woollen shirts, and one pair of leather
breeches."
Truth and uprightness were the guides of the life of Brewster
Higley, Sr. His citizenship was a good one. He became the
founder of a line of descendants who have mirrored his good
qualities, and are substantial citizens in the different communities
which they represent far and wide in our land. Upon the battle-
field and in various professions, as well as in the citizen's ordinary
life, they do honor to the ancestral name they bear.
While his life stood upon an elevated platform, it is not known
that he ever became a member of the Church, though his faith and
unity drew him into its Christian fellowship. He was deeply im-
bued with the spirit of "love and reverence toward the Power
1 " Gentlemen of the i8th century did not then, as at present, appear in black, dark blue, and brown
coats ; on the contrary they seemed to delight in every brilliant shade, from the brightest scarlet to
the most dazzling cerulean blue, rendered still more splendid by bindings of gold and silver lace.
Cloth was the material most generally worn. The body of the coat fit tightly, but the skirts were
very wide and long and reached to the calf of the leg. The vest, or waistcoat, was very long and
had large, deep pockets. They were generally made of materials in brilliant colors, and usually
covered with embroidery and buttons. These latter ornaments attained an enormous size. Short
trousers reaching only to the knee were worn altogether, and with these were well-fitting long
stockings, usually in bright colors, which were drawn up to the knees, and garters fastened by
enormous buckles. Silver buckles for the purpose were in vogue for those who could afford them.
Broad toed shoes were in style which had immense buckles of silver and wide strings. Cocked
hats were worn, and the shirt fronts were frilled. For the neck, after the lace tie, came in the stock.
"The costumes of the ordinary people were generally of homespun material and the tailoring
was done by the women of the household." — From " Book of Costumes and Annals of Fashion
from the Earliest Periods" also " Fairholfs Costumes."
EN SICK BREWSTER HIGLEY, SR. 103
which created the universe," and his daily living rose higher than
his profession. He lived to a green old age — eighty years, and
saw his children's grandchildren. Brewster Higley, 4th, a babe of
twenty months, sat upon his knee. Toward the close of his life
he felt, as he expressed it, "the many weaknesses of age, and
infirmities of the body." He saw that his work was done and
knew that he was nearing
" The land that is brighter than day."
He had long occupied a high place in the community, and
when he passed "into the realm of the realities," we have the
reverent assurance that he became all that the highest human
aspirant can wish to become — an inhabitant of heaven. He died
November 5, 1760.
Beside his open grave stood the "angel of sorrow." His
children and his children's children laid him to rest in the ancient
Simsbury burying ground and gave their testimony that in his
life he held converse with the Eternal. His had been a life of
faithfulness that had engraved itself upon their hearts, and they
in turn chiseled its beautiful, brief story upon the stone which
now marks the spot where he slept. The epitaph is as follows:
fjear Xgetb tlbe JBo&g of out
f)on&. ffatber JBreweter 1)f0leB, Mbo
fcieo Hoveim B« 5tb 1760
TKHblcb "CCle bis Cbiloren XaiD bere. interred
tbe 7tb of Sato montb in tbe SOtb
l^ear of bis &se.
a fttno busbanfc, tTenoer ffatber, unfatneo friend,
XiveD to olo age & made a Cbristian enD.
Brewster Higley, Sr., had settled homesteads upon his sons
previous to his decease, in their own right and title. By his
will,1 written October 27, 1760, he left about nine hundred acres
of land to be yet divided. He further gave a special bequest of
land to his eldest son Brewster, 2d. To each of his sons he gave
£200 in money, and to his daughters he gave ^100 each. He
provided for his aged wife as follows:
" I bequeathe unto my loving wife Esther, for the love I bear unto her, one-third part of my
moveable estate, the use of one-third of the lands, one-half of my dwelling and barn and cellar —
the east half."
His "loving brother Isaac," was appointed "Sole Executor,"
and the witnesses to the will were John Owen, John Veits, and
Alexander Cassett.
1 Book xviii. p. 232, " Hartford Probate Records."
104 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
The inventory, which was not taken until the next spring,
April 13, 1761, contains the following: Several hundred acres of
land, a large quantity of tools, household goods and effects, three
Bibles and sundry other books, two cupping glasses, brass mortar,
hand-glass, glass bottles and vials, money scales, a quantity of
cooper's tools and full sets of carpenter's tools — enumerated —
implements for dressing leather, sun-dial, beer casks, cider
barrels, button molds, full set of pewter table ware, tankard,
cups, etc., eight chairs, tables, powder horns, full supply of bed
linen, and one-half of the house and barn, which are but a part
of the articles the list includes. At the distribution of the estate
in 1762 the widow received "moveable property" to the value of
^40 i2s., together with her lands, etc., and the sons had ^214
145. each, with landed estates. To each daughter was given
;£ic>7 73., in addition to their lands.
Mrs. Esther Higley lived fifteen years beyond the limit which
closed her husband's life. She was born in 1683, and died at the
advanced age of ninety-two years. She married Brewster Higley
when she was twenty -six.
From the slight glimpse of her which can be obtained, it may
be concluded that she was, one of those grandes-dames of the
earlier period, who were "the heart and soul of their domestic
life," and that her social eminence, mental force, and refined bear-
ing, with her notable costumes, gave her a title of supremacy in
the community.
. In the years 1768-69 (and probably during many other years)
she occupied Pew i to the right of the pulpit, the chief seat in
the church. Just behind her, in the next pew, sat her son
Brewster, 2d, and his family. The pews were assigned by a com-
mittee of the church society appointed for " Ye seating of ye
meetin," which produced to a future meeting a diagram showing
the exact location of each pew, with the names of each proposed
occupant. Upon the presentation of this report the seating was
voted upon, and the report of the committee "Ordered, to be
kept on file in the Society Clerk's Office." " These committees,"
says Eggleston, "marked with religious care the nicer distinc-
tions of social importance in assigning the seats to the villagers." '
Despite her years, the aged Hester Higley surely must have
been a noticeable figure in the assemblage as she took her seat
in this most prominent pew.
1 Edward Eggleston in " The Colonist at Home," The Century, 1884-85.
ENSIGN BREWSTER HI G LEY, SR. 105
The family sat underneath the preaching of the Rev. Gideon
Mills, — a son-in-law to Brewster Higley, Sr., by marriage to his
daughter Elizabeth, — who occupied the Simsbury pulpit from 1744
to 1755. After that time the Rev. Benajah Roots officiated as
minister until 1772. There were constant bickering and an un-
happy state of affairs in the church for many years during this
period.
Mrs. Esther Higley died December 17, 1775.
Her will, which is in the hands of the descendants residing in
Middlebury, Vt., devises her property to her children — including
some grandchildren, the heirs of Hannah Higley Mills, who was de-
ceased. Her eldest son, Brewster Higley, 2d, was her executor.
A complete list of the property contained in the inventory,
which consists of ten long columns, is too extended for these
pages. The following extracts are taken:
" Two silk crape gowns, Black cloak with silver, a homespun cambittee gown, a loose gown, a
Calamanco gown [these were generally imported in bright colors], Bonnet and scarf. Fan,
white streaked petticoat, blue and red ditto, Red streaked ditto, blue cloak, black cloak with
sleeves, white mitts, checked linen apron, best checked handkerchief, next best do, shoes and
slippers, a looking-glass [an article seldom found in the inventories of those times], Curtain
rings, pewter dishes, ' bassons,' cups, small pewter porringer, another ditto, three salt 'sellars,'
spoons and teaspoons, two barrels of ' sider,' two best barrels ditto, two more ditto, beer barrel,"
etc., etc.
The expenses incurred in her last sickness and burial, which
the reader will naturally compare with the elaborate furnishings
and bills from the undertakers of nowadays, were as follows :
s. d.
" To Cash paid for Coffin, 7 6
Digging the grave, ...30
For Doctor Topping, . . . . . . . 3 10
To Daniel Halliday, 30 o
For tending and washing, . . . . . . . 5 o "
The venerable widow was laid in the Simsbury cemetery beside
her affectionate husband, to whom she was a faithful and devoted
wife for sixty-nine years. A slab of gray stone which stands two
feet high, and still marks the spot as a memorial of her, bears
this inscription :
In flBemorg of dfcrs. Estber, tbe
wioow of Ensn. JBrewster 1>i0les>
wbo ofeO fcecemb. tbe I7tb
1775, in tbe 92nD Bear of
bet age.
The descendants of Brewster Higley, ist, continued, chapter xxx.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL.
The sire and mother whom we hold to-day
In loving honor watched her budding youth.
And they bequeathed to her, we cannot doubt,
Their honest frankness and their love of truth.
— REV. PHEBE HANAFORD.
IT has been declared that "the great rank and file of women are
remembered for their deeds, not their personalities, and no
records are to be found of their lives." This is true of Hannah,
the third daughter and sixth child of Captain John Higley and
his wife Hannah Drake, to whose life is probably attached more
of interest than to any of the daughters of the household, since
lustrous characteristics of her blood and family are developed in
her offspring in consecutive line.
She was born in the fair old town of Windsor, Conn., rich in
associations with many venerable Connecticut families who were
rooted there. Her birth took place April 22, 1683. On the
removal of her parents to Simsbury she was carried, then an
infant one year old, in the arms of her mother to the beautiful
frontier valley of the Farmington, whose wooded hills and meadow
lands had scarcely awakened to civilization. Here her child and
girlhood days were spent on the Woolcott estate, which her father
had purchased. She grew up amid the silence and solitudes of
tangled forests into which the high noon rays of the sun scarcely
penetrated or reached the rich fern beds at the roots of the great
trees, and she lived through her earlier years amidst the frequent
alarms and the hostile menacing of the Indians.
Her life was, as her mother's had been, one of unceasing and
unselfish family duties. She arose with the sunrise, bloomed in
healthy wholesome housework, and was full of industrious habits.
Her merry times were at homely feasts, spinning-wheel parties
and other country gatherings, and horseback expeditions; for,
says Eggleston, " Joyous, excursion-loving, simple-minded, were
the men and women of that time, fond above all things of society,
of the fresh air, and of excitement."
106
HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 107
We have little knowledge of whether Hannah received some
educational advantages or not. However, since Captain Higley
gave his children opportunities which were fully up to the average,
she must have had such as her station and the times permitted;
but it must be remembered that the standard for the education
of women of that day was exceedingly limited.
We take Hannah Higley to have been strong-souled and decisive
in character, possessing a good deal of that excellent quality
called common-sense. She was yet but a mere child of ten years
when the home was desolated by the death of her mother.
Neither her mother nor her grandmother Moore had closed their
lives until they had had time and opportunity to tell to the girl
Hannah that which one can easily fancy sank into her heart — the
story of the elevated sphere of public and religious service in
which her Puritan grandparents had spent the most of their lives.
From the time of her early childhood, the most impressionable
age, her father Captain John Higley had been a man of promi-
nence, in well-to-do circumstances, and a leading spirit in the
town and colony. She saw him unusually engrossed in public
activities, and was familiar with his everyday steps in official and
judicial relations; and as she arrived at the years of womanhood
she could comprehend something of his great executive grasp and
conspicuous force of character. Captain Higley was, of course,
surrounded by colleagues who were intelligent, earnest men of
that day, with whom his family were brought more or less into
intercourse. This would have a natural effect upon them; and
Hannah, no doubt by her sympathy and interest with her father's
life, became qualified to instill into her own offspring in after
years the laudable ambition and principles which led them into
distinguished careers of usefulness.
In the twentieth year of her age she accepted the hand of
Captain Joseph' Trumbull, to whom she was married August 31,
1704. Captain Trumbull was the second son of John Trumbull,
Jr., of Suffield, Conn. He went from his native town to Simsbury
about the year 1703, and the following year the young couple
began life together. He was a young man possessing energy, but
" without any considerable means." * His grandson, John Trum-
bull, says of him, "he was a respectable, strong-minded, but
uneducated farmer." "
In less than a month after their marriage, Joseph and Han-
1 " History of Lebanon." * " History of My Own Times," by John Trumbull.
108 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
nah Trumbull purchased a home at Lebanon, Conn., to which
they removed and settled. The town had now been organized
but four years. Their home was a half allotment containing
twenty-one acres (forty-two acres was a "home lot") which was
bought of Josiah Phelps of Colchester, Conn., for the considera-
tion of sixty pounds.. The deed1 was executed September 21,
1704, and was acknowledged before Captain John Higley.
Joseph Trumbull here began business as a farmer and trader,
and proved a successful, enterprising merchant. "He became
the owner of a ship which carried his own cargoes, and was a man
active in the local affairs of the church and the town, and for
many years was captain of the train band. He died at the age of
seventy-seven years."
Captain Joseph Trumbull and Hannah Higley " founded the
Lebanon branch of the Trumbull family." They were the parents
of eight children, viz. : Joseph, Jonathan, Mary, Hannah, Hannah
again, Abigail, John, and David."*
Their fireside appears to have been an attractive center. With
the family affection which habitually marks them, the Higleys
of Simsbury and the Trumbull household appear to have enjoyed
a partiality for each other's companionship. While he was yet
a minor, Mrs. Trumbull's brother Samuel became a member of
her family and was probably attending school. It is recorded
that, at a later period, her niece Elizabeth Higley,3 the daughter
of her brother Brewster, " spent the most of her youth and girl-
hood in her family "; and in a few years her sister Mindwell, and
her two half sisters, Abigail and Susannah, married — and settled
at Lebanon near her.
The married life of Hannah Higley Trumbull was sown with
many high joys, mingled with touching griefs. Few American
women whose names may be placed upon record have given
motherhood to so illustrious a progeny, and few certainly have
lived to nurture to conspicuous positions two of its generations.
But a series of heavy and peculiar domestic afflictions visited her.
In the year 1715 they buried their little Hannah beneath the
sod. On the 23d of December, 1731, their eldest son Joseph
left home, and sailed from New London, Conn., on the 28th of
the same month, bound for London in a ship which, with the
1 " Lebanon Land Record," vol. ii. p. 52.
* See chapter Iviii., " Descendants of Hannah Higley Trumbull."
* Afterward the grandmother of John Brown of Harper's Ferry fame.
HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 109
entire cargo, was owned by the Trumbull family. Two years
later, June, 1733, the vessel, with all on board, was lost at sea.
The family hoped until hope died upon the possibility that their
son might have been rescued, but no tidings of comfort ever
reached them — the sea never gave up its dead.
But three years later on, her second daughter Hannah, who
had married Joseph Sherman on the 2-jth of February, 1735, died
suddenly November 7, 1736, at the early age of nineteen years,
leaving an infant son only five days old; and the following year
her tender affection was put again to severe trial by the loss at
sea of her younger brother Samuel, who, from about the time of
her own marriage, was a member of her family for several years.
In July, 1740, she was destined to encounter another pathetic grief
by a stroke of death. Her youngest child David, a lad of
seventeen years, while pursuing his senior year in Yale College
with most promising success, came home on a vacation, and met
his death by accidental drowning in a mill-pond. Her sister
Katherine had died but four months previous.
The bereavement of Ipsing their first-born son, Joseph Trum-
bull, Jr., in 1733, who was his father's business partner, was accom-
panied by other trials of no ordinary moment. The financial loss
of both ship and cargo proved a most serious matter in the family
fortunes, and the severity of the double blow — the loss of his son
under such sad circumstances, with the long strain of watching
and waiting which followed, and the loss of his property — quite
unfitted Captain Trumbull for further business activities. The
mental strain proved too great for the power of his mind to
endure.
At this juncture it became necessary to call Jonathan, now
her only son, home from a projected interesting field of labor in
the ministry, upon which he had set his heart, to the aid and
rescue of the embarrassed business house. It would seem that the
singular tide of afflictive circumstances, which brought the mother
and son into close relations in the management of their affairs,
tended to strengthen the bond yet firmer which existed between
them, and finally permitted Mrs. Trumbull to see the fruit she
had planted in his early years, which now fast ripened into his
distinguished career as a public official and a noted patriot. The
failure of his father, in both heart and fortune, gave him a respon-
sible place in the domestic and business circles. Mrs. Trumbull
was now in the full years of energy and experience, at middle life.
HO THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
It is easy to conclude that Mrs. Trumbull's life interests from
this time were bound up in the expanding events and successes of
her son Jonathan, the future Governor of Connecticut, and his
family. He had married on the gih of December, 1736, Faith
Robinson of Duxbury, Mass., a girl of but seventeen years, and
settled in a home on the next "lot '^adjoining his parents. Soon
the interesting position of grandmother to his growing family
became Hannah's sphere. All of his children were brought
up under her immediate wing, and it is hardly a far-fetched
fancy to suppose that she had some share in controlling their
destiny.
There is no question but she had carefully implanted in the
youthful mind of her son many of the valuable lessons of his life,
by recounting and holding up for imitation incidents in the ardent
life of incessant occupation in public and judicial affairs of her
clear-gritted father, Captain John Higley, which were a part and
parcel of her own life interests as she grew to womanhood. Her
grandfather, Deacon John Moore, had held a deservedly honorable
position in Colonial affairs for forty-seven years, and had much
experience in legal business. His repeated terms of service in
the General Assembly of Connecticut closed only with his death,
which took place but six years before Hannah Higley Trumbull
was born. She was no doubt made acquainted with traditionary
events which had happened in the public lives of both; and with
the heredity of the distinguished blood of the Drakes in her
veins coming down through many generations, she was fitted to
train a noble man to stand in the front in the time of the Colo-
nies' greatest need.
The principles instilled by a mother's care are held by men of
the highest order of intellect, and, in cases not a few, result in
honorable and distinguished usefulness in after life. That there
was an unquestioned inheritance of rare abilities, bequeathed by
heredity through Jonathan Trumbull's maternal line of descent,
and which is notable in more than one generation, is clearly
traceable. His fine constitution, his great energy, and a
vivid perception, were strongly marked qualities of his mother's
family line.
To aid in this training, her husband Captain Joseph Trumbull,
feeling keenly himself the lack of an education, was bent upon
bestowing opportunities upon his children for the best advan-
tages for instruction which the country then afforded.
HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. Ill
It was no commonplace day in which Hannah Higley in
amiable patience rocked the cradle of her child. The infant
nation was sorely feeling its wounds. The keel of our Govern-
ment was in slow but sure process of construction. The founders
of the republic were in course of training for after greatness,
not so much by expansion and personal contact with the great
world, as by well-grounded, industrious habits and practical
living. They were drilled in many of the higher branches of
education, many of them were well read in law, and they were
endowed with high principles which emanated from mothers who
were the animating geniuses of their homes, together with the
family altars of these old-time households.
When Emir Abd-el Kader, the famous Arab chieftain, on visit-
ing England, made the inquiry of her Queen: "What is the
source of England's greatness?" she simply and silently pointed
to an open Bible. When we ask, "From whence came the
exalted principles laid down in the formation of our Govern-
ment?" we may in all sincerity point to the mothers of our
Revolutionary sires with this open Bible upon their knees, which
they themselves had been trained to read and profoundly
respect.
"As a son," says Stuart, "her son Jonathan was ever dutiful.
Thoughtful at all times of the tender cares his parents had
lavished upon his own infancy — of the watchfulness with which
they had protected the careless vigor of his boyhood — and
of the warm ambition and free expenditure with which they
had conferred upon him the rich boon of education — he re-
turned their affectionate offices with kindest ministrations of
his own — and, like a gentle spirit, hovered over their waning
age."
It is supposed that Hannah Trumbull passed her declining years
in the family of her son Jonathan after the decease of her hus-
band Joseph Trumbull, which took place June 16, 1755; leaving
her a widow seventy-two years of age. And it may be said that
the " even-time" of her life was lighter and brighter than other
years had been.
Mrs. Trumbull was now surrounded by an interesting group of
intelligent, quick-minded grandchildren, in whose development
she could not have failed to take eminent satisfaction. The
older children of the household were attending the celebrated
Teasdale Academy located in Lebanon, a school of the highest
H2 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
repute in New England and one which Jonathan Trumbull was
a prime mover in founding. The eldest grandson, Joseph, was
eighteen at the time of his grandfather's death, and Jonathan, Jr.
(afterward the second Governor Trumbull of Connecticut), was
a lad of fifteen. David, too, the third son, was a lively, bound-
ing boy, and without doubt on many an occasion excited his
grandmother's pride, though at that date in the history of the
household the issues of the future illustrious characters it con-
tained were yet out of sight, and she could little dream that
young David was to be the father of a third Governor Trumbull,
or that not only her son, but a grandson and a great-grandson
were to bear the distinguished honors of filling the chief execu-
tive chair of the State of Connecticut.
While the venerable grandmother was still a central figure in
the home, the two granddaughters, Faith and Mary, were sent for
finishing touches to their education to an excellent school in
Boston, ''where they were taught embroidery," and, says John,
the younger son of the family, in his autobiography,1 "Faith had
acquired some knowledge of drawing, and had even painted in oil
two heads and a landscape. These wonders were hung in my
mother's parlor, and were among the first objects that caught
my infant eye. I endeavored to imitate them, and for several
years the nicely sanded floors [for carpets were then unknown
in Lebanon] were constantly scrawled with my rude attempts
at drawing."
That Hannah Trumbull was a mother deserving the reverence
and affection which her distinguished son gave her is pleasingly
shown by the filial love and marked consideration he evidenced in
declining in May, 1756, and again in 1758, the honor of an appoint-
ment by the Colonial legislature, to go upon a mission to the
Government of Great Britain, giving as his chief reason for so
doing, in his communication to the General Assembly : " I con-
sider the duties I owe my aged mother, whose dependence is
greatly upon me, and my family."
It is a point of interest to pause for a moment and reflect upon
what an interesting incident might have occurred, and how
utterly unforeseen are the events of life, had the grandson of
Captain John Higley — the runaway lad from England's shores
of long years before — appeared at the Court of Great Britain as
a representative from the land of his grandfather's adoption.
1 " Life of John Trumbull," p. 5.
HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 113
Hannah Higley Trumbull lived to a good old age. It was in
autumn, as the leaves were falling, that the
"blissful union which
Lies beyond the parting vale "
took place between her and her husband, whom she outlived
thirteen years, and by whose side she was laid in the ancient
Lebanon cemetery.
That Governor Trumbull inscribed his grandfather's record
upon his mother's tomb is a testimony of his marked respect and
devotion to the memory of his maternal progenitor.
The inscription is as follows :
f>ere are Deposited g« remains of
tors. Tbannab Grumbull, late wife of
Capt. $osepb Grumbull, 2>au0bter of Jobn
•fcigles of Simsburs, Bsqc., wbo came from
jfrimteg in BC Counts of Surrey, bg flfcrs.
fjannab Drake bis first wife. Sbe was born at
mtnosor 220 Sprit 1683. 2>ieo at
Xebanon 8tb Hov. 1768, ageo 85 gears, 6 mo. & 15 Dags.
For the descendants of Hannah Higley Trumbull, see chapter Iviii.
CHAPTER XX.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. JOSEPH HIGLEY.
" This world will never know in how many hearts he has written his name."
A SHADE of obscurity covers the life of Joseph Higley, the
seventh child in the family of Captain John Higley. Indeed, since
no exact date of his birth can be discovered, it is only through
the wills and other legal documents that his place is found in the
family group beside his sister Hannah Trumbull, and that his life
covered a period of about thirty years.
He was born about the year 1685, and died May 3, 1715. He never
married. His life was apparently entirely uneventful. There is
reason for believing that from his early youth his constitution
was never robust, and his "weak state of body" is further con-
firmed by a declaration to that effect in his will.
Boys from the age of sixteen and upward were expected to con-
form to the law and hold in possession a gun, which they were to
have in continual readiness for bearing their part in the military
defense.1 Joseph Higley's chief and almost only possessions
appear to have been his firearms and riding equipments, together
with his portion of valuable lands lying in Turkey-Hills in close
proximity to his brother Samuel's, which he received from his
father's estate ; also, property from his mother's estate at
Windsor.
His will, which is brief, bequeathes all of his property to his
"well-beloved brothers, John and Brewster Higley," whom he
named his executors.
The inventory of his personal effects, taken August 31, 1715,
consisted of his wearing apparel, "pistols and holster, and gun,
bridle reins, etc., and a book"; ail of which were appraised at
£™ 175.
It is supposed that he was laid in the ancient burial ground at
Simsbury.
1 " If a youth did not have sufficient means for the purchase of firearms for himself, the law required
him to ' bring to the Town Clerk so much corn or other merchantable goods,' and a gun with the
necessary belongings was furnished him at the expense of the town." — Colonial Records of Connec-
ticut, 1665-77.
CHAPTER XXI.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST.
Who are the nobly great ? .
They who have toiled and studied for mankind,
Aroused the slumbering virtues of the mind,
Taught us a thousand blessings to create —
These are the nobly great.
— PRINCB.
THERE centers about the life of Samuel Higley, the fourth son
and eighth child of Captain John and Hannah Drake Higley, much
that is of provincial importance, the success of his achievements
having given him a name worthy of national note.
He was born in the paternal homestead at Simsbury, Conn.,
about the year 1687; the precise date cannot be discovered.
Like his brothers and sisters he was brought up in an atmosphere
of diligence and perseverance.
From the first knowledge that is gained of him he betrays
unusual talents and genius, possessing a shrewd, sagacious, and
original mind, which leaned to investigation, with no torpor in his
constitution. He became a man of science. No sooner does he
appear in one direction in an effort to accomplish a project, than
his power of origination immediately leads him into another cur-
rent of a different type.
His opportunity for learning was much in advance of his older
brothers; he having been sent to the best educational institutions
in the colony, where he received a classical education, and his
development of capacity gives evidence that he made the best use
of these advantages. There is a credible tradition that he was
for two years a student of Yale College very soon after the
" Collegiate School" was founded, where he was distinguished for
studiousness " with credit to himself."
From this time ever afterward Samuel was " the scribe " of the
family, and was so designated by the household. His style of pen-
manship was a neat, clear, and bold hand, that is very frequently
found upon the books embellished with fanciful strokes and
dashes which do not fail to mark the reader's curious attention.
"5
Il6 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
It appears that soon after the marriage of his sister Hannah to
Joseph Trumbull, while he was yet in his teens, he resided in her
family at Lebanon, Conn. An expense account, entered into an
account book in his father's hand, is as follows :
" Joseph Trumbull of Lebanon Dr. — Per Contra C. £ s. d.
by boarding and cloatheing of Sam1 Higley in his nonage by his
father's Desire by agreement, 500"
How long he remained at Lebanon cannot be ascertained ; how-
ever, we are warranted in the conclusion that it was during the
period when he was from seventeen to twenty-one years of age,
and it is supposed that he was pursuing his studies. As he was
but seven years of age when his mother died, the care of his
young boyhood may have fallen largely upon this sister, —
Hannah, — resulting in a warm attachment between the two;
there being evidences that he was much at Lebanon after she was
settled in her home there, and that the future Governor of Con-
necticut— the first Governor Trumbull, in his early years was the
daily companion of this uncle.
The year 1714 found him a schoolmaster. He continued teach-
ing for three years, and at the same time devoted himself to the
study of " Physic and chyrurgary."
In the same year his father died; and Samuel, though yet
a young man, was chosen to act with his eldest brother John
Higley, as executor of the estate; his scholarly, acute mental
abilities no doubt fitting him in the mind of his father to be
his most suitable child in whom to repose, together with his
brother, this trust. The care of the estate claimed the attention
of the two brothers for several years.
At a later date, on the executors offering a piece of land at
public sale which had been owned by Captain Higley, certain
charges among Samuel's accounts are significant of the fact that
he was not unaccustomed to turning his natural sagacity to
profitable ends; and that he well understood the exhilarating
effects and jovial good feeling, tending toward a good bargain,
which might be produced by offering a social bait to his neighbors
and friends.
" 1723 Sept, 18. To my Travail from Lebanon to Simsbury (to sell s. d.
Said Land) and my ferriage, IO JO
To 2 Quarts of Rumm and a pownd of Shugar for to Invite bidders
at Said Vendue, . 49"
SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. 117
" Then whisky made by honest men
Was drank by men upright."
Another entry shows that, during the year 1716, he suffered
with an illness which must have been of considerable duration.
To his brother-in-law, Nathaniel Bancroft, he paid ^3 los. for
" keeping me when sik by agreement. " He made purchase the
same year of a " mar and colt" at a cost of ^6 ios., probably
for use in his medical practice.
From 1714 to 1717 he was preparing himself, under the tutorage
of Drs. Thomas Hooker and Samuel Mather of Hartford, Conn.,
to enter the medical profession.
The standard of medical education during the times of Dr.
Samuel Higley, and the method and opportunities for gaining
medical and surgical knowledge, were practically another matter
from the system of to-day. From a scientific standpoint the
ignorance of the profession, as compared with its present high
attainment, was lamentable. The progressive days of antagonistic
''schools" of medicine and organized medical societies had not
yet come. Professional training was obtained privately ; the
student entering the office of a prominent practicing physician,
under whose direction and instruction he " read," or studied.
The young would-be doctor was, however, required to give
himself to diligent application in study and to the studious inves-
tigation of disease such as he could gain from the limited medical
works which were put into his hands.1 When sufficiently ad-
vanced, he accompanied his medical tutor upon his "rounds" in
his professional visits for one or two years. He was then con-
sidered ready to enter the ranks of recognized practitioners ; and
now might apply for a license.8
The medical tutors of Samuel Higley were residents of Hartford,
and were experienced men, standing foremost in their profes-
sion. Dr. Thomas Hooker was a grandson of the Rev. Thomas
Hooker, the founder of Hartford, Conn., and of eminent New Eng-
land fame, and son of the Rev. Samuel Hooker of Farmington.
He was "approved and allowed to goe on in the practice of phis-
1 A practical knowledge of anatomy was exceedingly difficult to obtain. It was not until sixty-
seven years after this period that " the State of Massachusetts passed an Act regarding anatomy,
which was the first legislative Act in this country that is known, providing that human bodies
which had been executed or killed in duel might be given up to surgeons for dissection."
a " The average fee for a country physician was one shilling for a less distance than two miles, i. e.
thirteen and one half cents, and an additional shilling for every additional mile." The physician
compounded and prepared his medicines with his own hands.
9
Il8 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
sick by the Court held, Oct 1684," and had now been in the
practice of his profession thirty-three years.
Dr. Samuel Mather was scarcely less noted, being the son of
the Rev. Samuel Mather of Windsor, Conn., a minister of distin-
guished prominence, and one of the founders of Yale University.
He had had a high medical reputation for a number of years. He
is found visiting patients at Windsor in 1705, his professional cir-
cuit extending over many miles of country in Hartford County.
The Rev. Timothy Woodbridge, then of Hartford, who was
another of the brood of noted ministers of the times, and also
one of the founders of Yale, was a faithful friend of the Hig-
leys, of long standing, and interested himself in Samuel's
studies.1
Enjoying as Samuel Higley did the close friendship and com-
panionship of these leading theologians and scientific men of the
colony, they brought, no doubt, a very perceptible influence upon
his social tastes as well as his professional life. That he was a
student whose individual merit was valued is shown by the excel-
lent recommendations given him by these men of first consequence
in the colony.
The winter of 1716-17 was spent at Woodbridge, N. J., in the
practice of his profession. In the spring of the latter year he
made application to the General Assembly of Connecticut for a
license.
"HARTFORD CONN., May 20, 1717.
"To the Honourable ye Generall Assembly ; &c.
" Samuel Higley of Simsbury Humbly sheweth, That by good
Providence I have had more than common Education ; and being
employed Three years in Keeping school, did Improve all Opor-
tunities in the Study of Physick and Chyrurgary, since which for
Two Years past have studyed and practiced said Arts under the
care and Instruction of Doctor Thomas Hooker and Doctor
Samuel Mather who have pleased to Recommend me, as one
qualified for that service, and advise that I apply my Self to this
Hond Cort for a Lycence.
" I do therefore Humbly Pray Youl'd Please to give your Apro-
bation and Allowance by Granting a Lycence that I may Practis
S'd Arts Orderly ; which may be to the Comfort and Welfare of
1 " To the ministers in these days were submitted all matters that required legal and learned
ability."
SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. 119
ye Generation which I am Obliged to Serve, as well as to my own
profit and advantage, and your Petitioner shall ever Pray, &c.
"SAMUHlGLEY."
"The above Petition allowed in the Upper House.
" Test, HEZ. WYLLYS Secretary.
" In the lower House past.
" I WADSWORTH Clerk." *
From the original papers to which are appended the original
Autographs :
"Considering ye great want of learned and faithful physicians
amongst us, and knowing Mr. Sam11 Higley's abilities and ye prog-
ress he hath made in ye Theory and practice in ye Art of physic
and Chyrurgary, we ye Subscribers do hereby recommend him to
ye Generall Assembly now sitting as one qualified for a Licen-
tiate. "THOMAS HOOKER) Meda
"May nth, 1717. "SAM1 MATHER ) Practitioners "
"This may certify that upon good information I have been
asured that Mr. Samuel Higley practiced physic ye last winter at
Woodbridge in ye Jerseys with good success and acceptance.
"May 2Qth, 1717. "T. WOODBRIDGE."
From " Colonial Records of Connecticut," 1725 : a
" Samuel Higley of Simsbury having produced to this Assembly
authentick testimonials of the progress he hath made in the theory
and practice of chyrurgary and physic : Whereupon this Assembly
do grant licence to said Samuel Higley to practice both."
Although, like many other men of his day, Dr. Samuel Higley
had engaged in educational interests and pursued scientific inves-
tigation with eager energy ; although he held considerable wealth
as a landowner and was now engaged in medical practice, never-
theless he had meanwhile found time to learn a trade, and be-
came a practical blacksmith.
As has been already stated the trades and professions were
curiously mingled in those times. It has been remarked that
"assorted vocations were then as common as assorted wares."
1 From the original copy of "Appointments by the General Assembly Courts, 1669-1724," in the
Connecticut State Library ; kindly furnished by C. J. Hoadly. State Librarian.
» Page 15.
120
THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY,
At this early period the fees received by surgeons and medical
men being very meager, it was frequently the case that they
sought additional vocations for increasing their annual income.
It was at the forge that Dr. Higley afterward developed his
genius and attained his widest celebrity. His lamp now began
to shine with a good deal of brilliancy in the Colony.
The following is the record of his marriage, which took place
at Westfield, Mass. :
"Sept 19 1719 — Mr. Samuel Higley and Abigail Beman had their names with
their intentions of marriage were given to me and entered in order to publication on
the day above stated."
He appears soon after this date to have established a home of
his own at Simsbury. In his home, as well as in other colonial
homes of that day, quantities of pork and rye were consumed.
The following is a specimen of charges in account with his
father's estate :
£
s.
d.
" Samuel Higley Dr. to Estate.
g
7
to
8
10
o M
His house, which is marked with perfect clearness on a map
made about 1728-29, is found situated at the "vineyard notch,"
on the rocky ridge of the Talcott range, a chain of fine mountain-
ous hills rising from five hundred to one thousand feet above the
sea level. It overlooked for many miles, toward different points
of the compass, a grand stretch of the green-robed valleys of the
beautiful Connecticut and Farmington rivers, and stood con-
spicuous from almost every outlook in the valley. The beauty
of its location could scarcely be surpassed. Nature gave, in
exquisite touches of landscape, a charming scene from his door-
way, from whence he could proudly view all of the neighboring
localities.
In one direction a fine picture is presented to the eye in the
SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. 1 21
ragged ledges rising, height above height, thinly clad in pines and
cedars; while, by taking a few steps from his house, he could com-
mand a view of his copper-mining lands, between which and his
home lay a marsh and meadow, now covered with brambles and
the home of frogs.
Whittier wrote, after visiting the scene in 1830, just one hun-
dred years afterward :
" Beautiful Mount ! with thy waving wood
And thy old, gray rocks, like ruins rude
And hoary and mossy in masses piled,
Where the heart had thrilled and the dark eye smiled.
I love to gaze from thy towered brow
On the gloom and grandeur and beauty below,
When the wind is rocking thy dwarfish pines,
And thy ruffled lake in the sunlight shines —
W'here the beautiful valleys look glad afar,
Like the fairy land of some holy star
By Fancy seen — where the soul goes forth,
With an unchanged wing from the cold, dull earth ;
And the mists from its vision pass away
Like the shade of night from the glance of day !
'Tis gladness all — like a dream of love,
With a smiling forehead beaming above,
And a beautiful hand on the temples pressing
As softly and sweet as an angel's blessing;
And a tone breathed low in the dreaming ear,
Like the chastened music which spirits hear.
" Beautiful Mount ! — I may look no more
On thy ancient rocks, and thy lake's green shore —
Yet the spirit's pencil has traced thy chart
Of wildness and joy on the human heart —
And though my step may be far from where
Thy pine-tops shake in the stirring air,
Yet oft will that chart before me pass
Like a shadowed dream in a mystic glass ;
And thy form and features, as now thou art,
Live on in the secret depths of the heart."
— J. G. W.
A few stones which mark the foundation, a family group of
venerable apple trees, and a spring choked with fallen leaves and
rubbish from the native forest trees which surround it, still mark
the spot which Dr. Samuel Higley called home.
The road to the summit of the mountain, by which the dwell-
ing was reached, long since became almost untraceable.
122 THE HI G LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
It is easy to trace in Samuel Higley's nature a certain amount of
enthusiasm; he was undoubtedly possessed of an ardent tempera-
ment. The birth of his first child, Jonathan, occurred in the sum-
mer of 1721. The date and time of entry upon the public records
of Simsbury would indicate that he sped his way with great
alacrity to announce and record * the happy event, the record hav-
ing been made in his own clear, bold handwriting in the brief
space of one hour after the birth, though his home was more than
five miles distant.
Annie, his first daughter, was .born September 4, 1726, "at
break of day." His third and last daughter is simply recorded
thus :
"Abigail, daughter of Samuel Higley and Abigail his wife was
born June 22d 1733." a
In town affairs Dr. Samuel Higley appears to have entered
with readiness, though his activities in this connection are not
found to equal those of his brothers John and Brewster. His
name, however, appears in honorable appointments upon town
committees for various services. But it is found written in no
church-roll ; there is not a scrap in his history upon this point.3
In one instance, recorded December 21, 1728, he and Timothy
Phelps served from Turkey-Hills to " lay the circumstances of the
Town before a committee appointed by the General Assembly
concerning the location of a meeting house." *
The scientific bent of his mind turned him to experimenting,
and finally to discovering a process for the manufacture of steel,
which he claimed, in his petition to the General Assembly for a
license, was the first effort in America, and which made him some
fame. Meeting with encouraging success he enlisted the interest
of a partner, Joseph Dewey of Hebron, Conn., and in 1727
applied for a patent. Proof was produced that he had made steel
from the iron found in Turkey-Hills, which, by experienced
judges, was pronounced a good article. His scheme and labor
proved successful. The petition was granted May, 1728, and a
patent secured according the privilege of manufacturing steel
for a term of ten years.
1 Book iii. " Simsbury Records," p. 261. a Book iii. " Simsbury Records," p. 327.
8 There are slight evidences that he was in sympathy with the Church of England.
* Book iii. Town Acts, p. 44.
SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. 123
How long he continued in the enterprise is uncertain. There
is no indication that the undertaking failed, but Dr. Samuel Hig-
ley's death occurred before the lease expired. The patent ap-
pears to have been held until the expiration of the lease, no
other application being granted for twelve years, when the
General Court then granted a license for the same object to
Thomas Fitch, George Wyllys, and Robert Walker, for a term of
fifteen years.
The colonists were at this time greatly hampered in their
efforts at manufacturing. There was little incentive — beyond
their actual needs — to push the industries. As the country en-
larged, and lucrative trade and manufacturing interests increased,
the English Government was casting jealous eyes at every move-
ment that men of affairs on American soil were making to supply
the colonists' necessities. From merchants and manufacturers in
England who consulted their selfish interests came constant com-
plaints to the Crown, and Parliament had passed oppressive and
stringent laws of trade. England was already declaring "that
the erecting of manufactories in the colonies, tended to lessen
their dependence upon Great Britain," * and was laying a heavy
hand upon the western colonies through these restraining laws.
It finally came to pass, a few years later, that the manufacture of
iron and steel was entirely prohibited, and "slitting mills, forges
and furnaces in the colonies were declared by the home Govern-
ment common nuisances." ' Thus she unwittingly was maturing
the sprouting seed which, in after years, developed open rupture
and revolution.
As has been stated, Dr. Samuel Higley was a considerable land-
holder, for those times. From his father's estate he received his
full share. This laid toward Turkey-Hills. That which he
received by inheritance from his mother he sold to his sister
Sarah. His acres were further added to by legacy from his
brother Jonathan at his death; and at the general distribution of
common and undivided lands made at a town meeting held January
2, 1723, he was one among other Higleys, together with a large
number of individuals who received grants. "These grants
were apportioned, it is believed, by the respective amounts of
the grantees' lists of estates, and contained quantities varying
from one hundred and fifty to forty acres each." *
1 Pitkin's " Political and Civil History of the United States," p. 101.
3 Phelps, " History of Simsbury."
124 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
But his most valuable ownership was a tract of one hundred
and forty-three acres, which he purchased July 29, 1728. The
deed was given by William Dement of Enfield, Mass. This tract
lay adjoining lands which Dr. Higley already owned. For three
different adjoining tracts located "on and neat unto ye east
mountain toward that part of ye town called Turkey Hills," he
paid " ye sum of five hundred pounds currant New England
money." * The first "parcell" described in the deed was marsh
or meadow land with "ten acres of upland originally granted to
Mr. Simon Wolcott by the town meeting, Aug. 2ist 1671, and
laid out Jan. ist 1674, which contains by estimate forty acres."2
Upon this tract was situated the Higley copper-mine.
The second piece of land was at "the westwardly end of a
lot granted to Capt. John Higley, containing thirteen acres."
Upon this was located his dwelling upon the mountain.
The next tract lying between the above-named "parcells"
extended for "a mile in length and forty-five rods in width,
bounded northerly by ye road that crosses ye mountain." Here
he built, a few years later — between 1730-34 — another dwelling
house, to which he appears to have removed.
The ruin of this house is still standing [1892], though it is on
the verge of falling to the ground and is uninhabitable. It
stands in close proximity to the well-known Higley copper-mine ;
a mine that has associated the family name with a good degree of
distinction during the last one hundred and sixty-four years. It
seems quite clear that Dr. Samuel Higley was occupying this
new dwelling at the time of his decease. That he was its
builder is plainly to be seen. The massive iron door-latches and
hinges hammered out by hand, the nails with which the building
is constructed, every one of which were patiently wrought out
on the blacksmith's forge, and the wrought-iron crane in the
huge chimney fireplace all give unmistakable signs that they
were the handicraft of its old-time builder and owner. It is a
fair colonial relic of the houses of its day. It is entered by the
traditional south door, a flowing spring is close by, and the old
well, with the remains of the old-time well-sweep, is still here,
and from the brim of
"The old oaken, iron-bound, moss-covered bucket,"
the ancient miner used to drink no doubt many a refreshing quaff.
1 Book v. " Simsbury Record," p. 3-55. The original boundaries are described upon Record.
s Book i. " Simsbury Records," p. 128.
SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. 125
THE HIGLEY COPPER-MINE.
The location of the Higley copper-mine at the time when it
was owned by Dr. Samuel Higley, and during the fifty succeed-
ing years, was in the township of Simsbury, Conn. A subdivision
of the township in 1786 included the mine in that part called
Granby till the year 1858, when a subsequent subdivision was
made which places it at the present date in East Granby.
It was property held quite separate from the famous New-
gate prison and copper-mines, from which it was separated a
distance of one and a half mile to the south.
Whether this mine had been worked before Dr. Higley became
the owner of the lands cannot be ascertained. It was success-
fully worked about forty-seven years during that century, from
the time that Dr. Higley operated it. Large heaps of ore and
bits of copper can now be found on the spot ; probably the
remains of operations which were begun and abandoned after a
brief period about 1831.
There are two shafts which go down through trap rocks,
with which this and the adjacent mountainous hills abound, and
one of these, though choked with the debris and rubbish which
have been collecting for the last sixty years, is still twenty feet
deep.
The mine contains valuable deposits of mineral,1 "-some
masses," it is said, "producing as much as thirty to forty per
cent, of copper. The average product was from ten to twelve
per cent. Professor Silliman of Yale University, who made the
latest survey of these mines on Copper-Hill [about 1870], says :
' the ore is of the most valuable description.' '
There is a traditional story afloat, which was told to the writer
by an elderly gentleman living in the vicinity, who used to hear
his aged father and the old men of the neighborhood say that
in some spots the deposit of copper in the mine was so rich and
of such fineness that Higley was in the habit of entering his mine
with a pick, obtaining a lump of almost pure metal, and making
a coin, with which he would, in his liking for convivial enjoyment,
make himself doubly welcome over the social mug at the nearest
tavern.
In the early history of the mining interests the ore was sent
to England and smelted there, no furnaces being permitted in
'"History of Newgate of Connecticut."
126 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
the colonies.1 To ship the ore to England they were forced to
transport it in wagons over the steep, mountainous hills, and
rough roads newly made through the wilds of the forests, to a
shipping point on the Connecticut River, where it became the cargo
of sailing vessels, which were many weeks in crossing the ocean.
The energy and courage of Dr. Samuel Higley did not fail be-
cause of the difficulties in the way. He owned and continued
to operate the mine until his death. The property has always
been known and described in the deeds until about 1870, as "the
Higley-mine" and "mining-lands."
THE HIGLEY COPPER.
Meanwhile the remarkable genius and inventive faculties of our
physician-blacksmith were in practical play upon another enter-
prise, which stamps his name in the very early history of the
numismatic annals of our country. He had no "learned black-
smith " preceding him, whose life might have been an incentive
to learning and genius; his new enterprise was due solely to his
natural originality and excellent ability. "Elihu Burrett and
Robert Collyer," said Beecher, " of whom blacksmiths love to
speak, had not yet been born nor lived to hammer out their learn-
ing at night by the forge." Like Franklin, whose scientific ideas
were always practical, Dr. Samuel Higley applied his "wit and
wisdom " to practical account. He suggested a way to meet a
deficient circulation of currency by turning pure copper into a
money metal, and was the designer and manufacturer, so far as is
known, of the first copper coinage of the country.2
Just when he began the manufacture of the " Higley Coppers " 3
1 "At one period the restrictions of the English Government were disregarded, and a mill for
crushing the ore which the different mines on Copper-hill yielded and for smelting it were clandes-
tinely worked some miles away. Remains of these old furnaces were to be seen for nearly a
century afterwards. Necessity, however, forced the abandonment of the effort." — Phelps1
History.
The Higley-mine was worked in 1831 under the superintendency of Richard Bacon. "Owing
to difficulties," says Phelps, " in the process of smelting and refining the ore, and the pecuniary
embarrassment of the times, the works were discontinued." For the last half century copper can
be procured at cheaper rates from Lake Superior and other points.
a During the proprietary government of North Carolina a medal was in existence which may
have had a moneyed value as a coin. " In the year 1694 a copper piece was struck, it is said by
Rollers, a celebrated medalist of that day, for circulation in Carolina. It bears the figure of an
elephant on one side, and on the other the inscription, ' God preserve Carolina and the Lords
Proprietors, 1694.' " It is noticed in English publications and in Frank Leslie's Family
Magazine.
8 To designate this coin as the Granby Copper is entirely erroneous ; the name " Granby " not
then being known in that section of Simsbury. The town Granby was not established till 1786,
fifty years after the Higley coppers were manufactured.
THE HIGLEY COPPER.
SAMUEL HIGLEY, \ST. 127
which were made from the ore in his own mine, is impossible to
ascertain. It was undoubtedly between the year 1729 and the
first half of the year 1737. The oldest specimens preserved,
which bear date, were coined in 1737. There were five different
issues of three similar devices, three of which bear no date and
were probably made prior to that year. They are described in
the "Visitor's Guide and History of the U. S. Mint,"1 at Phila-
delphia, as follows:
" Their Obverses are similar: — A deer standing: below him a
hand, a star, and III; around him is the legend inclosed in two
circles — Value me as you please.
"The Reverse of one variety has three hammers crowned, and
the legend — / am Good Copper, a hand, some dots fancifully
arranged, and 1737.
" The third variety has a broad-axe and the legend — / cut my
way through. A very few also bear date 1739."
This limited coinage was precisely like the coin that Dr. Samuel
Higley produced in 1737.
Phelps, in his " History of Simsbury," states that "the coin is
said to have passed for two and sixpence [42 cents], in paper cur-
rency it is presumed."
It is more than probable that Dr. Higley's brother, John
Higley, together with the Rev. Timothy Woodbridge and William
Cradock,8 made the issue of 1739, after his death.
"The trade of blacksmith, "says Dickeson, " ever since Vulcan
was engaged in forging thunderbolts, has given the world some
very remarkable men, and it affords great pleasure at this time to
be able to contribute toward immortalizing one of the craft, who
not only devised, but manufactured a currency. Dr. Higley the
author of these coppers has certainly left evidence of having been
an artist as well as a financier; for the creatures of his genius and
1 P. 65, published by A. M. Smith, 1885.
a Cradock was probably a son or near relative of William Cradock of County Durham, England,
who issued a farthing token bearing date 1666. On the face of his coin is a device, shield of arms,
and inscription, " William Cradock " : reverse, " 1666 W. C. E." Robert Cradock of New Fish
Street, London, issued a farthing token in the seventeenth century.
The writer is inclined to the conclusion that there was an ancestral connection between an
Edward Highley of Baldock, Hertfordshire, England, and Captain John Higley who came to
America, the spelling of the name having become perverted. As the Higleys of England have not
been traced beyond Jonathan of Frimley, Surrey, the question remains unsettled. Edward
Highley issued a little " token " in the seventeenth century : Obverse side in center, " E. S. H."
Reverse, "In Boldeck 1652."
128 THE H1GLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
skill were, for the times, well executed, and they also became a
currency." '
During Dr. Samuel Higley's day "no public laws had been
made by Connecticut to authorize coinage of money, or to specify
its value. Specie was very scarce in the country, and the coinage,
at this embryo mint was regarded with great favor by residents
in the vicinity. The foreign trade of the country, which was
chiefly confined to England, was principally controlled by her;
the balance of trade was continually against us, which prevented
the importation of specie. The war in France in 1745 turned the
tide somewhat in our favor, and considerable quantities of the
Higley Copper were circulated in England in payment of war
expenses." a
Though the coinage of the Higley copper does not appear to
have been authorized by the colony, it passed as a medium of
exchange into a considerable circulation, and we are led to infer
that it was finally recognized by the colonial authorities, since
they certainly took no action toward its suppression, though
" the coinage was without sanction of law."
Without question this financial venture proved an undertaking
profitable to our ancient coiner, and useful to the community,
since soon after his death there were leading and noted citizens
of the colony who made effort to continue a copper coinage, and
to whom, in all probability, the monetary problem was suggested
by the success of the Higley copper.
In October, 1739, the last year in which a limited issue of the
Higley coin was manufactured, John Read, an eminent lawyer of
Hartford, and brother-in-law of Governor Joseph Talcott, made
application to the General Assembly for aid to secure the right
of coinage from the Royal Government; and also addressed a
personal letter to the Governor on coinage and currency, in which
he urges what he judges to be of great importance to Connecti-
cut, namely: "to procure the King's patent for the coinage of
copper money from the metal produced from the native ores of
the State."3
He offers to proceed with the manufacture of the same at his
own personal expense and "such as I shall join with me, if any
1 " American Numismatical Manual," by M. W. Dickeson, M. D., p. 80.
8 Phelps' " History of Newgate of Connecticut," p. 21.
* This petition, dating October 15, 1739, and the original letter written by Read referring
thereto, is preserved in the Connecticut Archives at Hartford. Through the kindness of C.
J. Hoadly, Slate Librarian, the writer has examined the documents.
SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. 129
body do join with me," and to bear the entire losses as well as to
receive the entire profits accruing from the enterprise.
Crosby says, "There is no doubt but John Higley1 was con-
nected with Read in this attempt to secure the right of coinage,
and was one of those to whom Read referred as ' Such as I shall
associate with me.' " a
In Mr. Read's effort to induce the General Assembly to con-
sider his petition, he intimates that Timothy Woodbridge of
Simsbury, the early and close friend of Dr. Samuel Higley, as
well as " Cradock," was associated in some way in the inter-
ests of the proposed undertaking.
It is, nevertheless, evident that Governor Talcott and the
Assembly deemed it unwise to apply to the Crown for a patent,
expecting that no favors would be granted.
Specimens of the Higley copper coin have become very rare.
There are some to be found in the United States Mint at Phila-
delphia, from which the engraving presented was photographed;
and in the collection of the Connecticut Historical Society at
Hartford, together with a few in private cabinets in the country.
Among the owners of one of these valuable relics is Albert
C. Bates, Esq., of East Granby, Conn., one of Captain John
Higley's descendants.
For more than threescore years Dr. Samuel Higley's only
grandson, Jonathan Higley, 3d, preserved with strictest care
specimens which finally descended to his great-grandson Thomp-
son Higley, Sr., of Windsor, O., who held them among his
choice treasures to a period later than the year 1860. Two of
these coins were associated with singular but sacred memories as
having been placed upon the eyes of Dr. Samuel's great-grand-
daughter, Rachel Higley of Granby, after her death, for the pur-
pose of keeping them closed. It was a custom in those times to
use coins thus.
Crosby states in his " Early Coins of America"9 that "these
coppers, owing to the fine quality of the metal of which they were
composed, were much in favor as an alloy for gold, and it is prob-
ably due in part to this cause that they are now so extremely
rare. We are informed by an old goldsmith, aged about seventy-
five years, that, during his apprenticeship, his master excused
1 Dr. Samuel Higley's eldest brother.
' " The Early Coins of America," by Sylvester S. Crosby.
13° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
himself for not having finished a string of gold beads at the time
appointed, as he was unable to find a Higley copper with which to
alloy the gold; thus indicating that they were not easily obtained
seventy years ago.
" We have heard it related of Higley that, being a frequent visit-
ant to the tavern, where at that time liquors were a common and
unprohibited article of traffic, he was accustomed to pay his
' scot ' in his own coin, and the coffers of the dram-seller soon
became overburdened with this kind of cash, of the type which
proclaims its own value to be equal to what was then the price of
a 'potation' — three pence.
"When complaint was made to Higley, upon his next application
for entertainment, which was after a somewhat longer absence
than was usual with him, he presented coppers bearing the words,
'Value me as you please,' ' I am good copper.'
"Whether the change of base facilitated the financial designs
of the ancient coiner, or not, we have never been informed :
Sure we are, however, that should he be aware of the immense
appreciation in the value of his coppers since that day, it would
amply reward him for the insulting conduct of the innkeeper.
" We cannot vouch for the truth of this ' legend,' but we believe
those first issued bore the words, ' The value of three-pence,' '
and, whatever the cause, subsequent issues more modestly re-
quested the public to value them according to their own ideas of
propriety, although they did not refrain from afterwards pro-
claiming their own merit."
Of the. rare specimens now extant few are found perfect, having
been stamped upon unalloyed copper. They are valued at
present (1894) by numismatists at forty-five to seventy-five dol-
lars each.
During the years 1859-60 a spicy lawsuit took place between
two citizens of Suffield, Conn., Chauncy Eno Viets, and George
Williston, concerning one of these coins, the suit being entered
"for the recovery of a Higley copper."
In tearing down an old house in the village a Higley copper
was discovered, which came into the possession of George Willis-
ton, as he claimed, by purchase from Mr. Viets. Viets, however,
claimed that it was only a neighborly loan to Williston, that he
1 The writer does not agree with Mr. Crosby — we find no evidence that the copper was ever
marked with a moneyed value.
SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. 131
might enjoy the pleasure of showing the rare specimen to some
friends.
In course of time Mr. Viets sought legal action to get posses-
sion of his treasure. The case came before Esquire Thomas
Cushman, justice of the peace. " Squire " Cushman decided that
Williston should retain the copper, paying Mr. Viets the value at
which the coins were then held — fifty dollars — and costs of court.
The money was forthcoming, and Williston gloried in the triumph
of an ownership of the valuable memento of the past.
The energies of Dr. Samuel Higley's life to its close were in
the pursuit of his special calling, — that of the practice of med-
icine,— in which it is shown by the record that he continued,
together with his interests in connection with his copper-mine,
and the manufacture of the Higley copper.
The circumstances of his death are not made clear in the dim
mist of the long past except through tradition, which, however,
is fully sustained by a few lines penned in rhyme by his grandson
Jonathan Higley, 3d. His son Jonathan at the time of his
father's decease was sixteen years of age. His grandson
Jonathan, 3d, would, therefore, have ample opportunity to gather
correct and reliable knowledge of his grandfather's death.
Through this source, and through different channels in the
family, this tradition comes — that Dr. Higley sailed for England
in a ship laden with his own copper ore, which was lost at sea, —
that he reached a "silent haven" not expected when he bade
adieu to these shores, — the voyage ending where it was not
expected to end —
" Through the evening gate
That shuts the golden west."
The sad event took place about May, 1737. There is a pathetic
interest in the remarkable coincidence that his only son also
met his death by drowning at precisely the same age that his
father met his — fifty years.
Dr. Samuel Higley's will, which was executed on the 30th of
January, 1734, names his "loving wife Abigail Higley" the
executrix of his estate. The record of the Court l concerning
it is as follows:
" June 7th 1737 — The LAST WILL & TRSTAMKNT OF SAMUKL HIGLEY late of Symsbury
Deed, was now Exhibited in Court by Abigail Higley Widow & Rellict of Sd. Deed. (Executrix
Named in Sd. Will) who accepted the Trust thereof in Court, Sd. Will being proved is by this
1 " Hartford County Probate Records," vol. xiii.
132 THE HIGLEY S AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Court approved Likewise the Sd. Executrix Exhibited nn Inventory of the Estate of the Sd. Deed
upon oath in Manner accostomed which Inventory & will is accepted in Court & ordered to be
Recorded and kept upon file.
" I Samuel Higley of Symsbury in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut in New Eng-
land being of perfect health mind & memory yet knowing it is appointed for all men once to Die,
I do therefore make & ordain this my last Will and Testament Recommending my Soul at Death to
God that Gave it, and my Body to a Decent buriall hoping to See a Glorious Resurrection by Gods
power and the Worldly Goods & Estate which I am blest with in this Life, I thus Do give Bequeath
and Dispose of it, after my just Debts & Dues are paid
" Imprimis I give & Bequeath to my Loving Wife Abigail Higley all my moveable Estate to her
Dispose forever (Excepting my Books my Chymical Tools & white faced heifer which I Shall give
to my Children) I also give her the Improvement of all my lands and mines if she Continueth my
Widow until my Son Jonathan Comes to the age of Twenty-one, and to have the Improvement of
one half until my Daughter Ann Comes to the age of Sixteen and from that time to have the Im-
Erovement of one Third of three quarters, and that quarter that Abigail may Challange, until
aid Abigail comes to the age of Sixteen, from thence to have the Improvement of the one third
part of my whole Estate During her Natural Life, but in Case she marrieth, I also give her
full power So long as She remaineth my Widow to Sell any of my Lands or rights or Titles To
lands Excepting my marsh and Ten acres adjoining to support herself & family of my Children
and to pay Debts — Item I give unto my Son Jonathan Higley half my Books, and all my
Chymicall Tools, I also give him the one half of my marsh and the one half of the Ten Acres
adjoining on the Westward Side, with the one half of all the mines thereon Contained, to
him & his heirs & assigns forever — And provided he will pay to his two Sisters Ann
Higley & Abigail Higley two hundred & fifty pounds to Each ; That Is To Say fifty
pound's money to Each of them When they or either of them arrive to the age of Sixteen & one
hundred pounds to each, at the age of Eighteen, and one hundred pounds money to Each at the
age of Twenty one. that then the whole Shall be his or if he fulfill this order To one then her part of
Said premises Shall be his own— But in Case he doth not pay them at the time above-said,
that then my Said Daughters, Ann Higley <£ Abigail Higley may Enter in at the age of Sixteen —
yet Notwithstanding if the Said Jonathan Will at the age of Twenty one years of my Daughters pay
the whole Sum of Two hundred & fifty pounds with Lawfull Interest besides theire Improvements
that then the primises Shall be his. I also give my Sd. Son Jonathan Higley one half part of
all my other Lands Rights titles and Interest that I now have or may have to him his heirs &
assigns forever — Item I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Ann Higley the one quarter part
of my marsh & Ten acres of upland adjoining, and one Quarter of all the mines therein Contained
Excepting her Brother pay her two hundred & fifty pounds in Money at the Times Above Men-
tioned Viz fifty pounds at or when She Comes to the age of Sixteen Years, and one hundred pounds
money when She is of the age of Eighteen and one hundred pounds in money when she is of the
age of twenty one years, or the whole two hundred & fifty pounds being paid by Sd. Jonathan with
Lawfull Interest, when & So Soon as the Sd. Ann Comes to the age of Twenty one, she having
free Liberty to Enter & Improve at 16 years of age, until he Doth pay but in Case he Doth not
pay at the Time or times & manner above Sd. then the Sd. Ann Shall have& hold Said fourth part
to her & her heirs for Ever, but when ever she Inclineth to sell, to Give her Sd. Brother the
Refusall thereof, I also Give her one fourth part of my Books, & one fourth part of my other
Lands Rights & Interests and also a cow or heifer — being brown with a white face — Item I also
give & bequeath to my Daughter Abigail Higley in Like manner as to her Sister Ann, Two hundred
and fifty pounds in money to be paid by her brother Jonathan in the Like manner as above said
Viz fifty pounds money when She is Sixteen years alike, one hundred pounds money at or when
She is Eighteen years of age, and one hundred pounds when She is twenty one years of age and
on neglect of payment as above or with Lawfull Interest at the last time mentioned, then She Shall
& may Enter into the Marsh & ten acres of upland & mines therein and use & Improve the fourth
part thereof and after she hath arrived unto the years of Twenty one, and the payment Last men-
tioned not made then she Shall hold the Said premises to her & her heirs for Ever ; but if She Sell
to Give her Brother the Refusall — I also give her the fourth part of all my other Lands Rights &
Titles, with the fourth part of my Books and a Chest of Drawers worth five pounds— And I do
hereby make ordain Constitute and appoint my loving Wife Abigail Higley to be my Executrix to
this my last Will & Testament fully Impowenng her to Sell any of my lands Except the marsh &
Ten acres of upland adjoining, for to pay Debts or Support herself and my Children so long as she
Doth Continue my Widow, but not after — In Witness where of I have hereunto Set my hand and
fixed my seal this Thirtieth Day of January one Thousand Seven hundred & thirty three four,
signed sealed published pronounced & Declared by Said Samuel Higley to be his last will and
Testament,
" In presence of us
" SAMUEL GRISWOLD / ~~>— • ,
"ELIZABETH GRISWOLD, her mark X "SAMUEL HIGLEY " -j SEAL. >
" ELIZABETH GRISWOLD, junr. ' — < — -
" Jan. soth 1733/4."
An Inventory of the Estate of Doctor Samuel Higley Deceased Taken by us Subscribers being
under oath as follows £
One Gun Sword & powder horn, . . . . . . 3 10 o
Spoon mould, 155 ;. Smoothing Iron, 35 ; Gauge, 2S ; fine plain Irons, 6s; Ginter Stock
& Iron, 3, . . . . . . . . .190
handsaw, 55 ; Gimblets, 8d ; ads, IDS ; 3 Chisels, 45 ; 2 Creasing Irons, is. . .108
Cart-band, 2-6 ; betle rings, is ; a pair of nipers, j^d ; i Trowel, IDS ; Chimney
Chain, 35, . . . . . . . . . o 17 9
a pair Tongs, 45 ; frying pan, 35 ; Sythe & Tackling, IDS ; old pot, 6s ; broken
pot, 35, . . . . . . . . . . .160
quart cups, 45 ; bulg quart pot, 6s ; pint bason, 8d ; quart bason, 35 ; old puter is-3d, o 15 9
SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. 133
puter platter, 75 ; brass kittle, 125 ; Earthern pot, 2S-6d ; Earthern platter, as ;
hour glass, i8d . . . . . . . .. .140
3 Small bottles, i8d ; Cups, as ; Stone Jug, i8d ; 2 white viols, 25 ; 12 viols, 45 ; 2
chairs, 55, . . . . . . . . . .0160
8 Square Glasses & Case ilb, jos ; Testament, 2S ; psalm book & psalter, 35 ; three
glass Stils ilb ; i bible ilb, IDS . . • . . .456
quart glass, 10 ; Boneridg Book 35 ; Eaten Book, 25 : prayer book, is ; 2 small
book, is, . . . . _ _ . . . . . .080
vise book, 2S ; prayer book, is ; Great Dictionary, 3~o-6d ; Sermon book, i8d ;
Pharmocopia batema, i7S-6d ; family Dictionary, IDS ; Waldon's Book, is ;
Polegraffy book, 55 ; i Letter Book, ips ; morphews Book, 35 ; Anonmies Book,
35 ; Sacuties Book, 6s ; Book of principles, zs, . . . . .626
English Dictionary, 8s ; Billery precepts, 33 ; Concordance, ilb ; accidents, 33 ;
Peter Loo Book, 55 ; Great Lain Book, los ; two Sermon book, is ; 2 German
Book, i8d ; 8 Small books, i6s, . . . . . . -376
Great wheel 45 ; Little, 2S ; meat barrel, 45 ; one barrel, 33 ; 3 bowls, 4s-6d ; i
small bowl, is, . . . . . . . . . o 16 6
6 Trenchers, is ; wooden mortar, 35 ; wooden Bottle, 25 ; i bell, 75 ; Gallon bottle,
35 : paile, is ; bellows, 61b ; Quadren, 25 ; Scales and weights, 155, . . 7 14 o
2 Rasars, 25 ; two ounces borax, 135 ; Chest box & key, los ; one box, 55 ; Little
box, is, . . . . . . . . . i ii o
Portemantle, IDS ; great beadstead, 6s ; blankets, ilb, 8s ; three other blankets, 2lb
155, . . . . . . . . . . . 4 19 o
feather bed boalster & pillows, 4lb ; small bed, ilb; three sheets, ilb 135 ; Mat, IDS;
Corned Cestuk, i8d ; old Iron, 45 ; Small Saw, i8d ; Saw frame, 2S-6d ; bit of
Steel, 6d ; compass, 75 ; piece of brass, is, . . . . . .806
meal sieve, 2S ; two Cows, islb ; i Calf, one Sow, a horse, 4lb ; one Swine, ilb 55 ; 4
Swine. 2lb 55 ; 3 Spoons, 2S ; 4 knives & forks, 2S ; Saddle & furniture, 2lb ; . q 14 o
house and Ten acres upland & 30 acres marsh all ..... 105 o o
14 acres Land Turkey hills, 42 Ib ; 20 acres Land at the old house, 30 Ib, . 72 o o
a piece of land on the mountain by mitchels land, . . . . . 15 o o
40 acres pine plain, 2olb ; 10 acres Swamp land, 15 Ib, . . . 35 o o
Dated at Symsbury June 4th 1737
" JAIRUS CASE,
" SAMUEL GRISWOLD,
" JOSHUA HOLCOMB."
Dr. Samuel Higley's widow, Abigail Higley, proceeded to
settle his estate, in connection with which frequent transactions
are upon record after the date when her son came of age.
On the Qth of April, 1743, conveyance was made to Captain
Joseph Higley of thirty-nine acres of land which Samuel had re-
ceived at the distribution of his father, Captain John Higley's,
estate. This land is described as lying " to the westward of
Brewster Higley ad's dwelling-house, upon a brook called
Simon's."
The final distribution of the estate was entered as follows1:
"June 22, 1745 : The Distribution of the Estate of Dr. Samuel
Higley, late of Simsbury, deed, was brought into Court and ap-
proved."
Abigail Higley outlived her husband nine years. Her death is
thus announced :
"Abigail Higley, widow of Samuel Higley, Departed this life, August 5, 1746."
The children of Samuel and Abigail Higley all survived their
parents, and lived in Simsbury.
1 " Hartford County Probate Records," book xiv. p. 60.
10
134 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Jonathan, the eldest and only son, married Mary Thompson, a
daughter of the Rev. Edward Thompson, who was the minister
of old Simsbury parish.
Annie, the second child, married, but the name of her husband
is not known.
Abigail, Jr., the youngest child, while yet in her teens married
Samuel Smith of Simsbury. Her name becoming merged into
the great "Smith family" of this country, all trace of her de-
scendants is lost. Samuel and Abigail Higley Smith sold to Cap-
tain Joseph Higley, October 24, 1752, lands "received from our
honored father, Samuel Higley."
The descendants of Dr. Samuel Higley continued, chapter Ix.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — MINDWELL HIGLEY TISDALE FITCH.
Oh, Time
Works miracles. In one short hour many thousands
Of grains of sand run out.
— SCHILLER.
MINDWELL, the ninth child of Captain John and Hannah Drake
Higley, first drew her breath in the home of her father — the
" Wolcott mansion," at Simsbury. The exact year of her birth is
doubtful, the record having been lost. It was, however, about
1689. She was given the name of her aunt Mindwell Drake, who
was born the day after the wedding of her sister — Mindwell's
mother — to Captain John Higley.
She married, September 2, 1714, Jonathan Hutchinson, the week
following her father's decease and burial. His father was of a
numerous and prominent family of Lebanon, Conn., the members
of which were among the original founders of the town. Mind-
well's married life was cut short by the early death of her hus-
band three years after their union, September 10, 1717. They
had two daughters : Hannah, born May 23, 1715, who died at the
age of ten years, May 26, 1725 ; and a babe — born September 13,
1717, three days after Mr. Hutchinson's decease — who bore her
own name. The infant lived but one month.
It was during the widowhood of Mindwell Higley Hutchinson
that the final settlement of her father's estate took place. Re-
ceipts and papers in reference to her share are still extant, bear-
ing her signature. She remained a widow until the ad of
February, 1727, when she married James Tisdale of Lebanon,
who, it is supposed, was a widower. There are no children of
this marriage recorded. In three brief months she buried her
second husband, whose death took place May 2, 1727.
>35
I36 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
The quaint inscription upon his tombstone in the old Lebanon
cemetery reads thus :
1bere Iges tbe JBoog of
/for Sanies Gisoale of Lebanon
£be busbano of /fora /fotnowell
Gis&ale. f)e ogeO /Bbag 3 1727
aaeD 48 gears,
fjere Iges our faitbful Xovetng ff rienfc
B fjusbano & a ffatber fdno
"CClbo batb restno himself to <3oo
Bno left bis wife & babes bebino.
On theiyth of September, 1729, she became the wife of Captain
Nathaniel Fitch, a gentleman of prominent position, and the fifth
of the seven sons of the eminent Rev. James Fitch, the first
minister of Norwich, Conn., by his second wife, Priscilla Mason,
daughter of Major John Mason. The Fitches were leaders in
founding the commonwealth, and were a highly influential family.
Captain Nathaniel Fitch received a commission as captain of
the military in 1719, and was deputy to the General Assembly
for Lebanon, May, 1720. He was commissioned captain of the
"South Company," May, 1726. Captain Fitch was born 1680,
and was a widower, with several children, at the time of his mar-
riage to Mindwell Higley. Their home was on a farm near the
town of Lebanon.
They had three children, viz. :
Jabez, born October 4, 1730, and died November 14, 1736.
Ezekiel, born March n, 1732;
Isaac, born May 20, 1734.
The date of Mindwell's decease has not been found.
Her husband, Captain Fitch, died May 4, 1759, at the age of
seventy-nine years. He was interred in the Lebanon cemetery,
near the grave of his father, the Rev. James Fitch. A tombstone
marks his resting place.
Mindwell Higley Tisdale Fitch's descendants have not been traced for these pages.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — SARAH HIGLEY LOOMIS.
There was only one thing dearer to the New Englander than his township — his home. — E.
G. SCOTT.
THE tenth child of Captain John Higley, a daughter Sarah,
was born at Simsbury during the time when the family fortune
was at its height, and her father had attained much celebrity in
public life. Her mother was his second wife Sarah Strong, the
granddaughter of the Rev. John Wareham. Sarah was the first
child by her father's second marriage.
The date of her birth may be fixed almost to a certainty in 1697,
although the precise time is unknown.
On the 24th of December, 1723, she married Jonathan Loomis
of Windsor, Conn., to which town her mother returned with her
family in a few years after the father's death. Jonathan Loomis
was born February i, 1694. His father, Jonathan Loomis, Sr.,
was a grandson of Joseph Loomis, who settled in Windsor in
1639, coming to America from Braintree, Essex, England, in the
ship Susan and Ellen, 1638. He was the ancestor of most of the
numerous family bearing the name in this country.
Jonathan and Sarah Higley Loomis resided at Windsor. They
had seven children, viz. :
Sarah, born July 23, 1724, and died December n, 1733.
Jonathan, born November 14, 1725, who died when near five
years of age.
George, born November 22, 1727.
Keziah, born June 18, 1729.
Margaret, born March 15, 1730.
Wait, born August 14, 1732.
Jonathan, born June 16, 1734.
Their son George, a promising young man, was graduated from
Yale College in 1750; but death claimed him the following year,
1751, leaving his parents bereft of sons, and, as far as is known,
with but two living children, both daughters. Keziah, the elder
of the two, married her cousin Joseph Loomis of Windsor, and
138 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
became the mother of six children. One of her sons, Jonathan,
was a Revolutionary soldier.
Margaret, the second daughter, married John Warner, Decem-
ber 25, 1754.*
It is supposed that the two youngest children, Wait and
Jonathan, died in childhood.
Previous to her marriage Sarah Higley purchased of her
brothers, John, Brewster, and Samuel, and her sister-in-law Ann
Higley, the wife of her late brother Jonathan, lands in Windsor,
"lying at a place called Clay Bridge," which was a part of the estate
that they received by inheritance from their mother, Hannah
Drake; the consideration being "the sum of ^30 in money."
The deed was given August 31, 1722.
And later on, about the time of her marriage, she, with her
sisters Katherine, Mindwell, and Abigail, sold to John Higley, Jr.,
her eldest brother, her share in the lands at Simsbury inherited
from her father's estate.
Jonathan Loomis and " Sary " repeatedly had their income in-
creased by "bills of credit" from the personal estate of Captain
Higley, which were charged by the executors to their account,
and moneys were paid to them in different amounts from time to
time, for which their receipts are shown.
It would appear that each of Captain Higley's daughters
received special articles, as mementoes of the old home, set apart
from the household goods. " Sary " received an "iron kittoll,"
which may have been made from the bog ore found a few miles
away in Turkey-Hills, and "two porringers and saucers," one of
them being " pewtar." The most valuable table-ware in the New
England homes of that day was of this metal, and was imported.
The inventory of her mother's estate — Mrs. Sarah Higley's —
was presented in Court jointly by "Jonathan and Sarah Loomis,
December 1739."
The dates of their deaths are unknown, and their graves cannot
be discovered ;
" For the grassy hillocks are leveled again,
And the keenest eye might search in vain
'Mong briars and ferns, and paths of sheep,
For the spot where the loving couple sleep."
The reader is referred to the " Loomis Genealogies " for descendants.
1 " Loomis Genealogies."
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — NATHANIEL HIGLEY.
Faith in God, faith in man, faith in work ; this is the short formula in which we may sum up the
teaching of the founders of New England ; a creed ample enough for this life and the next. —
JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL.
THE life of Nathaniel Higley is a quiet one for the chronicler.
He was the eleventh child in the large family of Captain John
Higley, whose second wife, Sarah Strong, was his mother. He
was a well-to-do farmer, possessed of considerable ability and a
comfortable property.
Nathaniel's birth took place at Simsbury close on to the
departure of the century, November 12, 1699. He was a boy of
fifteen at the time of his father's death. On the eighth of the
following February (1715) he went into the Probate Court and
made choice of his uncle Samuel Strong to be his guardian.
At the age of twenty-one his marriage was placed upon record as
follows :
"Nathaniel Higley of Simsbury and Abigail filler of Windsor were maried the
twenty-ninth day of march, 1720."
The young pair were second cousins, both of them being the
great-grandchildren of Elder John Strong of Northampton, Mass.
Nathaniel's grandfather on the maternal side was Return Strong,
and Abigail's maternal grandmother was Experience Strong,1 his
sister.
Nathaniel and Abigail Higley settled upon lands which Nathaniel
owned in the northern part of Simsbury, now North Granby,
1 Lieutenant Walter Fyler (sometimes spelled " Filer ") the paternal great-grandfather of
Abigail Filer Higley, came to Windsor, Conn., with the Rev. John Wareham, 1636, from Dorchester,
Mass. His house was within the Palisadoes. He was Deputy to the General Assembly in 1647.
He died 1683. In his will he gave the use of his estate to his widow Jane during her natural life,
" Also one hundred pounds in cash to bestow upon another husband, or reserve it to herself to
bestow upon whom she may please." His son Zerubbabel married Experience Strong, May 27,
1669, and lived for a time at Stone River (Suffield), but afterward returned to Windsor. While
he was a resident of Suffield his son Samuel, the father of Abigail Filer Higley, was born. Samuel
was a fanner at Hebron, Conn., where he died September 13, 1710. His wife, Abigail, died 1709.
Their daughter, Abigail Filer Higley, the wife of Nathaniel Higley, was born February 6, 1703.
There are a number of the Higleys now living whose ancestry is traced in direct line to their
maternal ancestress Abigail Filer.
140 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
where they lived long and useful lives, and where they brought
up a family.
He purchased in 1726 from his younger brother Josiah a
parcel of land adjoining his own "house lot," which lay to the
west of that owned by his brothers John and Brewster. His
home estate comprised ninety acres with "ten acres on ye
plain "; and together with the other inhabitants of the settlement
he received, January 2, 1723, a share at the distribution of
common lands made by the town. He is named among the
heirs who received from the executors an inheritance from
Captain Higley's estate, together with small household articles
" set out to him," among which was " a pair of stilyards."
Nathaniel Higley was by profession a surveyor. The office of
town surveyor was one of considerable importance, the principal
duties being " the measuring of land and getting out of town lots
to men." In town affairs he was intrusted with prominent ap-
pointments, and appears among the solid men of his generation,
of well-balanced mind, displaying sound judgment. His name
is found upon various committees of the Northwest Ecclesiastical
Society; and the indications are that he was more actively asso-
ciated with religious matters than were the elder children of
Captain Higley. For the year 1742 his church rates, "for de-
fraying the charges of the society," amounted to £4 i6s. 4d.
His children of whom we have trace were nearly all religious
professors.
During the years of his greatest church activities the practice
of the admission of members to the church on the " Half-way
Covenant," so-called, was customary, which was frequently fol-
lowed after lapse of time " by ye owning of ye covenant." These
half-way covenanters "were not permitted to come to the table
of holy communion. "
It was in June, 1753, that the following action was taken by the
church of which Nathaniel by this time appears to have been one
of the chief props :
" Voted that Dr. Watts version of the Psalms shall be sung in our public assem-
blies once a day upon ye Sabboth."
This was an advanced step toward liberality in church affairs.
Heretofore the singing, for the period of a century, had
been from a quaint "little metrical volume," known as "The
New England version of the Psalms," or the "Bay Psalm-Book,"
NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 141
the first edition of which was printed about 1640. A later version
appeared in 1650.
" The necessity of the heavenly Ordinance of singing Scripture
Psalms in the churches of God," was fully recognized.
The singing was accomplished by " lining" these psalms, which
was alternately reading one or two lines by the minister, then
the congregation singing them, followed by two more lines, etc.
Few possessed hymn-books. Someone stood appointed to "set
the tunes," which were invariably long-drawn and heavy. The
psalm sung was usually very long, and the people stood while
singing, as well as during prayer.1
Among other town officers appointed each year was an "In-
spector of Leather." To this service Nathaniel Higley was
repeatedly elected; he served as grand juror, was appointed
appraiser, surveyor of highways, fence viewer, rate collector,
and often served as tything-man. Of the latter office, which
long ago ceased in the churches of New England, a few words
here will be of interest.
The tything-man was a town officer, who was annually elected
and officially sworn into office to enforce the observance of the
Sabbath. He required to be filled with zeal and vigilance, and
was a man who inspired a degree of fear and awe. He was to
see to it that "no person should be recreating or unnecessarily
walking or loitering on the Lord's day." His duties required
him to look after the absentees from church service, and to col-
lect the fine of ten shillings imposed upon those who, "being
able-bodied and not otherwise necessarily prevented, should for
the space of one month " fail to appear in the Sunday congrega-
tion.2
But his most conspicuous duty lay in preserving the sanctity
of divine service. Provided with a long pole, and a whip-stock
and lash in hand, he stationed himself every Sunday in the rear
of the audience near the door, and with vigilant eye and dignified
1 "At family prayers it was the costom to rise to theirfeet and stand instead of kneeling." The
reason given for taking this posture was, " their exceeding fear of any costom that might be con-
strued as tainting of Popery."
*"As the President — [George Washington], on his return to New York from his late tour
through Connecticut, having missed his way on Saturday, was obliged to ride a few miles on
Sunday morning in order to gain the town at which he had previously proposed to have attended
divine service. Before he arrived, however, he was met by a Tything-man, who commanding him
to stop, demanded the occasion of his riding ; and it was not until the President had informed him
of every circumstance, and promised to go no further than the town intended, that the Tything-
man would permit him to proceed on his journey." — From an old newspaper of the times:
" Olden Time Series."
142 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
gravity he performed his calling with no partisan favor. The
giddy youth who happened to whisper to his chum, or who un-
fortunately was unable to repress his overflowing spirits, com-
mitting the grave, sin of a smothered snicker, was approached
from behind and sharply rapped upon the head with the pole,
which was aimed with great precision and directness.
Mrs. Stowe pictures this official as " a man who on week days,
though he might be a rather jolly, secular individual, on Sunday
was a man whose eyes were supposed to be as a flame of fire to
search out boys that played in meeting, and bring them to awful
retribution." *
In an old law book which once belonged to Nathaniel's
nephew, Governor Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., was found in manu-
script at the end of the volume, " Reports of Brother Jonathan's
adjudications of small cases which he tried as Justice of the
peace." Among these was one where His Majesty's ty thing-man
entered a complaint against Jona and Susan Smith for a "prof-
anation of the Sabbath "; namely, "that on the — day of — dur-
ing Divine Service on the Lord's Day, they did smile." The cul-
prits were adjudged to be guilty of the offence, and severally
fined "five shillings and cost.""
Eight children are found upon record as having been born to
Nathaniel and Abigail Filer Higley; yet it is probable there were
others. They were as follows: Abigail, born November i, 1723,
married Josiah Holcombe, November 8, 1742. Mary, born 1724,
and died at the age of one hundred and four years. She never
married. Theopolis, born March 29, 1726; married Rhoda
Solomon, born Januarys, 1728; married Lydia Holcombe. Dudley,
born 1730; married Eunice . Samuel, born about 1734; not
known whether he married. Daniel, the exact date of whose
birth is not known, married Ruth ; and Mindwell, born
about 1738, who married, March 3, 1768, Seth Higley, the son of
her first cousin Brewster Higley, 2d.*
Their children all settled in the vicinity of their home (the
part of Simsbury now known as North Granby), and, except
Solomon, here remained until after their father's decease, and till
about the close of the war of the Revolution, when most of those
who were then living emigrated to Vermont.
1 " Old Town Folks," by Harriet Beecher Stowe, p. 43.
a " Olden Time Series," Henry M. Brooks.
3 It is confidently supposed that Noah and Nehemiah Higley were also sons of Nathaniel. See
chapter Ixvi.
NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 143
Nathaniel Higley died of cancer in September, 1773.
His son Daniel Higley was named as executor of his estate.
His will,1 which was signed on the i3th of February, 1773,
devises that after his just debts are paid his wife Abigail shall
have one third part of all his lands, plowing, mowing, woods,
and pasturing, with all the household goods, during her natural
life. To his daughter Mary and son Daniel he gives all* of his
'Mean and freehold estate," to be divided equally between them.
To his son Solomon he gives five pounds of lawful money, and to
his daughters, Abigail the wife of Josiah Holcombe, and Mind-
well the wife of Seth Higley, the sum of three pounds each. To
the heirs of Dudley Higley, his son, he gave the sum of ten shil-
lings, to be paid eighteen months after death. One of his sons
— Samuel — to whom moneys were paid at the distribution of the
estate, is not named in his will. The inventory of his personal
estate, taken September 23, 1773, contains articles of clothing;
among which were a "Great Coat," valued at 75., a " Strait Bodied
coat," i8s., "A Green Jaccoat," 45., "2 pair of Linen Breeches,
is. 6d." It comprises also numerous household effects, sheep,
cattle, and other belongings of a well-managed farm, amounting
in all to ^"198 175. od.* It cannot be clearly understood why he
gave the most of his property to his son Daniel and daughter
Mary, almost disinheriting his surviving children and other heirs.
His burial place is not known.
Although Nathaniel Higley's name is not found associated with
any conspicuous measure in the colony, when he passed away
from life's day of ceaseless industry, which he had devoted to use-
ful purposes, the event marked the close of a well-rounded career.
He had walked in a straight road, rendering acceptable service to
the community in which he lived. He was respected by all who
knew how to respect integrity, trustworthiness, and a sound
character. Such an existence does not fail to excite a glow oi
admiration. " He fought the good fight, he kept the faith."
The descendants of Nathaniel Higley -will be found in chapter Ixvi.
1 "Simsbury Probate Records," p. 141.
4 Book i. p. no, "Simsbury Records."
CHAPTER XXV.
/
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — JOSIAH AND JOSHUA HIGLEY.
We honor and we love them — our ancestry of old,
Whose virtues rare the brighter wear, like the face of virgin gold.
— GEORGE CANNING HILL.
THE twelfth interesting advent of babyhood in the household of
the Higleys at Simsbury was on a summer morning late in the
season, when twins were announced. They were thus recorded :
"JosiAH HIGLEY, the son of Captain John Higley, was borne the eighth day of
September, and Baptized the fourteenth day of September, seventeen hundred and
one. Borne to him by his wife Sarah."
"JOSHUA HIGLEY, the son of Captain John Higley, was borne the eighth day of
September, one Thousand seven hundred and one, which his wife Sarah, the
Daughter of Return Strong, bare to him."
The last named child " dyed " an infant of seven months,
April 2, 1702, and was interred in the churchyard at the settle-
ment at " Scotland" — now Bloomfield, Conn. Josiah lived to the
meridian of life.
It has been declared that " men of great integrity who have no
thought of pushing into any ambitious sphere, but only of doing
with all their might the work which their hands find to do, are the
salt of society, the strength of a nation, and it is not well that
such should be forgot."
The sentiment is fitting to Josiah Higley, as far as we can dis-
cover the tenor and bearings of his life. The sphere in which he
was known extended little beyond the region of Windsor and
Simsbury. He appears to have held an honorable position, and
served upon important town committees, though there is no
indication that he was a leader in public affairs. The narrative of
his life is virtually that of a good citizen, a worthy son of a
worthy father.
The decease of Captain John Higley having taken place when
this son was but thirteen years of age, he was deprived of
JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 145
paternal care. At fourteen he was taken into court, where he
chose Thomas Moore of Windsor for his guardian.
On the day before New Year's, December 31, 1724, when he was
twenty-three, he married Dinah Gillett, of a family of excellent
standing and among the first grantees of land in that part of Sims-
bury. The young couple settled in the parish of Turkey-Hills,
then a part of the town of Simsbury — now East Granby,
Conn. — where " Josias " owned lands. There were not at this
time sixty families living in that vicinity. Here their children,
and many of their grandchildren, were born and brought up.
In town appointments Josiah Higley repeatedly served the
local interests in a variety of matters, among which was the "Sur-
veying of Highways."
An ecclesiastical parish was granted by the General Assembly
in October, 1736, which was organized and petitioned for " by the
inhabitants of Turkey-Hills, Salmon Brook, The Falls, and the
Higleys." l For two years, however, the petitioners could not
agree upon a spot for the location of the meeting house. In
1738 a committee from the General Assembly was appointed to
take the matter in hand and " Affix a place in the Society to set
the meeting house upon." Upon the parish records Josiah
Higley's name is frequently found in relation to the performance
of various duties in this connection, which shows him to have
been one of the founders of this parish.8
In 1745 he was made a member of an important committee set
apart to manage and lay out the common and undivided lands
which had been granted by the town some years previous, and to
attend, in behalf of the inhabitants, to the leasing of lands on
Copper-Hill.
Josiah, among other sons and some of the sons-in-law of Cap-
tain John Higley who were commissioned officers, was possessed
of a military spirit and was familiar with military tactics, holding
the rank of sergeant in the Connecticut militia.
Sergeant Josiah Higley and Dinah Gillett were the parents of
six children who are found upon record — viz. : Josiah, 2d, born
"Nov. ye 6, 1725"; Rebecca, born May 22, 1727; Susannah, born
May 6, 1730; Dinah, born January i, 1731; Nathan, born August
i, 1736; and Elijah, born about 1738.
These became the ancestors of many descendants who are now
1 Supposed to refer to the residents of Higley-Town.
9 This parish is now known as the North Society.
146 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
living and who are much respected citizens in different parts of
this country.
His death occurred within a few months of entering his
fiftieth year. His wife survived him, but it is not known how
many years. She was yet living in the year 1754.
In his will he bequeathed to her — " my wife Dinah — the use of
one third of my lands, during her life." After setting apart,
according to the old English custom, a special portion for his
eldest son, "all of the remainder of the estate, both personal and
movable," was divided in equal shares between his six children.
He appointed his "beloved wife Dinah" and his son Josiah,
Jr., his executors.
The inventory of the estate indicates that he was living in
moderate surroundings at the time of his decease. When his
death took place he resided upon a plot of ten acres of land
located about two miles south of Turkey-Hills Centre, which is
described as " lying north of the highway that goes from Hatchet-
hill to Windsor, together with six acres lying on the west side of
the mountain."
He was interred in the ancient burial ground at Turkey-Hills,
(now East Granby). The inscription upon his tombstone, which
is still standing, is as follows :
Sergeant
mag 31 1751
ageD 50.
For descendants of Josiah Higley see chapter Ixix.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — ABIGAIL HIGLEY THORP.
The wold an' young do slowly come,
An' teake in stillness each his pleace.
— FROM " TREASURY OF SACRKD SONG."
BUT a short sketch of Abigail, the fourteenth child of the large
family of Captain John Higley, can be given; there being yet dis-
covered but the briefest record of her life. Her story must there-
fore remain in the unwritten annals of the family.
She was born at Simsbury, Conn., November 4, 1703. When
she was twelve years of age, her mother Sarah (Strong) Higley
was appointed her guardian.
The influences which surrounded her were the same as those of
the other children of the household, and of other women of that
day. The sameness of their unobtrusive, quiet, and limited
spheres, as they pass in procession before us, furnishes little mate-
rial for the biographer; they were, however, among the mothers
and grandmothers of the "thought, conscience, and moral influ-
ence " which went out of the simple, rural, colonial homes of
New England, and which gave life and being to the future nation.
They were solicitous and careful to lay the elements of true
character in their children, and taught deep-rooted principles,
instilling into their minds a reverence for truth and honor. Their
lives, though inconspicuous, told upon the depth of the character
of their sons and their sons' sons.
Abigail Higley was married previous to her twentieth year to
Peter Thorp, and lived at Lebanon, Conn., in the parish known
as Goshen. Her husband appears to have been many years her
senior, and to have been a widower with children scarcely younger
in years than his wife. On the organization of the Goshen Con-
gregational Church by thirty-two persons, in 1729, his name
appears as one of the number. Abigail Thorp was admitted to
its membership in 1730. Peter Thorp died September i, 1734.
In his will he provided for his wife Abigail and their children;
viz., James, Ruth. Sarah, Peter, Aaron, Abigail, and Hannah.
148 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
It is quite probable that some of these children were by his first
marriage.
Abigail, Jr., married Joseph Gay; and Hannah, whose death
occurred before her father's, married John Foster.
Abigail Higley Thorp is mentioned in the settlement of her
father's estate. Her autograph is preserved among the receipts
in the executor's accounts given January 10, 1724, at which date
it appears that she had gone from Lebanon to Simsbury to trans-
act business for herself and her two sisters, Mindwell and
Susannah, who also resided there. This autograph is the only
relic of her which has fallen into the hands of the present genera-
tion. At the final distribution of her mother's estate, money was
ordered to be paid to Abigail's heirs, " their Mother's part."
Her death took place at Goshen, July, 1742, in the fortieth year
of her age.
The descendants of Abigail Higley Thorp have not been traced.
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — SUSANNAH HIGLEY BLACKMAN.
" There is not a human life that is now potent for good, which is not shaped and swayed in
large measure by the influence of lives which have passed from earth."
SUSANNAH HIGLEY'S life, like that of her next older sister, has
lain for nearly two centuries under almost total eclipse. Few
records of her are extant. Even the stage and scenes of her
married life are somewhat obscure.
Her birth took place in 1705, at Simsbury, and she was the
fifteenth child of her father, Captain John Higley.
On the zd of January, 1724, she married Elisha Blackman of
Lebanon, Conn., to which town she removed, and here they
reared a family.
The daily duties of these old-time women consisted in machine-
like service of the household, and might be summarized as the
bearing of children, nursing and guiding their large families,
attending to the plain cookery, hetchilling the flax and tow, card-
ing the wool from the fleeces of their own sheep, and spinning
and dyeing with their own hands the cloth which they fashioned
into garments for the family. The indispensable spinning wheel
was a household article which is named in almost every inventory
of the times.
The wife and mother was cook, housekeeper, and nurse. She
attended to everything herself, and was unaccustomed to frittering
away her time, or running after petty vanities. She cooked in
iron pots, which were hung from the crane in the huge fireplace,
and her baking was done in the "big oven "built either adjoining
the fireplace, or a little way from the house out of doors. The
hot ashes and burning coals formed a bed for roasting potatoes
and green corn, and the Indian corn and rye were made into
meal for Johnny cake and the rye loaf.
An endless variety of duties of necessity were laid upon the
matrons of these households in way of drying fruits and vege-
tables, which were hung from the ceiling, for it was before the
days of canned goods; gathering and drying herbs for domestic
IT *«
150 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
remedies in case of illness and emergencies; extracting lye from
the wood-ashes and making all the soap; preparing the hominy
for the table by a slow process, and manufacturing the starch.
They made sausages, tried lard, made butter and cheese.
The children were early put to work. All were trained to lives
of industry. The older ones soon came to the help of the mother
and lightened her burdens. The boys built fires, did chores,
worked in the "truck patch," and were made to busy themselves
in useful occupations. The few methods they had for getting fun
consisted in going swimming, trapping small game, "coon " hunt-
ing, fishing, gathering nuts from the forests, and out-of-doors
sports. The daughters took their turn at the spinning wheel,
the loom, the churn, and the wash-tub, and in all the domestic
labor of the household. There were no servant-girls employed.
There were no toys for the young children, no juvenile books,
and no Christmas pastimes were observed.1 It was before the
days of Sunday-schools.
The open fire, with its blazing back-log, and the candlewood,
chiefly furnished the evening light. This candlewood was split
from the pitch pine that grew on the hills. The timepieces were
the sundial in the dooryard, and the "noon mark " in the window.
They had no clocks. " Early candlelight " noted the time for
neighborhood gatherings, which were frequent and hearty. The
hospitality of the homes was cordial and freely offered ; the latch-
string on the door was out to the passer-by.
The mother was the inspiration of her home, making it the
abode of peace, filling it with the home-spirit which makes the
hearthstone the center of sweet recollections in after-life, and she
was beloved and remembered for her own sake. Her aspiration
was not to gain prominence for herself, but her ambitions were
fixed upon her husband, whom she reverenced.
Progress, as related to woman's development, had moved
slowly for the last half century, if, indeed, it had moved at all.
They lived under the English conception of woman's position,
and her relations to her husband and her home.
The inferior education given to daughters, as compared with
the sons, is in this day of advantages for the superior education
of women, and the higher cultivation of her faculties, a surprise,
and unhappily reflects great discredit upon our forefathers.
1 The Puritan Pailiament ordered, December 24, 1652, " That no observation shall be had of
the five-and-twentieth day of December, commonly called Christmas day ; nor any solemnity used
or exercised in churches upon that day in respect thereof."
SUSANNAH HIGLEY BLACKMAN. 151
It was not customary in those days even to give the women a
special individuality by recognition of their own given names.
They were known in the neighborhood, and recorded on the
church-rolls, as "Deacon Smith's wife," the "Widder Brown,"
"Goodwife Jones"; and at death the widow was carefully placed
upon record as "The Relique" of Mr. So-and-So — or, in plain
literal terms, the remains, or all that was left of " Zerubbabel
Grace."
"Woman's sphere," and the "advancement of women," were
questions not yet discussed, nor had these subjects even dawned
upon the minds of these faithful and unchronicled daughters of
toil. But, withal, they were heroic and thoughtful, and there
was much of intellectual acuteness and strength in their characters.
They visited from neighbor to neighbor during the week, discuss-
ing the Sunday sermon and high theological points, forming their
own opinions and speaking their own minds, with an intelligence
that would eclipse many a dame of these latter days.
While they were not assertive women, and valued and leaned
upon the protection of man, they had a certain independence in
the transaction of business matters which seems to singularly
ill accord with the constant signs of the meek spirit of subjection
that they maintained in other usages of their lives. This is
specially manifested in the numerous land transactions in which
a great many women engaged, and which is one of the notable
features of the records concerning the Higley women of the first
generation.
Susannah Higley received, at the final division of her father's
estate, her share of the lands. The ancient and historical account
books show her to have received in different small payments an
additional ten pounds in money, the last of which appears to have
been conveyed to her by her sister Abigail, who gave a receipt
for the same. Her souvenirs from the old homestead were "a
pewter tankard and a glass bottol."
Four children, three sons and one daughter, are upon record
as having been born to Elisha Blackman and Susannah Higley.
Joseph, the eldest, whose birth took place November 26, 1724,
married in 1758. He was the father of three children, viz. :
Mary, born February 19, 1759 ; Susannah, born January 3, 1761 ; and Lurany,
born June 21, 1763.
Elisha, the second son, was born September 19, 1727, and
15 2 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
married Lucy Smith, a widow, March 22, 1753. They had chil-
dren as follows :
Lucy, born September 7, 1755 ; Levina, born September 7, 1757 ; Elisha, born
April 4, 1760 ; Ichabod, born March 24, 1762 ; Eleazar, born May 31, 1765.
Jonathan, the third son of Elisha and Susannah Higley Black-
man, born May 12, 1729, married Sarah Comstock November 7,
One daughter, Susannah, was the issue of this marriage. She was born July 25,
1752.
Susannah, their fourth and last child, was named for her
mother, and was born August 12, 1733. We find no allusion to
her afterwards.
Susannah Higley Blackman was yet living March, 1748, when
the final settlement of her mother's estate (Mrs. Sarah Strong
Higley) took place. It is not known when her days ended.
The descendants of Susannah Higley Blackman have not been further traced.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE FIRST AMERICAN FAMILY. — ENSIGN ISAAC HIGLEY.
Slow from the plow the woods withdrew,
Slowly each year the corn-lands grew ;
Nor fire, nor frost, nor foe could kill
The Saxon energy of will.
And never in the hamlet's bound
Was lack of sturdy manhood found ;
And never failed the kindred good
Of brave and helpful womanhood.
— WHITTIER.
THE child that was born to Captain John Higley and his wife,
Sarah, on the 2oth of July, 1707, was baptized on the i4th of
the September following, and given the name Isaac. He was
the sixteenth and youngest child of the numerous household.
Isaac Higley began life in the midst of great emotions in the
community. Just preceding his birth it became known that the
lurking Indians were planning an attack upon the settlement, and
the Council of War at Hartford had ordered that fortifications
should be provided by the inhabitants, "with all possible speed —
a sufficient number of well fortified houses for the saftie of them-
selves and families." There was for a time something like a
reign of terror. It is an old saying that " Desperite game need
an able gamester," so his father, Captain John Higley, was
brought into vigilant action in these measures for defense, and
was standing equipped with his military forces ready for the
" wager of battle."
From the capacious memories of the older members of the
family, Isaac, no doubt, had his head filled, in the subsequent
years of his childhood and youth, with household stories of Indian
encounters and scenes of tragedy which occurred about the time
that he was born. '
His father dying when he was but seven years of age, the
responsibility of his training fell chiefly upon the mother. The
court appointed Thomas Moore of Windsor his guardian.
The boy grew to manhood amid the charming scenes and
1 See story of the capture of Daniel Hayes, page 70.
154 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
beautiful range of Connecticut hills and rivers of Simsbury and
Windsor. As long as he lived he bore the respect of the com-
munities in which he resided, and was held in an especially affec-
tionate regard by those brothers who were the sons of another
mother. While yet in his teens his widowed mother removed to
Windsor, and Isaac appears to have removed with her. Like
several members of his family he devoted himself to agricultural
pursuits, and bore worthy repute as a husbandman.
The wild and uncultivated country, after the Indians had ceased
their hostilities (about 1724), began in his day to show signs of
advance and improvement, and fruitful fields were now to be
seen. A bridge was built across the Farmington River in 1734,
the inhabitants having for more than a century depended upon
ferries of the simplest construction, which were licensed and
regularly established at different points; two-wheeled vehicles
began to appear : and carpets were sometimes seen upon the
floors. The people lived plainly, and, compared with these days,
their comforts were few. Wolves and wild animals were still so
numerous that they had great difficulty in protecting their sheep.
Deer, wild turkeys, and rattlesnakes abounded in the thick sur-
rounding forests.
Planting apple orchards was an enterprise which was entered
into by most of the landowners, and plenty of cider was kept on
hand, and using it to excess was a common indulgence. Their
tables were supplied by products from their tilled fields; the sheep
and swine which they raised furnishing their meats, together with
the wild game, which was everywhere plentiful. Until the
streams were damaged by mill-dams the beautiful rivers and
brooks abounded in shad and salmon, and the fisherman's interests
were a means of employment and profit.
In the social status of the community, the range of human
level was still divided into families which held class-eminency and
those of the humbler landowners. The recognition of an " upper
class " held almost as strong a grip upon the communities as it
had fifty years before.
Among the younger set there was much jollification and demoral-
izing merry-making, which would in these times be scarcely admis-
sible in polite society; and which, in many cases, led into great
familiarity between the sexes, with perplexing consequences.
Whitefield, when preaching in the different towns through this
section of the country, found occasion to speak forcibly against
ISAAC HIGLEY. 155
" Mixed dancing, and the frolicking of males and females
together," which practice, he afterward declared, "was very
common."
Saturday evening was in those good old times spent, as has
been the custom in so many New England homes for more than
two centuries to this day, in preparation for the Sabbath.1 Every-
thing like levity was solemnly hushed. All work of the house-
hold and ordinary occupations were stopped, as far as practicable,
until Monday morning.
The minister continued to occupy a very dignified position.
Although these spiritual heroes, with their worthy church officials,
still frowned upon the doings of any individual who deviated from
serious thought and grave, funeral-like demeanor on the Sabbath'
day, and subjected the members of their flocks to the strictest
letter of the laws which had been framed by the first Puritan
emigrants, yet it is a simple historical fact that they failed in
imbuing their followers with the practice of the spirit of peace,
and that "charity which suffereth long and is kind" was often
wanting in the different settlements. Bitter controversies and
neighborhood broils kindled into high flame over points at issue
which were constantly arising, and in which a grievous lack of the
oil. of brotherly kindness and the Christian law of love and
forbearance was manifested. The lion and the lamb utterly
refused to lie down together; antagonistic spirits holding stub-
bornly to their individual preferences." If the Higleys, whose
names, including that of Isaac, by the middle of the last century
are found in much activity upon the church records, joined to
a great extent in these broils and were at swords' points on puri-
tanical or other issues, time and their graves have concealed it —
well it is that the silence is perfect.
From Isaac, the youngest son in the first American Higley
family, a clew is obtained, and the only one, except a strongly
marked heredity which runs throughout all the lines of descend-
1 " Under the Colonial government it was for some time made a question of -when the Sabbath
should be considered as commencing ; but in 1645 it became the custom to regard the evening of
the last day of the week as the beginning of the Sabbath. Several clergyman, however, con-
sidered Saturday afternoon as the commencement of holy time." — " Olden Time Series," H. M-
Brooks.
a " But they were glorious men — men whose arms were iron and whose nerves were steel
They were men who fought and struggled not for glory, nor for ambition, but for conscience and
for principle. They did not always bow courteously before they used their sword, they did not
say ' by your leave ' before they ran their bayonet through the heart. They were brave and true
men, and the world is immeasurably better and nobler for t'.ieir having lived in it." — Lyman Abbott,
D.D.
156 THE HI G LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ants, of the stature of the early Higleys. Between Isaac and
his brother Nathaniel, and descendants who are now living, there
is a link with the long past, binding the present generation to
their day. Naomi Higley, the granddaughter of Brewster
Higley, ist, who married her cousin Brewster Higley, 4th, lived
to the year 1850, residing with her grandchildren in Meigs Co.,
Ohio. They often heard her talk of these two grand-uncles of
hers. She retained a clear recollection of them, having been
a girl of fourteen when Nathaniel died in 1773. Isaac was a fre-
quent visitor at her father's house — Captain Joseph Higley's. He
was of princely physique, finely proportioned and commanding
in appearance, walked erect, and was active. He stood six feet
and five inches in height, and his hands and feet were of notice-
able size and proportions. Naomi Higley described him as "so
tall that he was forced to stoop to enter her father's door."
The low-ceiled houses seemed to cage him. She related that
one day, when at her father's house, he arose to leave the room.
"Where are you going, Uncle Isaac?" his nephew inquired.
"Oh, just out of doors to stretch myself— that's all," was his
reply. He is said to have been somewhat eccentric and original
in expression, and was always found to be fully conversant upon
all topics of his times. He was very fond of children.
Isaac Higley's wife, who was Sarah Porter of Windsor, whom
he married February 13, 1735, bore him two daughters, the only
children he ever had — Sarah, born November 23, 1735, who
never married, and Susannah, born December 8, 1742. The
minister, Rev. Nathaniel Roberts, entered this record:
"Jan. ye 3, 1741/2, 1 baptized a child for Isaac Higley and her name is Susannah."
There is no allusion anywhere made to this child afterward.
Early in 1732 Isaac Higley began trading and securing lands
in Torrington, Conn. The first settlers of this town were almost
altogether from Windsor. His name is mentioned in this con-
nection with other citizens of Windsor as early as September 10,
1733. In January of that year he purchased an additional lot
of land from Jonathan Barber, and again in August, 1738, from
Aaron Barber. In 1739 purchases of more land were made from
his brother-in-law Jonathan Trumbull of Lebanon, who appears
to have been the owner of lands at Torrington.
It was about this date (1739) that he removed with his family
to Torrington, being among the first settlers of the town, and
ISAAC HIGLEY. 157
where he became a man of considerable note. There were but
nine families within the limits of the town at its beginning. He
was at once associated with those who took early measures to
establish church privileges, memorializing the General Assembly
in October of the same year, asking to be "organized into an
Ecclesiastical Society, and that taxes might be imposed for the
support of the gospel ministry." A church was founded of which,
in 1741, the Rev. Nathaniel Roberts was ordained the first minis-
ter. In October, 1747, Isaac Higley served on a committee of
three appointed by the General Assembly to build a meeting
house. They erected the first church building in the town,
which was ordered to be "a frame structure of the dimensions
of thirty foot square and eighteen foot between joints." The
meeting houses of Colonial times were not warmed; there were
no stoves in those days. " It was considered that a comfortable
degree of heat while at public worship did not contribute to the
profitable hearing of the gospel. The first stove known to have
been introduced into a house of worship was in Massachusetts
in 1773," thirty years later than this period, and " was considered
an indication of extravagance and degeneracy." '
In 1745 a small school was opened in the midst of the forest at
Torrington. These early schools on the outskirts were generally
kept by school-dames. There was, by this time, a growing
degeneracy in the standard of the schools in the colony, many
betraying an unwillingness to support them; yet some effort was
still made to store the minds of the young with useful knowledge.
The old-time New England schoolmaster governed his pupils
"by the persuasive eloquence of the rod!" He was a practical
advocate of corporal punishment. "School opened," states a
writer of those times, " when the birch rod was laid across the
master's desk." A sharp thrashing scene Was no uncommon
event in the daily school exercises. It has been stated that
"shingles and old slippers had much to do with the proud
civilization of the past." During the year 1748 a division was
made between the east and the west side of the town — Torrington
and Torringford. Isaac Higley appears on the west side in Tor-
rington, where his estate lay "on the hill adjoining Joseph
Allyn's place." The population had now increased, by 1756, to
two hundred and fifty.
His wife, Sarah Porter, died on the ipth of July, 1753, and on the
24th of February, 1757, he married Sarah Loomis.
1 " Old Time Series," by H. M. Brooks.
158 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Isaac was the third son of Captain John Higley who bore the
honor of being commissioned by the General Assembly ensign
of the military company of the town to which he belonged. The
Act was passed October, 1757.
It is a matter worthy of especial notice that his brother Brew-
ster Higley, ist, who had sons the same age as Isaac, and was the
largest property holder in the family, selected him to settle his
estate. "I make," says Brewster in the document, "my loving
brother Isaac my sole executor," etc. ; evincing the worthy trust
which might be reposed in him, as well as the affectionate regard
in which he was held by Captain Higley's older children. It is
not known just how long Isaac survived his brother.
The tradition from the venerable grandparents is that he met
his death by accidental drowning while crossing the river on the
ice in the winter of 177-, with a wagon loaded with wood ; the
wagon breaking through. In his effort to save his horses, he him-
self went under the ice. His body was never recovered. With
the early spring thaw the following season came a great freshet,
which swept it away in the flood.
The date of the decease of his second wife and that of his
unmarried daughter is not known. His widow held the farm
until the soth of January, 1800, on which date she gave a deed
of conveyance to Oliver Allyn. This closed the family history.
There were no descendants.
CHAPTER XXIX.
DESCENDANTS OF KATHERINE HIGLEY NOBLE.
Continued from chapter xvii. p. 96.
David Noble, Katherine, Captain John Higley.
Consider the years of many generations. — DEUTERONOMY, xxxii. 7.
OF Katherine Higley Noble's children, a son and daughter sur-
vived her, Lydia and David.
LYDIA NOBLE, the eldest child of James Noble and Katherine
Higley, born December 7, 1704, married April 30, 1734, Stephen
Kelsey of Killingwarth, Conn. They took up their residence at
Westfidd, Mass. He died December n, 1753. She died April
18, 1768. They had seven children, viz.: Stephen, Gershom,
James, Mindwell, Stephen (zd), Lydia, Stephen (3^).
DAVID NOBLE, Sr., the third child of James and Katherine Hig-
ley Noble, was born March 3, 1709, and married Abigail Loomis,
daughter of Philip and Hannah Loomis of Simsbury.
He was a man of prominent usefulness. In the year 1732 he
removed with his family to Hebron, Conn. Here he had much
to do with founding the ecclesiastical society called Gilead, which
was organized in 1748, his name being frequently noted in its
first meeting, which was held in June of that year. It was then,
"Voted, that Mr. Thomas Post and Mr. David Noble shall tune the Psalms for us
on the dayes of divine worship."
This appointment betrays David Noble's share in the heredi-
tary musical turn which runs through the Higley family from its
very early history to this day.
He was also appointed on a committee to obtain land " to set
our meeting-house on." He was subsequently chosen moderator
of the society's meetings, and again in 1750 he served upon a com-
mittee to " treat with a minister." He died at the age of fifty-
two, February 18, 1761. A monument stands to his memory in
the Gilead cemetery.
The wife of David Noble, Sr., Abigail Loomis, lived to the
ripe old age of ninety-two. They had twelve children.1
1 See names, dates, etc., of this family and its descendants, " Noble Genealogies."
160 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
DAVID NOBLE, JR., their eldest son, was born at Westfield,
Mass., and removed to Hebron, Conn., with his parents. From
his early boyhood the light and presence of his grandmother,
Katherine Higley Noble, shone in his father's household, of which
she was counted one. Without doubt she often enriched it with
bright stories drawn from her own recollections of her father's,
Captain John Higley, achievements and military experiences in
the border days during the hostile warfare with the Indians.
The influence she cast upon young David's after-conduct in life
could not have been inconsiderable. The patriotic zeal and self-
sacrifice which has proved a strong characteristic in many of
Captain John Higley's descendants was nobly manifested in him.
David Noble, Jr., was one of the true heroes of the Revolu-
tion; his name and deeds are deserving of perpetual recognition
in the annals of our country. His career ranks next to that of
his cousin, Jonathan Trumbull, as among the most interesting in
the record of the Higley family. It is to be regretted that the
limit of these pages forbids more than a modest memorial of his
devotion to the cause of liberty.
When the "first mutterings of the war of the Revolution"
began, he volunteered his services without wavering, leaving
at home a wife and a family of children.
The time of his enlistment and duration of his absence is not
i
recorded. He left home the second time, April 22, 1775, march-
ing with his comrades to Cambridge in the rank of captain, under
the watchword " LIBERTY OR DEATH."
The exact time of his return to his home is not known, but he
appears to have participated in the battle of Bunker Hill, in
which he bore a part in the defense of Fort No. 3, a work of his
own regiment.
Neither the battles of Concord and Bunker Hill nor the priva-
tions and hardships of the service diminished Captain Noble's
zeal. Realizing that recruiting was proceeding but slowly, that
there was need of disciplined men, and that the supply of arms
was scanty, by his earnest individual effort he raised a company
of volunteers in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, was commis-
sioned its captain, and marched as far as Springfield, drilling his
soldiers with thoroughness through the winter. " For the supply
of his Company he purchased, with his (nun funds, one hundred and
thirty-six stands of Arms, new; clothed them with regimentals —
their breeches being made of buckskin, and their coats of blue,
DESCENDANTS OF KATHERINE HIGLEY NOBLE. 161
turned up with white. To meet these costs, Captain Noble sold
two farms in Stephenson, N. Y., and one or two farms at Pitts-
field, Mass. On being paid in gold for the land at Stephenson, he
went to Philadelphia and purchased the deer skins, or leather, and
at the same time hired a breeches-maker, and ' the breeches ' says
his son, 'were all manufactured at our house.' "
On the 3ist of December, 1775, he marched his soldiers from
Pittsfield to Boston. While at Cambridge he sent for all the
goods that would answer for soldiers' clothing, both linen and
woolens, that remained in his dry goods store at home. These
were promptly forwarded to him. " We had harvested at home
that summer," writes his son, "thirty acres of wheat, which was
made into flour and sent to my father at Cambridge, all except
what our family really needed."
After the evacuation of Boston by the British in March, 1776,
Captain Noble and his company proceeded to Canada for the pur-
pose of joining Arnold. The defeat of the latter at Quebec com-
pelled him to join in a hasty retreat, retiring to Crown Point,
N. Y. Owing to the scarcity of provisions and the almost insur-
mountable difficulties in obtaining them, the sufferings and pri-
vations were extreme.
While worn down by fatigue, and suffering from the effects of
unwholesome food, Captain Noble was attacked, while at Isle
Aux Noix, with the smallpox, which was then ravaging the
soldiers. He was removed to Crown Point, and there, in less than
two months, this self-sacrificing patriot, " noble by nature as well
as by name," passed to his reward. Captain Noble sacrificed his
entire property, as well as his life, to the cause of American
Independence."
" Our joyful hosts to-day
Their grateful tribute pay —
Happy and free,
After our toils and fears,
After our blood and tears,
Strong with our hundred years —
Oh, Lord, to thee ! " l
1 This stanza was added to the hymn " America," and sung at the Centennial of Washington's
inauguration in New York City. — ED.
CHAPTER XXX.
BREWSTER HIGLEY, 2D.
Continued front chapter xviii. p. 100.
Brewster Higley, ad, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
By Professor Edwin Hall Higley
The strength of a country will be found in the personal character and individual conscience
that exist within its borders. — THOMAS F. BAYARD.
BREWSTER HIGLEY, 2d, was the eldest son of Brewster Higley,
ist, and the grandson of Captain John Higley. He was born
December 12, 1709, in the old homestead at Simsbury, Conn.
When twenty-five years old he married Esther Holcombe, daughter
of John Holcombe, and his wife Anne (daughter of John Petti-
bone). The date of this marriage, as recorded in the Simsbury
Record Book, was March 13, 1734. His father bought for him
some land from his (Brewster, ist's,) half-brother Nathaniel, and
on this land the old colonial house here illustrated was built, where
he took his bride. In this house all his children were born, and
the family dwelt here until after the death of his father, Brewster,
ist, in 1760. Their children, whose births are entered in the
Simsbury Record Book, were as follows :
Brewster (3d), born March 3, 1734/5 ; Hannah, born March n,
x736/7 ; Joel, born January i, 1739 ; Esther, born September 19,
1743; Seth, born October 29, 1746; Huldah, born February i,
1749, Enoch, born August 25, 1754.
Owing to the distribution and division of property among the
increasing kindred, Brewster, 2d, seems to have begun life with a
more limited worldly estate than his father possessed. He was a
man of ardent temperament, great industry, and fidelity. He in-
herited much of his father's skill in medical and surgical practice,
and was often called upon as an expert in extracting teeth and
setting fractured bones; and he gained so much reputation in such
matters that "he was recognized by the best surgeons in Hart-
ford County to be a safe and prudent operator in such cases."
Thus wrote his grandson, Erastus Higley.
An event of great importance in his personal life was his re-
163
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DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY^D. 163
ligious conversion, which occurred in 1740, during the visit to this
country of the famous preacher and revivalist, George Whitefield.
Whitefield preached in New England during September and Octo-
ber, 1740. About the middle of October he came to Northhamp-
ton, where the great influence of Jonathan Edwards was still felt.
From thence he proceeded toward New York, preaching to great
throngs wherever he stopped. He preached at all the principal
towns on his route, including Windsor, Hartford, and New Haven,
Conn. At this time Brewster Higley heard him, and became
ardent and zealous in his religious faith and practice. According
to one account, "he accompanied Whitefield from Simsbury to
Boston." But as Whitefield came to Boston, via Rhode Island, by
ship from Charleston, S. C., and visited Connecticut on the way to
New York, as above stated, it is probable that Brewster Higley
either first heard him in Boston, and accompanied him from Boston
to Simsbury, or made the visit to Boston in connection with some
later religious gathering. The religious interest continued to be
felt very deeply throughout New England for several years after
Whitefield 's visit, and great revivals of religion prevailed, especially
in Connecticut, in the years 1740, 1741, and 1742. Among the
ministers who are mentioned as " most zealous and laborious in
the cause, who took most pains and spent the most property in
the service," were Rev. Jedediah Mills, brother-in-law to Elizabeth
Higley Mills. Mr. Whitefield arrived in Boston again in the
autumn of 1744, and again advanced through Connecticut to New
York, "preaching twice a day, generally to thousands." It may
have been then that Brewster Higley accompanied him. From
this time he was always active and prominent in religious
matters. He became a deacon in the church, an office which has
been held continuously by some one of his descendants down to
the fifth generation. The distinct devotion to the cause of
religion which he manifested at this time marks a new epoch in
the history of the family.
The records of the Simsbury religious society show his con-
nection with the work and welfare of the church throughout all his
remaining years. In 1753 and 1754 a disagreement arose between
a majority of the society and their pastor, Rev. Gideon Mills, who
had married Brewster Higley's sister Elizabeth. The list of
names of those who voted against the continuance of Mr. Mills
as pastor contains that of "Brewster Higley Jun.," who thus
took sides against his sister's husband. The precise grounds of
164 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
his action in this matter are not known, but the incident may be
taken as evidence that he subordinated his personal feelings and
interests to his convictions of right and duty.
At the ordination of the Rev. Benajah Roots, June 27, 1757
(successor to Rev. Gideon Mills), among those nominated to
"keep houses of entertainment" was " Sergt. Brewster Higley
Junr." In 1768, in a report upon the "Seating of ye Meeting,"
when Mrs. Esther Higley, widow of Brewster, ist, was assigned
to pew i., the place of chief distinction, her son " Ensn- Brewster
Higley" was seated directly behind her. From 1760 to 1764
Ensign Brewster Higley was chosen one of the prudential com-
mittee of the society. He was moderator of the society's
meeting in 1763. In 1777 he was one of a committee to "treat
with Mr. Samuel Stebbins and invite him in the name and behalf
of said society to preach the gospel with us for the future as
a probationer, in order to settle with us in the Gospel Ministry."
In 1778, at a meeting in November, Ensign Brewster Higley
with others (named) were appointed a committee to confer with
the minister, "Mr. Samuel Stebbins, how to compute the present
currency of the country, or Continental Bills, with the agree-
ment made with him at the time of his settlement in the ministry
of this Society."
Among the questions which greatly agitated the churches of
New England at this time was the condition of psalmody, or
church music. For more than a century after the coming of the
Mayflower, the only music known in public worship consisted of
the few psalm tunes brought over by the first settlers. These
tunes were sung by rote, that is, without musical notation, and
from memory. Consequently in the lapse of years great varia-
tions in the method of singing developed themselves in different
places, and often the singing had degenerated into a formless
droning which was distressing and intolerable to those of intelli-
gence and musical feeling. Efforts at reform were made by
some of the ministers and others who recognized the extent of
this evil. But, in combating the evil, the reformers were often
led to the other extreme, and introduced music of a flippant and
artificial character, which contrasted too strongly with the
solemn, though untuneful, strains of the older tradition. Thus
two parties were formed who became bitter antagonists, the one
sticking for rote, the other for note, and the irrepressible conflict
between the new and the old, the conservative and the radical,
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY,1D. 165
raged in every town over this issue. Probably the solemn
religious earnestness of Brewster Higley moved him to take the
conservative side. Very likely the opposing -party was often
filled with a zeal without knowledge. The society Records
report the following interesting incident, showing Brewster
Higley's position on this question: "1773. April. — Voted to
sing on the Lord's days in the afternoon according to the rules
taught in the Singing Schools in this and the neighboring
counties." Soon after this a teacher of music was employed.
After practising some time he appeared with his scholars in
church on a Sunday, and the minister having announced the
psalm, the choir, under the instructor's lead, started with a
tune much more lively than the congregation were accustomed
to hear. Upon which one of the Deacons, Brewster Higley, took
his hat and left the house, exclaiming as he passed down the
aisle, "Popery! Popery!"
His interest was not entirely taken up, however, by church
matters. Shortly after 1760 (when his father died) he returned
to the old homestead of Captain John Higley, where he took care
of his widowed mother until her death, December 7, 1775. Here
he lived for the rest of his life. He carried on a saw-mill, and
a cider-mill and distillery, which stood near the original site of
the barn on Captain John's farm. Judged by more recent stan-
dards, this latter industry seems inconsistent with the religious
convictions which he professed. But at that time the drinking
habits of the New England settlers were strongly developed, and
the religious propriety of the traffic in stimulating beverages
was unquestioned. "Drinking," says Edward Eggleston, "was
universal. The birth of a child, the taking of a piece of land,
the induction of a new minister, an election of officers, the
assembling of a court, weddings, funerals, auctions, arrivals
and departures, and even religious meetings in private houses,
were occasions for drinking." Deacon Brewster's liquor was
evidently popular in the community, and that it was largely con-
sumed among his own kin is shown by the entries in his old
account book. Under date of September 20th, 1775, is the
following "true account Concerning Creditors bringing Cider
to the Still":
12
i66
THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
G.
Qt.
Pts.
Brewster Higley
Wid Esther Higley
Wid Esther Higley
Seth H igley
6
These entries occur among the names of other neighbors, and
show not only the bibulous tastes, but the numerical growth of
the kindred. It was at this time that the section of Simsbury
where Brewster and others resided was regularly known as
Higlty-town, and so recorded on the map.
On the 28th of June, 1774, Brewster's wife, Esther, died, aged
fifty-nine years. She was married when nineteen years old, and
had been his wife for forty years.
In the following year, Brewster Higley married the widow
Mindwell Bull of Hartford, the date of the marriage being
January 5, 1775. She was the mother of Amos Bull, a noted
singing-master and composer of tunes. A minute marriage-
settlement, signed and sealed by Brewster Higley and Mindwell
Bull, is contained in the Simsbury Town Records. In it is the
agreement that in consideration of property to the value of five
pounds which the widow was to bring into Brewster's family
"for the benefit of said family," she should receive back the
the value of the same, in case she survived her husband, and that
"all the Dower she shall have right or claim to out of the sd
Brewster's estate shall be the use of the lower North Room in
the house he now lives in and four ' pound ' in money annually, so
long as the said Mindwell remains the widow of the aforesaid
Brewster and for no longer a term of time."
Brewster Higley, 2d, like his father and his grandfather, was in
the military service of the State. An entry in the Connecticut
Colonial Records reads: "March 1758. — This Assembly do
establish Mr. Brewster Higley to be Ensign of the First Com-
pany of the Train Band in the Town of Simsbury." The designa-
tion "Mr." in this appointment is evidence that he was then
esteemed a person of social importance, which is further wit-
nessed by the address, "Brewster Higley, Gentleman" contained
in his commission during the Revolutionary period, signed by his
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY^D. 167
cousin Governor Trumbull, September 25, 1777.' His son Brew-
ster, 3d, was also commissioned in the army, and served at Sara-
toga and elsewhere during a large part of the same year.
On December 21, 1761, he was chosen leather sealer of the
town, and was re-elected every year until 1772.
In 1777 " Brewster Higley 2d" was chosen one of a "Com-
mittee to take care of schooling and 'sit' up schools in the
several Districts for the year ensuing." Brewster, 2d, often
expressed regret that he had not received a better education in
his youth. This regret was uttered in connection with his desire
to engage more fully in public religious effort. His handwriting
is less fine and clear than that of his son, but there is no reason
to suppose that he was especially lacking in culture for that time.
His expressed regret is rather a proof of his appreciation of
learning than an evidence of his lack of it.
Under the will of his mother, the Widow Esther Higley, "her
son Ensign Brewster Higley " was appointed the executor of her
estate.
Brewster Higley, 2d, died March 21, 1794, aged eighty-four
years, three months, and nine days. His will was received and
accepted by the court, March 31, 1794. The will was written June
21, 1793, and disposed of property inventoried at ^946 145. 2d.
In the list are the following articles, which show him to have
taken pains to attire himself as became a person of consequence:
Best great coat, valued at £\ 145. : coats, black and brown ; vest and breeches,
black, brown, and gray ; worsted stockings, blue and gray ; best linen shirts ;
"three checked shirts ; wool shirts ; another linen shirt ; shoes and old boots ; black
1 Jonathan Trumbull, Esquire, Captain-General and Commander in Chief, of the State of
Connecticut in A merica :
To BRKWSTER HIGLEY, 2ND, Gentleman.
estab-
or other your superior Officers, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, ordained and estab
lished by the Laws of the State aforesaid, pursuant to the Trust reposed in you.
Given under my Hand and Seal, At Arms, at Lebanon the 25 Day of September, Ann
Domini 1777.
1777.
By his Excellency's Command
JONTH. TRUMBULL.
JAMES WADSWORTH Clerk
1 68 THE HIGLEY S AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
handkerchief ; silver shoe buckles, silver knee buckles, valued at 8s. each ; 5^
yards of mixed colored cloth ; 7^ yards of wool shirting, valued at 155. ; one
Bible ; Watt's Hymns ; spelling book, etc., etc.
Lieutenant Joel Higley and Enoch Higley are recorded by the
Court of Probate as executors of the estate.. The will begins with
a sort of declaration of his faith as follows :
" Being advanced in years and in the 84th year of my age, and calling to mind
the mortality of my body and that it is appointed for all men to die and after
death to come to judgement. . .
" First of all I recommend my soul into the hands of God who gave it, and my
body to the Earth to be buried in a decent and Christian manner, nothing doubting
but I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. . ."
He then bequeaths to
" My loving wife Mindwell, a garden plot of half an acre of plow lands in the
most convenient place near my dwelling, also, a third part of my cellar with liberty
to pass to and from the same, and the well, for her use and benefit, with liberty of
cutting fire-wood enough to support a fire for her own benefit, and liberty to pas-
ture one cow on the farme, and liberty to cut two loads of hay in my meadow an-
nually during her natural life, with what I gave her by a marriage settlement as by
a written agreement may appear is to be in full of her Dowery in my estate. Also
liberty to put her hay in my North barn and stable for a cow in winter."
He then makes bequests of lands to his sons, giving location
and boundaries, and also gives bequests to his daughters.
For the descendants of Breiaster Higley, 2d, see the following pages .
CHAPTER XXXI.
ENSIGN BREWSTER HIGLEY, 30.
Brewster Higley, 3d, Brewster, 2d, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
By Emma L. Higley of Middlebury, Vt.
To belong to a family which has earned well-deserved respect : to be able to look back upon
forefathers who have lived well and bravely : this is indeed a birthright worth having. An inheri-
tance of money may or may not be a desirable thing, an inheritance of character, an ancestry of
generous, true-hearted men who did justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly with their God, this
is a thing that kings might covet.— EDNA LYALL.
BREWSTER HIGLEY, 3d, the first Higley of Castleton, Vt, was
born at Simsbury, Conn., on the i4th of March, 1735. He was
the eldest child of Deacon Brewster Higley, 2d (page 162).
Little of -his boyhood and youth is known. The composition
and well-formed handwriting give evidence of an early educa-
tional training. His good father so lamented his own limited
education that he was doubtless prompted by his own deficiencies
to give his sons better advantages.
In the days when young men were modest and kept in the
background unless possessed of unusual ability, we find Brewster,
3d, appointed to the offices of constable and collector of
rates at the age of twenty-four. I have in my possession the
rate book of Simsbury first Society, Salmon-Brook, Turkey-Hills,
and Wintonbury, besides cider-mill, saw-mill, and farm account
books, which give evidence of Brewster, 3d's, early aptitude in
business affairs. These are duly registered with the minutest
accuracy, and some racy observations and aspirations are sand-
wiched among the dry figures.
He married at the age of twenty-two, the fact of which is set
forth in the Town Records of Simsbury, thus:
" Aprill 7, A. D. 1757. Brewster Higley the 3d, son of Brewster Higley the 2d,
and Esther Owen, Daughter of John Owen and Esther his wife, were Joined in
marriage by John Humphery Esqr. Their grandfather's name is Brewster Higley
and Grandmother's name is Esther. Their father's name is Brewster Higley
and mother's name is Esther, so that there are three generations from Grand-
father and Grandmother down to Grandson and grand-daughter, all of one name
i6q
1 7° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
for male, and one name for female — Three generations are now living. May the
Divine blessing rest on them and theirs to the latest posterity." '
The father of the bride, Deacon John Owen, was at that time
the town clerk, and made the record.
They settled at Simsbury, where they resided for twenty-two
years, then removed to Castleton, Vt.
Is it in answer to the above benediction that the Castleton
branch of Higleys counts fifty members on the Castleton church
roll, a dozen of whom entered the ministry, three were mis-
sionaries, and eight were among its twenty-three deacons ?
I must call special attention to these deacons, four generations
in unbroken succession having served the church from Brewster
Higley, 3d, elected in 1793, down to this present year (1890), when
its senior and junior deacons now serving are his great-grandsons,
grandsons of the grandson of Deacon John Owen and Deacon
Brewster Higley, 2d, of the Simsbury church.
Captain John Higley's account book finally fell in succession
to his great-grandson Brewster, 3d, and it was in blank leaves left
unused in this book that he kept his muster roll under various
dates. He served as clerk of the town military or train-band,
and carefully preserved in another book is his commission as
ensign, dated September 25, 1777, bearing the signature of his
kinsman, Governor Jonathan Trumbull.8 Among his papers is
also found a record of service in the campaign that compelled
Burgoyne's surrender in 1777.
He may have been one of the fifty Connecticut men who joined
the military company of his town under Captain Noah Phelps of
Simsbury, and came with the expedition led by Colonel Benedict
Arnold to Castleton, where soon after a council of war was held
on the village green, which resulted in the successful attack upon
Ticonderoga -the following day under command of the indomni-
table Colonel Ethan Allen.
Was it during this campaign, when associated with the Vermont
troops, that he decided to emigrate to Vermont?
His son, Brewster Higley, 4th, had served under Colonel Ethan
Allen in the Vermont militia the winter of 1778. It is altogether
probable that these circumstances introduced Brewster, 3d, and
his son to the fine tracts of tillable lands in the western part of
1 " Simsbury Records," book iii. p. 269.
' Whether there were two commissions given bearing this date, one to the father and one to the
son, seems somewhat obscure. The commission to Brewster Higley, ad, page 167, is an exact copy
of the original document. — ED.
DESCENDANTS OF BREIVSTER HIGLEY, ^D. I?*
the Green Mountain State, and suggested the advisability of
now removing thither.
The deed of conveyance to Ensign Brewster Higley of a farm
of 323 acres in Castleton, bears date October, 1778. Twelve
hundred pounds was the price paid for this home in the
wilderness, the next year after Burgoyne's invasion. The land
was purchased from Ephraim Buel, and was "bounded on the
north by Whitlock Hill, and on the south by Gershom Lake's
farm." There was standing on it a rude log cabin.
In May, 1779, Brewster, 3d, and his family took possession of
this new home. The father, forty-four years of age, in the prime
of his strong manhood, six feet tall, broad-shouldered, high fore-
head, high cheek bones, keen gray eyes, stern and grave face, but
with a tender heart of which he was a bit ashamed. The mother
was forty, a noble woman, and just such a character as might be
expected of the daughter of Deacon John Owen; the eldest son,
Brewster ; 4th, was now twenty; then came four daughters:
Louisa, a brave, bright-witted and intelligent girl of seventeen;
Annie, the timid one of the band, aged fifteen; Zilpah, who was
thirteen; Delight, aged ten years; Erastus, the second son, a boy
of seven; Esther, a child of four years; and lola, a yearling baby.
Two other daughters, Harley and Zeruah, were born in Castleton
after the removal of the family from Simsbury.
On setting out for Vermont the family goods and chattels
were packed in ox-carts, Mrs. Higley and Louisa riding on
horseback, carrying the babe and younger children in arms,
and on pillions behind. The elder children walked with their
father and two nephews who accompanied them, Amasa Alford
and John Case.
At one stage of the long journey, when the roads became almost
impassable for the loaded carts, Brewster, 3d, sent his son on
ahead with the mother and children to the end planned for that
day's journey, and to bring back the horses to help with the loads.
But after they had gone his imagination suggested so many
possible perils, that he walked the entire night and overtook the
party just as they were mounting their horses for the next day's
journey. Louisa was the first to descry her father through the
thick forest, and was fond of relating in after years how her heart
was lightened as she saw him leaping from one fallen log to
another, and answered her cheery "Hallo!"
In June, after their arrival, the account book opens with the
following entries :
172
THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
June, 1779
To two Bushel of Wheat,1
To two pounds of hog fat, old way,. . .
to Nine pounds and half of flower
to four pounds flower,
To one week Spinning, old way
to Spinning Six Runs and half of yarn,
Under another date we find this significant entry :
" To four shillings cash for wolves."
Our most vivid imagination can scarcely realize the deep
wilderness to which they had come.
The old well and a spice-apple tree are all that now (1893)
remain on the spot of this first home which they occupied.
Judge John Owen's diary contains the following record :
" June 3, 1780 : Heard by Mr. Mason from Castleton that my son-in-law Higley
and his wife, my daughter, and family, are all well and not much concerned about
ye Enemie."
But all the while they were in danger from foraging parties of
British tories and Indians, whose coming was of frequent occur-
rence from the military posts on Lake Champlain.
Castleton Fort was on the frontier, near the thoroughfare for
military expeditions during the War of the Revolution. This fort
was ten miles south of the old road from No. 4, the old French
war highway to Fort Ticonderoga, and twelve miles east of
Skeenesboro (now Whitehall, N. H. ), at the south end of Lake
Champlain.
One foraging party slept one night on the kitchen floor, while
Mrs. Higley and her daughters worked all the night through
baking bread for them, finding it difficult to pass from the mold-
ing board to the brick oven without stepping on one of the men.
One day word came from the fort that a skirmishing party was
approaching. The family packed in hot haste. The horses were
loaded with the children, feather beds, blankets, silver spoons,
and other valuables, and led off toward the settlement at Poultney
for safety; and colts, calves, pigs, and chickens were coaxed to a
hiding-place. My grandfather, the little boy of the family, hid
his half bushel of nuts where he was sure "the British" could not
1 The entry of " fifteen pounds " as the price of the wheat is in very clear figures in the old
account book, and though the country was at that time a wilderness the Editor thinks there must
be a mistake in the figures.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, ZD. 173
find them ; and when the danger was past, and the scattered family
was at home again, he was much grieved to find them missing.
The father looked at the hiding-place and said : "Squirrels, not
British, this time, my son."
Another such rumor one dark night caused timid Annie to
spring from her bed and rush with her little sister Esther (after-
ward Mrs. Sylvanus Guernsey) to the woods. They crouched
low behind a big log and shivered with cold and fear till daylight,
when their brother's cheery whistle, as he hunted for them,
assured them the danger was over for that time.
In the spring of 1782 the rumors of a fresh invasion from
Canada assumed such definite shape that it was decided to send
Mrs. Higley and Mrs. Lake, a neighbor, with the young children
in ox-carts to Connecticut, to stay till the trouble was over.
Brewster, 4th, was now a member of the garrison at the fort.
Annie went to Poultney, spinning, to pay for her board. Louisa
volunteered to remain and keep house for her father. She was
regardless of fear. She earned a barrel of flour that summer by
baking bread for the garrison. Hiland Hall, in his lectures on
the "Forts of Vermont," tells how "the commandant spent his
evenings at Mr. Brewster Higley's quite often, and one night
remained so late that he was locked out." This story fits with a
family tradition, that "a commandant at the fort stole away the
heart of the fair Louise, and then marched away and forgot her."
This explains her bravery in . being left behind when the family
took flight.
The coming of a man to the .little new settlement of so much
intelligence, property, and executive ability as Brewster Higley,
3d, was duly appreciated by his townsmen. We find him at once
appointed to various offices : serving as moderator, justice of the
peace, town clerk, on a committee to secure a minister, on
another to arrange for a singing-school, and attending to duties
in drawing up petitions to the General Assembly, resolutions,
etc., etc. The original drafts of some of these papers are still in
our possession.
In the year 1784 the church was organized, and two years later
the parish was in a state of contention over the location of the
meeting-house. Brewster Higley, 3d, exercised a controlling
influence in the church, as he did in all town matters, for more
than twenty-five years. In the matter now to be settled, he put
an end to the contention by donating the land for a church, with
174 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
a churchyard attached. He also gave the village green in front
of it. A few years later he donated another lot of land lying
opposite the church for a military parade ground.
As justice of the peace it became his duty to solemnize mar-
riages. Between the years 1781 and 1792, thirty-four at which
he officiated are upon his record book; also copies of the prayers
which he offered before and after the ceremony.
As Brewster Higley advanced in years, and his strength failed,
he gave up the care of the mills and the farm to his son Erastus.
But he continued to take special pride and pleasure in his garden,
with its apple, cherry, and plum trees, Connecticut grapes,
asparagus, artichokes, etc., some of which were still growing
within my memory. He enjoyed the church, which was near at
hand, and its means of grace, the rapidly improving State, town,
and country roundabout ; his increasing family of grandchildren,
and the visits of his children, their letters and the letters from
his relatives and friends at the old Connecticut home of his
younger years.
And so he grew mellow and ripened for his heavenly home,
which he peacefully entered one early spring day at the age of
seventy years.
He was interred in the burial ground in Castleton, near the
church he loved.
His tombstone is thus inscribed :
Beacon JSrewgter
THHas born in Slmeburg (Conn.)
flfcarcb 14tb a. 5). 1735.
2>feo Bpril lltb 1805.
" We mount the stage of life,
Prove actors in the scene,
Soon close the short account
Of three score years and ten ;
But when the trumpet's sound
Awakes the sleeping dust,
Eternal youth will crown,
The triumph of the just."
Esther Owen Higley, the wife of Brewster Higley, 3d, who was
born October 27, 1739, lived to the age of seventy-three. Her
death took place September 28, 1812.
Her oldest living grandchild remembers her as much enfeebled
and bowed with age during the last years of her life.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY,ZD: 175
She was of a kindly, gentle temperament, and held the warm
affections of her family and neighbors. Long after she was gone
from earth, her daughters talked of her memory in much loving
respect and affection.
For the descendants of Brewster Higley, $d, and their families see chapters
xxxvi, xxxvii, and xxxviii.
CHAPTER XXXII.
HANNAH HIGLEY ALFORD PORTER.
Continued from page 162.
Hannah, Brewster 2d, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
All long-known objects, even a mere window-fastening or a particular door-latch, have sounds
which are a sort of recognized voice to us — a voice that will thrill and awaken, when it has been
used to touch deep-lying fibers. — The Mill on the Floss.
HANNAH HIGLEY, the eldest daughter and second child of
Brewster Higley, 2d, and Esther Holcombe, his wife, was born
March n, 1737.
Her first marriage, which took place about 1756, was with Elijah
Alford, who was one of the first settlers of Becket, Mass. They
resided at Becket till the death of Mr. Alford, which occurred
January 16, 1771, leaving her a widow with a family of young
children. The inventory of his property amounted to ^"493 35.
lod.
The following is upon the records of the ancient Becket
church :
" August ye 4th 1771. Then was admitted to full communion with this church
ye widow Hannah Alford."
On the 5th of the month, the day following, the Rev. Zadoc
Hunn records :
" I baptized Elijah, 'Asel,' Abner, Amasa, and Hannah, ye children of ye widow
Hannah Alford."
On the 7th of May, 1775, tne " Intentions of Mairiage of James
Gaines of Boston with the Widow Hannah Alford" were pub-
lished and placed upon record. It was customary in those days
to make public proclamation of a matrimonial contract. No
record of this marriage is discoverable. But by this union Mrs.
Alford had one child who was named James Gaines.
She afterward removed with her family to Castleton, Vt, proba-
bly with a desire to live near her brother, Deacon Brewster
Higley, 3d. Here she married, September 23, 1784, Seth Porter;
her brother performing the marriage ceremony. Seth Porter,
176
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, ZD. 177
an excellent and upright citizen, was living in 1799. The date
of his death has not been ascertained. Mrs. Porter spent the
remainder of her life at Castleton. She was administered to,
during her old age, by her son, James Gaines, to whom she left
by her will all of her property. She died January 27, 1823, in the
eighty-seventh year of her age.
The children of Elijah and Hannah (Higley) Alford were as
follows:
Elijah, born April 13, 1757; Asahel, born November 22, 1760;
Amasa, born September 17, 1762, died, 1764; Abner, born, June
29, 1767; Amasa, born September n, 1764; Amos, born January
25, 1769, died, September n, 1769, and Hannah, born May 14,
1771.
ELIJAH ALFORD, JR., the oldest son, born April 13, 1757;
married, October n, 1779, Olive Higley, the widow of his
cousin, Micah Higley, who met his death by accidental shooting
the preceding December. They united with the Becket church,
March 12, 1786. He was a man of sound, substantial character,
and about the beginning of the present century was useful in
church matters and prominent in public affairs. He served the
town of Becket, Mass., as surveyor, 1805, as juror, 1806, and
was of the committee for visiting and inspecting the schools.
September 3, 1807, he was chosen deacon of the Becket
church.
On the 2d of May, 1811, he and his wife, Olive, were promi-
nent among the eleven individuals who, with Colonel Benjamin
Higley, the son of Olive Higley by her first husband, formed a
church organization in Becket, which was afterward established
permanently at Windham, Portage County, O. ; on their removal
there, later in the season, he was made its first deacon. The
subsequent history of this church, in its general growth and pros-
perity, proves conclusively that the Divine protection and care
marked the self-denying zeal of these earnest founders. It is now
known as the First Congregationalist Church of Windham, O.
Four months afterward, Mr. Alford says, in a letter addressed
to Judge Erastus Higley of Castleton, Vt., bearing date "August
30, 1811":
" I have now begun my journey with my family for the wilderness of New Con-
necticut, having exchanged my land for land in Township No. 4, in the 6th range
of the Connecticut Western Reserve. I have 1167 acres of land in the aforesaid
township."
1 78 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
The emigrants arrived at Windham after a long and perilous
journey in carts, on the i2th of October, 1811. Mr. Alford with
his family settled on lot No. 57.
Here he and his wife brought up a family; many of their
descendants still reside in the same locality, well-to-do and
highly respected citizens.
Deacon Elijah Alford died at Windham, O. , April n, 1832.
His wife, Olive (Higley) Alford, died September 16, 1827, aged
seventy-three years. They were interred in the Windham
cemetery. They had children, all born in Becket, Mass., viz. :
Elijah, 3d, born August 12, 1780; Ruth, born November 20,
1784; Olive, born October 12, 1786; Levi and Oliver (twins), born
April 14, 1789; Anna, born November 25, 1792; Sarah, born
June 3, 1795. No data of Olive, Anna, and Sarah has been
furnished.
ELIJAH, 3d, the eldest, served in the War of 1812, and resided at Windham, O.,
till his decease.
RUTH was admitted to the Becket church, October 4, 1801, and was one of the
eleven founders of the First Congregationalist Church at Windham, O.
LEVI and OLIVER were the first of the Becket family to go on a prospecting tour
to the Western Reserve, Ohio, making their journey to Windham in March, 1811.
They erected a rough log house for shelter on half of lot No. 84 ; but returned to
Massachusetts that spring. They, however, subsequently returned and became
residents of Portage County.
ELIJAH ALFORD, son of the above Elijah, 3d, now resides on the old Alford
farm at Windham. He served in the late Civil War, Company I, I7ist Regi-
ment, O. N. G. He married, first, Silence M. Brewster, August 14, 1856. She
died November 6, 1861. Married, second, September 12, 1865, Harriet C. Snow,
a lady of fine abilities. Their children :
Silence E., born September 28, 1866 ; Herbert J., born April 19, 1869 ; Arthur
M., born April 5, 1871.
ASAHEL ALFORD, the second son of Elijah and Hannah (Hig-
ley) Alford, served in the War of the Revolution. From Sep-
tember 22, 1819, till his death, his name was included in the
list of Revolutionary pensioners receiving eight dollars per
month. He was a man fond of adventure. Early in the history
of the settlement at Windham, O., he lived there, but finally
removed to Herkimer, N. Y., where he died.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY,ZD. 179
LIEUTENANT JOEL HIGLEY.
Continued from page 162.
Joel, Brewster Higley, 2d, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
LIEUTENANT JOEL HIGLEY, the second son of Ensign Brewster
Higley, 2d, was born in Higley-town, Simsbury, January i, 1739'.
The precise date when he was united in marriage with Eunice
Haskins is not known. It was, however, when he was about
twenty-one years of age.
The young couple settled in Granby (now North Granby), Conn.,
probably on land belonging to Joel's father, to which he received
a " Deed of Gift" given by Brewster Higley, 2d, June 17, 1765,
described as "a part of the land which I inherited from my hon-
ored father," Brewster Higley, ist. In addition to this parcel of
land, Joel purchased in the following October land adjoining.
By his father's will, executed June 21, 1793, ne receives the fol-
lowing bequest :
"A lot of land lying in Granby, where he [Joel] now lives, containing about
sixty acres, also a quarter of the lot of land lying in Pine-Plains, lying on the east
side of the road that leads to Salmon-Brook near the old Fort so called."
He is named in the will in the disposal of movable estate, and
is the first named son, whom his father appoints in connection
with his brother Enoch, as executor of his estate.
The manual of the First Congregational Church in North
Granby shows that Joel Higley became a member of church when
fifteen years of age, 1754, but he appears afterward to have joined
the Simsbury parish for a time. The bent of character of Deacon
Brewster Higley, 2d's, sons was decidedly of a religious nature,
wrought into them, no doubt, by the precept and example of their
father, to whose faith and teachings they strictly adhered. They
were all prominent laymen in the church.
Joel and his wife together were admitted by letter to the First
Ecclesiastical Society of Granby, and " signed ye covenant "
January 22, 1769. There is much evidence from this time till his
removal from Connecticut of his devotion to and activity in
church matters. He served as member of the " Prudential Com-
mittee," and on many other important appointments for a period
of twenty years. The documents to which his signature is
appended show that he wrote a fine, clear hand.
1 " Simsbury Records," book iii.
i8o THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
His father's cider-still had a share of his patronage, though
the quantities of cider brandy charged to his account are far
more moderate than those charged to other residents of Higley-
town.
That the use of pure and honest apple brandy, flip, and punch,
in which these venerated members of the church indulged under
the old church customs, did not fall into decay for many years
after this period, is often apparent, though in other respects they
were "screwed up to the pitch of Calvinistic stiffness." It is an
extremely interesting subject to follow. Later on the following
church record is found under the heading of " Deaths of Church
Members," — the church to which Joel Higley belonged :
" October 22. Ephraim Saunders ; found dead in a tub in a distillery,
aged — ."
The military instinct developed in Joel Higley is in line with his
father, his grandfather, and his great-grandfather. He was com-
missioned to the rank of lieutenant in the North Train Band in
1778, and served in this rank during the remaining part of the
War of the Revolution. He appears to have followed agricul-
tural pursuits during his entire life, living peacefully and quietly
in the society of his kindred and neighbors. He was clever and
genial, given to rough humor and exceedingly fond of practical
jokes. Of his wit and jokes many stories are told. He one day
met his match in a woman whom he overtook riding on horse-
back on a country road in an adjoining neighborhood. He too
was traveling on horseback. Approaching her he made inquiries
about a road leaving the main highway, on which he wished to
turn off in a different direction. He found her well acquainted
with all the roads thereabout, and quite capable of giving him
satisfactory information, upon which he intimated that he would
remain in her company, remarking that "poor company was
better than none." This remark he so frequently repeated
during their conversation as they rode along that his guide,
though she appeared not to notice it, became irritated. They
traveled on and on, until Joel began to think the distance very
long. Finally he made inquiry how far it was to the point where
he must turn off. "Oh, "she replied, "we passed it two miles
back." " Why, you said you would tell me when we reached it,"
said Joel. "I thought 'poor company better than none,''
retorted his fellow- traveler; and Joel turned and galloped away,
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, ID. l8l
saying afterward that he "never was so taken aback in all of
his life."
In 1803, when sixty-four years of age, he removed in company
with his married son, Joel Higley, ad, and other of his children,
to Gallia County, Ohio (now Mergs County), and settled near
the present location of the town of Rutland. Here he resided
the remainder of his life. He was interred in the old burial
ground at Rutland, the use of which is now abandoned. His
grave is not known. His wife, Eunice (Haskins) Higley died at
Rutland in 1823, at the age of seventy-eight. Lieutenant Joel
and Eunice (Haskins) Higley were the parents of eight children,
all of whom were born in Granby, Conn., and all removed to Ohio
in 1803 with their parents.
They were as follows : Rachel, Joel, Jr., Luanda, Abiah,
Eunice, Electa, Sophia, and Elim,
Of the daughters, Rachel married first Whitlock, and
second H. Williams. Lucinda married Earl P. Archer ; Abiah
married Benjamin Whitlock ; Eunice married Silas Knight ;
Electa married Benjamin Williams, of Rutland, O., in 1807, and
had two children, Benjamin S., and Sophia, Sophia Higley mar-
ried the Rev. Asa Stearns.
MAJOR JOEL HIGLEY, Jr., the eldest son of Lieutenant Joel, ist,
and Eunice (Haskins) Higley, was born in Simsbury, Conn, (that
division which is now Granby), July 31, 1764. He married
Cynthia Phelps, May 25, 1785, and settled adjacent to the place
of his birth. Here they lived eighteen years. The second Sab-
bath in March, 1785, just before his marriage, he united with the
church at North Granby on profession of his faith. The records
show that he filled his place in life to good purpose. Among
other town appointments, he was surveyor of highways in 1795.
In military matters he held a commission as major, belonging to
the Connecticut State troops. It is not known that he was in
any of the wars of his time.
In the year 1803 he emigrated with his family of seven children,
accompanied by his parents and their family, to Gallia County
(now Meigs County), Ohio, and settled near the present site of
the town of Rutland. He was no doubt incited to take this im-
portant step through letters written by his cousin, Judge Brew-
ster Higley, 4th,1 who had removed from Vermont, and here
founded a home in the spring of 1799. The country at that time
1 See sketch of Brewster Higley, 4th, for the early settlement of Rutland, O.
13
1 82 THE II IG LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
was one deep, dark, tangled wilderness, where mother nature lay
almost undisturbed. Ohio had only just then become a State.
Major Joel Higley's family of growing children grew with the
growth and progress of the new State they had entered, and be-
came real specimens of the strong, honest men and women whose
sinew and brow-sweat developed this large area of farm lands
with the industrial and commercial resources of this noble section
of our country. He died April 26, 1823. Major Joel Higley, Jr.,
and his wife, Cynthia Phelps, had seven children, all of whom
were born in Granby, Conn., viz. :
Polly, born November 26, 1786 ; married Philip Jones ; she died May 30, 1866.
Elihu, born December 26, 1788 (see following sketch). Lucy, born August 20,
1793 ; married Daniel Rathburn, May, 1812 ; no further account given. Sally, born
March 8, 1795. Cynthia, born February 7, 1797 ; died unmarried. Maria, born
July 30, 1799 I married Willis Knight ; and_/iv/ Phelps, Jr., born June 9, 1802.
ELIHU HIGLEY, the eldest son of Joel, Jr., and Cynthia (Phelps)
Higley, was born December 26, 1788, and married Nancy Cook,
December 20, 1815.
He was of a jovial temperament and somewhat eccentric.
When the call for soldiers came in the War of 1812, he and his
uncle, Elim Higley, were among the first who responded, and
were at one time stationed near Sandusky. He used to relate to
his boys an incident of his war experience:
Sometimes enjoying a bit of daring adventure, he one day de-
termined to slip out of camp. Hostile Indians were swarming
all around.
" They'll get your scalp if you go," said his comrades. But
Elihu, knowing no fear and trusting to his knowledge of Indian
wood-craft, said that if he could get entirely away from camp
and into the woods before they saw him, he would be equal to
them.
He had but barely reached the deep woods, creeping stealthily
from bush to bush, when he espied at some distance a big Indian
dodging from tree to tree. Elihu played the same maneuver,
taking care to keep behind trees and logs for protection. They
both continued these tactics for some time. Finally they came
within close shooting distance. Elihu, wishing the Indian to fire
first and empty his rifle, slyly pushed a part of his coat from be-
hind the tree which concealed him, making believe he was peep-
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, ^D. 183
ing. The redskin was deceived. Bang ! went his rifle. The
ball whizzed across Elihu's shoulder. He gave no time for the
Indian to reload, but bounded toward him before he knew it, be-
ing a remarkably good shot. »
"Did you kill the Indian, Uncle Elihu ? " asked the boys.
" Oh, don't ask questions ! " was always the reply. But the truth
was, Elihu returned unconcernedly to camp and his comrades
knew there was a dead Indian left in the woods.
Elihu Higley died April 23, 1877. Elihu and Nancy (Cook)
Higley had one child, viz. : Clarissa Fidelia, who was born
June 12, 1817. She married Martin Fox, August 15, 1835, and
resides on the old home farm, which originally belonged to
her father.
SALLY HIGLEY, the third child of Major Joel Higley, Jr., and Cynthia Phelps,
born March 8, 1795, married Daniel McNaughton, December 16, 1816. She was
baptized in the church at North Granby, Conn., October 4, 1795. They have one
son, Harlow Phelps McNaughton, who was born July 5, 1830. He served in the
late Civil War, entering February 23, 1862, the 7th Ohio Battery. Besides other
notable fights, he did brave service in the battles of Pittsburg Landing and Corinth,
Miss. For gallant and meritorious conduct he was promoted to the rank of cap-
tain of the 7th Ohio Battery. He resides in Rutland, O.
CAPTAIN JOEL PHELPS HIGLEY, the third by the name of Joel, and youngest child
of Major Joel Higley (2d) and Cynthia Phelps, was born June 9, 1802, in Granby,
Conn ; and was yet an infant when taken by his parents to Meigs County, Ohio,
1803. He married Catherine Wise, December, 1823. They resided near Rut-
land, O. He died October 23, 1836. Their children were :
Joel Phelps (4th), George A., Samuel W., and Adeline, who married Samuel
Martin.
CAPTAIN JOEL PHELPS HIGLEY (the fourth in line by the name of Joel),
was born at Rutland, O., January 20, 1825. He married Mary, the daughter of
Lucius and Nancy (Shepherd) Higley, September 14, 1848. His patriotic
impulses led him to volunteer in the Civil War, in which he sacrificed his life.
He enlisted July, 1863, and was commissioned captain, Company D, 7th
Ohio Cavalry. He served three months, during which time his bravery and
high soldierly qualities were frequently manifested. He was killed by sharp-
shooters, while in command at Blue Springs, London County, Tenn., October 10,
1863. His widow resides at Middleport, Meigs County, O. They had four
children, viz.:
Mollie E., born January I, 1850 ; married March 14, 1870, Joseph S. Bradbury.
Ransom Ludlow, born October 20, 1852. Samuel Gary, born August II, 1855;
died January 14, 1870, unmarried. Lucius G., born April 18, 1857; died Septem-
ber 15, 1859.
Ransom L. Higley, of the above family, married January, 1879, Amelia Gard-
ner, and has four children, viz.: Nola Fee, Lillie Fay, Robert Ray, and Joseph B.
184 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
GEORGE A. HIGLEY, the second son of Captain Joel Philips Higley (3d) and his
wife Mary, was born at Rutland, O., October 2, 1830. He married January
20, 1853, Mary Ann Parker. They reside at Platteville, Wis. They have three
children, viz.: y
Addie Irene, born September 20, 1867 ; married H. P. Moffatt ; live at Emmetts-
burg, Iowa. Frank Norton, born April 15, 1860, who resides at Dubuque, Iowa ;
and George A., Jr., born April 7, 1864, who resides at Platteville, Wis.
SAMUEL W. HIGLEY, the third son of Captain Joel Phelps (3d) and Mary his
wife, was born in Rutland, O. , July 12, 1834, and married Adeline R. Simpson.
Samuel possessed a cheerful, jolly disposition, which made friends for him. His
tastes were for music, in which he happily spent much of his time, becoming profi-
cient in the use of several different musical instruments.
Samuel W. and Adeline R. (Simpson) Higley had five children, viz.:
Otto K. Higley, born in Rutland, O., August 20, 1857 ; married Nellie C.
Gross, June 5, 1882. Othello G., born October 27, 1859, at Rutland, O. ; married
Josie A. Sanderson, March 17, 1882 ; they reside at Union-Mills, Ind., and have
two children, viz. : £essie C., born April 19, 1883, and Mabel, born August 13,
1885. Adelia M,, born June 12, 1862 ; unmarried, and is a practicing physician
residing in Minnesota. Linnie S., born February 10, 1864, and Kate M.,
born May 26, 1871, both of whom reside with their parents at Rutland, O.
ESTHER HIGLEY DE WOLF.
Continued from page 162.
Esther Higley De Wolf, Brewster Higley, ad, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
ESTHER HIGLEY, the fourth child of Brewster Higley, 2d, and
Esther, his wife, was born at Simsbury, Conn., September 19,
1743.
She married Peter De Wolf, of a well-known family of North
Simsbury. The young couple resided at Salmon Brook. In the
Salmon Brook rate book for 1774 her husband's name is entered
upon the list for £96.
Peter De Wolf served in the Army of the Revolution, i8th
Connecticut Militia Regiment, Captain Jonathan Bittolph's
company. The regiment arrived in New York, August 18, 1776.
Esther Higley De Wolf is mentioned in her father's will in the
year 1794, and again in family letters bearing date 1806, which
show that she was living at that time. The date of her decease
is not known.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
i
SETH HIGLEY, 1ST.
Seth ist, Brewster 2d, Brewster ist, Captain John Higley.
Our Lord God doth like a printer, who setteth the letters backwards ; we see and feel well
his setting, but we shall see the print yonder in the life to come. — Luther's Table Talk.
SETH HIGLEY, the son of Brewster Higley, 2d, and Esther Hoi-
combe, was born in Higley-town, October 29, 1746, in the house
built for his father near the northern line of the present town of
Simsbury.
A fine illustration of this old colonial homestead, which stood
for full 150 years, is given, page 161.
This was the home of Seth Higley during the greater part of
his life. The property came into the possession of Brewster
Higley, 3d, his eldest brother, soon after Brewster, 2d, went to
reside with his aged mother in the old Captain John Higley
homestead. Finally it fell into the hands of Seth Higley, who
held it as long as he lived, and then it was held by his descend-
ants for two generations.
Seth Higley was the fifth child and third son of his parents.
His marriage to the daughter of Nathaniel Higley, who was his
grandfather's half-brother,1 is thus placed upon record :*
"Seth Higley and Mindwell Higley, both of Simsbury, were joined in Marriage
the 3d day of March A. D. 1 768." *
Mindwell Higley appears to have been a few years her hus-
band's senior.
We find the newly married pair, in December of the same year
of their marriage, seated in the church, pew 12, in close proximity
to others of their numerous kindred.
But the following year they appear to have removed for a brief
period to North Granby, probably in the close vicinity of Mind-
well's father, Nathaniel Higley. Here in the North Granby
church they " owned ye covenant" on the gth of July, 1769.
1 There was but ten years difference between the ages of Nathaniel, the father of Mindwell
Higley, and Brewster, ad, the father of Seth Higley.
* " Simsbury Records," book iv. p. 180.
185
1 86 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Tradition tells us that Seth Higley was intensely puritanic in
his religious belief and practices, clinging rigidly throughout his
life to the law of his father's faith and the old influences of
Brewster, 2d's, hearthstone.
Early in 1776 he is again found established in the old Simsbury
church, where he was "chosen collector to collect ye said
Society's Rates for the year."
A few months later he enlisted for the War of the Revolution,
entering the i8th Regiment Militia, Lieutenant Job Case's com-
pany, and arrived in New York August 24, 1776. It is not
known how long he served. When he left the army he had
reached the office of corporal.' After his return to his home the
records show that he filled appointments in matters concerning
the society.
He evidently lived in comfortable circumstances. Besides the
farm which he managed, he owned a joint interest, with his
brother-in-law, Elijah Higley, in a saw-mill, and about this time
he opened his house as a tavern. In the latter business he was
no doubt faithfully aided by his ready-handed wife. The old
cupboard from which was served out the liquors at the bar is
still preserved, now a relic of just one hundred years, and the
cider-mill account-book reveals the fact that Seth was a faithful
patron of its yield.
The cellar in which was stored barrels of choice rum, apple-
jack, and "bull's-blood," a is in perfect condition, while not far
from the door the ancient well, with its oldtime wellsweep and
pure water, also a lively bubbling spring close by, still speak
with exhilarating freshness of the "good old times "when the
ancient host of the inn, as was the custom in his day, received
his traveling guests and their tired horses with the same social
attentions that he would have bestowed had they been his per-
sonal friends.
From what is known of Seth Higley we may draw the conclu-
sion that his life was a silent example of a steady, honest, and
unobtrusive daily walk, and while he did not fail in his task in
life, there is no indication that he possessed a masterful quality
of mind, or that he made a strong mark upon the community.
He was afflicted, the latter part of his life, with a scrofulous dis-
ease known in those days as "king's evil," his health failing him,
from this cause, some time before the disease terminated his life.
1 "Record of Connecticut Men in the War of the Revolution." * Boiled cider.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, ^D. 187
Seth Higley died in the full tide of middle life, the latter part of
February, 1794, at the age of forty-eight. His death occurred
only two weeks previous to the decease of his father, Brewster
Higley, 2d. It is supposed that he was interred in the ancient
burial-ground at Simsbury. There is no trace of his grave. His
will, which was written February 8, 1794, just before'his death,
and received at the Court of Probate March 15, 1794, declares as
follows :
" Being sick and in a weak and infirm state of body, but of sound and disposing
mind ... I give to my well-beloved wife, Miudwell, the use of one-third part
of my real estate during her natural life, and one-third part of my personal estate
to be her own property.
" I give to my sons and daughters, Philer, Levi, Warren, Oliver, Roxanna,
Amelia, Polly, Rhoda, and Sally, all my Estate, both real and personal, in the
proportion following :
" That the said sons have two shares or portions to the said daughters, and to
them and their heirs forever : and it is my will that my said wife have the care and
direction of what part of my Estate that shall descend to my said sons and daugh-
ters that are under age until they arrive, the sons to twenty-one years of age, and
the daughters to eighteen years old.
"I do hereby constitute and appoint my said wife, Mindwell, to be my Executrix
on this my last Will and Testament, in witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this 8th day of February 1 794.
[Signed], "SETH HIGLEY."
[Witnesses.]
The inventory of the personal effects amounted to .£87 75. 2d.
Among the articles mentioned in the inventory are a " Brown
coat ; a Great light colored coat, pair of black Breeches, one vest,
one white one, one old one, linen shirts, three woolen ones,
silver stock buckle, and silver shoe buckles, one half of a saw-
mill, and a saw-mill saw," together with a full list of the usual
household articles and farm belongings, hogs, cattle, sheep, etc.
By his father's will, which was executed June 21, 1793, and not
presented at court till sixteen days after his son Seth's, it is
shown that he gave Seth a full title to the farm on which he had
lived, including the house (see illustration), together with other
small lots of land, besides " moveable estate." The location of
his home farm is thus described : "To my son Seth Higley my
meadow land called Ram Dover which is surrounded by a Ditch
and contains about ten acres, and also one quarter part of said
plains lot by the old fort ; And also the lot of land he now lives
on which I bought of Widow Miller lying in the long lots so
called."
1 88 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Some time after the death of her husband, his widow, Mindwell
Higley, married Latimer, and resided in Bloomfield until
she was in advanced years. The date of her death is not known.
The children of Seth and Mindwell Higley were : Seth Filer
(sometimes found on record incorrectly spelled "Philer"); Levi ;
a son who died in childhood, May 2, 1778 ; Warren, Roxanna,
Amelia, Polly, Rhoda, Sallie, Oliver.
SETH FILER HIGLEY.
Seth, ist, Brewster, ad, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
" To us, my friend, the times that are gone by
Arc a mysterious book."
SETH FILER HIGLEY was the eldest born child of Seth] ist, and
Mindwell Higley. The middle name which he bore, and by which
he was generally called, was Filer, the family name of his maternal
grandmother, Abigail Filer, the wife of Nathaniel Higley. His
parents had already taken possession of the old homestead of
Brewster Higley, 2d, near the north line of the present town of
Simsbury, when his birth occurred in 1769. He seems to have
received but a meager common school education, spending his
early youth in vigorous work upon the farm. Later on he
assisted at the saw-mill, of which his father was the owner of a
one-half interest.
The notable "dark day," May 19, 1780, which was ever after
during the lives of those who experienced it the memorable date
of a scene of solemnity and significance, took place when he was
a boy of eleven years. He was at work hoeing in the field when
it grew dark, and leaving his work he fled to the house. The
family lighted the candles and sat down in funeral-like gravity,
superstitiously regarding the strange and unusual phenomena as
of serious foreboding. This occurrence left a deep impression
upon the boy's mind, and was often a theme of his conversation
during his later years. On the igth of October, 1790, he married
Naomi, the daughter of Peter Holcomb* of Granby. She was
born 1772. The year following their marriage they removed to
Steventown, N. Y. Three years later, after his father's death,
they returned to Simsbury to the old homestead where he was
born. Here he lived the remainder of his life.
Seth Filer Higley was endowed with a solid, well-balanced
mind, which was of somewhat an austere type. He was an ex-
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, 1ST. 189
ceedingly strict religionist, and rigidly kept the Sabbath accord-
ing to the Puritanic idea, not even softening his restrictions
enough to permit the floor of the family room to be swept on a
Sunday morning, which in this case might have been considered
an excusable innovation upon the sanctity of the day, since it
was the living room of a family of thirteen. In his religious pro-
fession he was an Episcopalian, a member of St. Andrew's Church,
the parish of Scotland. Here the most of their children were
baptized, and all of them attended the parish school. Not long
before his death he withdrew from the Episcopal Church, and
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church of West Granby.
His wife, Naomi Holcombe Higley, died on the 2oth of Janu-
ary, 1817, aged forty-five years and eight months. He afterward
married Mabel , to whom, in the distribution of his estate,
a dower was " set off."
He died August 19, 1821, aged sixty-two years and six months.
Seth Filer and Naomi Holcombe Higley had a numerous fam-
ily, viz. :
Navmi, Lohama, Nancy, Seth, Jr., Lyman, Lohama (zd), Har-
low, Or sen, Peter, Homer, Homer (ad), Eratus, and Diana.
NAOMI, the eldest child, was born September 3, 1791. She had a jovial and
social disposition, which made her a happy companion. She married Allen Dean,
and lived for a number of years in Southwick, Mass. They then removed to East
Granby, and afterward to Westfield, Mass., where she died, and where her descen-
dants now reside. She died July 12, 1853.
LOHAMA, the second child of Seth Filer and Naomi Holcombe Higley, born
April 13, 1793, died an infant, November I, 1793.
NANCY, the third child and third daughter, was born November 2, 1794, in
Steventown, N. Y. She was an infant in her mother's arms when her parents re-
turned to Simbury, Conn., and took up their residence in the old homestead. From
this home she attended the parish school which was under the auspices of the
ecclesiastical society, the^ family at this time being Episcopalians. On the 1 3th
of February, 1806, she married Asa Wyman of Union, Conn., a millwright by
trade. In the year 1825 Mr. Wyman built a house on land which he purchased
adjoining the Seth Higley farm at Simsbury, which was her home during the
remainder of her long life. They had two children, Manerva Ann and Caroline
Nancy.
Her husband, Asa Wyman, died December 13, 1850. Mrs. Wyman lived a
widow thirty-five years. She was a woman of decided character and strong
principles. It was an offense in her view, almost worse than crime, for a person
to be guilty of not strictly keeping his word. Her life was one of unceasing
industry. The interests of her household were well looked after, and with per-
fect discipline, which was one of her chief characteristics, she ruled with strength
and honor, fully meriting the "praise and properties " of a good wife. Her
19° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
decease took place at Siitisbury, September 14, 1885, at the advanced age of
ninety-one.
" Her children and children's children rise up and call her blessed."
MANERVA ANN, the eldest of the two daughters of Asa and Nancy Higley
Wyman, was born November 10, 1816. She married Samuel Hinman, August 19,
1841, and became the mother of four children, viz.:
John S., born September 23, 1842. Nancy M., born December 25, 1844, who
married Lucius Terry and resides in Guilford, Conn. Charles Z.,born May 3,
1847, and Daniel Silas, born July 16, 1850, who died on the 7th of the following
November.
Samuel Hinman died November 7, 1850. His wife, Manerva Hinman, died
March 3, 1856.
JOHN S. HINMAN, their eldest son, enlisted for the Civil War October 9, 1861, for
three years, in Company C, 8th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers, Colonel Charles
\V. Nash. His first service was under General A. E. Burnside at the capture of
Roanoke Island, N. C. Subsequently he was at the capture of Newbern, N. C.,
Fort Macon, at the siege of Suffolk, Frederick City, and in the battles of Cedar
Mountain, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Cold Harbor, Drury
Bluffs, Chopin Farms, Bermuda Hundred, and the siege of Petersburg. He
serve dunder Generals McClelland, Burnside, Grant, Meade, Butler, Ord, Han-
cock, and Reno. He was wounded in four different engagements, but not seri-
ously, and each time soon again joined the ranks. He received an honorable
discharge when his term of enlistment expired, October 21, 1864, having made a
record most worthy of high praise. On the gth of May, 1867, he married Clara C.
Gifford of Meriden, Conn., where they resided for some time, Mr. Hinman being
engaged in the Britannia works in that city. They have three children, one son
and two daughters, They now reside in New Haven, Conn.
CHARLES L. HINMAN, the youngest son of Samuel and Manerva Hinman, and
grandson of Nancy Higley Wyman, enlisted at New York in the U. S. Navy, June
4, 1864, the last year of the Civil War. He first served on board the U. S. S.
Monongahela. He was in the engagement at Fort Morgan, Mobile Bay, August,
1864, with the immortal Admiral Farragut, when his monitors forced their way,
under heavy fire from the Confederate forts, — Morgan and Gaines, — with their
brave commander lashed to the mast of his flag-ship, and captured the forts ; and
in the fierce conflict when the formidable ram Tennessee was destroyed. He
participated in the taking of Spanish Fort, and was with the Federal forces at the
occupancy of Mobile, Ala., the spring of 1865.
The following June he was sent to Philadelphia, where he received a ten clays'
furlough. Immediately after his return to service, being seized with hard chills
and fever, he was transferred to the naval hospital at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and
on his return to health was placed on board the U. S. S. Pensacola, which was
ordered to the South Pacific Squadron. After visiting a number of South American
ports, the vessel was finally ordered to the navy yard, Mare Island, Cal., where he
was honorably registered out of service, June 4, 1867, w^th transportation to New
York by the way of Panama. Soon afterward he went to Liverpool, where, in
1868, he shipped on the Fair Wind, a vessel chartered by the British Government
to carry supplies to Aden for the Abyssinian War. He was more than a year
voyaging in this ship. Later he made voyages from London to Cape Town, the
West Indies, and other foreign ports, and twice suffered shipwreck. He returned
to his home, August, 1870, after a vast amount of interesting and oftentimes thrilling
experiences, having followed the sea six years and three months. In January, 1 871,
he married Harriet Augusta Golden. His wife died December II, 1872. He now
resides in Meriden, Conn.
CAROLINE NANCY, the second child of Asa and Nancy Higley Wyman, was born
October 20, 1823, and at the age of eighteen married Newel Goddard of Granby,
Conn., October 19, 1841. During the first four years of their married life they
resided in Simsbury, and the following five years in Granby. In 1851 they
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, 1ST. 191
again removed to Simsbury, taking charge of their aged mother, Mrs. Nancy
Higley Wyman, during the remainder of her life. Newell Goddard died December,
1891. The family reside in close vicinity to the spot where the ancient Seth
Higley homestead stood. Mr. and Mrs. Goddard were the parents of three children,
viz.:
Henry N., Lucius A., and Albert £., all of whom reside at Simsbury, Conn.,
except Lucius, whose home is in Granby.
HENRY N. GODDARD, the eldest son of Newell and Caroline Nancy Goddard,
was born February I, 1843. Owing to his parents having assumed the care of
some orphaned children, his education was interrupted at an early age, it becoming
a necessity that he should work on the farm. His school life was confined to the
short winter months, and his advantages for learning were limited. When twenty
years old he entered a manufacturing establishment in Unionville, Conn. In the
spring of 1863 he was employed by the firm of Collins & Co., of Collinsville,
Conn., making bayonets. After the hostilities of war ceased in 1865, and there was
less demand for firearms, he engaged with the same company in making cast-steel.
In 1868 he returned to farming, which he followed three years, and in 1873 he
became engaged in milling at Simsbury, Conn., in which business he has con-
tinued. On November 24, 1864, Mr. Goddard married Lavina S. Cobb. She
died October 7, 1883. His second marriage was to Charlotte E. Noble of Simsbury,
December 2, 1885. By his first marriage he had one child, a son, Charles H. God-
dard, born September 20, 1867, who is married and resides in Rutland, Vt. He is
a machinist.
Lucius A. GODDARD, the second son of Newell and Caroline Nancy Goddard,
was born August 23, 1844. He married, July 17, 1870, Salina Fletcher. They
became the parents of eight children, six sons and two daughters, two of whom are
deceased. They reside in Granby, Conn.
ALBERT E. GODDARD, the youngest child of Newell and Caroline Nancy Goddard,
was born August 3, 1846. He married Anna L. Reylford November I, 1882.
They have two children, a son and daughter. They reside with the parents of Mr.
Goddard on a farm at Simsbury, Conn.
Continued from page 189,
SETH HIGLEY, Jr. (or 3d), the eldest son and fourth child of Seth Filer and Naomi
Holcombe Higley, was born at Simsbury, Conn., August 25, 1796, and married
Lura Goddard of West Granby, Conn. He was administrator to his father's estate.
They emigrated to Ohio, settling at Mantua, Portage County, where they had a
family. Seth Higley, 3d, died at Mantua, July 21, 1856. Their children were as
follows:
Alvin, who died in 1868. Nelson, who resides in St. Louis, Mich., and has
children, viz.: Susan, Julia, Nancy, Milton, and Henry N., who is married and
resides in Mesopotamia, Trumbull County, O. Henry N. Higley's only childv
Jay J. Higley, was born January 2, 1872.
LYMAN HIGLEY, the fifth child of Seth Filer and Naomi Holcombe Higley, was
born at Simsbury, October 28, 1798. He married first Orrilla Northway, Janu-
ary 7, 1825. She was born June 13, 1795. His second ivife was Mrs. Rose,
the widow of Josephus Rose of Granville, Mass. The year following his first
marriage they left Simsbury and settled at Attica, N. Y., where they resided till
1844. They then removed to the city of Nauvoo, 111., where his wife and daughter
embraced the religious faith of the Mormons. Lyman Higley, however, was not
satisfied with the beliefs and practices of that sect, and when the Mormon Church
emigrated to the Great Salt Lake Valley, Utah, in 1846, he with his wife, who
I92 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
still clung to that religious faith, left Nauvoo, and after stopping a few months in
Iowa, where he purchased and owned the entire site of Council Bluffs, they finally
settled in Wisconsin. Their daughter, Harriet, then a young woman of twenty-
one, chose to accompany the Latter Day Saints to Salt Lake.
Lyman Higley purchased a farm in Columbia County, Wisconsin, and established
a home at Dekorra, about the time that the Territory became a State. For some
years his was the only dwelling between the two county seats, Madison and
Portage. Wisconsin then contained but forty thousand inhabitants. He was a
resident of the State the remainder of his life — forty-one years, and witnessed its
remarkable development like a moving panorama continuously before him. His
second wife died June 30, 1884. In October of that year he removed to Eau
Clare County to reside with his youngest son. His faculties remained bright,
and he was interesting to the last days of his long and eventful life. He died of
apoplexy, May 13, 1888, aged eighty-nine years and six months. The interment
was at Hadleyville, near Eau Claire. Lyman Higley and his first wife were the
parents of five children, viz.:
Harriet R., Oliver, Virgil, Ezra Marvin, and Addison.
HARRIET R. HIGLEY, their eldest child, born October 28, 1825, resided in Utah.
She married John Hodge, July 4, 1855. He died September. 1868, and in 1876
she married Lafayette Williams. She died at Ogden, Utah, July 13, 1881.
OLIVER HIGLEY, the second child, born January 28, 1828, died at the age of 2j£
years.
VIRGIL HIGLEY, the third child, born January 8, 1832, married Hannah L. Powers,
August I, 1855. They resided at Loveland, Iowa, afterward removing to Pleasant
Valley, Wis., and are the parents of three children, viz.: Marian Orilla, born
November 30, 1859 ; Mary Eugene, born December 7, 1863 ; and Charles, born
March 8, 1868 ; all born in Columbia County, Wisconsin.
EZRA MARVIN HIGLEY, the fourth child of Lyman and Orilla Higley, was born
July 26, 1834, and married Sarah A. McNash, March 18, 1851. They reside at
Eleva, Trempealeau County, Wis., and have two sons living. Two daughters died
in childhood. The sons are Lyman O., born October 2, 1889, and A din M., born
December 19, 1875. Both are married and have families.
ADDISON, the fifth child of Lyman and Orilla Higley, was born January 19,
1837. He married first Eliza J. McNash, September 3, 1861, who died May
17, 1882. His second wife was Jennie A. Lampman, whom he married Decem-
ber 31, 1884. His children by his first wife are, Elmer A., born August 10, 1862 ;
Harriet O., born November 9, 1865, who married in 1885 Samuel J. Woodward ;
and Samuel, born December 31, 1866. By the second wife, John V., born Sep-
tember 21, 1885 ; and William L., born November 26, 1886. Addison Higley
resided in Columbia County, Wisconsin, till 1866. He settled with his family,
October, 1868, at Pleasant Valley, Eau Clare County, where they now live.
LOHAMA HIGLEY, the sixth child of Seth Filer and Naomi Holcombe Higley,
was born September 8, 1800. She married Israel Messenger, of one of the old
Windsor, Conn., families who, early settled in Granby. They resided in West
Granby for many years, and brought up a family of three sons and five daughters.
After the decease of her husband Luhama- Messenger removed to Kingston, N. Y.,
and resided with her daughter, Mrs. Lucy Bray, until her decease, March 3, 1888.
Her remains were brought to West Granby, Conn., and interred by the side of her
husband. Mrs. Messenger was a faithful and much respected member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. She had children, viz. :
Miranda, born March 18, 1821 ; Manila, born February 21, 1822 ; Philura,
born October 6, 1824 ; Harlow, born October 2, 1826 ; Harriet L., born January
REV. WALTER O. HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, \ST. 193
7, 1829 ; Francis /., born May 15, 1833 ; Lorenzo, born November 23, 1836 ;
Lucy, born May 13, 1839.
HARLOW HIGLEY, the seventh child of Seth Filer and Naomi Holcombe Higley,
was born July 18, 1802. On the I3th of November, 1822, when a young man
about twenty, he sailed for the Island of Cuba, where he became a permanent
citizen. He married a Cuban lady who died two years after, leaving no child. He
so fully adopted the Spanish language and customs, that, on his first visit to his
native land and kindred, after an absence of thirty-three years, he seemed of
another race and people. It was with some difficulty that he could speak his native
tongue. But he did not, to the end of his life, lose his affection for his childhood's
home and his family, and made subsequent visits to the United States. He was »f
stout physique, robust, and of a social nature. He died in Cuba in 1882.
ORSEN HIGLEY, the eighth child of Seth Filer and Naomi Holcombe Higley,
was born February II, 1806, at Simsbury, Conn. He married first Susan Parsons
Griswold1 of Granville, Mass. , by whom he had three children. His second wife,
to whom he was married September 30, 1841, was Lucy Keep Holcombe of
Southwick, Mass. She was born in Elizabeth, N. J., August n, 1822. By
this marriage there were five children. Orsen Higley was a man of good abilities
and in comfortable circumstances. At one time, besides his farming occupations,
he conducted a fair business in fresh meats, and later on — about 1835 — he built and
managed a well kept hotel in East Granby. He possessed a gentle nature, and was
of a temperament that lived much within himself. He was a citizen much respected.
His death took place July 10, 1851. He lies buried in the ancient cemetery at
Simsbury. Mrs. Lucy K. Higley, his widow, who is now living, afterward
married Alonzo Holcombe of Southwick, Mass., who died many years ago. She
resides with her married daughters.
HOMER E. HIGLEY, the eldest child of Orsen Higley, was born November 14,
1832. He removed to Illinois when a young man, and in October, 1858, married
Mary Denman in Elpaso, Woodford County, of that State. A daughter was born
to them in January, 1860, who was called Fannie,
JOHN, the second child of Orsen Higley, was born in East Granby, April II, 1835.
On the 8th of January, 1866, he married, in St. Louis, Mo., Florence De
Latourette, who was born in that city, April 22, 1849. He afterward removed to
Kansas. They are the parents of four children, viz.:
Jennie Florence Higley, born March 27, 1869 ; Henry Blossom, born October 27,
1871 ; Robert D., born December 31, 1875 ; William Joseph, born November 21,
1883. The family reside in Collinsville, 111., John Higley being engaged in busi-
ness in the Valley Flour Mills. The daughter, Jennie Florence, is an efficient
teacher of music in St. Louis.
SUSAN J., the third child of Orsen Higley, was born August 26, 1840. She
married Henry Prentice. They resided in Bloomfield, Conn, She died August
23, 1871, and was laid beside her father in the Simsbury cemetery. She left no
children.
REV. WALTER ORSEN HIGI.EY, the son of Orsen and his second wife, Lucy
Keep Holcombe, was born in East Granby, Conn., June 12, 1842. He received a
common school education and worked on a farm until he was seventeen years of
age. He was then employed in a hook and eye manufactory in Unionville, Conn.,
and the year preceding the Civil War he worked in Thompsonville, Conn. On the
I cth of September, 1861, when nineteen years of age, he enlisted in Company
B, 8th Connecticut Infantry, the regiment being assigned to the gth Army
1 The date of her decease has not been given.
194 THE III G LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Corps under command of General A. E. Burnside. He was at the capture of
Roanoke Island, Newbern, Fort Macon, and Beaufort, on the coast of North
Carolina, and in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. In the fight at
Antietam, September 17, 1862, he was wounded in the right forearm, which forced
him to retire from the service, after having spent six months in an army hospital.
He received an honorable discharge March 13, 1863. He has for a number of
years received a Government pension. In course of time he recovered of his wound
sufficiently to resume business. He then entered the manufacturing establishment
of Charles Cooper & Co., at Thompsonville, Conn., in which he was engaged
three years. He was afterward employed as a builder, but again entered the
spring knitting-needle manufactory of Charles Cooper & Co. , on the removal of the
concern to Bennington, Vt. , in which connection he remained fifteen years. During
thirteen years of this period, and while still engaged in business avocations, he
preached the gospel at Wood ford, Vt.
On the loth of May, 1866, he married Martha Ellen Davidson, at Thompson-
ville, Conn. She was born November I, 1841. The Rev. Mr. Higley was or-
dained to the ministry at Woodford, Vt., on the I2th of July, 1872, where he
continued to fill the pulpit acceptably till April, 1884. He then accepted the charge
of the Advent Christian Church at Sandy Hill, N. Y., to which town he removed,
and devoted, with much success, his entire time for seven years to his pastoral
work. Early in 1891 he was called to the Advent Christian Church (Gerard
Place), Hartford, Conn., to which city he removed with his family, assuming his
charge April I, where he has since occupied an important sphere. Mr. Higley is
possessed of a pleasing address and an attractive style and cultivated manner. He
is earnest and sincere, and is much beloved by his parishioners and all who know
him. The Rev. Walter Orsen and Martha Ellen Higley have five children, viz.:
Herbert Samuel, born October n, 1867, in Enfield, Conn., who is in the employ
of a large merchantile firm of Boston. Clifford Walter, born October 9, 1869, in
Bennington, Vt., and resides in Sandy Hill, N. Y. He is bookkeeper in the firm
of Drake & Stratton, Limited. Carrie May, born May 7, 1871, in Bennington,
Vt., who resides with her parents. Freddie Andrew, born April 15, 1873, in
Bennington, Vt., died September 13, 1873. William Clark, born February 3,
1876, in Bennington, Vt., who resides with his parents.
FLUVIA AMELIA HiGLEY,daughter of Orsen and Lucy Holcombe Higley, was born
June 5, 1844, in Simsbury, Conn. On the 5th of November, 1863, she married Dwight
H. Cady, who was born in Aganam, Mass., March 31, 1841. They reside in Thomp-
sonville, Conn., where their daughter, Emma Louisa, was born January I, 1872.
SARAH EI.IZA, the third child of Orsen and Lucy Holcombe Higley, was born
March 22, 1846, at Simsbury, Conn. She married at Unionville, Conn., February
2, 1871, Abram Alphonzo Johnson of Brooklyn, N. Y., in which city they resided
for several years. Mr. Johnson was born in New York City, January 28, 1846. He
is of the firm of S. M. Johnson & Bro., cigar and tobacco dealers in Wall Street,
New York City. Their children, who were all born in Brooklyn, N. Y., are :
Edwin Hamilton, born June 25, 1872 ; Frauds Marilla, December 21, 1873 ;
Samuel Walter, November 13, 1876 ; and Raymond Elaine, December 22, 1881.
The family reside at Springfield, N. J.
LUCY MARILLA, the fourth child of Orsen and Lucy Holcombe Higley, was born
at Simsbury, Conn., January 13, 1849. She married at Thompsonville, Conn.,
July 14, 1870, John Elliot Eaton, who was born in Worcester, Mass., February 18,
1848. They reside at South Headley Falls, Mass. Their children are :
Charles Davenport, born July 9, 1872, and William Higley, born January 16, 1875.
JULIETTA ELIZABETH, the fifth and youngest child of Orsen and Lucy Holcombe
Higley, was born at Simsbury, Conn., March 12, 1851. She married George
Cornelius Curtis of Harwinton, Conn., November 22, 1873. Mr. Curtis was born
July 5, 1845. They reside at Bristol, Conn. Their children are :
Sadie E., born January 20, 1878, and died the 22d of the following June ; Ina,
born September 10, 1879 ; and George Walter, born March 2, 1882.
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, \ST. 195
Continued from page 189.
PETER HIGLEY, the ninth child of Seth and Naomi Holcombe Higley, was born
at Simsbury, March 9, 1807. His manner of life during his boyhood years
was in common with the children of the rural households of his time. He left
home when quite young — not yet twenty. He was bright and active and soon
found a means for livelihood. For more than two years he conveyed merchandise
about the country, selling it at retail, which proved a profitable business. He
learned the trade of harness-making, which he followed in Union Village, N. Y.,
till his eyesight became impaired, when he removed to Cory, Pa., before the
town was scarcely founded, and while the surrounding country was yet a wilder-
ness. Here he purchased and opened a farm, which was his home during the
remainder of his life. In March, 1835, he married Elvira Colby, daughter of
Joseph Colby, with whom he lived in happy union for forty-eight years. She died
May n, 1883, after a lingering illness, her decease removing one who was greatly
beloved and missed by her family and neighbors. The law of her life was kindness.
In the chamber of the sick she was a ministering angel. Peter Higley lived to a
good old age — eighty-three years. From an attack of pneumonia in the early winter
of 1889 he became prostrated, and never recovered his strength, lingering in much
patient suffering from day to day till his departure, March 4, 1890. His gentle
and affectionate disposition caused him to be greatly beloved by his children and
grandchildren, who sincerely mourned his loss. He was interred on the 6th of
March in the Steward cemetery at Cory, Pa., beside his wife and daughters.
Their children were as follows :
Nancy Jane, born December 23, 1835, who married Jared Blakslee in 1853, and
died March 7, 1859 ; Betsey Maria; Count Sobeiski; Joseph Eugene, born 1843,
and died 1845 ; Pember Edson; Ellajenelte, born 1849, and died 1850, and Emma
Isadore.
BETSEY MARIA HIGLEY, the daughter of Peter and Elvira (Colby) Higley, was
born February 14, 1837, and married John D. Palmer, December 15, 1853. Their
children were :
Melvin L., born December 16, 1855 ; Peter D., born June 12, 1858 ; Viola J.,
born January 6, 1862, who died January 7, 1872 ; Flora K., born August 13, 1864 ;
Lillian K., born May 5, 1867 ; Nellie M., born August 8, 1870 ; Frank D., born
July 3, 1872 ; and Nellie Jenetta, born July 28, 1880. The family reside at Corry,
Erie County, Pa,
FLORA R., daughter of John ,D. and Betsey M. (Higley) Palmer, married Isaac McCray, Sep-
tember 27, 1883. She resides with her father. They had one child, Grace, born February 3, 1886.
COUNT SOBEISKI HIGLEY, the eldest son of Peter and Elvira (Colby) Higley,
was born October 5, 1839, and married Lizzie Samis, 1869. Their children are:
Albert P. and Allen H., twins, born January 10, 1870 ; Edward J., born January,
1875, and Emma, born 1878. They reside at Obi, Allegheny County, N. Y.
PEMRER EDSON HIGLEY, the second son of Peter and Elvira (Colby) Higley, was
born September 12, 1845, and married Julia E. Green, February 9, 1868. He
served his country three years in the late Civil War, enlisting January 5, 1864,
in the I4$th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company A, and was after-
ward transferred to the 53d Pennsylvania Regiment. Besides participating in a
number of lively skirmishes, he fought in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsyl-
vania Court House, Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom, Natchez Run, and was in the
siege of Petersburg. During his time of service he lay ill of fever two months in
I96 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Campbell Hospital. He faithfully served till the close of the war. Pember and
Julia (Green) Higley have three children :
Carrie B. born April 19, 1869 ; Frank, born April 25, 1872, and May, born June
3, 1876. They reside at Corry, Erie County, Pa.
EMMA ISADORE HIGLEY, the youngest child of Peter and Eliza (Colby) Higley,
was born January 22, 1857, and married John A. Lemon, July 3, 1870. They
have one child, George Eugene, born September 9, 1872. They reside in Waverly,
Spokane County, Wash.
HOMER HIGLEY, 2d, the eleventh child ' of Seth Filer and Naomi (Holcombe)
Higley [page 189] was born at Simsbury, Conn., July 10, 1810. He went South
when quite a young man, acting as a traveling agent for a New England clock
firm. He finally settled in Texas while that country was yet an independent repub-
lic, and resided at Wharton, where he married and lived many years. He accumu-
lated property, and owned slaves. He died at Wharton, June 6, 1856. He left
no children.
ERATUS HIGLEY, the twelfth child of Seth Filer and Naomi (Holcombe) Higley,
was born at Simsbury, Conn., September 8, 1812. He was a traveling salesman
for a Bristol, R. I., manufacturing firm. He owned a considerable property in
Illinois, in the early history of that State. He never married. His death took
place suddenly, August 14, 1847.
DIANA, the thirteenth and youngest child of Seth Filer and Naomi (Holcombe)
Higley, was born at Simsbury, Conn., March 19, 1815. At the age of sixteen years,
March 12, 1831, she married Luke Mason of Simsbury and became the mother of
four children. Her husband, Luke Mason, died, March 21, 1840. Her second
marriage took place April, 1843, to Clinton Mather, a well-known citizen of Canton,
Conn. Mrs. Diana Mather was a communicant in the Episcopal Church, a faithful
church member. She possessed a loving nature. On the 22d of February, 1879,
Mr. Mather was accidentally thrown from his sleigh, his head striking upon a rock,
and died from the effects of the injury two days afterward. His death caused great
sorrow throughout the entire community. He was a person of pleasant and affable
manner, of strict integrity, living truly a noble life. His wife, Diana Higley,
resided during her last widowhood with her daughter, Mrs. J. E. Hamilton, in
Unionville, Conn. She died, June 6, 1888, and was interred in Canton, Conn.
No account of her descendants has been furnished.
LEVI HIGLEY AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
Continued from page 188.
Levi, Seth, ist, Brewster, 2d, Brewster, ist, Captain John.
LEVI HIGLEY the second child of Seth and Mindwell Higley,
was born in the town of Simsbury, Conn., in the year 1771. He
married Hepsibah Holcombe, of the same place, and settled on a
farm near his father's home. Our information concerning his life
and his descendants is too meager and uncertain for an extended
sketch.
1 The tenth child of Seth Filer and Naomi (Holcombe) Higley was also named Homer. He died
in infancy.
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, 1ST. 197
It appears, however, that he was a man of sterling worth and
excellent character. That he was enterprising is evidenced by
the fact that in 1802, he, with others, made a prospecting tour
through the wilderness of Central New York, with a view to join-
ing the tide of emigration that had then set in from New England.
Two years later he emigrated with his family, in company with
others, including his younger brothers Oliver and Warren and
his family, to Central New York, and settled at Pompey Hill,
Onondago County, where he cleared the forests, became a pros-
perous farmer, and reared a family of eleven children. He died
in the town of Spafford, N. Y., April 29, 1853, aged eighty-two
years. The names and order of birth of these children, as fur-
nished by Mrs. PhideliaHigley Doubleday, since deceased, of Cort-
land, N. Y., who was the youngest of the eleven, are as follows :
Levi Jason, Hepsibah, Lyman, Melissa, Philura, Isaac Anson,
William, Harvey, John, Chauncey, and Phidelia.
LEVI JASON was born in Simsbury, Conn., September 29, 1795.
Died at Fayetteville, N. Y., in 1856. He was twice married;
first to Sally Cornish, born May 28, 1794, died September 16,
1829. They had four children.
JANE, born July 29, 1817 ; married H. Cornish, January 29, 1846, and after
his death married twice — Mr. Thomas, April 5, 1853, and Mr. Hammond, May
8, 1861. She died July 4, 1870.
DANIEL, son of Levi Jason Higley, born February 23, 1819 ; married Lenah
Shaw, March 25, 1849. They have two sons, and by last accounts are living in
Napanee, Canada, West. The older son, Daniel Levi, born in Picton, Prince
Edwards County, Canada, West, June 20, 1852. Second son, Samuel Richard,
born at same place, April 12, 1855, lives in California.
DENISON, born October 27, 1821 ; married Jane H. Rownling, August 18, 1858.
They are now living at Fayetteville, N. Y., and have one daughter, Florence C.
LEVI, born December 26, 1824. Died April 2, 1889, in Grand View, la. He
married Anna Elizabeth Brown, October 7, 1852. They had three sons, as
follows :
DenisonJ., born at Fayetteville, N. Y., October 23, 1853 ; married Sarah T.
Warner, October 17, 1883. They have two children : Ruth, born June 16, 1885,
and Bessie, born May 10, 1888. He is a prominent physician in Grand View, la.
William JCerr, born in Fayetteville, N. Y., July 31, 1858 ; married Harriet E.
Warner, June 29, 1882. He is a successful professor in the Illinois College of
Pharmacy in Chicago. Charles Denton, born at Hudson, N. Y., October 13, 1865 ;
married Mertie E. Allen, March 13, 1890. They have one child, Helen, born
December 23, 1891. He is a druggist in Syracuse, N. Y.
The children of Levi Jason Higley by his second wife, Sally
Clemont, whom he married December 31, 1829, and who died
March 19, 1884, are eight in number, and are as follows:
14
198 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Henry, born November 14, 1830 ; married Helen Anderson, May 8, 1860,
and Anna Gilson, October 8, 1873. He lives at Fairmount, 111., where he carries
on a large and successful business as one of the proprietors of the "Fairmount
Mills and Elevator." Sarah M., born August 26, 1832, married twice: Still-
man Clark, August 25, 1864 ; and John Russell, June 10, 1871. They live
near Berlin, Wis. Albert, born September 25, 1834. Died November 8, 1862.
Lynian, born October 10, 1835. Lives in Missouri. Mary F., born February
3, 1837 ; married Francis Malolin, June 23, 1855. They have six sons and one
daughter living. Louisa P., born April n, 1838 ; married A. B. Morrison,
December 20, 1855. They have three sons and one daughter. Isaac, born
July 13, 1840 ; married Amelia Burton, May 12, 1868. Lives at De Ruyter,
N. Y. He was sergeant in Company D, New York Volunteer Engineers.
Lucinda M., born February 12, 1845. Died October 31, 1848.
HEPSIBAH, daughter of Levi and Hepsibah Higley. No data of her received.
LYMAN, the third child, married Minerva Chapin ; died in Brooklyn, N. Y. ,
MELISSA, the fourth child, married a Mr. Carter.
PHILURA, the fifth child . No data of her received.
ISAAC ANSON, the sixth child, was born at the old homestead in Pompey, Onondago
County, N. Y., in 1807. While a young man he went to Pottsville, Pa., and settled
there. His daughter, Emily B. Higley, in a letter dated Minersvilla, Pa., May 27,
1895, writes of her family as follows : "My father married Mary B. Falls in
December, 1832 — I think in Pottsville, Pa. They had nine children, all born in
Pottsville, Pa.: Jas. H., in 1836; Sarah Jane, 1838; Emily B., 1840; John
Harvey, 1843 ; Mary, 1845 ; Helen M., 1847 ; Camilla, 1850 ; Isaac Anson, 1852,
and Chai. A., 1855. Jas. H. and John Harvey were in Company A, g6th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, in the late war. The former died of camp fever, in May,
1862 ; the latter was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, and died in August
of the same year. Helen married Seth Winslow Geer, attorney at law, in Sep-
tember, 1865. She died March 15, 1881. Mr. Geer died in March, 1888.
They left four boys: Benjamin, Seth W., Har-vey, and Joseph. Mary married
Joseph C. Ramsey in April, 1869. She died in March, 1870. The two surviving
children of my father are my sister Camilla and myself. My father died in October,
1856, aged forty-nine. My mother, Mary B. died April 19, 1894, aged eighty."
In a letter written in 1889, she says: " My mother has been postmistress of this
place — Minersville — continuously since 1872, and has filled the office acceptably to
the Department at Washington and to the people here. My father was an educated
gentleman, a worthy descendant of my Higley ancestors."
WILLIAM, seventh child of Levi and Hepsibah Higley. We have no further
record.
HARVEY, the eighth child, lived recently at Hillsdale, Mich.
JOHN, the ninth child. No data.
CHAUNCEY, the tenth child, is living near Angolia, N. Y.
PHIDELIA, the eleventh and youngest child of Levi and Hepsibah Higley,
married Henry Doubleday. They settled in Cortland, N. Y., where she died,
December 15, 1891. They had four children, all living.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
WARREN HIGLEY, SR., AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
Continued from page 188.
" Upon the great dial-plate of ages
The light advanced no more recedes."
By Hon. Warren Higley of New York City.
WARREN HIGLEY, the fourth son of Seth and Mindwell Higley,
and grandson of Brewster, 2d, was born on the old homestead in
Simsbury, Conn., November 10, 1775, the year before his father,
as a corporal in Captain Case's company, joined the Continental
Army, and marched to the defense of New York. He grew to
sturdy manhood amid the hardships that prevailed during the
revolutionary period and that just following. On reaching his
majority he married Lucy Sawyer, a beautiful young woman of
Pomfret, Conn., and settled near his father's home, following the
occupation of his ancestors — a tiller of the soil.
In the following year, June 14, 1797, the first child was born to
them, Warren Alson. Then followed Chauncey, May 13, 1799,
Jacob Sawyer, January 3, 1802, Lucy Rosetta, February i, 1804, mak-
ing, no doubt, a busy hive in the Simsbury home. The father and
mother were still young, — not thirty, — and were naturally looking
for larger opportunities. The great West with its virgin soil in-
vited settlers, and the towns of New England were sending their
sons and daughters out into this new world, so lately redeemed
from the sway of English rule and the savagery of native tribes.
Alluring inducements were offered in cheap lands, fertile beyond
comparison, and within easy access of the natural highways of
commerce, in Western New York, in Pennsylvania, and in Ohio.
There were three principal routes through which the tide of
emigration was pouring its flood westward ; up the Mohawk
Valley into Central New York, and thence onward via Buffalo
and Lake Erie to Northern Ohio; across Southern Pennsylvania
and over the mountains to the headwaters of the Ohio; and
down the Appalachion Valley and thence over into Kentucky and
»99
200 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Tennessee. Land companies and syndicates were active in secur-
ing large tracts of land and promoting their settlement. For
example, Oliver Phelps of Simsbury and Windsor, Conn., and
Nathaniel Gorham, purchased in 1787 a tract of land containing
two and a quarter millions of acres lying west of Seneca Lake in
New York State. This tract is known as the "Phelps and Gor-
ham Purchase," and constitutes one of the most fertile and
beautiful sections of the State.
In 1789 Oliver Phelps opened, at Canandaigua, N. Y., the first
land office in America for the sale of lands to settlers.
It appears from the data we have, that Levi Higley, an older
brother of Warren, went with others to Central New York in 1802
or 1803, and visited that part of the wilderness which was within
easy reach of the wonderful salt springs near Syracuse. Whether
he located and purchased lands at that time does not appear.
But Levi returned to Simsbury for his family.
In the spring of 1804 Warren Higley, with his wife and young
family, his brothers Levi and Oliver, and others of the neighbor-
hood with their families, left the home and surroundings of their
forefathers for the new West, of which they had heard so much.
They loaded their household goods and necessary provisions on
carts and wagons; and with ox-teams to haul them, and cows to
furnish milk, they made the toilsome journey to Central New
York, and settled in the wilderness at Onondaga Hill, about six
miles from Syracuse. The log house was quickly built, the clear-
ing made for the corn field and the garden, and the pioneer life
begun.
The following year, October 25, 1805, Emily was born; Decem-
ber 9, 1807, Chester ; July 21, 1813, Rachel ; October 5, 1815,
Harriet Rachel j making a family of eight children, all of whom,
excepting Lucy Rosetta, who died in early womanhood, lived to
mature £ge, married, and had families of children.
Lucy Sawyer Higley, the mother, was a woman of great energy
and executive ability, and of remarkable devotion and sweetness
of temper. Up to the time of her death she strictly observed the
tenets of her church, and kept her Sabbath from sundown on
Saturday night to the setting of the sun on Sunday, during which
time all the work in the household and on the farm was sus-
pended, excepting that of necessity.
Like the noble, self-sacrificing women of our pioneer times,
she not only performed the household duties, but spun and wove
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, 1ST. 20 1
the flax and the wool, and cut and made the garments for the
family; and a most excellent cook and housekeeper and manager
she was. There were no " hired girls " in those early days, but the
spirit of helpfulness pervaded the family and the neighborhood,
and thereby the burdens were lightened, and peace and content-
ment reigned. Thus was the large family reared, and sturdy
character formed for the responsibilities of mature years.
There are few, if any, striking events in the life of the farmer;
and none in the subject of this sketch worthy of note, unless it
be the fact that he, imbibing the military spirit like his ancestors,
was chosen captain of the local artillery company, and near the
close of the War of 1812 went with his company to Niagara
Falls, to serve his country. But peace came before his battery"
was called into active service. He died at the home of his
daughter, Emily, near the site of the old homestead, on Onondaga
Hill, of a virulent attack of smallpox, May 16, 1848. His faith-
ful wife survived him but a few months, and died in the same place,
August 27, 1848. Seven sons and daughters survived them.
In height they were above the medium, the husband standing
six feet, broad-shouldered and well proportioned, and more than
usually good-looking. They both had fine physical constitutions,
wholly free from taints; and, consequently, health and vigor
characterized the children, an inheritance that cannot be too
highly valued.
The Onondaga salt springs had for a number of years made
this section well-known throughout the State. These were about
seven miles distant, and furnished the early settlers an oppor-
tunity to get a little ready money, for these springs were in the
State Reservation, and freely utilized by the settlers in that
vicinity for securing what they wanted for use; and the more
enterprising manufactured considerable quantities of salt for the
market. All Western New York depended on these springs for
its supply of salt. It used to sell for about fifty cents per bushel,
and a fair-sized family would make about fifty bushels per week
in favorable weather, and so reap a good income for those times.
The forests yielded an abundance of sugar for the family.
The " men-folks" in the early spring were accustomed to
make about two tons of maple sugar for the year's supply. The
expense was slight; iron kettles, pot- rack, iron ladles, augers
for boring, and buckets for carrying the sap, were everything
needed beyond what the workmen themselves could supply with
202 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
the ax. During this season the neighborhood was kept very
gay by the frequent parties given at " sugaring-off" times, when
they ate the delicious wax from the snow, or sipped the rich aro-
matic syrup, dipped hot from the kettle; the newly-made sugar
was added to the feast according to taste.
The pioneer life had its charms and pleasures as well as its
hardships and sorrows. Their tastes were simple; their family
wants were few beyond what the farm supplied. They were
neighborly, helpful,xone to another; they were honest and trusty.
The doors of their houses were without bolts, and "the latch-
string was always out." A sort of Arcadian life was led by these
early settlers at Onondaga, so far as can be gleaned from the
records, and peace and happiness and prosperity prevailed among
them.
WARREN ALSON, the first child of Warren and Lucy Sawyer
Higley, was born in Simsbury, Conn., on Wednesday, June 14,
1797. He died at the home of his son, Hulbert, in Trempeleau
County, Wisconsin, October 14, 1871. He lived on the farm with
his parents until his marriage with Permelia Duell, daughter of a
prominent farmer of that section, on March 4, 1824. He settled
on a farm at Onondaga Hill, where his children were born and
brought up, viz. : Juliette, Hulbert, and Marian.
JULIETTE, born October 9, 1825. October 14, 1846, she married Charles R.
Borradaile of Sodus, Wayne County, N. Y., a gentleman of excellent family and high
standing. They settled in Sodus, N. Y., and enjoyed many years of happiness and
prosperity. They had three children :
EMMA J., the eldest, was born July 25, 1848 ; was married to Dr. C. H. Eggleston
of Marshall, Mich., April 22, 1869. They settled in Marshall, Mich., where he
became prominent and prosperous in his profession, and she an angel of mercy
to the distressed. She died June 18, 1889. They had three children :
Nina Juliett, born January 22, 1870; Kittle Adah, born April I, 1874, an<J
Edwy Borradaile Reid, born at Allegan, Mich., December 2, 1886.
MARY ADAH BORRADAILE, the second child, was born at Sodus, March 9, 1850 ;
married Edwy C. Reid of Allegan, Mich., August 28, 1876, where they still live.
CHARLES HIGLEY BORRADAILE, their third child, was born at Sodus, March 3,
1856. Not married. Has long been a resident of Marshall, Mich., prosperous in
business, and very highly respected by all who know him.
HULBERT HIGLEY, only son of Warren Alson and Permelia Duell Higley, was
born at Onondaga Hill, January 10, 1828. He grew up on the farm and lived
according to the custom of those days. He married Mary A. Victs of Orangeville,
Pa., March 25, 1856. He soon after went with his bride to the State of Wisconsin
and settled on a farm in Neshonac, La Crosse County. They have seven children,
as follows :
CHAUNCEY AND MARGARET HEAD HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY,\ST. 203
Leonora Emma, born April 26, 1857, at Neshonac, La Crosse County, Wis.
Was married at Centerville, Trempeleau County, Wis., December 22, 1875, to
Zalmon S. Martin of the same place. They have had four children :
Edith Lyle, who was born November 24, 1876, at Centerville, Trempeleau
County, Wis. ; Harold Arthur, who was born October 16, 1878, at same place ;
Mabel Emma, born December 4, 1880, at Jamestown, Stutsman County, North
Dak. ; Florence Cordelia, born November 8, 1886, at the same place.
Warren A., son of Hulbert and Mary A. Higley, was born September 6, 185-,
at Neshonac, and at last advices was still a bachelor. Emma Jane was born at
the same place, June n, 1863. She was married at Hale, Trempeleau County,
Wis., March 30, 1881, to William J. Gordon, of the same place, and had a son,
fohn Emory, born May 9, 1884. Florence Permelia was born October n, 1866,
at Trempeleau, WTis. Nellie May, was born January 27, 1870, at the same place.
Marian Juliette, was born December 7, 1879, at Hale, Wis. Samantha Mabel,
was born May 14, 1882, at Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dak., to which
place her parents had removed and settled.
MARIAN HIGLEY, third and youngest child of Warren Alson and Permelia Duell
Higley, was born at Onondaga Hill, April 27, 1830. She was married at Onondaga
Hill, May 12, 1854, to William J. Hillabrant of Syracuse, N. Y. Died at her home
in Marshall, Mich., 1895. She was a beautiful woman, and most devoted mother,
respected and loved by all who knew her. They had three children, viz.,
Willis Duell, George M., Charles H.
WILLIS DUELL was born at Salina, N. Y., February 21, 1855. He married
in Chicago, June 5, 1884, Miss Kate Kenny, daughter of the late Judge Kenny
of Ashland, O. They reside in Chicago, and have a daughter, born May 29, 1885,
christened Susan Marian.
GEORGE M. HILLABRANT was born at Marshall, Mich , July 5, 1858 ; died
August u, 1859.
CHARLES H., was born at Marshall, Mich., September 14, 1860, where he still
resides.
CHAUNCEY HIGLEY, the second child of Warren and Lucy
Sawyer Higley, was born in Simsbury, Conn., May 13, 1799. He
grew to be a healthy, strong, energetic young man under the care
and influence of the pioneer home. At the age of fifteen he
enlisted for the war (1812-14) in the local company under Captain
Forbes, and marched to the defense of Sackett's Harbor, at that
time threatened by the British. Colonel Ellis was his regimental
commander. He remained in the service until the close of the
war. In after life he was a pensioner, and so continued up to the
time of his death. He became a skilled distiller, and was early
appointed to the charge of large establishments. The business
in those days was not clouded by any influence of temperance
agitation. It was held in equal honor with that of other call-
204 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ings — and he prospered in it. He was a very temperate man all
his life, of the strictest integrity, a consistent Christian, a member
and officer of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and always a
good, patriotic citizen.
At the age of twenty-one, May 2, 1820, in the town of Owasco,
adjoining the then village of Auburn, N. Y., he married Margaret
Head, who was born at Springfield, Otsego County, N. Y.,
May 25, 1804.
For twenty years he lived in different places in New York
State, — Owasco, Auburn, Port Byron, Sennett, — and in the
spring of 1840 went to Ohio, via the Erie Canal and Lake Erie,
the usual route of travel then, with all his family and household
goods, and settled on a farm in Westfield, Delaware County, O.
He afterward devoted three years to the business of distilling in
West Cleveland, and four years in Newark, O.,and then returned
to his farm, and continued a farmer for the remainder of his life.
His daughter, Adeline, in a letter dated Cardington, O., May
31, 1887, wrote: "I can say for my father, that in character he
is second to none. He has lived a long life of usefulness, always
showing his Christianity in his liberality to the poor and to the
Church. He always took sunshine with him wherever he went.
He often says that he has lived out his time and is only waiting."
He died at the home of his youngest daughter, Emily, in the town
of Ashley, Delaware County, O., July 29, 1887, in the eighty-
ninth year of his age.
LUCY ROSETTA, the eldest child, was born in the town of Owasco, Cayuga County,
N. Y., March 14, 1822. In 1840 she accompanied her parents to Ohio, and was
there married to Edward Terry of New York, June 30, 1842, at their home in
Westfield. They settled near Cardington, O., and brought up a family of seven
children, all of whom were married and living in 1887. She was left a widow in
1867. Their children :
Emaline was born April I, 1843 ; married January I, 1860, to John W. Mere-
dith. Adeline was born January 13, 1845 ; married November 12, 1865, to Leroy
P. Slack. Henrietta was born April 8, 1848 ; married November 14, 1869, to
James Potter. Bradford was born August 13, 1852 ; married October 23, 1873, to
Mary Sands. James and Jane, twins, were born June 21, 1856. Jane was mar-
ried July 26, 1879, to Simeon Glaze. James was married November 2, 1884, to
Mary Aldrich. Florence was born October 9, 1860 ; married June 6, 1881, to Cyrus
E. Weatherby.
The mother writes from Cardington, O., June 5, 1887 : "By these I have twenty-
one grandchildren. Now comes the old adage, ' Large streams from little fountains
flow.' A pretty good list for one Higley, don't you think ? "
ARETAS, second child of Chauncey and Margaret Higley, was born in Auburn,
N. Y., March 29, 1824, and died October 24, following.
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, \ST. 205
ADELINE E. was born in Auburn, N. Y., September 24, 1825. She was married
at her father's home in Westfield, O., September 7, 1842, to George B. Terry,
brother of her sister's husband. He died April 3, 1855, leaving her a widow with
four children, viz. :
Evaline, born July 2, 1844 ; married Reuben P. Smith. She died February
IO, 1870, leaving two children. Margaret Ann, born August n, 1846; married
William H. H. Smith. They have seven children. Chauncey G., born March II,
1849 ; married . They have seven children. George B., Jr., bom July 27,
1851 ; married . They have four children.
After living a widow for seventeen years, she married Taylor Barge of Carding-
ton, O., where they now live.
WARREN HIGLEY, fourth child of Chauncey and Margaret A. Higley, was born
at Auburn, N. Y., December 10, 1827, and died December 9, 1828.
EDWIN R. was born at Auburn, N. Y , November 25, 1829. Married in Ohio,
April 17, 1850, to Catherine Devar of Newark, O. They settled on a farm near
his father's, and had nine children :
Frank G., born August 15, 1851 ; Jane J., born July 10, 1853 ; Delphine,
Clara Estclla, Ella Jane, Jessie, William, Howard C., and George.
His wife died not long after the birth of George, and after about two years he
took to himself a second wife, by whom he had seven children up to August, 1887 :
John Sherman, Emily Rosetta, Charles, Chauncey, Lewis, Curtis Jay, and Joseph
Gran-ville. All were living at last advices — sixteen.
DESIRE R., daughter of Chauncey and Margaret Higley, was born in Butler,
Wayne County, N. Y., September 13, 1832. Married December 24, 1850, in
Newark, O , to James F. Peyton. She died May 3, 1852.
EMILY S , daughter of Chauncey and Margaret Higley, was born in Westfield,
O., April 6, 1841. Married at her fathers house in Ashley, O., December 24,
1859, Peter Z. Hopper, of Hackensack, N. J. They reside at Ashley, O. Six
children were born to them : Herbert, October 29, 1860 ; died February 27, 1861.
Charles, April 14, 1862. Margaret, July 27, 1864. Levi J.t August 6, 1866.
Chauncey, September 19, 1871, and Lizzie, July 4, 1876.
JACOB SAWYER, third child of Warren and Lucy Higley, was
born in Simsbury, Conn., January 3, 1802, and was over two years
old when his parents moved into the wilderness of Onondaga.
He developed a splendid physique, and a strong, manly character
under the influence of farm life and the busy cultured home.
On November 10, 1822, not yet twenty-one, he married Nancy
Delina Spencer, the daughter of a neighboring farmer. He was
powerful in strength, of a kind and generous nature, noble
character, and a most exemplary husband and father. He died
May 15, 1873. His devoted wife had died October 28, 1866.
His grandson, Rev. Elmer Higley, writes: "In 1827, my
grandfather moved to Wayne County, N. Y., in company with his
brother Chauncey. In 1831 he moved to Cattaraugus County,
206 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
N. Y. From there he moved to Conneaut Township, Crawford
County, Pa., in 1835, settling each time in the wilderness. In
1845 he moved to Millcreek Township, Williams County, O.
Here he cleared the land and followed farming. He lived there
until his decease in 1874— his death occurring, however, in
Munroe County, Mich., while visiting at the home of his eldest
son Sheldon."
They had ten children, — six boys and four girls, — whose names
and dates of birth are as follows, as taken from the family record :
Sheldon, born August 4, 1823; Emulus, November 13, 1825; Ben-
jamin, March 10, 1827, no further data; Lucy M., December 7,
1828 ; Austin, April 5, 1830 ; Harriet, April i, 1832; Emily J., July
4, 1835; Miles Warren, April 22, 1842; Elba, July 17, 1844; Janette,
February i, 1851, no data.
The following deaths are recorded: Emily J., August, 1847,
aged twelve years;- Austin was killed in the late war near Atlanta,
Ga., July 24, 1864; Harriet G. died April 18, 1888.
SHELDON HIGLEY, eldest son of Jacob Sawyer and Nancy Delina Spencer,
farmer, resides at Bancroft, Kossuth County, la.
EMULUS HIGLEY, resides at Coopersville, Ottaway County, Mich.
LUCY MARILLA, married Amos Sullivan in 1843; he died in 1853. They had
two children, Emma Rossetta and Cornelius Eugene. February 24, 1859, she
married Solomon Rogers, who died September 10, 1887. She now lives in Stryker,
Williams County, O.
AUSTIN HIGLEY, the fifth child of Jacob Sawyer and Nancy D. Higley, served in
the Mexican War, and until the beginning of the late war lived on the frontier,
where he served as an Indian scout and encountered many dangers. He was
three years in the gold regions of California. In 1861 he enlisted in the 68th Ohio
Volunteers, Company I, and went to the Civil War. He was wounded in an engage-
ment near Atlanta, Ga., July 21, 1864, and died three days after.
HARRIET C. HIGLEY, the sixth child, married William Moore, a fanner, living in
Bridgewater Township, Williams County, O. They had three children, only one
of whom is living — Samuel.
MILES WARREN HIGLEY, the seventh child, was born in Conneaut Township,
Crawford County, Pa. His father moved to Williams County, O., three years after.
In 1861 he enlisted in the 6ist Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, and served in the war
to its close. He was wounded at Champion Hills, near Vicksburg, May 16, 1863.
He married Amanda Ann Snow, September 18, 1863. Three children were born
to them : Elmer, July 6, 1867 ; Fred, October i, 1868 ; and Orin, July 23, 1872.
In 1881 they moved to Conneautville, Pa., where they still reside.
The Rev. ELMER HIGLEY, eldest son of Miles W. and Amanda A. Higley, was
born near Pioneer, Williams County, O., July 6, 1867. When fourteen years old his
parents moved to Conneautville, Pa., where he enjoyed the advantages of the com-
mon school, and three years after entered the high school, from which he was gradu-
ated in 1887. After teaching one year, and spending one year in travel, he entered
CHESTER AND PRUDENCE MILLER-HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY,\ST. • 207
Alleghany College, Meadville, Pa., where he pursued the classical course to the
senior year, when, in 1891, he entered the ministry, and since then has filled
pastorates in the Methodist Episcopal Church. While serving in the ministry
he has completed the college course of studies, and will graduate in '96. He
married Alice C. Dowler, August 16, 1892, and is now the settled pastor of the
Methodist Episcopal Church at Milesgrove, Pa.
ELBA HIGLEY, daughter of Jacob Sawyer aud Nancy Delina Spencer, married
Jerry Zolomon, and now resides near Pioneer, Williams County, O.
EMILY J. HIGLEY, their seventh child, married Leander Zolomon. They
reside near West Unity, Williams County, O.
LUCY ROSETTA HIGLEY, fourth child of Warren and Lucy_
Sawyer Higley, was born in Simsbury, Conn., February i, 1804,
and was therefore a babe in arms when her parents removed to
Central New York. Family tradition says that she was an
unusually beautiful and lovely child, and that her early death,
March 25, 1816, was the cause of deep and widespread sorrow.
EMILY HIGLEY, fifth child of Warren and Lucy Sawyer Higley,
was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., October 25, 1805, soon
after the first crop of corn was gathered from the new lot. She
developed a strong, beautiful character, and lived respected and
loved by all who knew her.
In 1822, at the age of seventeen, she married Newel Wiard, the
son of a neighboring farmer. They remained childless for nearly
ten years when their first child,
FLORA E., was born, May 7, 1832. She grew to be a very attractive and highly
accomplished young lady. While spending the winter of 1858 with friends in the
far South, she became ill and died in Handsboro, Miss., at the age of twenty-six.
CHARLES WIARD, the second child of Newel and Emily Higley Wiard, was born
March 2, 1834 ; married June 27, 1860, at Onondaga Hill, an accomplished and
highly educated lady, Mary C. Annable, and settled on the homestead with his
parents. He was a farmer, and continued to live where they first settled until his
death, which occurred January 9, 1890. Three children were born to them:
Flora E., August n, 1861. She married March 4, 1886, Henry H. Hamilton.
On February 20, 1887, a daughter was born, whom they named Bertha. Frank
C. was born May 20, 1865, and at last advices was a bachelor. Lyman A. was
born July 2, 1874.
CHESTER HIGLEY, the sixth child and fourth son of Warren and
Lucy Sawyer Higley, was born December 9, 1807. He grew to
a lusty manhood in the old home, and was noted for his genial
nature, generous spirit, and industrious habits. When about
eighteen he joined his brother Chauncey, who was then in
charge of " Garrow's Distillery " at Auburn, N. Y. After serv-
208 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ing his apprenticeship, he had charge of large distilleries in
different parts of the State, until 1845. The remainder of his
life was spent on a farm in the town of Owasco, Cayuga County,
N. Y. He died at his home near Auburn after a brief illness,
May 3, 1875. He was of a strong and vigorous constitution, and
until his last illness had seldom experienced a sick day.
In 1828, July 6, he married Prudence Miller, then residing with
her grandparents on West Genesee Street, Auburn, N. Y. She
was born at Pine Hill, N. Y., September, 30, 1809. Her father,
George Miller, emigrated from Southeastern New York in the
early part of the century and settled with his family near Albion,
N. Y., and brought up a large family. She died January 5, 1882,
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Eliza Nickason, in Auburn,
N. Y.
Chester and Prudence Miller Higley had a family of five chil-
dren, viz.:
COLLINS JACOB, born at Auburn, N. Y., May 5, 1829. He grew to young man-
hood, strong, healthy, genial, of fair skin, black hair, and large brown eyes. He
was well educated, served an apprenticeship, according to the custom of that time,
at the joiner's trade in Auburn, N. Y., and during this period joined the local
brass band and began the study of music, Afterward he became quite distin-
guished as a musician. At the age of twenty-one he abandoned his trade and
devoted himself to music. He traveled for many years as a leading musician, and
was very skilled and unusually popular with his craft. As opportunity offered, he
composed and arranged music for local bands.
About the year 1858 or 1859 he went with a party from Chicago overland to Pike's
Peak, Col., to mine gold. They went with a full outfit of teams, cattle, provisions,
and tools, and were many weeks in making the journey across the plains. He sent
favorable reports for the following two years, and in the early summer of 1861 he
wrote, inquiring anxiously for news of the war, and saying that he would soon be
able to return East with a good competence. The letter in reply was returned
through the dead letter office at Washington. He has not been heard from since.
It is thought that he must have lost his life in some one of the border conflicts that
prevailed between the Union and Confederate forces about tliat time. He never
married.
GEORGE MILLER, second son of Chester and Prudence Higley, was born in
Auburn, N. Y., April I, 1831. He died from the effects of a railroad accident in
Nashville, Tenn., in the fall of 1879. He was twice married, but left no children
surviving.
He was in the railroad business a large part of his life, as master of freight,
engineer, conductor, etc. He was conductor of a war train, under General
McPherson, in the late war, and did daring and effective service for the Union
cause.
DESCENDANTS OF SETH H 1C LEY, 1ST 209
By the Editor,
Warren, Chester, Warren, Seth, ist, Brewster, zd, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
WARREN HIGLEY (of New York City), the youngest son of
Chester and Prudence Miller Higley, was born in Genoa, near
Auburn, N. Y., July i, 1833. He is a lineal descendant in direct
line from both of his honored maternal ancestors, — Captain John
Higley's two wives, — his great-grandfather, Seth Higley, having
contracted a marriage of near kin.
His childhood was spent upon the farm in the midst of the
simplicity of an agricultural life. Like the youth of those days,
his early education was gained at the common district school,
which he attended faithfully, winter and summer, until ten years
of age, after which he attended only during the winter months,
his labor being required on the farm in the summer. The
molding of his earlier years fell largely upon his mother, who
was a gifted and superior woman. Her maternal heart was
wrapped up in this son, and it is to her energy, perseverance,
and wise direction that he says he owes his successful efforts in
after life more than to anything else.
He was noted for his perseverance, industry, and frugality
during his youth. In the country school he early rose to the
first class in scholarship, and, by having free access to the dis-
trict library, he supplemented the education of the schoolroom
by that education which comes from the eager reading of a great
variety of excellent books, in history, biography, travels, science,
and art. It embraced such works as Headley's "Napoleon and
his Marshals," "Washington and his Generals," Dr. Dix's works,
Dr. Lardner's works on science and art, Freemont's exploring ex-
peditions to the Pacific coast, "Life of Benjamin Franklin," etc.
Through good home training, the education of the school and
the library, and the industrious habits of farm life, he developed
into an energetic, long-headed boy of great application — a fair
type of an American country youth, who afterward rose to an
influential and successful manhood through his own individual
energy and unfailing perseverance.
He was early ambitious to earn his own living and to accumu-
late from his earnings. At the age of sixteen he purchased five
acres of land near the city of Auburn, upon which, with the aid
of his parents, he built a comfortable cottage, which home they
thereafter enjoyed until their decease.
210 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
The fond dream of his early youth was to obtain an education
sufficient to enable him to teach a country school, and thus
insure an income from the winter as well as from the summer
months. He easily surpassed his fellows in the country school,
and, at the age of seventeen, entered the Auburn Academy, where
he received the advantages of advanced instruction. He became
a member of one of the first teachers' classes in the State, organ-
ized under the auspices of the Regents of the University.
This was about the year 1850-51. The following winter he
taught his first district school at Aurelius, three miles west of
Auburn, and "boarded round," according to the custom of those
days. This school consisted of forty-five pupils, ranging from six
to twenty-five years of age. His salary was sixteen dollars per
month. The branches taught ranged from the A B C's to higher
algebra. Before the end of his term, the trustees engaged him
for the following year at largely increased wages.
His broadened experience and observation, as a student at the
Auburn Academy and teacher in the country school, fired him
with an ambition to obtain a collegiate education. He took up
the study of Latin and Greek, and pursued it with great zeal,
inspired by the bright hopes which the attainment of his purposes
seemed to hold out; and in the summer of 1858 he entered the
freshman class of Hamilton College at Clinton, N. Y., with forty
dollars surplus funds to start on.
By virtue of a trusting faith, of determined energy, industry,
and careful economy, he worked his way through college without
the aid of others. To secure the necessary means he worked for
wages in vacations, and taught portions of the time. In his
freshman year, as he was far in advance of his class in all the
English branches, he accepted the position of head teacher in the
Auburn Academy, where he had just finished his preparation for
college. During the greater part of this year, he also taught the
prisoners in the Auburn State Prison for five days in the week,
between the hours of 6 to 8 o'clock, p. M., having received
the appointment for this position from the Governor of the State,
and received for such service $12.50 per month. The following
year he joined his class in college with sufficient means to meet
all necessary expenses. In the fall of 1861, while a senior in
college, he was appointed by the Governor of the State to fill the
vacancy of school commissioner for the second district of Cayuga
County. He was able to discharge the duties of this office by
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, 1ST. 211
devoting all of his vacations and a part of the winter term to them,
and at the same time to keep up his studies with his college class;
he was graduated with honor in the summer of 1862.
After graduation he continued in the office of school commis-
sioner, discharging his duties with great efficiency and acceptance
to the public, until the following year, when he was elected to
what he deemed the more important position of principal of
Cayuga Lake Academy, located at Aurora, N. Y., one of the
oldest academies in the State.
Under his energetic direction the school rapidly increased in
patronage, and rose to high rank among the educational insti-
tutions of New York.
After three years of flattering success, he yielded to the solicita-
tions of the Board of Education of Auburn, N. Y., to remove to
his native town and take charge of the reorganization of the
public schools of that city, and the establishment of a high school
in place of the old academy, and to this end he was elected
secretary of the Board of Education and Superintendent of the
Publ:c Schools in the summer of 1866. This position he filled
with eminent satisfaction to all concerned. The high school
flourished beyond the expectations of its most zealous supporters,
and the public schools generally, under his personal direction,
rose to a high degree of excellence.
His friends at Aurora were determined to secure his return, if
possible, and under various strong inducements, financial as well
as in the direction of promised means for the building and endow-
ment of a college of high rank, he returned, after two years'
work at Auburn, and again took charge of the old academy, with
the understanding that a new building would soon be erected by
one of the wealthiest citizens of that place, and duly equipped to
take its place among the leading colleges of the State.
He was ambitious to be at the head of such an institution, and
to be instrumental in its development. It was for this purpose
and with this understanding that he returned to Aurora.
But difficulties arose to prevent the founding and building up
of the proposed institution. Financial conditions were changed,
and after waiting for two years and continuing at the head of the
academy, he felt justified in accepting an offer of the principal-
ship of the West High School at Cleveland, O., and in the
summer of 1870 he removed to Cleveland. His success there
was so marked, and he became so well known to the distin-
212 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
guished educators of Ohio, that the Board of Education of the
city of Dayton, O., invited him to the superintendency of their
schools. The offer of a largely increased salary, and the attrac-
tions of the work to be done in this new field, induced him to
accept the position offered, which he did in the summer of 1871.
For some time, his logical qualities of mind, and a fair acquaint-
ance with law already acquired during intervals of his regular
duties, had been bending him toward the legal profession, and in
1873 he resigned from school work and became a resident of Cin-
cinnati, O., where he was admitted the following year, 1874, to
the practice of the law by the Supreme Court of the State.
Thorough and painstaking in all that he did, he was not long in
gaining a professional foothold and winning a name in legal
circles.
In 1881 he was chosen- Judge of the City Court of Cincinnati,
a Court of Record having original jurisdiction of all crimes and
misdemeanors within the city, with the right of trial by jury.
His career on the bench, until the expiration of his term, was
characterized by sound judgment and common sense.
His decisions upon several questions of general public interest
were copied widely by the press of the country. His adminis-
tration was noted for its efficiency in the punishment of crime
and the sustaining of law and order. He probably achieved his
greatest fame in his decisions under the law forbidding the
opening of saloons and theaters on Sunday. Public feeling pro
and con became very intense. The law was openly defied by the
saloon keepers. Six hundred arrests were made by the police.
The most prominent and influental among them were tried before
Judge Higley and a jury, and convicted after a long and exciting
trial. The full penalty of the law was promptly inflicted, and
the most orderly Sabbath followed that had ever been known
in Cincinnati; the greatest excitement prevailed, and riots were
threatened in some portions of the city, but law and order
triumphed.
Judge Higley served on the bench the two years for which
he was elected, and positively declined to be a candidate for
re-election.
He closed his term with the good wishes and high respect of
the members of the bar. It was a just recognition of his faithful
services that prompted a number of prominent citizens to mark
the occasion by entertaining him at a elaborate dinner, at the
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, 1ST. 213
close of which he was presented with a beautiful silver tankard,
suitably inscribed.
The following is taken from a leading morning paper :
"Judge Warren Higley, whose term on the bench of the City
Criminal Court will end on the 25th inst, gave a delightful
semi-official entertainment at his home on Mount Auburn last
evening. The only ladies present were Mrs. Higley and ladies
who assisted her in receiving the judge's guests. Among those
present were : William Means, Mayor of Cincinnati, Judge M. L.
Buchwalter, Judge M. F. Wilson, Judge Fitzgerald, Judge John
P. Murphy, Hon. John A. Caldwell, Hon. Howard Douglass,
Assistant Postmaster Muller, Colonel Luther Parker, Mr.
Benjamin Harrison, and a number of press representatives,
including the gentlemen whose duties call them frequently to
Judge Higley's court. With such a company and so admirable
a host and hostess, the evening was a delightful one. The
intellectual commission was helped out by beautiful accidentals :
the tasteful decoration of the rooms ; the punch that was a
study, a delight and a delusion; the cards and the supper that
included the substantials, as well as the delicacies of the season.
Judge Higley leaves a fine record as the magistrate of the court
whose duties from their nearness to the daily welfare of the
people are most difficult and important, but even more has he
endeared himself, during his two years of public life, to all who
have come in contact with him, as a man and gentleman."
In the month of January, 1882, the American Forestry Con-
gress had its birth in Judge Higley's law office.
A few gentlemen, including Judge Higley, who had had the
pleasure of getting up a public reception for Baron Richard Von
Steuben, Royal Chief Forester of the German Empire, and his
associates, soon after the centennial celebration of the battle of
Yorktown, in November, 1881, met in Judge Higley's office in the
early part of the January following, and discussed the subject of
forestry. "Before they separated they resolved to bring the
subject to the earnest consideration of the people. A committee
was organized, and for the next three months the press of the
country laid before the people the subject of forestry in its vari-
ous important aspects."
This movement culminated in a three days' meeting at Music
214 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Hall, Cincinnati, held April 25, 26, and 27, 1882, at which most
of the distinguished foresters of the United States and Canada
were present and read papers before the scientific departments.
The Governor of the State made the address of welcome. The
2yth of the month was appointed by the chief executive of the
State as Arbor Day, the first Arbor Day celebration in Ohio, and
the first except two in the United States. The city was in holi-
day attire. A great procession of soldiery and citizens, and pupils
of the public schools, marched to Eden Park, where various
groves were planted, with appropriate ceremonies.
Thus closed the first session of the American Forestry Con-
gress, which embraces in its scope the United States and Canada.
This organization has done more than all other instrumentalities
for the promotion of forestry in America.
In 1884 Judge Higley was elected President of the American
Forestry Congress, and was re-elected the following year. His
opening address before the congress assembled in Boston in
September, 1885, was clear and convincing, and commanded the
thoughtful attention of the citizens of New England especially.
He is still an active officer in this organization.
One year after the first meeting of the American Congress,
January, 1883, the Ohio State Forestry Association was organized,
of which Judge Higley was an active mover, and of which he was
elected its first president.
The summer of 1884 Judge Higley removed to New York City,
where he has since transacted a profitable law business, maintain-
ing his previous reputation as a lawyer. Here he early began
taking an active interest in matters appertaining to both social
and public affairs.
Of the Ohio Society of New York, organized January, 1886, he
was one of the leading founders, and an indefatigable worker in its
early history. He served as its secretary for some years, and has
always been active in the interests of the society.
He was one of the principle organizers of the New York State
Forestry Association, of which he was made first vice president,
and has occupied a well achieved place in the front ranks of its
membership, working with zealous and praiseworthy effort to
arouse public attention to the imperative importance of preserv-
ing our State forests. He spoke upon invitation, in different
parts of the State, without moneyed compensation, making timely
addresses upon the urgent necessity of preventing the destruction
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, 1ST. 215
of the Adirondack forests; urging that laws should be enacted
giving the State power to purchase and hold absolute control
over millions of additional acres of forest, deemed necessary to
the Adirondack Preserve, and that all waste places should be
devoted to forest growth.
It is due in great measure to the influence of such earnest men
as Judge Warren Higley and his coadjutors, men capable of
dealing with the great questions of the day, that the State of
New York stands far in advance of any other State in the Union
in her forestry legislation, and the management of her State
forests.
Judge Higley became one of the incorporators and a trustee of
the Adirondack League Club, founded in 1890, for the purpose of
a game and forest preserve. The club now (1895) owns 115,000
acres of forest lands lying in Hamilton and Herkimer Counties,
N. Y., upon which are three fine club-houses. Forest Lodge on
Honnedago Lake, Bisby Club-house on Bisby Lake, and Mountain
Lodge Club-house, on Little Moose Lake, several cottages, and
numerous camps adorn this wilderness tract, the most beautiful
and attractive of which is Judge Higley's "Cedar Lodge," lately
erected on Little Moose Lake.
The club owns the finest stretch of native forest in the Adiron-
dacks, and is trying to apply, for the first time in this country,
advanced principles of forestry management, whereby forest
preservation and forest utilization will not be inconsistent the
one with the other. Judge Higley, as vice president of the club,
takes an active interest in its management.
In politics he is a Republican. Apart, however, from some
active service as an officer in the Business Men's Republican
Organization during the campaigns for Republican success in
1888-90, he has not devoted much attention to the general politics
of New York. About that time, the New York Financial Gazette
had the following most complimentary words for Judge Higley :
" The Business Men's Republican Organization of the Twelfth
Assembly District held a large meeting recently for the purpose
of transacting important business. Several speeches were made
by members, notably that of Ex-Judge Warren Higley, which was
declared by all who had the pleasure of listening to it to be the
best of the evening. He expounded the plan of the business
men's organizations, showing the wisdom and the foresight em-
2l6 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
braced in the scheme of work concentrated under it. He recom-
mended meeting-places where young men could assemble and dis-
cuss the questions of the day, and acquire information, which
would certainly prove of advantage to them. Judge Higley's
speech was full of good advice and encouraging facts. He
has always done much to advance the interests of his party
in this city, and during the last presidental campaign worked
hard and earnestly for the success of the national ticket. As
a lawyer he stands high in his profession, and his career at
the bar has been a most successful one; he is considered one of
the ablest and best read of our local practitioners."
The Patria Club, of which Judge Higley is the presiding officer,
held its initial meeting at Sherry's, April 23, 1891.
Shortly before that date, at a dinner of the New York coun-
cilors of the American Institute of Civics, over which Judge
Higley presided, it was proposed to effect an organization includ-
ing the members resident in New York City and vicinity, the
object of which should be to promote the patriotic aims of the
Institute, and be known as the "Patria Club," the membership to
be open to ladies as well as gentlemen. Its first meeting was
addressed by the Right Rev. A. C. Coxe, bishop of the Western
Diocese of New York, who made an able address upon "Standards
of Citizenship and Government."
This club, over which Judge Higley has presided for two years,
now (1895) numbers about two hundred ladies and gentlemen in its
membership, and is accomplishing a quiet but effective work in
"the maintenance of high ideals in affairs of government, by
influence and channels largely educational in character." It
ranks among the foremost literary social clubs of the metropolis.
Among its active members are Daniel Greenleaf Thompson, Ex-
United States Treasurer Ellis H. Roberts, Hon. and Mrs. William
H. Arnoux, Hon. Warner Miller, Editor La Salle A. Maynard, Mr.
and Mrs. William Ives Washburn, Mrs. J. C. Croly (Jennie June),
Colonel and Mrs. Abraham G. Mills, Mrs. Mary Lowe Dickinson,
Hon. and Mrs. William Brookfield, Ex-Judge Noah Davis, Rev.
Dr. and Mrs. John R. McArthur, Professor and Mrs. S. S. Packard,
Hon. Stewart L. Woodford.
Judge Higley is a charter member of the Alpha Delta Phi Club
of the City of New York, a member of the -American Geographical
Society, the President of the Hamilton College Alumni Associa-
CHRISTINA J. HALEY HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, 1ST. 217
tion of the City of New York, and a member of the Republican
Club. He is a 32° Mason, and a prominent officer in the Scottish
Rite bodies. He is also a member of the Sons of the American
Revolution.
He delivered the historic addresses at the reunions of the
Higley family at Windsor, O., in 1887, at Windham, O., in 1889,
and at Simsbury, Conn., in the summer of 1890. From the first
inception of this genealogical work he has taken an active interest
in its progress, rendering valuable contributions of time and
service, for which he will be honorably remembered. As has
been already stated, he finally assumed the entire financial respon-
sibility of its publication.
From the time that his college course was closed and his mind
and character matured, his exceptional gifted powers for public
speaking have brought him into request to deliver addresses at
conventions, public meetings, and before Associations having
different objects. Tall and well-formed, standing full six feet,
with a mind well stored with a general knowledge of men and
things, a scholarly manner, and a strong and most agreeable voice,
speaking with directness, and with perfect ease in the art of ex-
pression, his audiences rarely fail to become enthusiastic in their
appreciation.
His temperament, which is confident and hopeful, fits him to
rank with men described in the following words of Henry Ward
Beecher: " Men who carry good nature in society are as much
perceived as spicewood is, that carries sweet odors." It follows
then that his social life is a busy one, that his quality and fine
humor, with his catholic spirit, make him many friends, and a
welcome guest.
Like all other popular men who serve the public in responsible
places, he has sometimes been placed in circumstances of unusual
difficulty, and "escaped not calumnious strokes." Who is the
public man that has not had maligners ? The course which he
took, and which is a marked characteristic, of maintaining perfect
silence, speaking ill of no one, has always won for him the highest
respect, leaving his detractors contending in vain.
In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, and a member of the
West Presbyterian Church, New York City.
He has been three times married; first, to Frances W. Tyler,
daughter of B. B. Tyler, Esq., a prosperous farmer, near Auburn,
N. Y., January i, 1863, by whom he had two children : Edward
2l8 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
North, born May, 1864, died in infancy; Arthur W., born
November 23, 1866, educated in the public schools of Auburn, and
now engaged in business in Wisconsin. At Cincinnati, O., June
30, 1873, he married his second wife, Emma W. Clark, a lady of
rare culture and learning. She became a devoted student of art,
and an art critic of high rank. She twice visited Europe in
the interest of her chosen studies, and made an extensive collec-
tion of art works. Soon after settling in New York she became
a member of Sorosis, where her brilliancy and learning and apti-
tude in debate gave her special prominence. She died in the City
of New York, from a surgical operation, April 19, 1890, leaving no
children.
On the zist day of July, 1891, he united in marriage with
Christina J. Haley of New York City, a most estimable lady. She
had been a prominent member of Sorosis for many years, and
filled several of its important offices. She was the publisher and
business manager of the Woman's Cycle. She is a life member
of the Woman's Press Club, an active member of the Woman's
Health Protective Association of New York City, a member of
the Patria Club, of which her husband is president, and the first
woman to join the Adirondack League Club, of which her hus-
band is the vice president. Mrs. Higley is a woman of rare execu-
tive ability, an excellent and devoted wife, and her home is the
center of her greatest activity. Her kind and generous nature,
helpful spirit, and keen sense of duty command the esteem and
admiration of those who know her.
ELIZA ZADAH, fourth child of Chester and Prudence Miller Higley, was born in
Auburn, N. Y., March 15, 1836. She received a good education, and married
William H. Nickason, then a neighboring farmer, March 8, 1854. They soon after
settled in Auburn, where he has since been engaged in the carpenter and building
business. A goodly measure of prosperity and happiness has been theirs. They
have two children living (one died in infancy), viz. :
Fred Nickason, was born June 27, 1861, and lived with his parents until his
marriage with Carrie Ashton, April 30, 1890 ; one child, Winifred A., was born to
them June 14, 1891. Mary Nickason, was born May 23, 1876, and is still in school.
MARIA RACHAEL, the youngest child of Chester and Prudence Higley, was born
in the town of Owasco, Cayuga County, N. Y., August 13, 1845. She was educated
at the Auburn Academy, where she made special preparations for teaching. She
first taught a country district school, and afterward for several years with marked
success taught in the public schools of Auburn. On the igth day of April, 1870,
she married Alexander Walker, of the town of Owasco. They settled on a farm
in the town of Fleming, five miles from Auburn, and prospered as thrifty farmers.
ELIZA Z. HIGLEY NICKASON.
DESCENDANTS OF SETH H1GLEY, \ST. 219
After a few years they sold out, and purchased a large farm in the town of Scipio,
about seven miles from Auburn, and near the shores of Owasco Lake, beautiful in
situation, and among the finest farms in Cayuga County. They have a family of
seven children — a family remarkable for harmony, industry, thrift, helpfulness one
toward another, intelligence, and strong characters.
Hugh, born February 15, 1871 ; married January 3, i8g4, Nina Denniston, and
settled on a farm in Steuben County, N. Y.; Warren Higley, born March 31,
1873 ; Maud C., born December 25, 1874 ; Alexander, Jr., born November 15,
1878 ; Harry, November 15, 1881 ; Fred. £., August 15, 1878, and Floyd, the
youngest, November 21, 1887.
This completes the family of Chester and Prudence Higley, with a word concern-
ing this devoted mother. She was a woman of rare excellence and worth. She
inspired her children with the virtues that lead to success through industry, integ-
rity, prudence, and laudable ambition. Ever watchful, in her motherly tenderness,
wise in her counsels, helpful in her example, making home cheerful and happy and
pure, — a noble type of a beautiful, devoted, and loving wife and mother.
Continued from page 200.
RACHAEL HIGLEY, seventh child of Warren and Lucy Sawyer
Higley, was born July 21, 1813. She married Royal Philkins of
Wayne County, N. Y. Shortly after their marriage they moved
to Illinois where she died quite young. They had three children :
Margaret, F.lmira, and Nathaniel. Nathaniel went out in the late war as captain
of Company C, loth Ohio Cavalry, and afterward rose to the rank of major.
HARRIET R. HIGLEY, the youngest child of Warren and Lucy
Sawyer Higley, was born in Onondago County, N. Y., October
5, 1815. In 1835 sne went with her brother, J. Sawyer, to Craw-
ford County, Pa., and thence to Williams County, O., where she
married H. Barbour, a farmer. They had five children. She
now lives, a widow, in Millcreek, Williams County, O. Her hus-
band died in 1890.
Continued from chapter xxxiii. page 188.
ROXANNA HIGLEY, the fifth child of Seth and Mindwell Higley
was born at Simsbury, Conn. She married Abel Holcombe. They
removed to Volusia, Chatauqua County, N. Y., where she died at
an advanced age. They brought up a family.
No material has been furnished from which to write a sketch
of the Holcombes or their descendants.
CHAPTER XXXV.
AMELIA HIGLEY BATES.
Continued from page 188.
Amelia, Seth, ist, Brewster, zd, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
The spindle and the loom of her grandmother gather and consecrate the dust of the garret, while
the woman of to-day watches the spindle and the loom of the factory. — PHILPOTT.
AMELIA HIGLEY BATES, the sixth child of Seth, ist, and Mind-
well Higley, was born at the old homestead of her father and of
her grandfather, Brewster Higley, ad, March 10, 1779. When
about the age of nineteen (1798), she married Lieutenant Erastus
Bates, whose birth took place October 22, 1764. They lived in
East Granby, Conn. Lieutenant Bates was the son of Captain
Lemuel Bates,* a Revolutionary officer who purchased his farm
in East Granby in 1774. Erastus, too, was a military man,
receiving his commission in the Connecticut militia, October 12,
1799, joining the i8th Regiment, Company 4.
The home farm upon which Lieutenant Erastus Bates and his
young wife settled, containing forty-seven acres, was purchased
by Captain Lemuel Bates adjoining his own estate. On the death
of Captain Bates this share of the estate came into the full owner-
ship of his son, Erastus, to which, in the year 1794, he added
fourteen acres by purchase. The tract in later years had further
additions, and now contains eighty-six acres. These lands, which
have been owned and occupied by the Bateses for 120 years, lie
in the town of East Granby, directly on the old highway from
Boston to New York. When Lieutenant Erastus Bates died in
1826, his widow, Amelia Higley, retained possession of the farm
till her death. The present dwelling (now belonging to her
* Lemuel Bales was a captain during the Revolution, and participated in several battles. For
many years Captain Bates kept a tavern in the north part of East Granby. The merry old gentle-
man was fond of fighting his battles over again by relating his reminiscences of those stirring
times. After the surrender of Burgoyne several detachments of the British prisoners of war were
marched through East Granby, and a portion of them bivouacked on the premises of Captain
Bates. " The British had plenty of money," said Captain Bates, " to pay for the best we had,
and my folks were kept busy in distributing pitchers and pails of cider among them. At night all
the floors of my tavern were spread over with them." At one time several teams laden with specie,
en route from Boston to Philadelphia, halted for the night at Captain Bates'. The specie had
been borrowed from France. It was inclosed in strong plank boxes, drawn by thirteen teams, well
guarded, and amounted to several millions of dollars. — " Newgate oj 'Connecticut" p. 112.
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, 1ST. 221
grandson, Albert C. Bates) stands on the site of the house in
which she lived her married life, and where her death took place;
the rear part of the building now in use being a part of her old
homestead. She was a woman of unusual force of character,
capable, and possessing readiness to accomplish with her own
hands an ample amount of domestic duties. Martha-like care and
labor filled her daily life as it did the lives of the women of her
time. The scope of her industry included dyeing, spinning, and
weaving. There are still to be found in the old homestead woven
relics bearing evidence not only of her patient skill and refined
taste, but exhibiting, as well, a rare artistic knowledge of dyeing
attractive shades and designing patterns.
She survived her husband thirteen years, and died in the year
1839, aged sixty. • Lieutenant Erastus and Amelia Higley Bates
had ten children, viz. :
Anson, Daniel, Albert, Flora, Carlos, Milton, Laura, Alfred, Mind-
well. An infant daughter was born and died, October 19, 1802.
ANSON BATES, the eldest child, born May 4, 1799, practiced law and was also a
farmer in East Granby. He married and had a family. He died aged eighty.
DANIEL, the second child, was born August 23, 1800. He died unmarried,
October 12, 1821.
ALBERT, the fourth child, born January 15, 1804, married Lucretia Bates, his
cousin. He removed with his family to Medina, Medina County, O. He died
February 6, 1885.
FLORA, the fifth child, born May i, 1806, married Metcalf. They
resided for some time in Granby, but later on she removed with her two sons to
Caledonia, Minn., in the early history of that State. She died in 1877.
CARLOS BATES, the sixth child of Lieutenant Erastus Bates and
Amelia Higley, was born at the old family homestead in East
Granby, March 23, 1808. This spot was his home during the
entire period of his life — seventy-one years.
He attended the district school, afterward taking an academic
course at the Westfield Academy. He pursued his studies still
further under a private tutor, Cicero Holcombe. At the age of
nineteen he began teaching a district school, teaching and study-
ing alternately for several years.
About the year 1834 he began mercantile pursuits, opening a
country store in Poquonoc, Conn. He afterward went to
Natchez, Miss., engaging in the same business. Here he became
the owner of two slaves — a man and a woman. For a period of
twenty years, from the year 1837, he traveled throughout the
222 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Southern States, engaged in collecting for the clock manufactur-
ing firm of Erastus Case & Co., of Canton, Conn., generally
returning to his Northern home at East Granby each season.
In the year 1845 Mr. Bates was elected and served in the Con-
necticut State Legislature as representative for the town of
Granby. His last journey in the South was made in 1860, just
previous to the Civil War.
As one of the heirs of his mother's estate, he became the
purchaser, at her death, of the shares in the home farm which
were inherited by his brothers and sisters. This gave him full
right and title to the farm and homestead. In the year 1860 he
married Maria Stimpson, who died, after a brief illness, of conges-
tion of the lungs, leaving an infant, which survived the mother but
a few months.
On the 1 2th of December, 1861, Mr. Bates married Mrs.
Hannah S. Stowell, a widow * with two children, the daughter of
Captain Enoch and Sophia T. C. Powers. Mrs. Stowell was born
February 27, 1820. By the year 1861 Mr. Bates had acquired a
handsome competency. When the turbulent days of the Civil
War came, he was outspoken and thoroughly loyal in its most
shadowy times. Retaining unshaken faith in the financial
credit and ultimate national supremacy of our government, he
invested liberally in government bonds. This action finally
resulted in his realizing a handsome increase of fortune. After
this period he occupied his time in settling estates and filling
engagements of trust, and attending to his personal affairs. He
was a man to whom his fellow-citizens and neighbors of all the sur-
rounding towns appealed and consulted on every important ques-
tion, especially those concerning public measures. In the year
1874 he again entered actively into politics, and received the Re-
publican nomination in the third district for Member of Congress.
But he suffered defeat, the district proving strongly Democratic.
Mr. Bates bore a strong and well-rounded character, with a
well-stored mind. He was capable of delivering an eloquent and
happy speech on public occasions, when it came in his way.
Books were a source of pleasure to him. He was a man who read
widely and thoughtfully, and was acquainted with literature.
A friend who knew him well, says that " he was thoroughly
acquainted with a dozen good poets, and delighted in Shaks-
pere." He acquired a fair knowledge of both Latin and French.
* Mrs. Stowell was the widow of Austin C. Stowell, whose death took place in the year 1853.
ALBERT CARLOS BATES.
DESCENDANTS OF SETff HIGLEY, 1ST. 223
He died December 20, 1878. The Hartford Courant contained
a few days afterward the following editorial :
"Mr. Carlos Bates, a native and much respected citizen of
East Granby, died at his residence Friday morning, the 2oth, at
the age of seventy-one. Mr. Bates sat in his chair conversing
with his family and friends the preceding evening, cheerful and
apparently quite strong. He had been confined to his house
with indisposition for a few days, but had given evidence of
an improved condition. His whole life has been one of useful-
ness and activity. Many will mourn the loss of his wise counsel
and advice."
Mr. Bates was interred in the grounds of Elmwood Cemetery, on
the 23d, a large concourse of people attending the funeral. The
spot is marked by a beautiful shaft of Scotch granite. The
children of Carlos and Hannah S. Bates were:
An infant son, born August 7, 1863; died August 10, 1863.
Albert Carlos, born March 12, 1865.
ALBERT CARLOS BATES, the younger of the two sons, and the only surviving
child of his parents, was born in the ancient homestead in East Granby, on the 1 2th
of March, 1865.
As has been already shown, his father was a man possessing a strong mind, and
rose to considerable distinction in the political, social, and moneyed world, by his
energy of character and fine mental abilities. Young Bates had only entered his
thirteenth year when death deprived him of paternal care. Upon his mother,
a woman of unusual brightness and quick intelligence, devolved the guardianship
of his youth. His education, till he reached his fourteenth year, was received at the
district school ; he was afterward sent to the Athol High School, at Athol, Mass.,
where his progress in his studies gave highest satisfaction to his professors. He
then entered the Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield, Conn. Here his
advance was so rapid that he completed the full four years' scientific course in three
years, passing successful and highly creditable examinations, and receiving his
diploma, June 24, 1885. Astronomy and chemistry were studies especially agree-
able to his natural tastes. For these sciences he showed such aptitude that he was
called to the capacity of assistant teacher in the chemical department, a position
which he filled with great acceptance for several school terms.
His father, at his decease, left a large estate, consisting of farms, bank stocks, etc.,
including the old Bates farm and homestead in East Granby. On reaching his
twenty-first birthday Albert C. Bates became the absolute owner of this property.
He bears the reputation of possessing excellent business ability ; he appreciates
the value of money, and his " cast of thought," life, and habits having always
been praiseworthy and manly, he has managed his property in accordance with
the conditions of prosperity. His natural tastes, however, run into subjects of a
literary and scientific character ; to these pursuits he is ardently devoted. He is a
224 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
natural-born antiquarian, nothing pleasing him better than to be engaged in
diligent investigation and patient inquiry, no matter the labor and painstaking it
requires. In his home he possesses a very creditable cabinet collection of curios
and relics, some of them of much worth, as well as a valuable telescope of high
power, indicating his pleasure and familiarity with the study of the heavenly bodies.
Mr. Bates' thorough habit of investigation and historical research won his way
to prominence in the Connecticut Historical Society, of which he had the honor to
be elected a member, July 2, 1889, the youngest man in the society. On January
I, 1893, he was elected its librarian, a very responsible position, though an employ-
ment thoroughly congenial to his tastes. The office requires great minuteness of de-
tail, thorough method, and systematic arrangement ; all of these qualifications arise
from an original element or fitness of mind with which few are gifted. These abili-
ties Mr. Bates at once applied to the best interest of the valuable library of twenty-
five thousand volumes and several thousand pamphlets, with the gratifying result,
that after months of patient labor, valuable records and " long forgotten treasures,"
which had long been concealed, were brought to light and chronologically arranged
and classified.
Mr. Bates was one of the earliest contributors of time and labor to this Family
History. From the first of the undertaking he faithfully rendered invaluable aid
to the writer in the pursuit of necessary historical material, furthering its interests
in every possible way, and spending much time in research, copying records, etc.,
which entitles him to a large share of profound gratitude from its readers.
He is a man utterly devoid of egotism, reticent and sensitive, of amiable temper-
ament, and possessing a cheerily constituted nature.
In the year 1891 he was elected the treasurer and town clerk of the town of
East Granby.
MILTON BATES, the seventh child born to Lieutenant Erastus and Amelia Hig-
ley Bates, was born November 15, 1810 ; died September 25, 1831, unmarried.
LAURA BATES, the eighth child, born March 17, 1813, married, first, Harvey
Trumbull. Her second husband was Van Dorn. They resided in Ohio.
She died in Hartford, Conn., 1884, leaving three daughters.
ALFRED BATES, the ninth child, born March 13, 1815, was twice married. His
second wife was Elizabeth, daughter of General George Owen of East Granby,
Conn. They reside in Enfield, Conn.
MINDWELL BATES, the tenth and youngest child of Lieutenant Erastus and
Amelia Higley Bates, was born June 9, 1819. She married, first, Henry Johnson
of Suffield, and, second, Benjamin E. Smith of Hawley, Mass. They lived in East
Granby. She died in the year 1887. She was the mother of two children, a son
who died in infancy, and a daughter, Harriet, who died aged twenty-three.
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, 1ST. 225
FAMILY OF SETH AND MINDWELL HIGLEY.
Continued from page 188.
POLLY HIGLEY, and a twin sister, children of Seth and Mindwell
Higley, were born in the old homestead at Simsbury, Conn, (no
date obtained). The twin died at two years of age. Polly mar-
ried, first, Herman Pinney. She married, second, Palmer.
No account of the family has been given.
RHODA HIGLEY, the eighth child of Seth and Mindwell Higley,
was born at Simsbury about the year 1783. She married, first,
October 29, 1800, Pliny Humphrey, son of Theopolis Humphrey.
Her second marriage was to Aaron Moses Seymour. She died
in Simsbury, September 15, 1867.
SALLY HIGLEY, the ninth child, was born at Simsbury, Conn.,
November 20, 1785. She married, October 15, 1805, George
Barnard, a man who bore a reputation for exceptional worth and
character as long as he lived. They settled on a farm in a part
of Simsbury which is now the town of Bloomfield. Here they
always resided. Mr. Barnard was a blacksmith by trade, which
he carried on as well as farming. They were well-to-do in the
world, and highly respected. They were both members of the
Baptist Church. Mr. Barnard died of pneumonia, April 19, 1862.
His wife, who was a bright and active woman, always enjoying
strong health till late in life, died of disease of the heart, Novem-
ber 20, 1870.
They were interred in the cemetery of the parish of St. An-
drews. They were the parents of twelve children, viz.:
George A., Caroline, George again, Harriet, Chloe, Carlos, Caro-
line again, Amelia, Elizabeth, James, Mary, Henry.
Of this family, George A., Caroline, and Carlos died in infancy;
Chloe and James both died when about sixteen years of age; two
others, one of whom was Elizabeth, died at thirty, unmarried.
OLIVER HIGLEY AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
Continued from page 188.
Oliver, Seth, ist, Brewster, 2d, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
OLIVER HIGLEY, the tenth child of Seth and Mindwell Higley,
was born in the old homestead at Simsbury, Conn., October 21,
1790. He married Clarissa Phelps of Simsbury, April 26, 1812.
226 . THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
It Is difficult to follow the course of their lives, the data fur-
nished being very incomplete and meager. Most of their lives
after their marriage were spent in the complicated circumstances,
isolation, and struggle attendant upon new settlements in unset-
tled States. They appear to have emigrated about 1830 to Central
New York, and made a home in the vicinity of Cicero, Onondaga
County. After residing here a number of years they removed to
Independence, la., while that State was yet a new country. Later
in life Oliver Higley removed with married children to Decatur,
Neb., where he spent the last years of his life.
He was always marked as a hardworking man, of thoroughly
honest principles, and did his everyday work after the quieter
fashion in agricultural pursuits ; but his round of life contained
its measure of worth, for he was much respected in whatever
community he lived. He lacked financial ability, and was inno-
cent of the love of money-making, and therefore did not accumu-
late lands or property. To do his best, toiling in good heart, to
supply his large family with actual necessities, was his daily battle
with the world ; the development and education of his chil-
dren was left much to the spirit of their own inclinations, and
the enlightenment which the few advantages and influences sur-
rounding them could give.
Of his wife, Clarissa Phelps, who was of the highly respectable
Phelps family of Simsbury, Conn., little has been preserved. She
was born at Simsbury, August 14, 1790. There is no question
but that her children inherited from her much which inspired
them to honest motives and the better type of living. She
died March 30, 1860. Oliver Higley died in Decatur, Neb.,
in 1883.
Their children were :
Oliver Nelson, Harrison, Almon, Rosetta, Augustus, Hiram,
Edwin, Louisa, Thomas, Elizabeth A., and Chauncey, who was
killed by falling from a sled loaded with logs. The two eldest
children are given as having died, no data being furnished for
these pages.
ALMON HIGLEY, the third child of Oliver and Clarissa Phelps Higley, was born
November 18, 1816. He married February 15, 1844, in Seneca Falls, N. Y.,
Mary E. Neafie, who was born in New Jersey, October 22, 18— o. They settled
in Seneca Falls the year of their marriage, afterward sojourning for a time at
Independence, la., and later (previous to 1861) removing to Decatur, Bur!
County, Neb., where they now reside. They had children, viz. :
DESCENDANTS OF SETH H 1C LEY, \ST. 227
MORRIS GOETCHINS, born in Seneca Falls, N. Y., November n, 1844, who
married November 14, 1877, in Decatur, Neb., Jennie Griffin. She was born
in Chicago, 111., in 1861. They reside in Decatur. They have two children :
Homer Clarence, born February 27, 1878 ; and Lizzie Goetchins, born Novem-
ber 17, 1880.
ELIZABETH SHAW, the second child of Almon and Mary Neafie Higley,
was born in Independence, la., April 26, 1848. She married June 7, 1867, in
Arizona, Burt County, Neb., John Creagan. He was born Octobor 19, 1843.
John Creagan served throughout the entire Civil War. Elizabeth Higley Creagan
died November 13, 1876. Their children :
Frank Alman, born in Arizona, Neb., April 9, 1869 ; Lida Evangeline, born on
the Omaha Indian Reservation, Nebraska, October 9, 1871.
ROSETTA the eldest daughter of Oliver and Clarissa Phelps Higley, is recorded
as having died; no dates.
AUGUSTUS, fifth child of Oliver and Clarissa Phelps Higley, was born in Onon-
dago County, N. Y., October 24, 1819. He married Mary Shaver, September 4,
1845. She was born January 23, 1825. Their children: Delavan, born April 12,
1846 ; Seward, born March 23, 1851.
DELAVAN HIGLEY married, and has two children, viz.: Grace, born Decem-
ber 2, 1876 ; and Josephine, born March, 1883.
SEWARD married , December 2, 1876.
HIRAM, sixth child of Oliver and Clarissa Phelps Higley, was born in Cicero,
N. Y., 1824. He married in 1845 Caroline M. White.
Mr. Higley removed with his family from Cicero, N. Y., to Waukesha, Wis., in
the year 1838, where he resided till 1861, when he removed to Decatur, Neb.,
where they now reside. They had six children, viz. :
I.ouis Dalton Higley, born 1846 ; married in 1861, Julia A. Pounds. They reside
in Decatur, Neb., and have children : Mary> Josephine, born 1869 ; Elsina Blanch,
born 1871 ; and James Myrl, born 1875. Clara L,, born 1848; married, 1866,
E. P. Porter. They reside in Wayne, Neb. Josephine E., born 1852 ; died 1859.
Cora M., born 1860 ; married F. M. Nolin, 1877. They reside at Omaha, Neb.
Jennie J., born 1863, resides at Decatur, Neb. Hiram A,, born 1865.
EDWIN HIGLEY, SON OF OLIVER.
Continued from page 226.
Edwin, Oliver, Seth, ist, Brewster, 2d, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
EDWIN HIGLEY, the seventh child of Oliver and Clarissa Phelps
Higley, was born at Cicero, N. Y., December 24, 1825.
His childhood's earliest days were spent in his paternal home.
While yet a young lad he went to live with his aunt, Mrs. Amelia
Higley Bates, at East Granby, Hartford County, Conn., and being
quite separated from his brothers and sisters, the family becoming
widely scattered, he knew little of them afterward.
He resided for some time in Bridgeport, Conn. Early in the
year 1846 he took up the westward march, removing to Waukesha,
228 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Wis. Here, at the age of twenty-one, he married Louisa G. White,
July 7, 1846. She was born March 27, 1829.
He joined the 28th Wisconsin Regiment, V. I., in the late
Civil War, and served with zeal and courage in the din and can-
nonade of battle for three years, receiving an honorable discharge
at its close.
On the 4th of May, 1866, he, with his family, left the town of
Waukesha by wagon and emigrated to Decatur, Neb., where, after
a long and wearisome journey, they arrived on the 7th of July.
His wife, Louisa White Higley, died December 6, 1878. On
July i, 1882, he married Mrs. Susan H. Thompson (formerly
Susan Roe). She was born March 13, 1836. They reside in
Decatur, Neb.
His children, who were all by his first wife, are: Herman Ward,
Frank £., and Addie F.
HERMAN WARD HIGLEY, the eldest of the three children of Edwin and Louisa
White Higley, was born at Waukesha, Wis., November 12, 1849. He attended
school in his native town eight years, and in the year 1 866 went with his parents
to Decatur, Neb.
Mr. Higley has had a varied career, his whole life having been spent on the
frontier of our country. Actuated by the spirit of adventure, he went in the early
spring of 1877 to the Black Hills, then among the wilds of the great far West. It
was in these new and unsettled regions that his life was shaped into an ideal man
of the mines and mountains, and his character became stamped with traits of the
very best type — frankness, geniality, perseverance, and large-heartedness.
As a matter of course such a life has given him great intuitional powers, courage,
and physical vigor. Prospecting for ores on the great Pacific slope has been the
main feature of his occupation. In this he has met with flattering success ; as a
man of business he is well balanced and has accumulated wealth.
He once remarked to the writer : " My experience has been far from one of com-
fort and ease — it has been a life among strangers, one of excitement, hardships and
privations, ups and downs, but, God be thanked, it has not been all downs. I have
always had plenty and to spare."
On the 1 2th of November, 1882, he married Mary D. Scott, who was born in Gerry,
Chatauqua County, N. Y., in the year 1864. Her father, a gold seeker, who, like
thousands, flocked to the far West in 1849, became a miner of Pike's Peak that
year, and afterward going onward to California, and there sifting the gold sands
when as yet there was no home civilization in that fertile State. In the year 1879,
in search of new soil and scenes, the Scott family became pioneers into the Black
Hills when Mary was but twelve years of age. They resided for some years in
Lead City, a mining camp in South Dakota. Here she met Mr. Higley, her future
husband, whom she married at seventeen. She was a person of amiable qualities,
had received a fair education, and possessing a talent for music, gained considerable
merit by her close application to its study. She has always been remembered by
the old residents of Leadville as one of the most cheerful and clever young ladies
HERMAN WARD HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF SETH HIGLEY, 1ST. 229
in " the Hills," during its earliest history. Though of slender build and refined
features, she had a brave and courageous heart ; in times of emergencies and frontier
perils she did not hesitate to take her Winchester rifle and follow her husband
where strong men failed. Many were the marked and thrilling incidents of their
experience.
In September, 1881, Mr. Higley went to the Judith Mountains, Northern
Montana. After their marriage his young wife accompanied him to this region.
Residing here about four years they went, in 1886, to Washington, then a Territory,
spending their winters on Vashon Island, Puget Sound, and their summers in min-
ing camps in the mountains. Finally, attracted by the mineral discoveries in
Okanogan County (Washington), they settled at Conconully. Mr. Higley here
provided a comfortable and pleasant home, and life to them appeared to be replete
with happiness. But, alas, for human plans and anticipations ! The untimely
death of the attractive young wife cut short a career whose future was full of ye1
brighter promise.
An issue of the Okanogan Outlook published a few days after the sad event con-
tained the following obituary notice :
" One of the most sorrowful visitations of the angel of death that ever occurred in
this community took place when Mrs. Mary Scott Higley departed for a fairer and
brighter land. She was seized about ten days ago with an attack of peritonitis, and
although attended by the best medical skill the county affords, she sank so rapidly
that soon all hopes of her recovery were abandoned. She quietly passed away at
three o'clock, Tuesday morning, December 16, 1890. It is seldom that human
eyes have looked upon a more strangely pathetic scene than that witnessed at the
deathbed of the deceased. Gathered about were the stricken husband and sorrowing
friends, powerless to save her valuable life ; for two hours before her death, and
while perfectly unconscious, Mrs. Higley sang almost constantly, and her voice
was not less clear and strong than when she was in perfect health.
" The funeral was largely attended. The services were conducted by Rev. H.
M. Marsh of Ruby, in accordance with the rituals of the Episcopalian Church, of
which deceased was a member and the faithful organist.
" She left a bereaved husband and three little children, one a babe of twenty-one
months, and a boy and girl aged six and seven respectively. She was of a cheerful
and animated disposition, an amiable and affectionate wife. Beloved and honored
for her mother-love and wife's devotion, respected and esteemed as a friend and
neighbor, her loss has broken up one of the happiest families in Okanogan County,
and cast a gloom over the entire community."
Few men realize what the situation involves to be left with three young children,
one an infant in arms, in a rough mining town so isolated from the great world.
Mr. Higley proved himself equal to the trying circumstances. For many months
following the decease of his wife, with his own strong arms he rocked the cradle,
and without assistance tenderly cared for his group of little ones, as well as to all
their needs except the laundry work ; this was done by an Indian squaw from a
neighboring Indian Reservation ; however, this convenience and aid at last failed
him, because of the village camp inhabitants having taken from the jail an Indian
accused of some foul deed, and, applying lynch law, hanged him to a convenient
tree ; the frightened squaw never appeared at Mr. Higley's door again.
16
230 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Three years later Mr. Higley married the second time. His wife, Jessie Arzella
Henderson, to whom he was married in Chicago, November 18, 1893, bore deserved
reputation as an artist, and possesses well cultivated musical ability.
To avail his children of school advantages and society, Mr. Higley purchased a
home in Seattle, where he resides (1895) with his family, still holding his interests
in the mountains of Okanogan County, where they spend their summers.
Children of Herman W. and Mary Scott Higley : Pearl, born August 5, 1883 ;
Ray C., born November 2O, 1884 ; Carl W., born July, 1886, died October, 1886;
Earl W., born March 25, 1889.
FRANK E. HIGLEY, the second child of Edwin and Louisa White Higley, was
born in Waukesha, Wis., July 9, 1854. He married January 21, 1877, Belle
Darling of Indiana. They reside in Decatur, Burt County, Neb.
Their children: Fred A., born October 23, 1877; Percy B., born August 29,
1879, died March, 1881 ; Ward C., born July 20, 1881 ; Orville D., born March 28,
1883 ; Florence C., born April n, 1885.
ADDIE F. HIGLEY, the third child of Edwin and Louisa White Higley, was born
December 27, 1867, in Decatur, Neb. She married September 28, 1886, Nahum
T. Dinsmore of Castle, Mont., where they reside. They have one child, Naomi
Louisa, born July 4, 1887.
Cant fn tied from page 226.
LOUISA HIGLEY, eighth child of Oliver and Clarissa Phelps Higley, was born
at Cicero, N. Y., September 30, 1827. She married J. W. Briggs, December 31,
1844. They had ten children, as follows :
Ether, born October 24, 1845, died November 5, 1865 ; Thales, born March 31,
1847, married Emily Bronson January I, 1871 ; Horlense A . , born November 27,
1848, died October 18, 1865 ; Plutarch H '., born December 29, 1850, married
February 22, 1877 ; Elenora C., born October 9, 1852, married P'. S. Brown
October 25, 1881 ; Ida L., born July 24, 1856 ; Beatrice C., born May 9, 1859,
married Charles Turk March 18, 1884 ; Cora E., born April 25, 1861, married
Colonel F. Wood November 14, 1883 ; Nettie A., born July 27, 1864, died May 20,
1865 ; Ada F., born August 14, 1870.
There are ten grandchildren whose names are not given.
THOMAS HIGLEY, the ninth child of Oliver and Clarissa Phelps Higley, was
born May 9, 1829, in Madison County, N. Y. He married January 7, 1858,
Sarah Welch. She was born in Waukesha, Wis., May 17, 1841.
He married, second, Ida Hilton May 5, 1878. Mrs. Ida Hilton Higley died
October 8, 1883. He resides in Plum Creek, Neb.
Children by first wife :
W. G. Higley, born in Vernon, Wis., January 9, 1859; resides at Blair, Neb.
Harry, born in Waukesha, Wis., September 12, 1861. Vernon, born August 23,
1863 ; resides in Clinton, la. Maurice E., born October 30, 1866 ; died May
23, 1872.
Children by second wife :
Minne, born June, 1872 ; Fred, born 1874, died the same year ; Allie, born 1876,
died 1880 ; Thomas, born 1879 ! Jessie, born 1883.
Of the above family, Harry Higley removed to Nebraska with his parents
in 1862. He married, October 23, 1881, Mary E. Cane of O'Neill City, Neb., who
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 2Z>. 231
was born in Pendleton, England, April I, 1864. They reside at Blair, Neb.,
where Mr. Higley is doing a thriving business, dealer in fruits, nuts, tobacco,
etc., etc. They have two children, viz.:
Eva £., born March 22, 1883 ; Clarence ff., born January I, 1885.
ELIZABETH, the tenth and youngest child of Oliver and Clarissa Phelps Higley,
married Frank Blodgett. No record of the family can be given, its place of resi-
dence not being known.
HULDAH HIGLEY CASE.
Continued from page 162.
Huldah. Brewster, 2d, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
HULDAH, the sixth child of Brewster Higley, 2d, and Esther,
his wife, was born at Simsbury, February i, 1750.
On July 8, 1777, she became the first wife of Abel Case, son of
Amos and Mary Holcombe Case of West Simsbury (now Canton),
Conn.
Here Mr. and Mrs. Case resided through her life, in the old
paternal homestead on "East Hill," which came into the hands
of Abel Case from his father, Amos Case, Sr. They were the
parents of five children :
Huldah, the eldest, born 1778, married Jabez Hamblin ;
Abel, Jr., born 1783, married Rachel Humphery ; Dinah, born
1786, married Ira Case ; Tirzah, born 1787, married Sadoc Case ;
and Carmi, born 1793, who died unmarried at twenty-two.
The descendants of Huldah Higley Case residing in Canton
were numerous. She lived to the age of sixty, and died
August 12, 1810.
Her husband married a second time. He died April 29, 1834,
aged eighty-six.
ENOCH HIGLEY.
Continued from page i6a.
Enoch, Brewster, zd, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
ENOCH HIGLEY, the youngest son and last child of Brewster
Higley, 2d, and Esther Holcombe, was born August 25, 1754.
He grew to manhood in Simsbury.
Rosannah Moore, to whom he was married October 28, 1783,
was the daughter of Job Moore, of the now venerable and historic
Church of St. Andrews, the oldest Episcopalian parish formed in
the State of Connecticut.
232 THE HIGLEY S AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
On his marriage Enoch sold his farm in Simsbury, and the
young couple settled in North Granby.
Enoch Higley made profession of his Christian faith on the 8th
of October, 1787, with the Church at North Granby. Rosannah
probably retained her connection with the Episcopal Church, in
which faith she was baptized, until the 27th of September, 1817,
when she was admitted to membership in the same church to
which her husband belonged.
There is no record concerning children having been born to
them till the 2d of September, 1798, when the birth of the first of
four daughters is registered. The child was named Harriet, The
second child, named Lucy, was born May 29, 1800 ; the third, born
June 3, 1804, was called Chloe. The youngest, Betsey, was born
November 6, 1808.
Harriet, the eldest, married Almon Holcombe ; Lucy married
Samuel Weed ; Betsey united with the Church in Granby, Janu-
ary 6, 1828, and in 1829 removed to Providence, Luzerne County,
Pa., her sister Chloe, who was yet unmarried, accompanying her.
We have no genealogical account of the descendants of the
children of Enoch and Rosannah Higley. Enoch received by
bequest a liberal share of property from his father's estate, of
which he, with his brother Joel, served as executors.
In common with his older brothers, his religion was the fore-
most principle of his everyday life, and his energies were devoted
to the work and interests of the Church. The truths of the Bible
were his guiding star. He left behind him " the good name
which is to be chosen rather than great riches."
Enoch Higley and his wife were interred in the North Granby
cemetery. The inscriptions upon the tombstones which mark
their last resting place read thus :
Enocb f>fgleB TRosannab
2>teD 3ulB 12 1827. UOlife of Bnocb
73. BieD flfcas 10«> 1823.
Sgefc 62.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
JUDGE BREWSTER HIGLEY, 4TH.
Continued from chapter xxxi. p. 171.
Brewster Higley, 4th, Brewster, 36, Brewster, 2d, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
Let the sound of those he wrought for,
And the feet of those he fought for,
Echo round his bones forever more.
—TENNYSON.
THE birth of Brewster Higley, 4th, is thus entered in " Book 4,"
page 156, of the time-stained record of Simsbury, Conn. :
" Brewster Higley, the son of Brewster Higley, 3d, and Esther his wife, was bom
in Simsbury, March 14th 1759."
There is no question but that his birth occurred in the home-
stead built by his grandfather, Brewster Higley, 2d, which is
shown in the illustration, page 161.
His penmanship and orthography indicate that he acquired a
fair education for the times, though the schools in his day had
deteriorated, and common school education was then at a low ebb.
He contributed, wherever he lived during an active life of more
than eighty-eight years, his full share to the stability, activities,
and excellent citizenship which characterized the Higleys of his
day.
Like the three Brewsters Higley who were his seniors, the
patriotic spirit was deep-rooted in his nature. There is little
doubt that his broad round shoulders and fine manly physique,
with a frame fitted at an early age to endure hardship, greatly
aided him in gratifying his natural inclination to military service;
for when he was not yet eighteen he joined the troops of the
Revolutionary army, serving for a time in the division com-
manded by Major-General Charles Lee.
He fought in the battle of White Plains the syth of October,
1776, and was with the American forces on their gloomy retreat
which preceded the battle of Trenton. This battle, which was
fought two months later, was one that lived vividly in his memory
to the latest day of his life.
233
234 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Christmas night, 1776, a memorably bitter cold night, the
troops struggled across the river among the great drifting blocks
of ice, to the opposite shore, where Brewster did guard duty
through the night.
He returned from the war, and after remaining at home a year,
he again entered service under Ethan Allen, when that patriot
was Major-General of the Vermont militia.
He never forgot the extreme sufferings of the troops during
those winters.
Provisions were scantily supplied, "the cold was intense, the
men were thinly clad and their feet so lacerated from walking
over the rough frozen ground with worn-out shoes, or with bare
feet, that the clods upon which they stepped were sometimes
marked with their blood."
His children and grandchildren used often to listen to his
recital of these stirring war stories, and hear him relate how
Colonel Allen's feet were badly frozen during a march in Vermont.
He often spoke of the shocking profanity of this commander.
Brewster Higley, 4th, was twenty years of age when he removed
with his father and the family from Simsbury, Conn., to Vermont.
From that year (1779) his home was with the "Green Moun-
taineers," till he emigrated to Ohio eighteen years later.
Vermont had declared her independence two years before, but
was not admitted to the Confederation of States till March, 1791.
He was thus associated among the founders of that State. During
the stormy days of invasion by the British and Indians from
Canada, after the family removed from Simsbury, Conn., to Ver-
mont, he belonged to the garrison at Castleton Fort.
On February 25, 1783, he returned to Simsbury and claimed
for his bride his second cousin, Naomi, daughter of Joseph
Higley.
The union proved a singularly congenial and happy one. The
young husband and wife took up their residence at Castleton, in a
house just west of that of the bridegroom's father. Here there
was born to them a family of six children. The seventh was
born in Ohio.
While a resident at Castleton, Brewster, 4th, was engaged in
farming his land. He was appointed justice of the peace, and
occupied important positions in public service.
But the time came when his attention was directed to the then
far away wilderness which had been organized by the old Con-
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 3Z?. 235
tinental Congress under the name of the Northwest Territory, a
part of which is now the noble and populous State of Ohio.
At the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston the first meeting for
the organization of the " Ohio Company " was held March i, 1786.
On the zyth of October, 1787, a contract between the United States
Government and the appointed agents of the Ohio Company was
signed for the purchase of a great tract of land lying on the north
bank of the Ohio River, in which was included the present counties
of Meigs, Gallia, and a part of Washington, now in the State of
Ohio ; and in April, 1788, the first settlement of this purchase
was farmed at Marietta, which was also the first settlement in the
Northwest Territory.
The country was a dense wilderness — forest, bordering the
beautiful river bearing the name of the future State.
From Boston and elsewhere, Brewster, 4th, no doubt, heard
news of the vast rich tract of country now open for settlers, and
considering the advantages of making it his future home, he
resolved upon emigrating thither.
The step was evidently taken without his father's approbation.
In his grim grief and dissatisfaction, Brewster, 3d, enters in his
private record book,am0ng a list of deaths, the following:
"July 27th 1797. Brewster removes with his family, viz: wife, three sons, and
three daughters, with a desire to go to the Ohio as 7 suppose."
What the effort cost Brewster, 4th's, affectionate heart may be
conjectured from a letter addressed to his mother a few years
later:
" It is true, my mother, that I have been remiss in writing to my friends in New
England. The reason you have cause to complain is because you do not know,
neither can you realize .what were my feelings when I sold my home and came away
with my family to live wherever I might find a place to settle.
" I have often seated myself with a great deal of pleasure to write for particular
news, or of circumstances respecting my affairs, but soon found my mind was led
directly back to that one delightful spot in Vermont where in former days I so much
doted on spending the remaining part of my life. These reflections baffle my reso-
lutions. I lay aside my pen saying to myself — ' I cannot write — How can I ! '
" I am, my honored mother in duty bound, yours unfeigned until death.
" Farewell,
"BREWSTER HIGLEY."
The journey which he now undertook was the first westward
emigration of the Higleys.
236 THE HIGLEY S AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
" On the 2gth of July, 1797 [says his grandson, Milo H. Higley of Rutland,
O.], my grandfather Brewster Higley 4th, with his wife and family of six chil-
dren, and their household goods packed in a wagon drawn by two oxen, started on
their long and tedious journey to the Northwest Territory.
" After a toilsome and wearing travel of six long weeks they arrived, the loth of
the following September, at Wheeling, Va. Here my grandfather purchased a
small flatboat, into which he placed their household effects, and gave it in charge
of their two eldest sons, Brewster [5th] and Cyrus, assisted by a stranger, a man
who desired passage down the river. The parents and younger children journeyed
onward by wagon and oxen to a point nearly opposite the mouth of the Little
Hocking, where the town of Belle Ville, W. Va., is now situated.
" Here, after long delay and much anxiety on the part of the parents for the safety
of their boys, the flatboat arrived. For four days and nights, meanwhile, either
the father or the mother had sat upon the river bank watching for their coming.
Motherlike, Mrs. Higley's eyesight penetrated farthest up the dark deep-flowing
stream, and she was the first to discern the boat between the broken cliffs em-
bosomed in foliage. Her shout of joy made the forest ring.
" The family spent eighteen months on the Virginia shore in a rude log cabin, with
their boat moored to a tree close by. All this while my grandfather was busy
looking out for a location to found a new settlement. He was guided through the
wilds by the little compass which his great-grandfather, Capt. John Higley, had
used in the Connecticut forests more than one hundred years before.
"Finally a surveying party which was surveying the Ohio Company's purchase
came into camp, and from these he learned there was a desirable tract of land, sec-
tion seven, range thirteen, about twenty miles north of Gallipolis.1 One of the
party offered to act as guide to my grandfather in finding it.
" Leaving his family at the rude camp, they set off in the dense forest without
even a path to guide them. On reaching the ' promised land ' and carefully look-
ing it over, he decided the matter at once, saying, ' This shall be my future home,'
and took possession. He purchased the whole of this section [7], which lay in what
is now Rutland Township. In addition he purchased two hundred acres of Sec-
tion 13, and eighty acres near Marietta, O. They left their camp on the river
bank at Belle Ville in the spring of 1799, and again took to the family boat, in
which they floated down the Ohio river to the mouth of Leading-Creek, which was
then very full in consequence of back water, the river being high from spring
freshets. The stout arms of the father and sons propelled their boat up this creek
a distance of four miles with long poles. Here they safely landed, and tearing
their boat to pieces they built on an elevated knoll out of the lumber thus obtained
a rough shelter for the family to occupy until they could select a location and build
a log cabin. In this rude home they camped the most of the summer. In due
time a cabin three miles from this spot was constructed of bark and poles resem-
bling in style an Indian wigwam. The site on which this first rude dwelling stood
was many years ago consecrated to the uses of a family burial-ground.
"When the family was finally settled in their wilderness home, Gallipolis, twenty
miles distant, was the nearest town ; and their nearest neighbors were two families
of settlers who lived eight miles away."
1 Gallipolis was settled by the French in 1791. It is described about the time Brewster Higley, 4th,
came to Ohio, as " a singular village settled by people from Paris and Lyons [France], chiefly arti-
zans and artists."
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 3 A 237
Governor Arthur St. Clair, the first Governor of the Territory,
appointed Brevvster Higley, 4th, justice of the peace, in 1801, and
in 1803 he was appointed, by Governer Edward Tiffen, Associate
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for a term of seven years.
This commission gave him jurisdiction overall the eastern section
of territory northwest of the Ohio River, extending to the Lakes.
In 1807 he was appointed postmaster, which office he held about
twenty years.
Ohio became a State in 1803, and was admitted free from the
blighting influences of slavery.
Rutland, near which place Judge Brewster Higley's farm lay,
was the first group of houses in Meigs County, and received its
name by his proposition, from the lively town of that name in his
Green Mountain State. It did not, however, come to the dis-
tinction of being called a town until 1815.
It was not until 1825 that there were church privileges nearer
than Gallipolis. In that year the Higleys, the Binghams, and
their neighbors organized "the First Presbyterian Church" of
Meigs County, and in 1830 a church edifice, which is still in use,
was built a half a mile from the Higley homestead.
The first school in the neighborhood was opened in 1802 by
Samuel Dennd, a collegiate graduate from Massachusetts. He
taught here four years.
In his religious beliefs and practices, Judge Brewster Higley
clung closely to the religion of his fathers. He united with the
First Presbyterian Church in Gallipolis in 1810, and from this
time walked an out and out Christian professor.
For years numbering almost a half century, Judge Brewster
Higley and his esteemed wife resided on the farm where they
first settled in Ohio. The time came, as the country opened and
the hardships of the pioneer's life were lightened, when a well-
built house succeeded the first simple dwelling.
There had been a long and varied experience during these
years. Hard toil and great privations had in no small measure
attended the beginnings and development of a new and wooded
country, and many a time these labors had been unpalatable to
thei." natural inclinations and tastes ; but their energies never
failed them. They pressed onward, and are worthily counted
among the old civilizers who were privileged to lead the van in
the founding and opening of one of the most prosperous States
in our great Union. It is well stated that " the increase of popu-
238 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
lation, the development of resources, and the growth of the towns
and cities of the State of Ohio, seemed like a work of magic," in
their day.
After a life fraught with wide experiences, through which he
walked with constant reference to his obligation to God, Judge
Brewster Higley reached its last mile-stone in 1847, in the luxuri-
ant month of roses. During his latter days he had little to dis-
turb the tranquillity of his mind ; and to recall from his well-pre-
served memory his own early history, and with his good wife to
review that of their forefathers, was a constant pleasure. They
have together thus left a legacy of information, the most of which
has been received through Milo H. Higley, of Rutland, O., which
has proved a most valuable contribution to this volume.
About two weeks before he quitted earth he was seized with an
affection of the heart.
As the disease progressed he was calm and serene, speaking of
the nearness of his dissolution with the greatest composure, and
giving minute directions concerning his burial.
He often spoke of the comforting assurances the Gospel
afforded him, and dwelt upon " the Saviour's dying love." He was
buoyant in his expectation of ''the crown of righteousness laid
up for them that love Him."
When the last moment of his earth-life came, while gazing with
melting tenderness upon his son, who was attending him, he — fell
asleep. It was in the holy quiet of a Sabbath, — June 20,1847.
He was interred in the family burial plot, which, as has been
already stated, is the identical spot where his first home in the
wilderness stood.
The following is inscribed upon his tomb :
3Brewster fjfgleg Sen.
a sototer of tbe "Revolution
Bleo June 20tb. H. D. 1847.
88 gears, 3 montbs, anD 6 Dags.
Mrs. Naomi Higley, his wife, was a woman of vigorous constitu-
tion and excellent abilities. It will be remembered that she was
the daughter of Joseph Higley and second cousin to her husband,
Judge Brewster Higley.
She was born in Simsbury, Conn., January i, 1761, and sur-
vived her husband. She united with the First Presbyterian
Church at Gallipolis in the early settlement of the country, and
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY^D. 239
lived the life of a Christian woman. In her after years she looked
backward to days well-spent, and forward with confident hope to
the joys of a life that should never close. Her Bible was her com-
panion and chief study.
She was a real existence of King Solomon's picture of the model
woman of olden time, " who looked well to the ways of her house-
hold, and ate not the bread of idleness." In the "willing work
of her hands, she sought wool and flax, laying her hands to the
spindle and hold of the distaff," and "all her household were
clothed." Her granddaughter, now living, well remembers that
her grandmother once hatcheled, with a great iron comb, a
quantity of flax which she spun and wove into sixty yards of linen.
The comb is still retained by her descendants as a valuable heir-
loom.
Her hospitality knew no bounds within the compass of their
circumstances — " the latch-string of their door was always out" to
welcome the stranger, friend, or neighbor. For years after they
became residents of Ohio, the wayfaring traveler depended upon
the hospitality of the private homes of the settlers, there be-
.ing then no taverns. It was rarely that charges were made to
these lodgers, and the main labor of their entertainment fell upon
the women of the household. Naomi Higley was a woman of a
kindly, affectionate temperament, but firm in what she believed
to be right. In cases of illness she was ever ready to aid her
friends and neighbors by nursing and serving, taking their afflic-
tions and pains upon her own heart.
Through the long period of her married life, — sixty-four years
and six months, — by the side of her husband she bore her full
share of its unremitting toil and cares. In the repose of old age
she sat beside him recalling the times when their souls had been
tried by scenes of privation and peril, and enjoying the contempla-
tion of the progress and prosperity which had attended (in their
own times) the growth and development of their beloved country.
As the weight of years settled upon her she retained to a fair
degree her elasticity and vigor. Her memory of the people and
scenes of her childhood remained clear as long as she lived.
It is related of her that on their arrival in Ohio, while living
with their young children in the rude "shanty " near Leading
Creek, she daily mounted a horse and rode a distance of three
miles, through the dense and tangled forests, to the site where the
cabin, which was to be their future home, was being built and the
240 THE HIGLEY S AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
field cleared for cultivation by her husband and older sons, carry-
ing to them their midday meal. Here she regularly hitched her
horse to a certain young mulberry tree, which grew near the
little log cabin.
In the course of many years the tree spread its long leafy
branches over the family burial-ground, the same spot where
once had stood their first home in the wilderness, and it became
a highly valued relic as a witness of their early days. Sixty-six
years passed by, and all the members of the family which had
emigrated thither had one by one put life's burdens down and
lay silently sleeping beneath its shade. The tree, too, died.
Their son, Dr. Lucius Higley, preserved its stump in the form
of a memorial, imbedding into it a block of marble bearing this
inscription :
" SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF MY DEAR MOTHER WHO
HITCHED HER HORSE TO THIS TREE IN 1799."
The side-saddle she used in those days, and upon which she
rode horse-back from Castleton, Vt., to Ohio, is still preserved by
Milo H. Higley. Mrs. Higley was feeble and tottering during
her last years, and though the scenes and events of her younger
life were fresh in her mind, she was forgetful of nearer happen-
ings about her. She pathetically inquired each day for her hus-
band, wishing his return, seeming to forget King David's
beautiful grief-stricken expression : " But now he is dead — can I
bring him back again ? I shall go to him, but he shall not re-
turn to me."
It was in less than three years, during which time she was ten-
derly cared for by her son, Dr. Lucius Higley, and his family,
that she joined her husband in his eternal home.
She departed this life, Febuary 4, 1850, aged eighty-nine years
and one month, and was laid to rest by his side.
" So willing to toil and suffer,
To care and watch for all,
So near in heart to the Master,
So eager to follow His call ;
She spent her soul in His service sweet,
And only in death could rest at His feet."
Brewster Higley, 4th, and his wife Naomi were the parents
of seven children, six of whom were born at Castleton, Vt., the
seventh near Rutland, O. They were as follows :
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, ^D. 241
Brewster Higley, jt/i, Susan, Cyrus, Theresa, Harriet, Lucius,
and Joseph Trumbiill Higley.
For descendants of Brewster Higley, $th, see chapter xxxix.
Continued from page 171.
LOUISA HIGLEY, the eldest daughter of Brewster Higley, 3d,
born August 9, 1761, married Benajah Guernsey Roots, the son
of the Rev. Benajah Roots of Simsbury, Conn, on the pth of
January, 1783. They settled at West Rutland, Vt.
Their children were :
Alanson, Esther, Zeruah, Polly,' Betsey, Louisa, and Caroline.
Louisa Higley Roots died May 16, 1832.
ALANSON, her eldest child, removed to Ohio. He was the father of Guernsey Y.
Roots, the head of the widely known commission firm of Roots & Co., of Cin-
cinnati, O.
ESTHER, the second child, died unmarried. ZERUAH married John Jordon ;
POLLY married Bryant Bartlett, and removed to Michigan ; BETSEY died unmarried ;
LOUISA died unmarried ; and CAROLINE married the Rev. Mr. Prince of Michigan,
with whom Mrs. Louisa Higley Roots spent the last years of her life.
PROFESSOR CYRUS GUERNSEY PRINGLE, A. M., the distinguished American
botanist, the great-grandson of Louisa Higley, has performed notable public service
in the line of his chosen science. He has made extensive reports for the census
of 1880, upon the forests of some of the New England States, Northern New
York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. For the past ten years he has been a
collector of plants in Northern and Central Mexico. He worked under the
direction of Dr. Gray of Harvard College, until the death of the latter, and since
under the patronage of Professor Sereno Watson of Cambridge, and of Professor
Sargeant of the Arnold Arboretum. He has discovered hundreds of species, many
of which bear his name ; and recently Dr. Watson has founded a new genus — Neo-
pringlia — in his honor. His plants go into all the leading herbaria of Europe and
America, as he has secured a very high reputation among botanists for his accuracy
of observation, and for the neatness and completeness of his specimens.
ANNIE, the second daughter of Brewster Higley, 3d, and
Esther Owen, born April 13, 1764, married Lieutenant Samuel
Campbell, September 22, 1786, and was the mother of thirteen
children, viz :
John, Annie, Cyrus, Phebe, Attrtlia, Samuel, Amanda, Esther,
Chauncey, Milo, Minerva, Harvey, and one whose name is not given.
They resided at West Rutland, Vt. Several of their children
removed to Ohio. Annie (Higley) Campbell died January 20,
1852. Her husband, Lieutenant Campbell, died 1812.
ZILPAH, the third daughter of Brewster Higley, 3d, born
December 8, 1766, died unmarried, March 30, 1798.
242 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
It is recorded that a half bushel of silver coin, a part of the
legacy left by Brewster Higley, 2d, to his son Brewster, 3d,
was received by the latter from Connecticut in 1794.
A part of this money was spent in the purchase of a necklace
of gold beads for each one of the eight daughters of the family ;
and the remaining amount was used in furnishing the new red
frame house, and in taking this invalid daughter, Zilpah, for the
benefit of her health to the newly discovered, and now famous,
Congress Spring at "Sarratogua. " But the effort to recover her
health proved fruitless. She continued to decline till death
released her.
DELIGHT, the fourth daughter of Brewster Higley, 3d, born
August 23, 1769, married Deacon Enos Merrill of Farmington,
Conn., November 23, 1789. They settled in Castleton, Vt.,
where they lived long and useful lives. They had four children.'
The family possessed musical talent, and directed the singing on
all of the social occasions of the church for a great many years.
Deacon Enos Merrill died at Milton, Vt, August 9, 1858, in
the ninetieth year of his age. His wife died at Castleton,
October 13, 1800. Their children were :
Lucy, Allison, Owen, who removed to Ohio ; Selah Higley, and
Laura.
Delight (Higley) Merrill's two sons and two grandsons were
graduated at Middlebury College, Vermont.
Of their daughter LUCY'S children was the Rev. Edwin Hoyt of Grand Rapids,
Mich., who was graduated in 1836 at Middlebury. His son, Judge Birney Hoyt,
resides in Detroit, Mich.
Hon. SELAH HIGLEY MERRILL, the second son of Delight Higley Merrill, was
a prominent lawyer in Castleton; register of Probate, 1814, 1823, 1829, 1837;
representative to the State Legislature 1831-38 ; and States attorney 1829-37. He
died 1839.
LAURA, her youngest daughter, married Professor Henry Howe, who was prin-
cipal of the Canandaigua Academy, New York, for twenty-four years. He died
in 1865, He was graduated at Middlebury College, Vermont, in 1817.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
ERASTUS HIGLEY.
Continued from page 171.
Erastus, Brewster, sd, Brewster, 2d, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
By Rev. Henry Post Higley, D. D.
Blessed the natures shored on every side
With landmarks of hereditary thought !
Thrice happy they that wonder not life-long
Beyond near succor of the household faith.
The guarded fold that shelters, not confines '.
Their steps find patience in familiar paths,
Printed with hope hy loved feet gone before
Of parent, child, or lover.
— THE CATHEDRAL.
ERASTUS HIGLEY was born in Simsbury, Conn., May 16, 1772.
He was the sixth of ten children born to Brewster, 3d, and Esther
Owen Higley — Brewster, 4th, the first born, and himself being
the only sons. Brewster Higley, 3d, the father, removed with
the eight children then born, from Simsbury, Conn., to Castleton,
Vt., 1779, and settled upon the farm that was to have the Higley
title plowed in, by a little more than a hundred years of occu-
pancy, extending from himself to children of the fifth generation.
Erastus would have been a boy of seven when the journey was
made to the new home. He was not old enough to bear any
part in the war of the Revolution, but his child-memory reached
back to those, times. Once, when the family were removed for a
little while from home for their safety, he carefully hid his store
of beech-nuts from the Britishers, to find them gone when he
returned, nicely shelled by deermice.
Following the example of his father and the two preceding
Brewsters, Erastus chose an Esther to be queen of his kingdom.
October 9, 1798, Erastus Higley and Esther Anna Guernsey were
married. He was twenty-six years of age; she a few months
older. Erastus Higley was called "a man of good judgment," in
after years. He never showed it more plainly than in the choice
of his wife. Fifty-nine years of married life followed, wedded to
one who lives in the memory of her grandchildren, as nearly
«43
244 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
perfect as it is given to woman to attain. In stature she was
rather below medium height, slight and yet compact ; in manner
quiet and self-contained ; a gentle spirit, well balanced with firm-
ness, love, and truth, to which was joined rare common sense;
practical skill and judgment were well-nigh lost sight of in that
deeper spiritual insight which only they attain whose lives know
the same companionship that marked the patriarch Enoch. What
a blessed grandmother she was !
Seven years after this marriage, the death of the father left
Erastus Higley, at thirty-three years of age, with the full care
of a varied business on his hands.
Beside farming and stock-raising, they had two years before
undertaken a carding machine and fulling-mill business, and a
grist-mill and marble sawing were added.
He was one of the company that built the dam on Castleton
River at the village. He sold his interest in the water-power to
S. H. Langdon in 1835. Building had a large place in his life.
The forests were cut down to furnish a place for pasturage and
crops, but construction turned much of the forests into per-
manent shelter and use. A large barn was built, while smaller
barns, sheds, and fences filled out a full line of such production.
The chief work of all was the substantial and spacious brick house
completed in 1812. A large cider-mill was built, and a still pre-
pared to manufacture cider-brandy, but the opening of the tem-
perance reformation won his approval, and mill and still were
never used save as the former became a barn.
The following, taken from the address of his grandson, Professor
Edwin Hall Higley, at the Higley reunion held at Simsbury,
Conn., in 1890, is here inserted :
" The quantity of self-denial shown in thus giving up the cider business can be
appreciated only when one recalls the excessive use of spirituous beverages which
then prevailed among all people, and on all public and private occasions. The
cellar of the brick house which Erastus Higley completed in 1812, was designed
with especial reference to the reception of cider. It was deep and cool and spa-
cious, and divided into numerous rooms, alcoves, and recesses. It was all floored with
broad, smooth slabs of slate-stone, and in some places stone shelves stood along the
walls. Here the cider and the other preparations of apple-juice were to be stored,
and the fame of Deacon Brewster, 2d's, large cider mill and distillery was to be
revived. Fifty barrels was the regular annual supply for the family. This amount
was not consumed, however, by the Higleys alone. On Sundays, during the recess
between the morning and afternoon sermons, all the church-goers who lived at a dis-
tance from the meeting-house used to repair regularly to Deacon Higley's for a little
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, ZD. 245
bodily refreshment. Huge pans filled with doughnuts (prepared on the preceding
Saturday) and mugs of cider were consumed on these occasions. Mrs. Zeruah
Caswell, a granddaughter of Brewster, 3d, who is still living (1895), well remem-
bers the scene when these large companies were assembled on a Sunday noon,
warming their mugs of cider in the embers of the enormous fireplace. That no
secular thoughts or conversation might arise to disturb the sanctity of the day,
someone always read aloud from a volume of sermons during the progress of these
solemnities. A book of sermons which was kept for this use is still preserved in the
family. When, however, as above stated, the New England conscience became
generally aroused to the dangers resulting from strong drink, the cider was given
up, and the huge wooden screws and other timbers for the presses were piled away
in a barn where we boys used to play. The barrels still remained in the various
rooms and alcoves of the cellar, barrels of different sorts and sizes, some stout and
some slender, others long and queer-shaped, which had served for the divers brands
of cider, cider brandy, and apple-jack in the old days. But they were empty and
covered with dust and cobwebs, and we grew up to regard them as a conventional
furnishing for a cellar, but as having no conceivable use."
The brick house of 1812 has been the Higley home for more
than seventy-five years. Counting children, it has well served
four generations, who have known its shelter, comfort, rest, and
cheer; its condition giving promise of a long future yet.
No notice of the " subject of this sketch " would be complete
that did not recall his unusual physical strength. He was a well
built man of about six feet in height, but if one may believe the
stories told of him, he had muscles of steel. Such items as these
could be gleaned: a balky horse felled by a blow of his fist; logs
loaded, by himself and a big Irishman in his employ, as other men
would handle rails ; medical students caught plundering his
orchard tossed headlong over the fence. Rev. John Spaulding
writes of him "while he was Sheriff of Rutland County a man
in the neighborhood committed a crime which shocked and deeply
stirred the vengeance of the whole community. Armed to the
teeth the criminal fled to the fields, threatening death to any-
one who should lay hands on him. Sheriff Higley had the nerve
to tame, and the muscular strength to lodge him in prison."
The estimate of his fellow-citizens was shown in various offices
and trusts, which he filled with fidelity and honor. He repre-
sented the town in the Legislature in 1839 and in 1840. He was
made Judge of Probate in 1814 and again in 1821 and in 1823.
Whatever his early training may have been, he was a man of
substantial culture, by virtue of his associations, his reading, and
his own thinking. Even in his old age he became interested and
well informed in the then advancing science of geology.
17
246 THE HIG LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
He was a man that had earnest convictions on all matters of
public interest. He was a zealous Whig — the last colt raised on
the farm while it was under his supervision was named " Zachary
Taylor " !
He was a strong anti-slavery man, with the courage of his con-
victions. When occasion demanded he aided with the business
of the underground railroad.
In a great revival in Castleton, Erastus Higley and Esther
Anna, his wife, with their sons, Harvey and Nelson, were part
of a company of ninety-one who confessed Christ, and joined the
Congregational Church, an February 2, 1817.
In 1834, he was chosen deacon, and served the church in that
office till his death, twenty-seven years after. He was a con-
scientious and intelligent Christian, a liberal supporter of the
gospel, an earnest, faithful, and judicious officer of the church.
Seven children were born to Erastus and Esther Anna Higley,
in the fifteen years following their marriage. The mother out-
lived all but two of these, and the father all but one. Thus come
trial and sorrow as well as blessing.
" Bits of brightening and of darkening,
Bits of weariness and of rest,
All the hoping and despairing,
Of the full or hollow breast.
With these is life begun and closed,
Of these its strange mosaic composed."
Financial embarrassments were also in his old age a sore dis-
appointment to this strong, and for that period successful, man.
Even with the burden of increasing years he chafed at any limi-
tation of his strength. His health was impaired by a partial sun-
stroke, and perhaps by the too little caution to which his strength
and ardor inclined him. From this cause came a check upon
accumulation ; there was added an unfortunate interest in a
bank, which was almost wrecked by a cashier ; a root (Root) of
trouble that it took in the end a good part of the farm to root
out. Yet amid these clouds of life there was a silver lining in
their perfected discipline: very clearly it shone in the aged
grandmother, as she grew ripe in faith and grace and beauty
of character for the waiting home in heaven. Not many saw a
tender side to Judge Erastus Higley. Yet a grandson remembers
how it did appear even in the midst of these annoyances.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, ^D. 247
Speaking of this bank loss the old man said : " I ought to have
heeded your grandmother when she cried and begged me not to
mortgage the farm. She always knew best, and gave me sound
advice. I thought I knew better than she about such business,
fool that I was ; I was mistaken, and she was right." The tears
and tones of these words made them a tribute to a faithful wife,
and told how the heart of her husband rested in her.
Both lived to pass well beyond the boundary of fourscore years,
going from useful lines to the welcome and reward that awaits
those who had sought faithfully to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Erastus Higley died September 3, 1861.
Esther Anna Higley, his wife, died November 13, 1857. They
rest side by side in the Castleton cemetery.
The seven children born to Erastus and Esther Anna Higley
were:
Sarah Maria, Hervey Owen, Nelson, Zilpah, Esther Ann, Erne-
line, and Columbus.
SARAH MARIA HIGLEY, the eldest child, born January 27, 1799, married Marquis
de Lafayette Hooker April 7, 1825. He was born February 22, 1792. Mr. Hooker
was a widower with two children ; he was a descendant of the noted Rev. Thomas
Hooker, the founder of Hartford, Conn. They resided in Hampton, N. Y.
Marquis de Hooker died August 18, 1831, leaving with his widow five children,
three of whom died of scarlet fever within one week. Sarah M. (Higley) Hooker
married, second, March 9, 1841, Joseph Morse of Poultney, Vt., where she resided
the remainder of her life. She died August 22, 1860.
NELSON HIGLEY, the third child of Erastus and Esther Anna Higley, was born
October 6, 1803, and prepared for college in the Rutland County Grammar School,
Castleton, Vt., the oldest chartered school in the State, and was graduated from
Middlebury (Vt.) College in 1826. He chose the ministry for his profession.
During his theological studies the succeeding three years, his health became im-
paired, which he never recovered. He was ordained in 1829. Though the hand of
death was visibly upon him, his spirit was firm in its purpose and he preached —
supplying destitute churches — three years without a settled parish. His strength
then succumbed. He died March 19, 1832. He never married.
ZILPAH, the fourth child of Erastus and Esther Anna Higley, was born
November 5, 1805. She received a good education at the Rutland Grammar
School in Castleton. On May 12, 1835, she became the third wife of Josiah Per-
kins, M. D., who was then the Dean of the Castleton Medical College, and a physi-
cian highly honored by the profession. Her married life covered a period of less
than one year. She gave birth to a daughter, Mary Amelia Zilpah Perkins, dying
in childbirth, March 25, 1836.
Her daughter married the Rev. Nathaniel P. Gilbert of Pittsford, September
248 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
29, 1860, and went immediately to Santiago, Chili, where five daughters were
born to them. The date of her death has not been given.
ESTHER ANN, the fifth child of Erastus and Esther Anna Higley, was born Janu-
ary 25, 1808, and died aged seventeen. Her father writes : "She had a strong
and retentive memory, which rendered her capable of unusual progress in the
acquisition of knowledge in whatever branch she pursued."
Without extraordinary advantages she excelled in the studies that were then
commonly taught in the schools, and in English literature ; and had few rivals in her
style of English composition. With little assistance she acquired French so that
she read and translated it into English with much facility. Before she was thirteen
years of age she committed to memory and recited the Gospels of St. Matthew,
St. Mark, and St. John, the Acts, Romans, First Corinthians, and a part of Second
Corinthians.
In her fourteenth year she made public profession of religion. She died in the
Christian faith, March 4, 1825.
EMELINE, the sixth child of Erastus and Esther Anna Higley, was born Septem-
ber 22, 1810, and died June 20, 1817.
COLUMBUS, the seventh and youngest child, born August 13, 1813, died April 12,
1815.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
REV. HERVEY OWEN HIGLEY.
Continued from page 247.
By his son, Professor Edwin Hall Higley.
Hervey Owen, Erastus, Brewster, 3d, Brewster, ad, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh. — ECCLESIASTICUS i, iv.
HERVEY OWEN HIGLEY, the eldest son of Erastus and Esther
Anna Higley, was born in Castleton, Vt., July 14, 1801. His first
home was the " Southmayd House," where his parents had made
their home since their marriage in 1798. In 1805 occurred the
death of his grandfather, Brewster Higley, 3d, when his parents
returned to the "old red house," and resided with the mother
till 1811, when the new brick house was built, in which members
of the family dwelt until 1886.
Hervey was the second child of his parents. He was of a quick
and thoughtful disposition, and possessed of a retentive memory
from his earliest years. He had a distinct remembrance of his
grandmother, Guernsey, who died when he was but three years
old. He vividly remembered a reproof for wastefulness which
the old lady gave him, warning him that God looked with dis-
favor upon those who wantonly destroyed any of his good crea-
tions. Seventy years after he recounts this early lesson, suggest-
ing that the impression then received might have been the origin
of an overcautiousness about " saving the fragments that nothing
be lost." Other reminiscences which he recorded of his child-
hood show him to have been peculiarly sensitive to anything
involving rebuke or humiliation. Owing to his father's positive
and incisive character, opportunities for such impressions were
doubtless somewhat frequent.
In 1874, commenting upon some of his early memories, Hervey
wrote: " Parents should as much beware of exposing their child
to too deep a sense of shame on the one hand, as of cultivating
vanity on the other."
Partly as a result of the home influences, and partly no doubt
as an inheritance, his disposition was early shy, shrinking, and
249
250 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
bashful, characteristics which he felt to be a burden throughout
his whole life. His boyhood, however, was a happy one, and en-
livened with much social visiting and intercourse among the
numerous cousins — the Roots, Campbells, Merrills, Guernseys,
Denisons, the Porter and Cross families, who all dwelt in or near
Castleton.
In the early summer of 1811, just as the new brick house — the
old Higley homestead — was commenced, he planted near the west
door a maple tree, which has grown to large proportions, and is
still standing (1892).
In 1817 a deep religious interest spread over Castleton, and on
February 2 eighty-six persons united with the church — the Con-
gregational. Among these were Erastus Higley and his wife and
their three eldest children, Sarah, Hervey, and Nelson.
Some two or three years later Hervey was pursuing his studies
in the Rutland County Grammar School in Castleton, and was
urged by his preceptor, Henry Howe, to prepare for college.
In those days a religious lad rarely went to college unless with
the view to becoming a minister of the Gospel. And after much
prayerful consideration, he decided to study for the sacred pro-
fession.
He entered college at Middlebury, Vt., in 1822 as a sophomore,
and was graduated in 1825. He was distinguished for scholar-
ship during his college course, and received the valedictory honor
at graduation.
A fine critical discernment in philological and literary matters
was his prominent intellectual trait, which he retained to after
years. He carried the habit of. self-criticism to an extreme
which he believed to have hindered him in his subsequent labors.
"How often," he writes, "have I detected myself hesitating,
when addressing a public assembly, to speak the word in mind,
questioning if another word would not be more appropriate or
felicitious."
He formed many close friendships during his college life with
men whom he ever afterward held in high esteem and affection,
and some of whom, in after years, attained great eminence.
In March, 1825, shortly before his graduation, the family life
was saddened by the death of his sister, Esther Ann, seventeen
years of age and of unusual promise, as her sprightly letters and
essays show.
Hervey was much affected by this parting, and writes of "the
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY^D. 251
views he then had of the vanity and worthlessness of earthly
good, and the inexpressible value of true religion."
After leaving college he taught in the Academy at St. Albans,
Vt, with pleasure and success. He then entered the Theological
Seminary at Andover. Dr. Ebenzer Porter, the senior professor
at Andover, was a brother of Jared Porter, who had married
Harley Higley, an aunt of Hervey, and Professor Porter, through
this relationship, was led to take a special interest in him during
his studies at Andover.
These studies were entered upon and continued with delight.
Concerning them he afterward wrote: "The Hebrew language,
while it was the treasure-house of such important truths, was
rich enough in rhetorical and philological beauties to make every
lesson a feast." He found, too, an "absorbing interest in the
exegesis of the New Testament, pursuing the precise sense and
meaning of the words used by evangelist and prophet."
At this time he made an index to one of Professor Porter's
published works, for which a note of acknowledgment from Dr.
Porter is preserved.
In his senior year his classmate Henry Little (afterward the
well known Home Mission Secretary of Indiana), invited him to
join him in a sleigh ride of fifty miles to his home at Bascomen,
N. H. The invitation was accepted. Some seven miles from
the house they stopped at a ladies' school which Henry Little's
sister Sarah was attending ; the sister was persuaded to become a
third inmate of the sleigh and accompany them to the homestead.
Thus a pleasant acquaintance was commenced, and the days of
the furlough seemed too short. The acquaintance was continued
by correspondence, and a marriage engagement ensued.
After he was graduated at Andover, Hervey Owen Higley was
ordained as an evangelist by the Newburyport Presbytery, Sep-
tember 24, 1829, at Boston.
Fifteen others commissioned for home and foreign missionary
work were ordained at the same time. The choice of a field for
future labor had received much thought. He felt strongly the
claim of the foreign field, and his facility in acquiring a new
language was urged by his friends as an indication of his fitness
for such labor.
But after much prayer and consultation with his parents and
friends, he decided for home missionary work in the sparsely
settled State of Ohio.
252 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
On the 29th of September, 1829, he was married to Sarah
Gerrish Little, and after a visit to his parents they set out on
their three weeks' journey to Ohio. They went by stage from
Poultney, Vt, to Albany, N. Y., and thence to Schenectady, where
they embarked on the "safe waters of the Erie Canal." This
brought them to Lockport, whence they journeyed by stage via
Niagara Falls to Buffalo. At Buffalo they took a sailboat to
Cleveland, O. There they again took a canalboat going to Mas-
silon, O., and from thence by stage to Granville, Licking County,
where their brother, Jacob Little, was already established.
During the next seven years Mr. Higley became familiar with
all the hardships and experiences of home missionary life in a
new country. Long rides on horseback over muddy roads,
through swollen rivers and dense forests ; preaching in rude
structures of logs, and laboring among a rough and heteroge-
neous population, made up his daily life.
His first parish was Georgetown, near the Ohio River. The
inhabitants were largely from Kentucky, without much receptivity
for Yankees or New England ideas on temperance, Bible classes,
or general decorum, and still less for their notions about taste
and refinement.
Mr. Higley labored among this inharmonious people for a year
with moderate success, and then removed to Hartford, Licking
County, where he saw his church increase under his ministration
from twenty-four to one hundred within three years.
In 1835 his health succumbed to the continued fever and ague
contracted during the first year at Georgetown. He made a
journey to Peoria, 111., whither another brother-in-law had gone,
and for a time the question of going to this farther and newer
region, or of returning to Vermont for a season of rest and
recruiting, hung in the balance. The decease of his brother
Nelson, his brother-in-law Hooker, and sister Zilpah, leaving his
father and mother quite bereft, decided the question, and in the
early summer of 1836 he returned to the Castleton home. Here
he dwelt until his death in 1878. His health was partially restored
after his return to Vermont, but it was never strong.
The influence of his life in the home, the church, and the social
and intellectual world about him cannot be adequately chronicled.
Who can make a summary of the good accomplished in forty
years of noble Christian living ?
The "hired men " employed in his service were usually con-
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY.ZD. 253
verted during their stay with him, and, if capable, were encouraged
to make effort for more education and fit themselves as useful
members of society. He filled and magnified the office of super-
intendent of the Castleton schools. Many teachers would bear
testimony to his helpfulness in their work. He was clerk of the
Castleton Congregational Church for thirty years. In 1847 ne
accepted the office of deacon, an office which had been held in
the same church by his father, grandfather, and two great-grand-
fathers before him.
It is altogether probable that all the successive pastors with
whom he served would concur in the statement of the Rev. Lewis
Francis at the Church Centennial in 1884 ; Mr. Francis spoke
thus of Deacon Higley:
" A more faithful, godly, and able officer no church could desire. A man of
scholarly ability, and educated for the ministry, he accepted the office of deacon, and
in his kindly sympathy, in his generous appreciation of his pastor's work, in his
untiring faithfulness, every pastor had reason to rejoice."
Deacon Higley was a member of the Board of Trustees of the
Castleton Seminary, and was constantly watchful of its progress
and interests. He contributed occasional pithy articles to the
religious newspapers, wrote papers for the Rutland County
Conference of Ministers, delivered interesting temperance and
Sunday school addresses, and aided in all good causes as much as
his health would permit.
His classics never grew rusty. A knotty page of Latin was
sure of a graceful translation at any call, and his Greek Testa-
ment was a portion of his daily reading.
He died after a brief illness, by a sudden attack of pneumonia,
April 4, 1878, and was interred in Castleton cemetery, where a
suitable monument marks the spot.
His classmate and lifelong correspondent, the Rev. John
Spaulding, D. D., writes: "The analysis of such a character
strongly reveals the noble virtues of sincerity, integrity, faith-
fulness, and usefulness." The following lines are from the poem
by Rev. George F. Hunting, delivered at the Castleton Cen-
tennial, 1884:
" And lo, another, long revered,
Stanch Deacon Higley, calm and wise ;
I mark his slow, deliberate speech,
And see the kindness in his eyes.
254 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
He stood beside the stream of life,
A sturdy oak, so strong of limb
That we, who sported on the tide,
And drifted over to his side,
Knew we could moor our little boat,
And lie in safety, tied to him ! "
CHILDREN OF THE REV. HERVEY O. AND SARAH GERRISH (LITTLE)
HIGLEY.
EMMA LITTLE HIGLEY, the eldest child of Hervey O. and
Sarah Gerrish Higley, was born at Hartford, Licking County, O.,
March 12, 1834.
Her birth took place during the brief period of the missionary
labors of her father while her parents were residing in the then
"backwoods State."
On their return to Vermont in the summer of 1836, while she
was yet the baby of the household, she was brought to Castleton,
where she was reared in the ancient Higley homestead.
The seminary at Castleton was the scene of her school-life.
The inspiration for the "love of study," for which that honored
institution was famed in those days, reached in her a mind
capable of comprehension — and well balanced. She developed
into a good and true woman, and a teacher of fine ability.
She was graduated in the class of 1852. In 1868-69 she taught
in the seminary from which she was graduated, and soon after
one of her pleasing experiences was the teaching of a select
school of twelve girls. For a period covering fifteen years
previous to her removal to Middlebury, Vt., Miss Higley
occupied various spheres as a teacher, both in the Southern and
Middle States. Acquainted with life in its various phases, she
has done much by her wide experience and thoroughness of pur-
pose for the advancement of the young, uplifting many a life to
an elevated plane, and making it of greater value.
But music was Miss Higley's natural gift. From an early age
it was her genius. In this science she has attained a high degree
of excellence, in which her pleasant and agreeable disposition
has proved a valuable factor in her calling.
The proof of her well attested merits is shown by the fact
that she occupied the position of instructor of vocal music
in the Middlebury, Vt., public schools for twenty successive
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, ID. 255
years — from 1871. We have no hesitation in stating that her
name will exercise a lasting influence upon her music-loving
pupils.
Nothing in this connection of her life is more pleasing to
observe than the marked and deferential love which the young
people and children, especially her boy pupils approaching man-
hood, greet her as she walks about the town.
The town of Middlebury, Vt., has been her permanent home
for the past ten years. Soon after her father's decease in 1878,
she purchased here a pleasant cottage home, where she has made
gardening and fruit-raising somewhat of a study, and where she
is the companion of her aged mother.
For several years, amid the daily pressure of her profession
and cares, she engaged in collecting a quantity of genealogical
material which has been cheerfully contributed to, and proved of
much value in the compilation of this work, in connection with her
own branch of the Higley Family; she has also been one of the
leading movers in founding a subscription library in the town, to
which she devotes much of her time and personal attention.
She became a member of the Hawthorne Club in 1879, a
literary society whose membership comprises the best talent and
culture of the village, together with members of the faculty of
Middlebury College. Miss Higley possesses a heart full of gener-
ous impulses and human tenderness, and in her nature there is
an unfailing fountain of juvenility and good spirits, with a strong
sense of humor.
It was in 1851 that she enrolled herself among the list of
members of the church home, — the First Congregational Church
of Castleton, — where for four generations, since 1793, the Higley
Family of that town have helped most efficiently to make the
church a power for good.
LEAVITT NELSON HIGLEY, the second child of the Rev. Hervey
O. and Sarah Gerrish (Little) Higley, was born September 19,
1836, and died November 26, 1837.
HENRY POST HIGLEY, A. M., D. D., the third child and eldest
surviving son of the Rev. Hervey Owen and Sarah G. (Little)
Higley, was born at Castleton, Vt., February i, 1839. His
earliest associations were with scholarly people, and he undoubt-
edly inherited impulses for study. He was prepared for college at
the long-useful and still efficient Castleton Seminary, from which he
was graduated at seventeen; in the meanwhile, without neglecting
256 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
his studies, he was taught to be industrious in season and out
of season, learning to perform the detail of out-of-door work
promptly and efficiently. In his response to an after-dinner
toast at the Castleton school centennial some years later in
life, he remarked: "I owe more than some who have preceded
me to Castleton schooling, for I took lessons in open-air elo-
cution on yonder side hill, driving oxen. That picture, to the
southeast, framed between these two maples, showing just where
the wood-road enters the timber, reminds me what great shouts
it took to get safely down that hill."
His out-of-door exercise bore good fruit in developing a fine
physique, mental vigor, and a strong constitution, giving him also
a large and broad comprehension of the real affairs of life, which
proved valuable toward his marked success in his future calling.
In due course of time young Higley entered Middlebury Col-
lege, taking the entire course, and was graduated in 1860; and in
1865 he was graduated from the Auburn Theological Seminary,
Auburn, N. Y.
On the completion of his theological studies he was asked to
supply temporarily the then vacant pulpit of the Second Con-
gregational Church at Beloit, Wis. It was not long before the
church recognized in its temporary supply the man qualified
to become her permanent pastor, and accordingly measures were
adopted which terminated in his installation the following year,
1866. During the interval he accepted for a few months a small
charge at Vevay, Ind.
On the 25th of July, 1866, he married Lillie Maria Condit
of Auburn, N. Y., daughter of the Rev. Dr. Condit, who was at
one time pastor at Longmeadow, Mass., afterward professor of
rhetoric at Amherst, and later professor in the Auburn Theo-
logical Seminary. Miss Condit was born July 29, 1837. She
inherited the peculiar charm of native grace and gentleness
which was a chief characteristic of her honored father's life.
Gifted with wisdom, tact, and sympathy, she was a true "help-
meet" in Dr. Higley's peculiar sphere of usefulness — "a model
wife of a model pastor."
By the favor of Middlebury College, Henry Post Higley, M. A.,
received the degree of D. D. in 1886.
Dr. Higley remained in the pastorate of the Second Congrega-
tional Church at Beloit twenty-five years. The small member-
ship of 90 which gave him an earnest welcome in 1866 increased
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, ID. 257
and grew. The church building was of necessity twice enlarged,
and at the close of his pastorate, of the 633 he had received into
membership, 420 were on profession of faith, many of whom Dr.
Higley had baptized. To this number might be added a large
number of persons who regularly attended divine services, but
who did not enter the communion.
Dr. Higley's public teaching was Biblical, meeting the purpose
of life : it was clear, earnest, effective, and to the heart. The
result was life and vitality in the church.
His influence outside the parish was most valuable. In Beloit
few ministers had so many outside calls upon their time and sym-
pathy. He was on the side of every good cause, and while he, in
some cases, maintained an active and armed protest against
virulent forms of evil, he preserved the love and respect of his
fellow-citizens.
Dr. Higley was a stanch friend and supporter of Beloit Col-
lege. His educational impulses enabled him to enter with keen
interest into its development and prosperity, serving as a member
of the board of trustees for eighteen years, and much of that
time being the secretary. His loyalty to the college was only
equaled by his loyalty to his church; his deep interest was never
found wanting, and his wise counsels and words of advice will ever
prove to have been of substantial value to the institution.
His association and influence with the Wisconsin Congrega-
tional Union, in the proceedings of which he was an active and
valuable member, will remain among the pleasant memories of his
associates.
There was a strange commingling of joy and unfeigned sorrow
in the hearts of his parishioners, as well as in the hearts of his fel-
low-citizens, on the approach of the two silver anniversaries, —
June 10, 1891 — the quarter of a century of Dr. Higley's pastor-
ate, and July 26, 1891 — the twenty-fifth anniversary of the mar-
riage of Dr. and Mrs. Higley; both dates coming near each other.
Because of Mrs. Higley's enfeebled state of health, he had,
after much serious deliberation, decided that he was compelled
to relinquish his charge and seek a more congenial climate,
hoping for her restoration.
Among the social events that had occurred in Beloit the last
twenty-five years, none exceeded in interest the banquet which
celebrated the joyful, yet sorrowful, occasion. It was a social
gathering in its truest sense — a church family gathering. With
258 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Dr. Higley's own parishioners came many invited guests from far
and near, including clergyman and their wives, and honored men
from other cities. The festive event was made all that perfect
arrangements and extensive provision, with excellent manage-
ment, coupled with sincere affection for the pastor and his wife,
could make it.
It was a happy moment to the friends of Dr. and Mrs. Higley
when they could congratulate them on their silver marriage anni-
versary, and wish them many happy returns of the event, but
there was genuine sorrow that the hour of " good-by " had come,
when they should leave the church and city where they were so
much loved. At the close of a long and interesting programme
of proceedings which extended far into the night, a member of
the board of trustees, stepping forward with a bag containing
a goodly quantity of silver coin, said in part : "I have the
pleasure, dear pastor, in behalf of this church and society to
hand to you this our united tribute of affectionate regard. We
ask you to accept it not because it measures our love and esteem
for you, but because it is a tribute made up from the dimes, the
quarters, the halves, and the dollars of those who will ever hold
you in kindly remembrance. It comes from the aged, the
middle-aged, the youth, the boys and girls, and our infant class,
together with those who have gone from our midst. The band
then struck up :
" God be with you till we meet again."
Dr. Higley responded in a few appropriate remarks, and with
much feeling dismissed the large company with his benediction.
Dr. and Mrs. Higley are sojourning at present (1893), in the
salubrious climate of Southern California. They have no
children.
PROFESSOR EDWIN HALL HIGLEY, A. B., A. M., the fourth
child of Hervey Owen and Sarah G. (Little) Higley, was born at
Castleton, Vt, February 15, 1843. He received his name in
honor of his father's friend, Professor Edwin Hall. After the
usual common school course, he was sent to the Castleton Seminary
in 1856, under the administration of the Rev. E. J. Halleck.
Among his instructors were the Rev. Stephen Knowlton and Mr.
Watts, men whose exact scholarship and personal interest in their
pupil left an abiding influence.
In 1858 he became a member of the Castleton Congregational
PROF. EDWIN HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 3Z>. 259
Church. He entered Middlebury, Vt, College, September, 1860;
but inspired by a noble patriotism, when the trumpet note of battle
sounded the following year, on the breaking out of the Civil War,
he withdrew from his studies while a sophomore and enlisted.
At a farewell dinner given by his classmates at the Addison
House on the ad of October, 1861, in honor of the departure of
Mr. Higley and his two comrades, John Williamson and H. D.
Smith, for the field of contest, in reply to a parting address, Mr.
Higley said in part: "Classmates, there is a divinity which shapes
our ends. I think there is more work for me to do after the war
is over ; I do not go with the expectation of never coming back.
I rely on God; if he wills that I survive the conflict, well; if not,
'tis well — I am ready to die. If any praise is due for this act of
mine, give it not all to me; my mother deserves it. Listen to the
letter she sent me. She says :
" ' I have a good deal of sympathy, my son, with your feeling that fifty years hence
you will be ashamed to say that neither of my three sons lifted a finger in the hour
of our country's peril. Though you know very little of the hardships before you,
doubtless you can bear them as well as others. If you feel it your duty to go, I
should be sorry to stand in your way ; Go, and may God bless youy keep you, and
bring you safely back — but especially may you be kept from the evil influences
around you, and may you never allow a spirit of revenge to dwell for a moment in
your breast.'
"I go, classmates," said Higley, "feeling that I am attended
by my mother's blessing."
He was mustered into service with the ist Regiment, Vermont
Cavalry, November 19, 1861, a regiment made up almost entirely
of native Vermonters. The regiment attained a notable history,
fully deserving the encomiums it received, and sustaining the
characteristics of the Vermonters pointed out in the old-time
geographies:
" Vermont is famous for men
And women, and horses, and sugar.
The first are strong, the third are fleet,
The second and fourth exceedingly sweet,
And all exceedingly hard to beat."
Edwin Hall Higley was elected orderly sergeant of Company
R at the outset. He was early promoted to the rank of lieu-
tenant, and later on received his commission as captain. He was
finally breveted major of his regiment for meritorious conduct.
He took part in many battles and finally found himself a prisoner
260 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
of war incarcerated in the famous Libby Prison at Richmond, Va.
Of his direful experiences here during nine weary months, dragged
out through almost hopeless days, little will be learned from these
pages, interesting as the narrative would prove to be. The dark
battle-cloud then covering this nation has fully cleared. Heaven's
descending dew of peace and reconciliation has fallen upon every
section of our country — fallen alike upon the " Blue and the Gray, "
all having taken hands again in fraternal union and expressions
of sympathy between the victors and the vanquished ; and
Professor Higley, true to the wise admonitions of his beloved
mother, " never to allow a spirit of revenge to dwell for a moment
in his breast," bears no ignoble prejudice or bitterness in his
memory of the scenes in Southern prison life — he will not nar-
rate them.
After having taken honorable part in the entire campaign of
the war, he was mustered out of service, May, 1865. He re-entered
Middlebury College the same year, from which he was graduated
in 1868.
Immediately after completing his college course, he became a
teacher at Charlestown, Mass., where he continued till 1872, and
during this period, on the 2d of June, 1870, he married Jane
Shepard Turner of Middlebury. She was born February 12,
1845.
In 1872 he became a member of the faculty of Middlebury
College, Professor of Greek and German, remaining in this
position till 1882, when he went to Leipsic, Germany, where for
three years he added to his earlier achievements in his knowl-
edge of language. Returning to the United States in 1885,
Professor Higley was appointed Master of Greek and German in
Groton School, near Worcester, Mass., which position he con-
tinues acceptably to fill (1895), taking rank as a superior
instructor.
In recognition of his scholarly attainments, Middlebury
College, in 1871, conferred upon him the degree of Master of
Arts.
Professor Higley has devoted himself to a very considerable
degree to music, enjoying a high reputation among those possess-
ing unusual attainments.
Music is in him. Among the Americans who have won honors
in Germany his composition has excited favorable attention.
For a number of years he performed on the organ during the
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY ,%D. 261
services in the church at Castleton, and for many years was the
organist and musical director of the Central Church in Worcester,
Mass.
It was a high day in Castleton, Vt., June 7, 1884, when on the
completion of a century of church life the First Congregational
Church of that town celebrated the epoch.
For four generations, since Deacon Brewster Higley, 3d, became
associated with the founding of the church in 1793, the Higley
family had been represented in its board of deacons. Brewster
Higley, 3d, was the second deacon elected; his son Judge Erastus
Higley was for twenty-seven years, from 1834 to 1861, an officer
of the church, and from 1847 to 1878, Hervey, the son of Judge
Erastus, served as deacon; then the mantle fell upon the youngest
son of Hervey, Alfred Higley of the present generation.
For this most interesting occasion, Professor Edwin Hall
Higley composed the following centennial hymn with the
music, which was sung by both choir and congregation, and
afterward published for preservation in the Historical Com-
memoration Proceedings. On announcing the hymn, the presid-
ing member "counted it most fortunate that a son of the church
was moved to be the psalmist of the occasion."
" In vain the watchman waketh,
And keepeth constant ward.
Unless Jehovah taketh
The city in his guard.
This lesson from the Psalter
Our fathers heeded well,
And built to God an altar
When here they came to dwell.
" Here 'midst the forest's rudeness
Amid the eternal hills
They joined to bless the goodness
Of Him who all things fills.
The voice of exhortation,
Of prayer and praise was heard.
They laid their homes' foundations
Upon God's Holy Word.
" Thou whom the Fathers trusted,
Still for their children care !
Their armor yet unrusted
May we with courage wear !
H
262 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
O may we never falter
To face the self-same foe,
With those who built this altar
A hundred years ago ! "
Professor Higley was called to preside over the after-dinner
exercises, which, on calling the gathering to order, he opened by
a happy speech.
During the reminiscences given, the fact was brought out that
forty years before (1844) the Sunday school was marched as
a cold water army, with badges and banners, from the church to
seats and a collation under Judge Higley's wide-spreading butter-
nut trees; the badges bearing the words: "Here we pledge per-
petual hate to all that can intoxicate." An immense roll of
signatures to the temperance pledge was 'displayed in the show
window of a jewelry store in the town.
At the general reunion of the Higley Family at Simsbury,
Conn., August, 1890, Professor Edwin Hall Higley added much
to the pleasurable success of the occasion by his power in music,
as well as by an interesting historical paper he furnished.
In person he is tall, robust, of fine physique, with a face glow-
ing with genial feeling, and possessing a fine sense of humor, yet
unassuming and retiring, seeking no public honors, and prone to
hide his gifts.
ALFRED ERASTUS HIGLEY, the fifth child and youngest son of
Hervey O. and Sarah G. (Little) Higley, was born September 26,
1844, at Castleton, Vt. His early schooldays were spent in his
native town. At sixteen he went to the Castleton Academy,
which, he declared in an after-dinner speech at the school cen-
tennial, August 10, 1887, "were golden days — when he serenaded
the girls and climbed the balconies, and was under the instruc-
tion of the best and strongest teachers of his time." To his
principal, Miss Harriet N. Haskell, he paid a happy tribute of
respect, speaking of her as " his ideal teacher."
At this school, which he entered in 1860, and from which he
was graduated 1864, he was fitted for college.
He then entered Middlebury College and was graduated in the
class of 1868.
On the 7th of April, 1869, he married Jane Anne Van Vleet, a
lady of bright attainments and attractive manner, who was also a
pupil at the Castleton Seminary. She was born June 22, 1848.
To Alfred Erastus fell in succession the Higley homestead at
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEYt%D. 263
Castleton, of which he took charge in 1868, and where he re-
sided with his family till the year 1886. Following in the foot-
steps of his father of forty years before (1839-46), he was
made a member of the Board of Trustees of Castleton Seminary,
1885 ; and also was his father's successor as deacon in the Castle-
ton church, being, as has been stated, of the fourth generation of
Higleys which have served in this official relation, taking an un-
flagging interest in the church's prosperity and workings since its
early organization. On that memorable historic occasion — the
one-hundredth anniversary of this church, he rendered efficient
service on the committee of arrangements.
In 1886 he removed with his family to Benson, Vt., remaining
till the year 1890, his practical farming proving an excellent
proof that a college education does not unfit a man for becom-
ing a thoroughly capable agriculturist. Indeed, Mr. Higley gave
evidence in this special vocation- of the .value of a trained mind.
For several years he turned his attention particularly to raising
high-blooded stock.
In 1891 he received an appointment to the United States Ar-
senal at Watertown, Mass., where he was engaged for some
time. Later on he built an attractive residence near his mother
in Middlebury, Vt, where he now resides (1895).
Mr. Higley is of fine personal character, has a genial tempera-
ment, and full of excellent qualities of mind and heart. Alfred
Erastus and Jennie Van Vleet Higley are the parents of two
children, viz.: Edna Van Vleet Higley, born July 18, 1872 ; Mary
Gerrish Higley, born March 2, 1874.
EDNA, the eldest, was graduated, 1890, from the Castleton, Vt., State Normal
School. After pursuing three years of musical study in the New England Con-
servatory in Boston, from which she was graduated, she continued for two years
her violin study in Berlin. The " glory of the music " which she produces from
her favorite instrument, since the pursuit of her study abroad, ranks her among those
who have attained very high excellence, and cannot fail to distinguish her future in
the musical world.
MARY, the youngest daughter, was graduated from the State Normal School in
Castleton, Vt., spent three years at the Loring School, Chicago, and entered
Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vt., '94. She is taking the full college course.
264 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ESTHER HIGLEY GUERNSEY.
Continued from chapter xxxi, p. 171.
Esther, Brewster, 3d, Biewster, 2d, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
ESTHER, the sixth child of Brewster Higley, 3d, was born July
29, 1775, and on Thanksgiving Day, November 20, 1797, married
Sylvanus Guernsey, the Rev. Lemuel Haynes of West Rutland
officiating. The elder daughters of the family had all had the
marriage ceremony performed by their father, Deacon Brewster
Higley, 3d. Erastus Higley and Esther Ann Guernsey were
"best man" and bridesmaid. After the wedding ceremony was
over and the festivities were near closing, the bride and brides-
maid, who had long been bosom friends, wished a little private
chat together. The house was full, and the weather too cold for
muslin-robed lassies to«6tand outside the door. So they cuddled
among the wraps in a sleigh standing with the horses hitched
near the door. Dr. Gridley's sharp eyes noticing their move-
ments, he quickly loosed the hitching strap, sprang into the
sleigh, seized the lines and drove the team to Landlord Moulton's
Inn, some two miles away, where he traded the young ladies for a
mug of cider. The discovery, pursuit, and bringing them back,
which created great merriment, were not long delayed, and no
ill-will was entertained against the joke-loving doctor.
Esther's daughter, Mrs. Zeruah Caswell, who is now living,
says that her grandfather, Brewster, 3d, walked to Hartford
and purchased for Esther a brass kettle, a silk dress, and white
muslin for her bridal trousseau. For both Esther and lola he
purchased red broadcloth cloaks trimmed with " thag."
ZERUAH CASWELL, daughter of Esther (Higley) Guernsey, was born October 31,
1805. She is the only survivor of her generation, and is now a resident of Castle-
ton, Vt., where the main part of her life has been spent. She was one of six
grandchildren of Brewster Higley, 3d, who were all born the same season and
brought home at Thanksgiving, During the family gathering the six babies were
placed upon a blanket which was spread upon the floor in front of the grandmother
as she sat in her great armchair, to the great delight and admiration of all present.
Zeruah married Memri Caswell of Middletown, Vt., March 5, 1846, and has
lived to a bright old age, — ninety years, — a woman of strong character and rare
ability, a most interesting link with the long past. Throughout her life she has
been greatly beloved by her kindred and friends ; she still superintends her house-
hold affairs, and retains her memory and lively faculties to a very remarkable degree.
A pleasant reminiscence in connection with her younger days is told of the first
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, ZD. 265
Sunday school held in Castleton. This was in the year 1819, and on " Frisby
Hill," held in a little, old-fashioned, unpainted schoolhouse. " The two young
girls, Zilpah and Esther Ann Higley, having read about the Sunday school started
by Robert Raikes in England, talked with their schoolmates and begged the con-
sent of their parents to the plan of starting one in the schoolhouse on the hill.
Having obtained the permission they sought, and promises from the boys and girls
in the district to be present, they made an urgent request to Miss Margaret Merrill,
who was teacher of the day school, to be also the teacher of the new Sunday school.
Mrs. Caswell, who was one of the youngest of the children, well remembered
how the young teacher knelt upon the bare floor to ask God's blessing upon this
first Sunday school in Castleton. The lesson given the scholars was the first ten
verses of the first chapter in Genesis, to be perfectly learned and repeated to Miss
Merrill at the close of one hour.
Weeks passed, and the news of the little Sunday school on " Frisby Hill " spread
among the children in the schools of the other districts, and soon other Sunday
schools were born. The good work went quietly on in the little schoolhouses here
and there, till the pastor of the Congregational Church in the village thought it
time to organize a Sunday school in connection with the church ; he therefore
visited all the schools in the out-districts and invited them to unite in one to be held
in the town academy. One hundred and fifty children gathered, not one over
twenty-one being found among the number. In 1821 it was decided to remove the
school to the church building, where it has now remained for seventy-four years, the
nursery of the church.
Esther (Higley) Guernsey died at Castleton, Vt., May 7, 1831. Her hus-
band, Sylvanus Guernsey, died April 3, 18 — , aged eighty-eight years. They had
four children, viz. :
Soloman Kasson, Horace Roots, Calvin Owen, and Zeruah.
SOLOMON K. was born September, 1798, and died May 6, 1821. ZERUAH, as
before stated, was born October 31, 1805, and is still living (1895).
SARAH GUERNSEY, daughter of Calvin, is now (1895) filling an important posi-
tion in the missionary field in the Indian Territory. Except her aged aunt she is
the only descendant of this branch of the family.
TOLA, the seventh of Brewster Higley, 3d's, children, was born
May i, 1778. She married Deacon William Denison of Lyme,
Conn., on the 25th of March, 1800. They resided at West Rut-
land, Vt. Their children were : Eliza, who married Henry
Post ; Fanny, who married John F. Duncan ; lola, who married
Hoyt Guernsey; and William Cowper, Francis Le Count, Edward
Higley, and Mary.
Their youngest daughter, Mary, married the Rev. Horace Ly-
man, and went to Oregon in the early history of that Territory,
while it was yet little known, and when it was reached only by
ships passing around Cape Horn.
Mrs. lola (Higley) Denison died March 26, 1821.
266 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
HARLEY, the eighth daughter of Brewster Higley, 3d, was
born October 9, 1781. She married Jared Porter, son of the
Hon. Thomas Porter of Tinmouth, Vt, on the 8th of June,
1804. They settled in Tinmouth, where their children were all
born, and where they resided until August, 1831, when they
joined their children, who had removed that year to Redford,
Wayne County, Mich.
Mrs. Harley (Higley) Porter died at the residence of her
eldest son at the above place, October 16, 1831, aged fifty years.
Her husband, Jared Porter, died in Wilmington, Del., May 2,
1837, aged fifty-six years and five months. Mr. and Mrs. Porter
had three children, viz. :
Zachariah, born June 4, 1805 ; Thomas Rodney, born January 3,
1810 ; Brewster Higley Porter, born January 2, 1820.
The latter now resides in Indiana.
Professor Edward D. Porter, son of Zachariah, and grandson of
Mrs. Harley (Higley) Porter, is Dean of the College of Agricul-
ture of the University of Missouri, and resides at Columbia, Mo.
ZERUAH, the youngest child of Brewster Higley, 3d, born Au-
gust 18, 1784, married Ebenezer Cross January i, 1812. They
removed to Oxford, O., September, 1817, with their three daugh-
ters. Their three sons were born after their removal to that
State. Their children were :
Eliza, Maria, Laura, Owen, Kasson, and Ebenezer.
Zeruah Higley Cross died at Marion, Ind., September 24, 1854.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 4TH.
Brewster Higley, sth, Brewster, 4th, Brewster 3d, Brewster, 2d, Brewster, ist, Capt. John
Higley.
Continued from page 241.
But who is this by the half opened door,
Whose figure casts a shadow on the floor ?
— MATTHEW ARNOLD.
BREWSTER HIGLEY, 5th, was born in Castleton, Vt., March 30,
1784, and emigrated with his parents to Ohio when he was thir-
teen years of age. In 1805 he returned to his native State to
attend school, and remained two years. He performed this jour-
ney the entire distance afoot. Just as he was leaving his home
on the long and lonely pilgrimage, he provided himself, from a
forest tree near at hand, with a stout cane, upon which he notched
the height of each child of the household. This cane has been
preserved, and is now in the hands of Alfred E. Higley, Esq.,
of Middlebury, Vt, a descendant of his grandfather, Brewster
Higley, 3d.
In 1814 he married Achsah Evarts of Rutland, O., where *hey
settled. Here their three children were born, viz. :
Louisa, Zeruah, and Brewster Higley ', 6th.
Brewster Higley, 5th, died August 19, 1823, aged 39 years. He
was interred in the Family burial-ground on the old home farm
at Rutland, O.
His wife removed with her children to Dunlapsville, Union
County, Ind., and resided with her brother, Dr. Sylvanus Everts.
She died in 1828.
Her two youngest children were taken back to Rutland, O., to
their kind and generous grandparents.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 5TH.
LOUISA, the eldest child of Brewster Higley, 5th, and his wife,
Achsah Everts, was born March 16, 1815, and in 1833 married
Dr. Robert Cogley of Dunlapsville, Ind.
Her second marriage was to John F. Allinson, a merchant of
•if
268 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Union Mills, Ind., who died in 1857 in Irvington, la., where
they then resided. Mrs. Cogley became a student of medicine
and received a medical diploma. She practiced her profession
successfully for several years in Wichita, Kans., where she lived
the last fifteen years of her life. She died December 5, 1887.
She was the mother of six children, two of whom by her first
marriage are living, and one by the second.
THOMAS S. COGLEY, her eldest son, is a practicing lawyer, residing in Washington,
D. C. He joined the forces in the late Civil War, serving as orderly sergeant in
the 2gth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, General Buell commanding.
MARY JANE COGLEY, daughter of Dr. Robert and Louisa (Higley) Cogley,
was born in Rutland, O., in 1845. She married, December, 8, 1864, George D.
Ewing of La Port, Ind., where she resided many years. Mr. Ewing is a photog-
rapher by profession. They now reside in Walkerton, St. Joseph County, Ind.
They were the parents of six children, three of whom are living, viz. :
Lydepham, born December, 29, 1868, who is in mercantile pursuits, residing in
Winamac, Ind. ; Maud, born April 25, 1874, who is preparing herself as a
teacher of the piano ; and Earl, born May 8, 1880.
CHARLES R. ALLINSON, her youngest child, born in 1854, of the second marriage,
resides in Van Buren, Ark.
Zeruah, the second child of Brewster Higley, 5th, was born at
Rutland, O., August 26, 1817. She married James E. Sanderson
September 17, 1835, witn whom she lived nearly thirty years,
until her husband was removed by death, May 8, 1865. He was
interred at Bremen, Fairfield County, O. She now resides with
her son Charles C. Sanderson at Union Mills, La Porte County,
Ind. They were the parents of eleven children, viz. :
Sidney, Amanda, William Brewster, Mary Luzetta, Harriet, Mary
Augusta, George R. , James H. , Josie A. , Charles C. , and Horton E.
SIDNEY, the eldest, was born September 26, 1835, and married John English.
They reside in Copp, Potter County, S. D. They were the parents of four
children, viz. :
Mary, who married Francis Kirby ; and Harriet. The sons were Melvin and
Harry Higley, a bright and promising boy of twelve, who died March, 1891.
Mrs. Sidney English died of pneumonia December 27, 1891, four days after the
decease of her son. Her body was taken to Union Mills, Ind., for interment.
AMANDA, the second child of James E. and Zeruah Higley Sanderson, born
April 26, 1838, married A. Washbury. They have three children, viz. : Fin ley ;
William, who died at seventeen ; and Ina. Mr. Washbury died August 21, 1877,
aged forty-six.
The family reside in M'Carthur, Vinton County, O.
WILLIAM BREWSTER, the third child of James E. and Zeruah Higley Sander-
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 4777. 269
son, was born September n, 1840, and entered the war on the 15th of August,
1862. He did not long survive the hardships he encountered. He died at
Young's Point, Miss., February 7, 1863.
MARY LUZETTA, the fourth child of James E. and Zeruah Higley Sanderson,
born November n, 1842 ; died at the age of two years.
HARRIET, the fifth child, born May 12, 1845, married Otis Hathaway. They
have three children : Gtty, who died at three years ; Dallis, and George. They
reside in Sheldon, Iroquois County, 111.
MARY AUGUSTA, the sixth child of James E. and Zeruah Higley Sanderson, was
born March 13, 1847. She is unmarried and resides in Copp, Potter County, S. D.
She is a teacher in the Copp School.
GEORGE R., the seventh child, born March 24, 1849 ; died, aged three years.
JAMES H., the eighth child of James E. and Zeruah Higley Sanderson, born
July 16, 1852 ; married Lizzie Fielding. They have no family. They reside in
Copp, Potter County, S. D.
JOSIE A., the ninth child of James E. and Zeruah Higley Sanderson, born
September 17, 1854 ; married Othello Higley. No dates given. They are the
parents of two daughters, Bessie and Mabel. They reside in Union Mills, La
Porte County, Ind.
CHARLES C., the tenth child of James E. and Zeruah Higley Sanderson, born
April 25, 1839 • niarried Emma Tice. They reside with their widowed mother,
Mrs. Zeruah Sanderson, in Union Mills, La Porte County, Ind. They are the
parents of four sons, viz. :
Clarence, Lewis E., James E., and one whose name is not given.
HORTON E., the eleventh and youngest child of James E. and Zeruah Higley
Sanderson, was born April 26, 1860. He resides in Copp, Potter County, S. D.
He is unmarried.
BREWSTER HIGLEY, 6th, M. D., the third child of Brewster
Higley, 5th, and Achsah Everts, was born at Rutland, O.,
November 30, 1823, three months after the decease of his father.
On the decease of his mother he resided with his grandfather,
Judge Brewster Higley, 4th, and afterward with his sister.
At the age of eighteen he began the study of medicine in the
village of New Plymouth, O. His first medical practice was in
Pomeroy, O. In the spring of 1848 he removed to La Porte,
Ind., and formed a partnership with his uncle, Dr. Everts. From
the medical college located at La Porte, he took his medical
degree February 22, 1849. He also became a member of the
Northwestern Academy of Natural and Medical Science. He
practiced his profession in La Porte twenty-six years. ^
Dr. Brewster Higley married, October, 1850, Maria B. Winchell,
who bore one child, born September, 1851, a son, who died a few
days old. His wife fell a victim to a prevailing epidemic in
May, 1852. August, 1853, Dr. Higley married Eleanor Page,
270 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
who bore one son, Brewster Higley, 7th. His second wife died
soon after the birth of this child. His third marriage was in 1857
to Catherine Livingston. From this marriage there were born
two children — JEstelle^'bom April 4, 1859, and Arthur Herman,
born September 3, 1861, both living ; but his wife met with an
injury, of which she died, June 2, 1864.
In the spring of 1871 Dr. Higley removed to Smith County,
Kans., where he married, March 8, 1875, Sarah E. Clemans.
To them four children were born, viz. :
Sandford, who died in 1878; Achsah, born 1877; Everett, born
July 26, 1880; and Theo., a daughter, born September 10, 1882.
While living in Smith County, Kans., Dr. Brewster Higley, 6th,
was elected and served one term as clerk of the court of the
fifteenth judicial district for his county.
The climate of Kansas proving too severe for his health, he
sold his farm in 1886, and removed to Van Buren, Crawford
County, Ark., where he now resides. He has retired from pro-
fessional life, and is engaged in farming and fruit-growing.
BREWSTER HIGLEY, 7th, the only son of Dr. Brewster Higley, 6th, and his wife,
Eleanor Page, was born 1854, and married Mary Daniels. Brewster Higley, 7th,
M. D., resides in Nebraska, where he has a lucrative medical practice.
They had two sons, William and Frederick, both of whom died in infancy.
Continued from page 241.
SUSAN, the second child of Brewster Higley, 4th, and his wife
Naomi, was born at Castleton, Vt., 1786, and resided with her
parents after their removal to Meigs County, Ohio, until her
decease. She never married. She died March 23, 1848, aged
sixty-two.
CYRUS HIGLEY, the second son of Brewster Higley, 4th, and
his wife Naomi, was born in Castleton, Vt, July 26, 1787, and
was a boy of ten years when his parents removed to Ohio. He
spent the remainder of his life near the town of Rutland, O.
He married Electa Bingham of Athens, O., February 13, 1816.
Cyrus Higley was a soldier in the war of 1812, volunteering as
a cavalryman, and furnishing his own horse. He was at one time
among the troops stationed on the border near where Dayton, O.,
is now situated, doing guard duty against the hostile Indians.
In religious faith he was a Presbyterian. The Home and Foreign
Record, an organ of that denomination, makes allusion to Cyrus
Higley as "one of the most valuable co-workers" of the society.
JULIUS B. HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, ±TH. 271
His wife Electa (Bingham) Higley, died October 6, 1826.
Cyrus Higley died July 30, 1854, at Rutland, O. The Pomeroy
Telegraph contained the following with the announcement of his
decease.
"As he lived, so he died, in the faith of the Gospel of Christ.
Our beloved brother was long a ruling elder in the Presbyterian
Church of Rutland, taking a deep interest in the troubles which
so long affected the church, and was very devoted in his attach-
ment to old school views."
As he neared his final close of life, of which he was conscious,
he expressed his desire " to depart and be with Christ, which is
far better." Of him it may be said, " Blessed are the dead that
die in the Lord."
Cyrus and Electa B. Higley were the parents of three children,
viz. :
Lucy P. , Julius B. , and Elizabeth.
LUCY P. HIGLEY. their eldest child, born February 17, 1818, and married Dr.
William Hooper, November, 1841. They resided at Rutland, O., where she died,
October, 1876.
JULIUS BICKNELL HIGLEY, the second child of Cyrus and Electa Bingham
Higley, was born November 9, 1822, at Rutland, O. He married, March 14,
1844, Maria Louisa Fuqua of Greenup County, Kentucky. They resided on the old
home farm at Rutland, on which he had grown to manhood, till November, 1866,
when with his family, then consisting of his wife and eight children, he emigrated
to Greenwood, Jackson County, Mo., settling on a farm where he resided for six-
teen years. The greater number of his children having by this time left the
paternal home, and settled at different points in the great West, he, with his wife,
in 1882 removed to a farm in Reno County, Kansas, where they remained till the
year 1889, when they went to Sterling, Rice County. Here the decease of his
wife, Maria Louisa Higley, took place, February 28, 1892, after a tranquil and
happily spent married life of forty-eight years.
One of his sons writes of his father as follows :
" He is at the present time (1895) in the Territory of Oklahoma. It is his
nature to live in a new country. He has frequently been heard to remark that
nothing would gratify him more than to again aid in building up an unsettled
country, if he were only a younger man, and equal to the activities required, yet he
to-day possesses more vitality than many men of fifty, which he is proud to claim
is the result of his very temperate and careful habits of life.
" I realize my incompetency to do justice to the character of my father ; we are
glad to, place on record something of his noble worth — one has only to know him
to speak his praise.
" From his early years he has lived the life of the Christian, devoted wholly to the
cause of his Master, Jesus Christ, as has been evidenced at all times by his daily
walk and conversation.
272 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
" At the age of thirty-two years he was ordained a ruling elder in the Presbyterian
Church at Rutland, O., in which capacity he served many years. By force of
circumstances he and his wife and some of his children became members of the
Congregational Church at Greenwood, Mo., in which he served many years as a
deacon. Mr. Higley is very liberal and progressive in his views ; he studies and
thinks for himself, and since his connection with the Congregational body he
finds that he prefers it to the Presbyterian Church, on account of its church
government and more liberal teachings on the doctrine of predestination. He is
at present an honored member of the Congregational Church of Sterling, Kans.
" At all business meetings of the church his advice and counsel are eagerly sought,
and received with marked respect and attention.
" At the weekly prayer meeting he is ageneral favorite, and a regular attendant."
The children of Julius B. and Maria L. Fuqua Higley were :
S. Fnqua, Frances E., Cynthia, Dennis B., Artemas J., Addie L., Stephen W,,
Huburt L.
S. FUQUA HIGLEY, the eldest child, was born at Rutland, O., January 25, 1845.
He is a typical Higley in every sense of the name ; broad-shouldered, weighing
230 pounds, clever, active, cheery in disposition, and energetic. In politics he holds
strong allegiance to the Republican party. He resides in Hutchinson, Kans., and
is engaged in the profitable business of school supplies of all kinds.
FRANCES E., the second child of Julius B. and Maria Louisa Higley, was born
September 24, 1846, and married Charles L. Campbell of Pleasant Hill, Mo.,
April, 1867. She died March 8, 1868.
CYNTHIA, the third child, born February 17, 1848, married Ira F. Davenport of
Kansas City, Mo., August 14, 1884. They reside at Greenwood, Mo.
DENNIS B. HIGLEY, the fourth child of Julius B. and Maria Louisa Higley, was
born at Rutland, O., September 28, 1849, and, married Carrie E. Nobles of Hamp-
ton, la., April 28, 1884. They reside in Sterling, Kans., where Mr. Higley is a
citizen of excellent standing, engaged in a successful business — " Loans and Invest-
ments." Besides being the owner of a pleasant home in the town, he has large
real estate investments in Sterling.
ARTEMAS J. HIGLEY, the fifth child of Julius B. and Maria Louisa Higley, was
born near Rutland, O., October I, 1851. At the age of fifteen he removed with his
father's family to Greenwood, Jackson County, Mo., where he resided five years,
working on the farm in the summer and attending school in winter. The last
winter in pursuit of his education in Missouri he studied at the Lincoln Academy
in Greenwood, after which he spent two years at Beloit College, Wisconsin, he
then traveled one year, and returned to Missouri and engaged in farming.
On the 6th of September, 1876, he married Emma E. Howe at Kewanee, 111.,
daughter of the late General J. H. Howe. Mr. Higley continued an agricultural
life till the year 1879. Its dull routine, however, not suiting his tastes, and afford-
ing little opportunity for the higher intellectual attainment to which his ambition
led him, he removed to Hutchinson, Kans., where after studying law in the office
of Houck and Brown, — Mr. Brown being at that time a Member of Congress, — he
was admitted to the bar. After practicing his profession for some time he became
engaged, with nattering success, in investing money for Eastern capitalists. Devot-
ing his energies to this business, he has placed a greater amount of money among
the farmers and business men of Western Kansas than any other investment com-
pany of his town. His opinions on business enterprises are considered of much
value by those seeking to invest capital. He possesses an abiding faith in the
future of the city of Hutchinson ; some of its most prominent buildings are
standing witnesses of his push and energy. The Higley Block, built by Mr.
Higley, is the finest office building which Hutchinson now contains.
Mr. Higley is entirely devoted to his family, which consists of his wife, two sons,
and two daughters, and can almost always be found at his home when not at his
place of business. His children :
MARIA L. FUQUA HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 47Y7. 273
Florence, born January 2, 1878 ; Clyde S., born September 28, 1880 ; John, born
April, 1885, and an infant whose name is not given.
ADDIE L., the sixth child of Julius B. and Maria Louisa Higley, born March
13, 1855, married Albert B. Clark, November 27, 1886, at Kearney, Neb., where
they resided. The date of Mr. Clark's decease is not given.
STEPHEN W. HIGLEY, the seventh child of Julius B. and Maria Louisa Higley,
born May 3, 1857, married Sarah E. Henson of Socarro, N. M. , December 9,
1885. They reside at Perry, Oklahoma Territory. Their son, Claude Higley, was
born February 6, 1887.
HUBURT L. HIGLEY, the eight child of Julius B. and Maria Louise Higley, born
August 19, 1864, resides a: Riley, Oklahoma.
, Continued from page 271.
ELIZABETH, the third child of Cyrus and Electa Bingham Higley, born Decem-
ber 30, 1824, married David D. Allen, April, 1846. They resided at Rutland, O.,
where she died December 30, 1846, in less than one year after her marriage.
Continued from page 241.
THERESA HIGLEY, the fourth child of Brewster Higley, 4th,
and Naomi his wife, was born at Castleton, Vt. , May n, 1791,
and married Josiah Simpson, July 23, 1829. They resided near
Rutland, O. Two children were born of this marriage. Mary,
who married Thomas Kirker and resides in Salt Lake City,
Utah ; and Adeline, who married S. W. Higley of Rutland, O.
Theresa Higley died May 12, 1863, and was interred in the public
cemetery at Rutland.
HARRIET HIGLEY, the fifth child of Brewster Higley, 4th,
and Naomi his wife, was born at Castleton, Vt., 1793, and was
brought to Ohio by her parents when four years of age. She
married Alvin Bingham of Rutland, February 12, 1816. Here
they settled, and became prosperous farmers. Mrs. Bingham
died May 18, 1872. She was laid in the Family burial plot on
the old homestead farm.
Alvin and Harriet Higley Bingham were the parents of six
children, viz. :
Lucy; Lucius If., born June 28, 1819. Amanda, born April 3, 1821, married
S. R. Cavender. She died P'ebruary 24, 1892 ; he died December 28, 1891.
Clarissa, born March 6, 1823, married Carpenter ; she died March 14,
1892. Alvina, born November 7, 1826; and Samuel N., born August 14, 1831.
Lucius H. Bingham, the eldest son, served in the Civil War.
Lucius HIGLEY, the sixth child of Judge Brewster Higley,
4th, and Naomi, his wife, was born at Castleton, Vt., October
24, 1796. He was not yet one year old when his parents removed
274 THE HI G LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
from his native State to Ohio, taking this infant boy with
them.
He married Nancy Shepherd, November 26, 1821, and resided
for more than four score years upon the farm that his father
opened in the wilderness in 1799. He was a witness to remark-
able changes in the progress of civilization, his life being pro-
longed until he became one of the few living links connecting the
present times with the early beginnings of Ohio. He was familiar
with that part of the State in which he settled before the plow-
share had turned the soil of the heavy forest-covered land, or
the hum of human industry was heard in the almost uninhabited
wilderness. It was with intelligent and unceasing interest that
his eyes looked upon the development of the country, the whole
face of which changed in his day.
A great State, taking its place as the third in the Union, was,
since his boyhood, hewn out of that section of the Northwest
Territory; new counties were organized and old boundaries rear-
ranged; section after section of cultivated field was covered with
towns and villages, corduroy roads and depths of mud into which
the vehicles sank to the hub were followed by the macadamized
road, and then the railway ; postal communications were es-
tablished, and the newspaper and telegraph came.
Centers of mental activity were established ; educational facili-
ties were brought to a high development ; church spires point-
ing heavenward arose in every direction, bearing strong testi-
mony to the declaration that " Righteousness exalteth a nation."
It was the backwoods no longer.
Lucius Higley was a man who noted these great passing events
of real life, and who co-operated in the accomplishment of these
rapid changes. Throughout his long career he was highly re-
pected for his personal worth and solid character.
He united with the First Presbyterian Church in Gallipolis
while yet a young man. Personally he was social in habit, and
exceedingly fond of music. During his green old age he re-
tained his health and spirits. The final day came August 8,
1881, when his freed spirit was gathered to his fathers, and his
mortal remains were placed beside theirs and those of his beloved
wife in the Family burial-place under the mulberry tree. He
departed this life at the age of eighty-four years and ten months.
When his days here closed, the last New England pioneer of
this branch of the family had passed away.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 47W. 275
" Our life's history," once remarked his aged uncle in a letter,
"consists chiefly in entrance and exit — the intervening space is
passed at a step, and we fly away."
Nancy (Shepherd) Higley, his wife, was born near Maysville,
Ky. Her father removed, with his family, to Meigs County,
Ohio, settling near the Higleys during the Indian troubles.
By her energy and perseverance she obtained a fair education
for those times, and at the age of seventeen she began teaching
school, continuing until her marriage.
She was a woman of a strong, well-balanced mind, was gifted
with an unusually retentive memory, and considerable musical
attainment. The cheerful evenings by the home fireside, which
it was the habit of their father and mother to enliven by singing
together, are among the happy recollections of their children.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Rutland,
O., from its first organization, and was ever a warm friend and
counselor to the poor. Her husband in writing to a relative
some months after her decease exclaims:
"The beloved wife of my bosom departed this life Jan. 2ist
[1862]. Her name is melodious in my ear — I have lost my
parents, my brothers and sisters, but there was no such void as
when this wife of my bosom went from me. We were brought
up near to each other, attended the same school, and have walked
side by side many a year."
Nancy Higley died in the Christian faith, in the sixty-sixth
year of her age. Lucius and Nancy (Shepherd) Higley were the
parents of nine children, viz. :
Susan, Lucius M., Nancy A., Naomi, Mary, Ransom Br cluster,
Charles W. , Milo H. , and L. Sardine.
SUSAN, the eldest child of Lucius and Nancy Shepherd Higley, born August
22, 1822, married the Rev. William H. Bay. They reside in Marietta, O.
Lucius M. HIGLEY, M. D., the second child of Lucius and Nancy Shepherd
Higley, was born in the ancestral homestead near Rutland, O., November 5, 1823,
and married Elizabeth B. Morton, September 19, 1848. They reside on a part of
the old home farm. Dr. Lucius Higley was a student at Chester, Meigs County,
O., attending a collegiate school which was successfully established in 1842. At
the age of twenty-two he began the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr.
Richard Morton of Springfield, Ky., in which town he afterward practiced his pro-
fession twelve years. In 1861 he turned his attention to business pursuits in the
mercantile line, in Middleport, O., which he relinquished after three years of experi-
ence, and in 1868, on the decease of his brother, Dr. Charles W. Higley, at Rutland,
he returned to that town and again took up medical practice. He is now retired
276 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
from active life. Dr. Lucius Higley has held the office of justice of the peace for
near twenty years, and has given attention to matters of a legal kind, together with
devoting considerable attention to literary pursuits.
He is President of the Meigs County, Ohio, Pioneer and Historical Society,
and President of the Board of Education.
Dr. Lucius M. and Elizabeth B. (Morton) Higley were the parents of several chil-
dren who died in infancy. Their living children are as follows :
Nancy H., born May 22, 1852, who is unmarried and resides with her parents ;
William M., born March 30, 1860 ; Pratt //., born January 2, 1862, who married
January i, 1891, Luella Cornwell of Gillespeville, O.; Lillie £., born September
2, 1872.
WILLIAM M. HIGLEY resides with his parents near Rutland, when not engaged
in teaching.
NANCY ALICE, the third child of Lucius and Nancy Shepherd Higley, born
March 5, 1825, married George W. Moulton. They reside in Arkansas City,
Cowley County, Kans.
NAOMI, the fourth child of Lucius and Nancy Shepherd Higley, born April I,
1826, married Judge A. Logue. They reside in Cheshire, Gallia County, O.
MARY, the fifth child of Lucius and Nancy Shepherd Higley, born August 27,
1827, married Captain Joel Phelps Higley, September 14, 1848. She resides at
Middleport, Meigs County, O. (See sketch of Captain Joel Phelps Higley,
page 1 83.)
RANSOM BREWSTER HIGLEY, the sixth child of Lucius and Nancy Shepherd
Higley, born in Rutland, O., January 6, 1829, married July 7, 1857, Amanda Smith,
who was born February 7, 1829 ; she was a daughter of Livingston Smith, a first
cousin to Brewster Higley, 4th, on the maternal side.
Ransom B. Higley was engaged in gold mining in the early days of California
gold hunting, going to that State in 1851. His perilous passage by steamer to
Panama, and long delay and discomfort at that point in the torrid heat, together with
a leaky ship on the Pacific, and finally a shipwreck upon the coast of Mexico, is in
striking contrast to the swift, luxurious journey across the continent as it is now
accomplished. He remained in California six years, returning to Rutland, O., where
he resided until his death, which took place January 22, 1870. His wife is still
living. Their children were as follows :
Brewster O., Emma N. and Ella, twins, and Homer R.
PROFESSOR BREWSTER O. HIGLEY, the eldest son of Ransom B. and Amanda
(Smith) Higley, and the eighth Brewster in the line, was born at Rutland, O.,
January 24, 1859.
Having received his early education at a district school in his native town, he
entered the university at Athens, O., and completed a college course, class of '92,
degree B. Ph. During the course of his studies he engaged in teaching. He
is a member of the Delta Tau Fraternity, a society whose growth is on the increase
and becoming influential. He is now the associate professor in the department of
United States history and political science in the Ohio University.
On the 1st of January, 1891, he married Amelia H. Shutt, daughter of John and
Sarah Shutt of Middleport, O. She was a successful and enterprising teacher
in the Middleport Schools, an educational institution of the higher grade.
They reside at Rutland, Meigs County, O. They have one child, Brewsler S.
Higley (the gth Brewster), born June 5, 1894.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 47W. 277
EMMA N., the only surviving daughter of Ransom B. and Amanda (Smith)
Higley, — her twin sister, Ella, died in childhood, — was born July 6, 1861. Emma
N. married, September 2, 1888, Elmer L. Bingham, son of Samuel N. Bingham,
and grandson of Harriet (Higley) Bingham. He was born May 4, 1861.
They reside at Rutland, O.
HOMER R. HIGLEY, the youngest child of Ransom B. and Amanda (Smith)
Higley, was born at Rutland, O., September 3, 1864.
He entered the Ohio University at Athens in 1888, where he is at present taking
a scientific course, as well as a special course in electrical engineering. He is also
a member of the Delta Tau Fraternity, and has been a successful teacher.
He resides at Rutland, O.
DR. CHARLES W. HIGLEY, the seventh child of Lucius and Nancy Shepherd
Higley, was born at Rutland, O., June 17, 1831. He married Sarah Williams.
He became a medical practitioner of unusual ability at Rutland, where he had an
extensive practice. He died February 9, 1866.
Dr. Charles W. and Sarah Williams Higley were the parents of four children,
viz.:
William C., Rodney A., James B., and Julia.
WILLIAM C. HIGLEY, their eldest son, born June 28, 1855, married Ella Lewis,
October 9, 1878. They have three children, viz.:
Carl, born September 30, 1879 ; Cora E., born June IO, 1882 ; and Clara, born
December 23, 1884.
Mr. Higley is a druggist and resides in Coolville, Athens County, O.
RODNEY A. HIGLEY, the second child of Dr. Charles W. and Sarah Williams
Higley, married Mary Lowery. (No dates furnished.)
They have two children : Artie and Ethel.
JAMES B. HIGLEY, the third son, married Mary Clark. They have two chil-
dren : Charles and Bessie.
JULIA, the only daughter of Dr. Charles W. and Sarah Williams Higley, married
F. M. Grover.
MILO H. HIGLEY, the eighth child and fourth son of Lucius Higley and his wife
Nancy Shepherd Higley, was born November 18, 1832, at Rutland. O.
His entire life has been associated with agricultural pursuits. He received his
early education in the district schools in his native township, attending later on a
select school in Pomeroy, O.
His bent when quite a boy was for musical study, and at an early age he availed
himself of all the opportunities within his reach to follow this ambition.
His progress under competent teachers was satisfactory, and at seventeen years
of age he became an instructor. In 1848 he formed a choir, the first organized
choir in Meigs County, and became its conductor. For many years he has been a
teacher of the science, and the leading conductor of music on the public occasions of
his town.
On Tune 17, 1855, he married Mary V. Pankey. Mr. Higley resides in the
ancestral homestead which his grandfather, Brewster Higley, 4th, built, and which
has come down through two generations. His wife, Mary V. (Pankey) Higley,
died of la grippe, January I, 1892.
Milo H. and Mary V. (Pankey) Higley were the parents of the following
four children, viz.:
James L., Edward S., Kate E., and Burt P., all of whom were born near Rut-
land, O.
19
278 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
JAMES L. HIGLEY, the eldest son of Milo and Mary V. Higley, born November
13, 1856, married Lenie Lamb of Barlow, Washington County, O. He was edu-
cated at the Middleport, O., High School. He is a farmer, and resides on the
ancient home-farm.
EDWARD S. HIGLEY, M. D., the second son of Milo H. and Mary V. Higley,
born September 28, 1862, received his early education at the Middleport High
School, from which he was graduated at ninteeen. In 1882 he began the study of
medicine at the Hahnemann College, Chicago, from which he took a medical
diploma in 1886, and the following year he took a special course in the Chicago
Homeopathic College, also receiving a medical diploma from that institution. He
was appointed after competitive examination as Interne to Cook County, 111.,
Hospital. Since then he has actively engaged in the practice of his profession in
Chicago, 111.
He married Cora Van Zant of Rutland, O., December 29, 1886. They have one
child, a daughter.
KATE HIGLEY, the only daughter of Milo H. and Mary V. Higley, was born at
Rutland, September 28, 1862. She died, unmarried, April 7, 1888.
BURT P. HIGLEY, the fourth and youngest child of Milo H. and Mary V. Higley,
was born January 2, 1872. He is a young man, bright, of marked intelligence,
and full of good spirits, making many friends wherever he goes. He began teach-
ing a district school when eighteen and has fully sustained his marked ability as a
teacher. He is taking a college course at Marietta College, Ohio.
His home is with his parents.
L. SARDINE HIGLEY, the ninth and youngest child of Lucius and Nancy Shep-
herd Higley, was born at Rutland, O., January 22, 1837. He never married.
He enlisted in the Civil War in the ?th Ohio Battery, and departed on February
23, 1862, with the troops for St. Louis, Mo., where they were furnished with
arms and equipments. He fought bravely in the battle of Shiloh, which raged nearly
two days ; was at the capture of Memphis; and in the siege and fight at Corinth,
Miss., and at the taking of Vicksburg.
From exposure in the service during the late summer of 1863, he was brought
down with fever and lingered for some weeks in an army hospital. When it was
clear that there was little hope that his life could be saved, he was granted a fur-
lough at Jackson, Miss., and sent northward, making a courageous effort to reach
his home. But with all his courage and endurance his strength did not rally suffi-
cient for the entire journey. He succeeded in reaching Portsmouth, O., the home
of his sister, where he survived but two weeks, and died October 22, 1863.
He showed great fortitude throughout his entire illness, and expressed noble
acquiescence to the fact that he was yielding up his life to the service of his country.
With great calmness he settled all his affairs. As he neared his close he fre-
quently repeated the familiar stanza :
*' Jesus can make a dying bed
Feel soft as downy pillows are,
While on his breast I lean my head,
And breathe my life out sweetly there."
It was his expressed wish to be laid to rest under ' ' the old mulberry tree " in the
Family cemetery on the ancestral farm near Rutland, beside " the old patriarchs,"
as he called them — his grandparents and kindred. To him it was a Machpelah.
Sardine Higley possessed a fine tenor voice, and was exceeding fond of singing.
Full of humor, kind and sociable, no comrade in his company was better liked.
He was declared to be " the life of the camp."
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 47V7. 279
Contin uedfrom page 241.
JOSEPH TRUMBULL HIGLEY, M. D., the seventh child of
Brewster Higley, 4th, and Naomi his wife, was the only child in
the family who was born after the removal of the parents from
Vermont. His birth occurred in the year 1800. He was noted
in his younger years for his poetical talent, a vein of which runs
through different branches of the Higley family.
He married Emily Reed, and in 1835 removed to Rushville,
Rush County, Ind., where he was a medical practitioner of good
standing. He died there in 1838. After his decease his wife,
with her children, returned to Rutland, O., where she died.
They had three children, viz. :
Lucinda, born 1831, who died aged twenty; Joseph, born 1833,
who died in 1879; and Marion, who died in 1875.
There are no living descendants of this family.
CHAPTER XL.
DAVID HIGLEY.
Continued from chapter xviii.
David, ist, Brewster, tst, Captain John Higley.
Speak of me as I am, nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice. — SHAKSPERE.
DAVID HIGLEY, ist, the second son of Brewster Higley, ist, and
Esther Holcombe, was born 1712, and, according to the " Record,"
married Anna Owen, " Aprrille the 3: A. D. 1735." Their home
was in Turkey Hills, Simsbury, Conn.
David Higley held a place of social distinction in the com-
munity, and was honored by the title of " Mr.," a form of
address which was not, in those days, a mere title of courtesy to
every adult male citizen, but bore a special significance.
He possessed a comfortable property, which was increased at
the decease of his father and his mother by legacies from their
estates. In 1785, his "list for the year " for the Society
amounted to £10 145.
The pages of an old account book furnish evidence that his
larder was supplied with the usual stores for the table furnished
in the average colonial home; among the articles named are
goodly quantities of cheese and pork. And like the greater
number of his brother church laymen of his day, the product of
the rude old-time country cider-mill appealed to his tastes; and
the sight of a barrel of cider, or a jug of the more enlivening and
richer distilled product, — cider brandy, — from his brother Deacon
Brewster's still, contained a fountain of irresistible pleasure in
which he indulged as he, sat with the old cider connoisseurs
before the fire-heap of logs blazing on his broad hearthstone.
The following entries were made the winter of 1768-69:
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
1768
1768
1768
1769
1760
David
ii
Higley Dr
4 qts. Brandy.
4 Quarts Brandy.
2 Quarts do
2 Quarts Brandy,
i Ot. Brandy.
„
a
March.
ii
380
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 1ST. 281
During the month of September, 1775, five gallons of brandy
are charged.
David Higley, ist, was well known in town affairs, receiving
responsible appointments. As "surveyor of highways" and
member of the school committee, he rendered long public service,
while his popularity and efficiency as tything-man' is shown by
the repeated appointments he received to that office, covering a
period of several years from 1752.
He must have been a man of exceptionally fine physical
development, his exhibitions of manly power having been so
excellent that they gave him fame throughout the colony. As an
athlete he was champion in the foot-race, an attainment of high
distinction in those times. Few equaled him. Tradition has it
that in running races with horses, running from Salmon Brook
to Westfield, he was always the victor.
For this skill he was often called to the front when emer-
gencies arose in Indian and deer hunting.
A minute recorded on the church records, Turkey Hills parish,
states: "February i6th, 1777: David Higley ye ist entered into
full communion with ye church," and the records show him to
have been ever afterward, to the end of his life, active in the
affairs of the church society.
His wife, who is entered upon the church roll of membership
as " Jehannah, wife of David Higley ye first," was admitted to the
full communion of the same church, July 6, 1777. She was then
sixty-five years old.
The year following their marriage David and Anna Higley
buried an infant son who bore the name of his father. Their
other children were as follows :
Anne, Elizabeth, David, Deborah, and Tirzah. .
ANNE, the eldest daughter, born August 19, 1738 ; married Daniel Halliday of
Suffield, "ye yth day of Jan. 1760." They settled in Turkey Hills, and were
admitted to the church the same day with her father.
There is no account preserved of ELIZABETH, the second child, born February 13,
1742/3. She may have died in infancy.
DAVID, 2d, was the only son who lived to maturity. (See sketch.)
DEBORAH, the third daughter, born October 15, 1747, was twice married ; her
first husband, James Carr, was an Irishman. He died previous to 1778. They
had two children. August 17, 1780, Deborah Higley Carr married Stephen Griffen,
and became the mother of four more children. She was admitted to full com-
1 See footnote i, p. 141.
282 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
munion in the Turkey Hills Church, October 18, 1778. She outlived Mr. Griffen,
who died in 1821.
TIRZAH, born July 25, 1752, married, 1779, Benjamin Wright of Egremont, Mass.
Anne, the wife of David Higley, ist, died after they had
walked in life side by side for fifty-one years. The stone which
marks her grave in the EastGranby cemetery is still standing and
is inscribed thus:
1Tn memory of flfcrs Bnnab, wife of Ob* Davfo
wbo oieo December & 3lst &2> 1786.
fln g« 75 12ear of 1ber
David Higley died about the year 1790, the exact time of his
decease not being known. He is last mentioned at the close of
the year 1787; moneys were "allowed to his heirs" in the settle-
ment of the estate of his brother in 1794.
It is reasonable to suppose that he was interred near his wife
in the Turkey Hills cemetery; but the precise spot cannot be
identified.
Wherever it was, the little strip of green earth where his hands
lay crossed was tenanted by a man who left this life not empty of
its earthly honor, for he bore the esteem of the people.
DAVID HIGLEY, 2d, the only son of David, ist, and Anna (Owen) Higley, was
born in Turkey Hills, July 6, 1745.
He married his second cousin, Mary, the daughter of Jonathan Higley and his
wife Mary Thompson. She was born in Turkey Hills, June 9, 1750. The mar-
riage took place near the time that her family were thrown into sudden bereave-
ment by the accidental drowning of her father in the Farmington River, just above
Tarrifville, Conn., 1771. (See sketch, chapter Ix.)
From the year 1781, David, 2d, was active in the town and the church society,
receiving many appointments for various services. In 1782 he took up the work
of the "school committee," a service in which his father had faithfully engaged ;
and at the town meeting held in Granby, the first Monday in December, 1790,
that office of strange importance — the tything-man, was conferred upon him. Our
knowledge as to where he spent the latter years of his life is somewhat imperfect.
That he emigrated about the close of the century seems quite evident, but whether
to Vermont or to the Western Reserve, in Ohio, is not clear. It was probably the
latter. He may have accompanied one of his children when they emigrated from
the State.
The date of his death is therefore missing. His wife, Mary Higley, appears to
have died previous to 1795, as she is not mentioned in her mother's will, which was
executed that year.
David, 2d, and Mary Higley had children as follows :
David, 3d. born June 14, 1773 ; Huldah, born March 20, 1777, and baptized at
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY,\ST. 283
the Turkey Hills Church the 25th of the May following ; twin sons, born Febru-
ary 1 8, 1779, one of whom died soon after birth on the same date ; the other, named
Elisha, died February 19, 1779.
DAVID HIGLEY, 3d, the eldest child, married Olive Allen and removed from
Connecticut. A statement is found in writing that he emigrated with his family
to Vermont, but there is no trace to be found of them in that State. It is altogether
probable that they went to Central New York, with other Higley families.
HULDAH HIGT.EY, the only daughter of David, 2d, and Mary Higley, married
David King. They emigrated to the Western Reserve, Ohio, and settled in the
vicinity of Kinsman, Trumbull County, where their descendants now reside.
CHAPTER XLI.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY.
Continued from chapter xviii. p. TOO.
Joseph, ST., Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
Hold fast your Puritan heritage,
But let the free thought of the age
Its light and hope and sweetness add
To the stern faith the fathers had.
— WHITTIER.
JOSEPH HIGLEY, Sr., was the third child and third son of
Brewster Higley, ist, and Esther Holcombe. He was born
October 21, 1715, and baptized when two months old. His life
and experience was passed in Higley-town, Simsbury, the place
of his birth being the same as that of his death.
His home estate lay next adjoining his brother Brewster
Higley, zd's, farm. He was old enough to enter into the active
relations of life while several of the families of the first gener-
ation were yet in their prime.
The Higleys of Higley-town, by the middle of the eighteenth
century and during Joseph's day, were strong in numbers, cour-
ageous in spirit, and of great influence in the community. There
were now no less than twenty-seven families settled on their own
estates at Simsbury and its adjoining parishes, whose heads were
the sons, grandsons, and granddaughters of Captain John Higley.
These had intermarried with many of the old well-known
families of that vicinity, — the Holcombes, Cases, Barbers,
Humphreys, and other, — still everybody in those parts seemed
related or connected by marriage with everybody else.
Joseph Higley was a prominent figure among them. He was
the owner, by inheritance and purchase, of a considerable amount
of landed property, the deeds of which are found upon the Sims-
bury records, and was well-to-do in the world. His family lived
in substantial comfort.
Civilization in the colony had now reached a stage of advance,
though the customs and habits of the people were in keeping
with the simple mode of living which belonged to the times.
284
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 1ST. 285
Like the elder Higleys, Joseph Higley, Sr., took an active
interest in the affairs of the town. At the town meeting held
in December, 1756, he was "chosen Surveyor of highways " for
the year ensuing, and sworn into office. To this official relation
he was re-elected annually for a number of years. He filled
appointments as "District Committeeman" as well as other
public offices, which furnish commendation to his ability and
faithful discharge of duties.
There are many marks of distinction left upon record to
indicate that his social position was dignified and on an elevated
plane. His name was prefixed by the title of "Mr.," till a
military title was conferred upon him, showing that his rank
was fully recognized as among the notable citizens. His pew
in the Simsbury Church, "No 4, front pew," re-assigned to
"Ensign Joseph Higley" on the 27th of December, 1768, by a
town committee appointed for " ye seating of ye meeting," was
in a location which evidences that the committee carefully con-
sidered his consequence. These church sittings were always
distributed with "respect to persons."
Joseph Higley was not less conspicuous in the Colonial militia
than others of Captain John Higley's sons and grandsons who
made soldiers' records.
The following action of the General Legislature is found
recorded under date, " October session 1762 " :
"This Assembly do establish Mr. Joseph Higley to be the Ensign of the First Com-
pany or train-band of Symsbury, in the first register in this Colony." l
At the May session, 1769, he was promoted to the honorable
rank of captain.
Captain Joseph Higley was no exception among his brothers
and neighbors who were fond of their flip, apple-jack, and the
cider-mug, his name being entered upon the pages of Deacon
Brewster Higley, 2d's, accounts, among thirty other accounts
against different Higley's living in the neighborhood, concerning
"Creditors bringing cider to the Still."
Captain Joseph Higley was three times married. Soon after
passing his twenty-second birthday he married Ruth Holcombe,
April i, 1737. His wife died in childbirth the following July, and
the infant followed his mother to the grave, one month after,
August 26, 1737. A stone still marks the place where they were
laid in the Turkey Hills cemetery, East Granby.
1 " Public Records of Connecticut," vol. xiii.
286 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
About 1740 he married Sarah Case, with whom he lived till
separated by death, on the i2th of June, 1756. After a lapse of
about seven years he married Mrs. Eunice (Smith) - , a
widow ' with five children, with whom he lived a happy united
life for twenty-seven years.
By his second and third marriages he became the father of ten
children, one of whom died in childhood, March 26, 1759.
The children of whom his wife, Sarah Case, was the mother
were :
Joseph, Jr. (or 2d), Micah, Asa, Ozias, Simeon, and Sarah.
His wife, Eunice Smith - was the mother of three of his
children — all daughters, viz. :
Naomi, Ruth, and Susannah.
Of the sons and their descendants sketches will be found on
pages following.
SARAH, his eldest daughter, who was born 1753, married James Rudd, November
13. 1773. an<i removed to Becket, Mass. Here she resided during her brief married
life. Upon her tombstone is the following inscription :
Okies. Sarab 1RuD&
fcte& Bpril 19«> 1777
In tbe 24*b gear of ber age.
NAOMI, who was born January I, 1761, married February 25, 1783, her cousin
Brewster Higley, 4th, then of Vermont. They removed to Meigs County, Ohio.
She died at the ripe age of eighty-nine. Further particulars of her life are recorded
in connection with the sketch of her husband.8
RUTH, born about 1763 or 1765, married Judah Case. She was living when her
mother's will was probated, 1797.
SUSANNAH, born 1769, married Alexander Campbell Humphrey of Simsbury.
She died in 1859, aged ninety years.
Captain Joseph Higley died at Simsbury, May, 1790, in his
seventy-fifth year. His will was offered to the Court of Probate,
July 17, 1790.
He appointed his sons, Joseph, Jr., Asa, Ozias, and Simeon
executors of his estate, and to his youngest son, Simeon, he
devised his home farm. The will provides for his " beloved wife
Eunice Higley." To his son, Joseph Higley, Jr., he gave " the lot
on which he now dwells in Becket, Massachusetts Common-
wealth"; and to his two grandsons, Micah and Benjamin, the
children of his son Micah, then deceased, he gave lands in the
1 The Editor failed to discover the name of Eunice Smith's first husband. * See p. 238.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 287
same vicinity. The lands bequeathed to Asa and Ozias lay in
Simsbury. Legacies were left to his daughters. The inventory
amounted to ^1008 145. 6d. His wife, Eunice Smith Higley, sur-
vived him seven years. Her will, which is upon the Simsbury
records, was received at court, June 15, 1797, and mentions in
a bequest to her daughter, Susannah Humphrey, "my cow."
She left her property to her own children by her two marriages.
The children of her husband, Captain Joseph Higley, by his former
wife are not mentioned in the will. She had property in her own
right received from her father Smith's estate.
JOSEPH HIGLEY, 2D, AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
Joseph, 2d, Captain Joseph, ist, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
JOSEPH HIGLEY, 2d, the eldest son of Captain Joseph Higley
Sr., and his second wife Sarah (Case) Higley, was born at Higley-
town, Simsbury, May 22, 1741. He married Azubah -Gillette,
December 3, 1772, a descendant in direct line of one of the
oldest Connecticut families, her ancestor, Jonathan Gillette,
having come from England with the Rev. John Wareham and the
emigrating church in 1630, and a few years later settled in Wind-
sor. She was born February 27, 1749.
Soon after their marriage they went to reside at Becket, Mass.,
being among the early settlers in the rugged and beautiful Berk-
shire hills, which at that time were covered with woods and brush.
Their homestead appears to have been held by the father, Cap-
tain Joseph Higley, till his death, eighteen years later, when by
the provisions in his will he gave to Joseph, 2d, " the lot on which
he now dwells in Becket, Massachusetts Commonwealth." Here
they lived the remainder of their lives. Azubah, the first year of
her marriage, busied herself in teaching the town school, and, as
was the custom of that day, her husband collected her earnings.
On the Becket town records is the following item :
" Voted — November i ith 1773 to pay Joseph Higley's account for his wife keep-
ing school the sum of £\, IDS."
He filled the office of town surveyor for several years, about the
beginning of the present century.
Joseph Higley, 2d, died December 17, 1823. His wife, Azubah
(Gillette) Higley died fourteen months later — February 13, 1825,
at the age of seventy-six. They were interred in the old burial-
288 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ground at Becket, where tombstones, bearing the simple inscrip-
tion of the names and dates of decease, mark the spot where they
were laid. Children of Joseph and Azubah Gillette Higley :
Joseph Higley, 3d, born April 25, 1774. Sarah, born March
18, 1778; died October 28, 1782. Isaac, born May 30, 1776; died
June 15, 1776. Silas, born September 23, 1780. Philena, born
November 6, 1787. Minerva, born April 19, 1791 ; died April 6,
1825.
The following genealogical sketches of the descendants of
Joseph Higley, 3d, were mainly prepared by the Hon. Brainard
Spencer Higley of Youngstown, O.
JOSEPH HIGLEY, 3d, was the first child and eldest son of Joseph
Higley, 2d, and Azubah Gillette. He was born in Becket, Mass.,
April 25, 1774. Being a faithful student he obtained an education
beyond the average young man of those times, and became a
teacher whose praise was on the lips, in long after years, of those
to whom he was instructor. He also practiced surveying.
His marriage is thus recorded :
"December 4th 1803. This day I joined in matrimony, Joseph Higley Jun. and
Sybil Coggswell, both of Becket. " NATHANIEL KINGSLEY, Justice."
Sybil Coggswell was born March 15, 1776. Leaving Becket with
a family at that time numbering six children, they emigrated in
October, 1815, to Windham, — then Sharon, — Portage County, O.,
arriving on the i9th of the month. Here they joined the colony
of relatives and connections who had preceded them a few years
before (1811) from Becket. Mr. Higley cleared the heavily
timbered land of lot 54, the farm upon which he resided the
remainder of his life, and which is still owned by his son,
John Larkin Higley. He became a citizen highly esteemed
and influential. He actively sustained the church, entered into
military duties, and took part in all that pertained to the best
welfare of the community.
He died of a fever, October 18, 1825, and was interred in the
Windham cemetery.
His wife, Sybil (Coggswell) Higley, was a woman of iron con-
stitution and of remarkable enterprise and industry. She died
December i, 1864, aged eighty-eight years.
Joseph, 3d, and Sybil (Coggswell) Higley were the parents of
HON. BRAINARD S. HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 289
eight children, six of whom were born in Becket, Mass., and the
two youngest in Windham, viz. :
Sybil Rosella, born September 21, 1804; Joseph Nelson, born
September 6, 1806; Sarah Melissa, born November 6, 1808; Ezra
Coggswell, born August 22, 1810; Eliza Dewey, born April 22,
1812; Henry Allen, born February 21, 1814; John Larkin, born
January 17, 1816; and Oliver Brewster, born March 18, 1818.
SYBIL ROSELLA, the oldest child of Joseph Higley, 3d, and Sybil Coggswell,
was born in Becket, Mass., September 21, 1804; married, about 1832, David
P. Robison, who was born January 15, 1805. The resided in Freedom, O., for
many years, then in Danville, la., and again in Windham, O., where they died ;
she died April 27, 1879, ne died January 22, 1880. His second wife was Eliza
Dewey Higley Earl, sister to his first wife. They married September 17, 1879.
No children by either marriage.
JOSEPH NELSON, the eldest son of Joseph Higley, 3d, and Sybil Coggswell,
was born in Becket, Mass., September 6, 1806. He married in Aurora, Portage
County, O., May 2, 1832, Susan White Spencer, daughter of Deacon Brainard
Spencer and Amy Camron (pioneers of the Western Reserve). She was born
September 8, 1810, in Aurora. They resided at different periods in Windham,
Aurora, Twinsburg, Harmon, and Youngstown, O. He was a hardworking man,
and, although of limited education, was quite a reader and well informed. He
died in Youngstown, March 17, 1879. After his death his widow resided with her
daughter, Mrs. Harriet Allen, in Harmar, O., where she died, June 23, 1890.
Children -.Joseph Brainard, born November n, 1833, died July 18, 1834 ; Brain-
ard Spencer, born September i, 1837, in Windham, O.; Harriet Anna, born Sep-
tember 29, 1843, i*1 Aurora, O.
[The following sketch of the Hon. Brainard Higley is chiefly
taken from the " History of Trumbull and Mahoning Counties,"
Ohio. — THE EDITOR.]
Brainard S., Joseph Nelson, Joseph, 3d, Joseph, 2d, Captain Joseph, Brewster, ist, Captain
John Higley.
BRAINARD SPENCER HIGLEY, the eldest surviving son of Joseph
Nelson Higley and his wife, Susan White Spencer, was born in
Windham, O., September i, 1837. He removed with his parents
to Aurora, O., in 1840, and thence to Twinsburg, O., in 1849.
Here he received his preparation for college at the Twinsburg
Literary Institute, and entered the Western Reserve College,
from which he was graduated in 1859 with third honors of his
class. He studied law at the Cleveland Law College, also with
the Hon. Sherlock I. Andrews, and the law firm of " Hitchcock,
Mason, and Estep," and was admitted to the bar at Wooster,
O., July 2, 1860.
290 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY,
On the ist of January, 1861, he married, at Twinsburg, O.,
Isabella R. Stevens, daughter of Dr. John G. Stevens, who was
born in Nelson, O., August 15, 1838. They established their
home at Youngstown, O. Here Mr. Higley was soon recognized
as a painstaking and reliable counselor and attorney, qualities
which peculiarly fitted him for the settlement of estates and the
management of causes growing out of business transactions.
In 1863, during the Civil War, Mr. Higley became a member
of the National Guard, of which there were three companies in
Youngstown. In April, 1864, Governor Brough ordered the
whole force of Ohio National Guard to report on May 10, for
active service for one hundred days. The Youngstown com-
panies became a part of the i55th Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
Colonel H. H. Sage. B. S. Higley was corporal of Company D.
The regiment was mustered into service at Camp Dennison, and
immediately afterward sent to Martinsburg, Va. Subsequent
orders took it to Washington, D. C., White House Landing, City
Point, Bermuda Hundred, Norfolk, and other points, making a
raid through the Dismal Swamp to Elizabeth City, N. C.
While at Norfolk, on garrison duty in an entrenched camp,
the whole regiment, and particularly the Youngstown troops,
sickened. The climate seemed deadly to them. Very few
escaped illness, many died, and large numbers were disabled.
When the Youngstown companies were mustered out of service,
August 27, and returned home, they excited and received
commiseration from the hearts of the entire community.
Brainard S. Higley's health was permanently impaired by the
ordeal through which he had passed.
"Just before entering service he had been elected mayor of
Youngstown; a new marshal and council had also been chosen.
These all enlisted for the war before assuming the duties of their
respective offices, leaving the town to be governed temporarily by
the old officials whose terms had expired. On the return of the
regiment 'the incumbents-elect took their places. Mr. Higley
filled the office of mayor two years, 1864-65.
"In 1867 he entered into a business enterprise at Marietta, O.,
to which place he removed with his family and resided eight
years. The business proving a failure and the stockholders
suffering considerable loss, Mr. Higley returned to Youngs-
town in 1875, and has since devoted himself closely to the prac-
tice of his profession. With two exceptions he is the oldest
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 291
member of the present bar. He is a lawyer rather than an
advocate, and is particularly successful in causes requiring careful
preparation and close, tedious study. As a citizen and man he
is held in high esteem."
Children of Brainard Spencer and Isabella (Stevens) Higley:
John Stevens Higley, born October 20, 1861, died December 18,
1865; Belle, born May 27, 1863, died September 17, 1863; Ruth
Isabella, born May 22, 1866, died October 8, 1871; Joseph Nelson,
born September i, 1868; Brainard Spencer, Jr., born January 13,
1871; George, born February 3, 1872; Henry Brewster, born
April 30, 1873, died November 24, 1873; Almon Knox, born
February 14, 1878, died January 20, 1880.
JOSEPH NELSON HIGLEY, the eldest surviving child of Brainard Spencer Higley,
finished his course of study at the Rayen School, Youngstown, O., from which he
was graduated June 18, 1889.
As valedictorian of his class he made himself a record by the delivery of an
oration which was worthy of, and received the highest plaudits from, the large
number of citizens who filled the Opera House on the occasion. His subject was
" Uncle Sam."
He has chosen the legal profession, and is now pursuing the study of law under
his father.
Continued by the Hon. Brainard S. Higley.
HARRIET ANNA HIGLEY, the youngest child of Joseph Nelson Higley (4th), was
born in Aurora, O., September 29, 1843 ; married April 7, 1870, to George Luman
Allen, who was born October 29, 1844. Since marriage they have resided in
Harman, Washington County, O.
Children : Charles Ethan Allen, born February 21, 1871; Florence May Allen,
born August 26, 1872.
SARAH MELISSA HIGLEY, third child of Joseph Higley, 3d, and his wife Sybil
Coggswell (page 289), born in Becket, Mass., November 6, 1808, married, December
IO, 1829, Elijah Adams Scott, who was the son of John Scott, and born in Becket,
Mass., November 28, 1800. She died March 18, 1836. He died November n,
1880, having on March i, 1837, married, as his second wife, Sarah Ann Under-
wood, who survived him.
Children of Sarah Melissa (Higley) and Elijah Adams Scott :
JOSEPH STILLMAN SCOTT, born in Freedom, O., December 22, 1830; married
Ann Eliza Purdy, December 25, 1850. They have one son, Frank Ellsworth,
born July 20, 1862. They live in Donaldsonville, Marshall County, Ind.
JULIA ELIZA, born in Freedom, O., December 17, 1833. Married Josiah B.
Whippy, December 18, 1880; no children. They reside in Atwater, O.
SARAH MELISSA, born in Freedom, O. , February 24, 1836. Married Isaac N.
\Vilcox, May 26, 1857. They live in Windham, O.
" In answer to the first call for troops in April, 1861, Lieutenant Isaac N. Wil-
292 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
cox enlisted in Company F, 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three
months as second lieutenant. He afterward raised a cavalry company which was
attached to the 6th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and served as first lieutenant till near
the close of the war, when he received a captain's commission.
" Lieutenant Wilcox took an active part in the famous battle of the Wilderness,
and in many other battles under General Grant, and in marches from the Rapidan
to the James River." *
Their children :
Ida Melissa, born July 17, 1858; married, May II, 1886, Aaron B. Pinney; live
in Windham, O. Scott Stillman, born June 14, 1864. Wesley Walter, born August
31, 1881.
EZRA GOGGSWELL HIGLEY, the fourth child of Joseph Higley, 3d, and his wife
Sybil Coggswell, was born in Becket, Mass., August 22, 1810. Married, October
28, 1835, Amanda A. Messenger. She died March 14, 1886.
In 1838, three years after his marriage, he was induced to go to the then far
West, accompanying his father-in-law, Hiram Messenger, on a visit to Iowa.
Finding the broad prairies awaiting the husbandman, they decided that that
should be their future home. The spring of 1839 found Ezra and his family
in Danville, Des Moines County, la., where he resided till his death. He
was one of the first and most substantial men who pioneered that State. He
and his wife celebrated their golden wedding October 28, 1885. His wife died
March 14, 1886. Ezra C. Higley died January 24, 1892, aged eighty-one years
and five months.
Their children :
Sybil A., Harriet M., Henry H., Emily M., Mary P., born in Danville, la.,
May 9, 1855; died December 7, 1868.
SYBIL A. HIGLEY, the eldest daughter, born in Windham, O., September 5,
1836. Married, October, 1859, William H. Stewart. They have always resided in
Danville, la. Their children :
Edward E. Stewart, born October 3, 1860; married, December 23, 1884, Blanche
Bodeboun, and lives in Oberlin, Kans. ; have one daughter, Edna Day, born Sep-
tember 17, 1886. Alice M. Stewart, born October 9, 1862 ; married, December
23, 1885, William Hunt; resides in Burlington, la.; they have two daughters,
Clara L. and Helen E. Clara B. Stewart, born January i, 1867; married William
Hanna, November 5, 1890.
HARRIET M. HIGLEY, second daughter of Ezra C. and Amanda A. Higley, was
born in Windham, O., February 5, 1838. Married, January 29, 1868, Judson A.
Scovel. She died May, 1874, leaving the following children :
Luman W. Scovel, born January 15, 1871, lives in Tucasto, la.; EJfie D. Scovel,
born December I, 1873, died October, 1874.
HENRY H. HIGI.EY, eldest son of Ezra C. Higley, was born in Danville, la.,
April 4, 1842. Married, January 30, 1867, Mary E. Minson. Has always lived in
Danville, la., and is a farmer.
Henry H. Higley enlisted August 25, 1862, in the i$th Iowa Infantry, and
was with his regiment until the close of the war. Was with General Sherman
from the time he left Grand Junction, through the seige of Vicksburg and Grand
Gulf. Thence went to Atlanta, Ga., and was in both battles, 22d and 28th ;
and then in the flank movement that forced Hood to surrender ; was with Sherman
on his march to the sea. Was in Raleigh when Lee surrendered. He was in
eighteen battles. He was honorably discharged August 5, 1865, at the close of
the war.
1 " History of Portage County, Ohio," p. 924.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 293
His children are :
Nellie A., born March I, 1869 ; died October 23, 1878. Twin girls, born July
22, 1876. Frank //., born August 2, 1880. Pearl M., born May 15, 1887.
EMILY M. HIGLEY, fourth child of Ezra C. Higley, was born in Danville, la.,
September 19, 1846, and resided with her father on the home farm.
ELIZA DEWEY HIGLEY, fifth child of Joseph, 3d, and Sybil Coggswell Higley,
was born in Becket, Mass., April 22, 1812. Married in Windham, O., June 15,
1834, James Earl, who was born November 25, 1807. He died November 28,
1846. Her second husband was David P. Robison, whom she married September
17, 1879. • He died January 22, 1880. Mrs. Robison died 1888. She was a re-
markable woman. Left a widow upon a farm, with three children, the eldest only
eight years of age, the youngest an invalid, incurable, and often helpless, and her
aged mother, who soon became weak mentally and a serious charge, she managed
her farm and business successfully, acquired a competence, educated and reared her
children to adult years, and tenderly cared for and nursed her mother until she died,
aged over eighty-eight years. Notwithstanding all her labors and cares, Mrs.
Robison lived an active life till her decease in 1888. Her children, all of first
marriage, are :
ORLANDO LYCURGUS EARL, born July 22, 1838. He enlisted, September 20,
1861, as private in Company A, 42d Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel
James A. Garfield (subsequently President of the United States) commanding ; was
in Camp Chase twelve weeks. The regiment was a part of the force sent in Decem-
ber, 1861, up the Big Sandy, Virginia. Took part in the battle of Middle Creek,
January 10, 1862 ; went down the Ohio to Louisville, Ky., then to Cumberland
Gap. From the Gap, supplies being cut off, was forced to retreat, and reached the
Ohio River at Greenupsburg in the fall of 1862 ; went to Memphis, Tenn., and was
with Sherman in his unsuccessful attack upon Vicksburg ; was in Grant's army dur-
ing the campaign that resulted in the capture of Vicksburg. During the rest of his
term of service he was on or near the Mississippi River ; was honorably discharged
at Columbus, O., September 30, 1864, never having received a wound or been ill
one day. He married, December n, 1865, Emily J. Cutts, who was born April
18, 1842. He lives in Windham, O., and has the following children :
Edwin C., born July 6, 1868 ; Mabel A., born June I, 1870; Enise B.t born
September II, 1873.
EDWIN D. EARL, second son of James and Eliza Higley Earl, born June 17, 1841,
enlisted in Company I, I7ist Regiment Ohio National Guard, in April, 1864 ;
ordered to Johnson's Island to guard Confederate prisoners there. During Mor-
gan's raid the regiment was sent to Kentucky, and the subject of this sketch was
killed at Keller's Bridge, in the engagement June II, 1864. Windham never had
a young man who was more highly esteemed, more loved, and more generally
lamented.
ELIZABETH A. EARL, born March n, 1846; died February 3, 1870.
HENRY ALLEN HIGLEY, the sixth child of Joseph, 3d, and Sybil Coggswell Hig-
ley, born in Becket, Mass., February 21, 1814, married, May 7, 1840, Mary E.
Seeley, who was born October 16, 1821, and died October 4, 1866. His second
wife was Marion M. Udall, born April 16, 1842. This marriage took place Novem-
ber 7, 1867. His wife died October 7, 1870. His third wife is Sarah Joslyn, who
20
294 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
was born April 6, 1825, and to whom he was married August 24, 1871. He has
lived in Windham since 1815, is a farmer, and one of the substantial and highly
respected citizens of the town. He has repeatedly held offices of trust. His chil-
dren are as follows ; all of them by first marriage except the last, who is of the
second :
Henry James. Charles Olin, born March 5, 1852 ; died January II, 1862.
Nettie M., born May 25, 1855, resides in Cleveland, O. Frank S., born March 7,
1869, resides in Windham.
HENRY JAMES HIGLEY, the eldest son, was born in Windham, O., June 30, 1849 ;
married, December I, 1870, Virginia A. Little. He is a painter by trade, and re-
sides in Windham, O. Children:
Warren William, born July 7, 1874 ; died October 23, 1877. James Little,
born August II, 1880. Thomas William, \yon\ March 4, 1882. George Henry,
born September 22, 1884.
JOHN LARKIN HIGLEY, the seventh child of Joseph, 3d, and Sybil Coggswell
Higley, was born in Windham O., January 17, 1816, and married, March 2, 1841,
Elizabeth K. Frary, who was born in Becket, Mass., November 12, 1820.
Mr. Higley bears the reputation of being one of the most successful farmers of
the township. His farm is the original land which his father, Joseph Higley,
3d, settled upon on his arrival in Windham in 1815. He has served as justice of
the peace and held other town offices. Windham has no more reputable or
worthy citizen than he. During the Civil War he did a noble work by faithfully
rendering very efficient aid to the families of soldiers who were at the front. He
is an honored and active member of the Presbyterian Church. Children of John
Larkin and Elizabeth K. Frary Higley :
Infant son, born and died March 12, 1842 ; Ophelia L., Joseph Larkin, Emma
E., Halbert D., born November II, 1853 ; lives in Windham. Belle A., born
April 26, 1857. Francis S., born July 16, 1859.
OPHELIA L., the eldest daughter, born October 4, 1843, resides in Windham.
JOSEPH LARKIN, eldest son of John Larkin and Elizabeth Frary Higley, was
born January 23, 1847 ; married, October 31, 1876, Jennie A. Scott, who was born
March 12, 1858. He is engaged in business in Canton, O. Children :
Ethel, born May 3, 1880 ; died January 22, 1883. Etta, born September, 1883.
EMMA E., daughter of John Larkin and Elizabeth Frary Higley, was born in
Windham, O., May 25, 1849 ; married, August 12, 1880, N. S. Kellogg, and resides
on a farm in Claridon, Geauga County, O. Children :
Gertrude Belle, born February 7, 1882. John Sherman, born August 14, 1883.
OLIVER BREWSTER HIGLEY, the eighth and youngest child of Joseph, 3d, and
Sybil Coggswell Higley, was born in Windham, O., March 18, 1818 ; married,
August 1 8, 1846, Eunice D. Johnson, who was born March 5, 1824. They resided
in Danville, la., where on August 15, 1847, there was born to them a son, Milton
B. Mrs. Eunice D. Higley died Angust 18, 1847. Oliver B. Higley married, June
4, 1849, his second wife, Betsy Case, who was born June 4, 1827. About this time
he removed to \Vindham, O., where he died, February 19, 1866. He was an indus-
trious and thrifty citizen, a worthy member of society. His widow resides with her
son, Edwin E. Higley, in Windham. The children by second marriage are :
Charles W., born May 30, 1850. Mary Francis, born August 20, 1851 ; died
WILLIAM E. HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 295
September 23, 1888 (unmarried). Julia A., born May 27, 1854 ; died August 13,
1858. Clinton A., born July 13, 1859, a printer, resides in Minneapolis, Minn.
Edwin E., born March 13, 1864.
MILTON B. HIGLEY, the only child by the first marriage, was born in Danville,
la., August 15, 1847; married, September 21, 1875, Celia Castle, who was born
Febuary n, 1855. He is employed in a factory in Ashtabula, O. Their children :
Ettie M.y born September, 19, 1878. Flossy M., born June 5, 1884.
CHARLES W. HIGLEY, the eldest son of Oliver B. and Betsey Case Higley, born
May 30, 1850 ; married, December 7, 1872, Lovena A. Weed, who was born
August 12, 1850. He is a farmer and resides in Windham, O. Their children:
Verna M., born December 7, 1874. Lena M., born June 20, 1876.
EDWIN E. HIGLEY, the youngest son, born March 13, 1864 ; married, January 19,
1886, Lucy Barnum, who was born May 12, 1863. He is a farmer and resides in
Windham, O., in the house formerly owned by his father, Oliver B. Higley.
SILAS HIGLEY AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
Silas, Joseph, 2d, Joseph, ist, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
Continued from page 288.
We now return to the direct line of Joseph Higley, ad, son of
Captain Joseph, ist.
SILAS HIGLEY, the fourth child of Joseph Higley, 2d, and
Azubah Gillette, was born at Becket, Mass., September 23, 1780.
He lived and died in Becket. On the 3oth of October, 1805, he
married Deborah Messenger, who was born October 15, 1783.
The marriage ceremony was performed by " George Conant,
Justice."
Silas Higley died June 9, 1864, at the age of eighty-four. His
wife died March 9, 1857. They had six children, as follows:
Silas Orlando, Deborah Laverna, twins, born August 28, 1806.
Edwin Wood, born August 15, 1808; died March 7, 1844. Lueian
Arthur, born April 13, 1810; died November 14, 1844. William
Dwight, born January n, 1812; died November 28, 1817. Emily
Aurelia, born September 27, 1813; died May 21, 1839.
Of the above family SILAS ORLANDO, who was known altogether
by his middle name, Orlando, married Lucinda Davis, May 13,
1831. They reside in Becket. They had one child, George Edwin,
born April 23, 1862, who died the following September.
DEBORAH LAVERNA, his twin sister, married Myron B. Maltoon
of Lenox, Mass. Their children were : George Myron, born
October 9, 1834; Catherine Laverna, born June 20, 1837; Charles
Giddings, born April i, 1839. Deborah (Higley) Maltoon died in
Lenox, Mass., January 30, 1882.
29 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
LUCIAN ARTHUR, the fourth child of Silas Higley, married
Morilla N. Church of Middlefield, Mass., October n, 1831.
They resided in Becket, Mass. He died November 14, 1844. His
wife died January 18, 1870.
Their children : Charles Wright and William Edward.
CHARLES WRIGHT HIGLEY, born January 15, 1835, married
Ann Miller of Lenox, Mass., November 21, 1858. He died June
22, 1863.
WILLIAM EDWARD HIGLEY was born September 23, 1837. His
early education was obtained in the public schools. His father
dying when he was but seven years of age, the care and solicitude
of the family came upon the mother. William was thus early
initiated into the responsibilities of life. Employment was found
for him on a farm at Middlefield. When a youth of sixteen he
went to Pittsfield, Mass., to learn the trade of tailoring, and
afterward opened a tailoring establishment in Middlefield.
Later on he removed to Becket, where he conducted a merchant
tailoring business for many years.
Mr. Higley displayed originality and ability in the art of cut-
ting garments, and became widely and popularly known in his line
of business. He wrote a series of articles for Scott's Mirror of
Fashion, and other trade periodicals, which, attracted very con-
siderable attention, and were republished in the columns of The
Tailor and Cutter, in London. The many inquiries that came to
him from these articles, instigated him to originate and patent a
system of cutting, the best points of which have been adopted in
nearly all of the systems of cutting garments now in use.
In 1880 Mr. Higley opened a grocery house, and later he pur-
chased an apothecary store, in which business he is now engaged.
William E. Higley is a member of the Congregational Church
in Becket, which he has served for many years as collector and
treasurer. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Music happily being one of his delights, he entered its realm,
devoting a considerable amount of time to its practice. He is a
successful instructor, teaching in private schools, and for thirty-
two years he played a Boehm flute at the church services, and con-
ducted the singing.
The cause of education has long laid upon Mr. Higley's heart,
in which he takes practical interest, having served for some time
as chairman of the school board of his town.
On the ist of January, 1860, William E. Higley married Maria
CHARLES W. HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 297
A. Miller of Stockbridge, Mass. They are the parents of three
children, viz. :
Charles William, born November 18, 1864; Arthur Lucian, born
April 4, 1868; and Anna Morilla, born January 4, 1870.
CHARLES WILLIAM HIGLEY, the eldest child of 'William E. and Maria A. (Miller)
Higley, was born in Becket, Mass., November 18, 1864. His early education was
obtained at a private school in that town ; later on he attended the high school at
Stockbridge, Mass., and afterward was a student at the Wesleyan Academy,
Wilbraham, Mass. During the year 1882 he took the responsibility of becoming a
teacher,his mental power advancing him at an early age. He accepted a position in
the school at West Becket. The following year, on obtaining a State scholarship,
he entered the Worcester (Mass.) Polytechnic Institute, from which he was graduated
July, 1886, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science.
The same year he entered the engineering department of the Boston Bridge
Works. By nature and habit industrious, he has proved, in this connection, thor-
oughly efficient, his ability, energy, and activity challenging the respect and admira-
tion of the company. He now holds a responsible position, being its representative.
In his early boyhood Charles W. Higley developed a bent for music, in which he
was indulged, and his development was such that he performed on the organ at the
church services in his native town at the age of thirteen, continuing as organist for
three years.
He resides in Boston, Mass.
ARTHUR LUCIAN HIGLEY, the second child qf William E. and Maria A. (Miller)
Higley, was born in Becket, Mass., January 4, 1868. Scarcely one year of his life
had passed when he was made deaf by the effects of an attack of measles. Every
effort has been made by his parents to make the life of this most promising child
both enjoyable and useful.
He received an excellent education at the Clarke Institution for the Instruction
of Mutes, at Northampton, Mass., where he was a student ten years. Here he
learned the cabinetmakers' trade, making himself a reputation for his clever work-
manship, and showing himself thoroughly possessed of mechanical genius.
He resides with his parents in Becket, following his trade, in which he excels in
turning out fine and beautiful work. To all who meet him, his bright, intelligent
face and attractive bearing at once give evidence of his unusual natural abilities.
ANNA M. HIGLEY, the third and youngest child of William E. and Maria A.
(Miller) Higley, was born in Becket, Mass., January 4, 1870.
Her first school days were at a private school in Becket. She pursued her studies
and was graduated at the Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass. She afterward
taught for ten school terms.
On the igth of March, 1891, she married Fred M. Burleigh of Chester, Mass., in
which town they now reside.
Continued from pagt a88.
PHILENA HIGLEY, the fifth child of Joseph Higley, 2d, and Azu-
bah (Gillette) Higley, was born in Becket, Mass., November 6,
1787. She married, July 5, 1813, John Milton Brewster, M. D.,
298 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
who was born in Becket, Mass., October 22, 1789. Dr. Brewster
was one of the most eminent physicians of his State.
The following sketch was furnished by a descendant :
Philena Higley inherited the sterling qualities of her ancestry.
Reared in a quiet New England town, improving the advantages
of the village school, and imbibing the religious sentiment of a
Christian home, the foundations of a strong character were laid.
The delicate physique and refined face of the young girl con-
cealed her power of endurance. When Philena was fourteen
years of age her mother became abed-ridden invalid, and Philena
was called to fill her place. Right cheerfully did she accept the
trust. To this young housekeeper soon came another charge —
a child to claim her care. She adopted this niece (a twin daugh-
ter of her brother Silas), who was ever after as an own daughter.
The year 1813 brought another change to this young woman.
Dr. John M. Brewster, a native of the same town, and a promising
young physician, claimed her as his bride and took her to their new
home, the adopted niece going with them.
This proved an eminently Christian home, noted for its hos-
pitality and resources : the sick were relieved ; the slave found
refuge; and the sorrowful were always comforted; there was
always room for the stranger, and few were the months extending
through a long life when some needy person was not sharing Mrs.
Brewster's attention.
There are to-day many men of prominence who speak of her as
" mother," because they owe their success in life to her encourage-
ment and advice.
Her daily life of patience, hope, love, and charity was her best
teaching ; and although never robust, she was spared to her
loved ones until she had numbered eighty-eight years, when she
passed as peacefully away as a little child lies down to its sleep.
"Her children rise up and call her blessed."
Mrs. Philena Higley Brewster died at her home in Pittsfield,
Mass., January 21, 1876. Her husband, Dr. John M. Brewster,
died May 3, 1869.
Children of Dr. John M. and Philena Higley Brewster :
Flavia Jerusha, born June 20, 1814 ; died April 27, 1821. Oliver
Ellsworth, born January 30, 1816, married ; died Septem-
ber 12, 1866. John Milton, 2d, born November 28, 1817, married
; resides in Monson, Mass. Joseph Higley, born January
27, 1820, married ; resides in Monson, Mass. Flavia
ARTHUR L. HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 299
Jerusha, 2d, born May 23, 1822 ; married Franklin W. Gibbs of
Lee, Mass. Henry Badger, born April 14, 1824, resides in Pitts-
field, Mass. William Cullen, born May n, 1827; died September
19, 1847. Sarah Philena, born September 20, 1829; married Robert
W. Adam of Pittsfield, Mass. Mary Minerva, born January 24,
1832; married George H. Laflin of Chicago, 111., and resides in
that city.
MINERVA HIGLEY SCOTT.
Continued frontpage 288.
MINERVA HIGLEY, the sixth and youngest child of Joseph
Higley, 2d, and Azubah Gillette, was born in Becket, Mass.,
April 12, 1791. She married Linius Scott, May 27, 1824, the
Rev. J. L. Mills officiating.
On the 22d of March, 1825, she gave birth to a son, Joseph Hig-
ley, after which her strength never rallied ; she died April 6, 1825.
JOSEPH HIGLEY SCOTT, her only child, became a faithful and successful clergy-
man in the Presbyterian Church. He removed to the Western Reserve, where he
preached for many years, beloved and honored. Metropolis, 111., was afterward
his home, where he died after an illness of many weeks, leaving a family with a
very comfortable living. His death took place February 26, 1879. The funeral
services were conducted by the Rev. S. M. Burton of Golconda, 111., assisted by
the Rev. B. Y. George of Cairo. Mr. Burton preached from Revelations xiv. 13.
" A large audience of sympathizing friends filled the church in which Mr. Scott so
long and faithfully labored as pastor, and kind hands laid tenderly away the
remains of one whom they will ever remember with affection, for his genial nature
and untiring devotion to the cause of Christ, and the good of his fellow-man. Mr.
Scott was a marked man — methodical in all things, he accomplished, without any
ostentation, more than most men with greater strength are able to do. Though a
quiet man, his convictions were always outspoken, and his influence for good in
the community was very great. He will long be remembered by a community who
sympathize with his family for their great loss, and who sensibly realize that one of
its most justly honored citizens has gone to a sure reward."
CHAPTER XLII.
MICAH HIGLEY AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
Micah, ist, Captain Joseph, ist, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
Continued front page 286.
MICAH HIGLEY, the second son of Joseph Higley, ist, and his
second wife, Sarah Case, was born at Higley-town, Simsbury,
Conn., January 12, 1743. He married Olive Adams, who was also
of Simsbury, January 5, 1774.
On the 3oth of the previous November, 1773, Micah Higley
purchased a home in Becket, Mass., " House lot, No. 44," for the
" sum of ;£6o. " His father having also set apart land for his sons
in Becket, Micah and his wife removed here soon after their
marriage. They owned and settled on lot No. 48.
His sister Sarah, who had married James Rudd less than two
months previously, also removed with her husband to Becket,
the two families living neighbors.
The married life of Micah and Olive Higley was cut short in a
little less than five years by a distressing accident. On the
morning of December 19, 1778, a light snow having fallen in the
night, Micah and his brother-in-law, Mr. Rudd, went to the
woods to shoot deer, neither of them knowing that the other was
out. Micah wore a deer-skin cap. Mr. Rudd, while stealthily
watching about, caught glimpse of a moving object behind a
fallen tree top, and supposing it to be a deer, took aim and dis-
charged his gun. To his horror on approaching his game, as
he thought, he discovered that he had shot and killed his brother-
in-law, Micah Higley. The fatal accident caused a great shock
to the neighbors and friends, and plunged Mr. Rudd into bitter
emotions, but regrets were fruitless.
The interment took place in the old Becket burial-ground.
The tombstone bears this inscription :
flfcfcab f>f0leg
wbo was sbot an& Ofefc instantlg
Dec 10tb 1778
35 gears.
300
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 301
His widow, Olive (Adams) Higley, was left with two young
sons, Micah, Jr., born January 25, 1776, and Benjamin, born
November 30, 1777.
She married, October n, 1779, Elijah Alford, Jr. (see p. 177),
who was cousin to her husband, and in 1811 removed to Wind-
ham, Portage County, O. , where they brought up a family of six
children. She died September 16, 1827, near Windham. Her
grave is marked by a tombstone in the Windham cemetery.
The birth of Micah Higley, Jr., son of Micah Higley and Olive
Adams, is found upon the Records at Becket, Mass., as follows :
" Micah Higley, son of Micah and Olive Higley, born in Becket, February 9, 1776."
He was baptized July 2, 1786. The same Town Records an-
nounce his marriage thus:
"Micah Higley and Mehitable May Bowen married at Becket, Sept. i3th, 1703."
Mehitable M. Bowen was born in Roxbury, Mass., January 8,
1783-
On the i2th of May, 1808, they were together admitted to the
church in Becket in full membership.
On the death of their grandfather, Joseph Higley, ist, in 1790,
Micah and his brother Benjamin received a legacy of lands at
Becket, where Micah and his wife then resided, and where the
five eldest of their family of ten children were born.
In June, 1816, they removed to Augusta, N. Y., then to Whites-
boro, Oneida County, in that State. Here they lived till the
summer of 1833, when they removed to Windham, Portage
County, O. Here they were received into the church by letter
from New York Mills, N. Y., October 17, 1833.
Micah Higley died May 14, 1841. His wife died January 20,
1839. They were buried in the Windham cemetery. Their
children: Cumberland W., Ebenezer, Abigail Smith, Olive, Martha
Porter, Mary W. and Eliza Bowen — twins, Harriet Newell, Eunice
Washburn, and Henry.
CUMBERLAND W., born in Becket, Mass., December 7, 1805. In 1826 he went
afoot from Madison County, N. Y., to Portage County, O., making the journey in
thirty days. He carried a gun on his shoulder, with which he supported himself
the most of the way. He died of malarial fever at Windham, O., October 12,
1827. He never married.
EBENEZER, the second son of Micah Higley, Jr., was born in Becket, Mass.,
June 25, 1807. He was an earnest Presbyterian. While pursuing his theological
studies at Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, O., intending to enter the ministry, he con-
302 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
traded a severe cold, which ended in consumption. He finished his course of
study, but never was able to enter the pulpit. He died November 15, 1837.
Unmarried.
ABIGAIL SMITH HIGLEY, third child of Micah Higley, Jr., born at Becket, Mass.,
June 6, 1809, married John H. Clark at Windham, O., March 4, 1839. Lives at
Bell Centre, Wis. Children :
Florilla, married Davis, and lives in Patch Grove, Wis. Theodore IV.,
who served in the Union Army in a Wisconsin regiment during the Civil War ;
resides at Bell Centre, Wis. Mary, married Russell, and, second, John
Harmon, who resides in Arizona.
OLIVE HIGLEY, the fourth child of Micah Higley, Jr., born February 22, 1812,
at Becket ; died at Windham, O., February 6, 1841 ; unmarried.
MARTHA PORTER HIGLEY, the fifth child of Micah Higley, Jr., born in Becket,
January 29, 1815; married Charles Curtiss, January 22, 1845 ; died of cancer, Sep-
tember 9, 1873. Children :
Ar delta Lee, born December 10, 1845 ; married Severus Hoard, September 3,
1868. Marcus, born December 14, 1847 ; married , lives at Leroy, Mich.
Augustus H., born May 20, 1850, lives at Scott, Van Wirt County, O. Katie
Augusta, born October 5, 1852; married Benjamin C. Roberts, March 6, 1879 ; lives
at Rich wood, Union County, O. Gains, born February 6, 1857 ; lives at Galena,
Delaware County, O.
MARY WILLIAMS HIGLEY, a twin, and the sixth child of Micah Higley, Jr., born
at Augusta, N. Y., September 18, 1816, married Benjamin B. Clark at Windham, O.,
1836. He died 1845. Second marriage to Samuel W. Forman of Newton Falls,
O., February 17, 1847. She died May 3, 1887, at Braceville, O. Children by
first husband:
JOHN B., born April 10, 1838, married Elizabeth A. Price, February, 1867. He
was four years in the Civil War, Company D, 6th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. Re-
sides in Big Rapids, Mich.
LOUISA M., born February 8, 1842, married, first, 1859, Earl B. Johnson, who
served during the war on General Kirby Smith's staff, and died, 1865, at Shreveport,
La.; married, second, A. R. Russell of Newton Falls, O., April, 1867, where she
now resides.
Children by second marriage :
FRANCES LEVINA, born November 19, 1847, at Green, O. ; married Cyrus L.
North of Braceville, O., November I, 1870. Cyrus L. North served in the Union
Army during the Civil War. They have two daughters, twins, Jessie M. and
Grace C., born May 19, 1875. They reside at Braceville, O.
CATHERINE ELIZA, born November 16, 1849 ; married, January 3, 1877, Thomas
W. Harrison, who died July 20, 1883, at Lapeer, Mich.; married, second, at Big
Rapids, Mich., Stewart Gorton, August 5, 1884. Mr. Gorton served three years in
the Union Army during the Civil War. They reside at Luzerne, Mich. Children :
Mark P. Harrison, born January 29, 1878 ; died December 19, 1880, and an
infant son, who was born and died July 8, 1879.
EMMA ORMSBY, born April 4, 1854 ; married, April 19, 1882, Newton B.
Allen. They have two sons, Charles Wallace and Arthur Newton. Reside at
Braceville, O.
CHARLES EDWARD, born June 27, 1857; died unmarried, April 5, 1882, at Brace-
ville, O.
ELIZA BOWEN HIGLEY, a twin, and the sixth child of Micah Higley, born Sep-
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 3°3
tember iS, 1816, resided at Wellington, O. Her church letter was received at the
Windham Church, from Whitesboro, N. Y., January 2, 1834. She had one child ;
viz.:
Samuel N. Alford, born in Braceville, O., 1842. Resides at Puget Sound.
HARRIET NEWELL, the eighth child of Micah Higley, Jr., born at Augusta, N. Y.,
August 6, 1819 ; married William Russell, April 10, 1841. She died June 9, 1877.
They had six sons and one daughter, six of whom are living ; no data furnished.
One of the sons, Luman Russell, served three years in the Union Army in a
Wisconsin regiment.
EUNICE WASHBURN, the ninth child of Micah Higley, Jr., born Augusta, N. Y.,
October 17, 1821 ; married, April 7, 1845, Nathaniel E. Marcy. They reside at
Wellington, O., being among the early settlers of the town, and among its most esti-
mable citizens. Mr. Marcy was active and outspoken in the Abolition cause in its
early agitation, and voted one of the first two ballots cast in the town against the
slavery question, which was then " mastering American politics." In their home
they hospitably received and entertained many of the reformers and prominent lec-
turers in the anti-slavery cause. Nathaniel E. Marcy died July 15, 1887. Children :
ADELBERT EDWIN MARCY born August 2, 1846, enlisted in the 4ist Ohio
Volunteer Infantry at the breaking out of the war, when only fifteen years of age,
serving one year, when he was discharged for disability. He afterward re-enlisted
in the 2d Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and served till the close of the war. He gained
high laurels as a scout. Married Mary Nash, April, 1872. They have three sons :
Kenneth Edwin, George, and Chalmer. Reside in Wellington, O.
WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON MARCY, the second son, was born March 18, 1848.
In his fifteenth year, 1863, he enlisted in the 86th Ohio Volunteer Infantry regi-
ment of six months' men. While doing picket duty, on a bitter cold winter's night,
January I, 1864, his feet were frozen to his ankles, from the effects of which,
after much suffering, he died in nineteen days at Camp Nelson, Ky. He was
interred at Wellington, O.
LORIN, born October 6, 1850, died aged ten months.
LAURA PHEDYMA, born May 17, 1852, married Charles Manville, January 30,
1872. He died October 17, 1886. They had children :
Harry Chester, Mabel Ella, and Leon Jerome, Reside in La Grange, O.
ELLA IRENE, the last child of Nathaniel and Eunice W. (Higley) Marcy, born
September 12, 1854, married E. Chauncey Fowles, April 19, 1883, and resides in
Cleveland, O.
HENRY HIGLEY, the third son and youngest child of Micah Higley, Jr., born at
Augusta, N. Y., married, September 7, 1850, Abbie L. Bugden of Andover, O.
They reside at New Windsor, 111. Mr. Higley is well-to-do in the world. He
was at one time engaged in the boot and shoe business, but for twenty years has
been a farmer.
His wife, Abbie L. Bugden, is a bright, noble-hearted woman, of genial tempera-
ment, and possessing a highly poetic nature, with considerable talent for giving it
expression. Her mother, Martha Upham Wade, was the daughter of James
Wade, a soldier of the Revolution, who emigrated to Ashtabula County, 'Ohio, from
Massachusetts, and sister to the late distinguished senator from Ohio, the Hon.
Benjamin F. Wade. Her father was William Bugden, a native of Wethersfield,
Conn., who emigrated from Sharon, Conn., to Ohio, during Mrs. Higley's infancy.
Mrs. Higley composed a strikingly appropriate poem for the Higley reunion of
1887, held at Ashtabula County, Ohio, which met with much acceptance on that
interesting occasion. (See appendix.)
CHAPTER XLIII.
COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY.
Colonel Benjamin, Micah, ist, Captain Joseph, ist, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
Men of great integrity and purity of life, who have no thought of pushing into any ambitious
sphere, but only of doing with all their might the work which their hands find to do, are the salt
of society, the strength of a nation, and it is not well that such should be forgot. — GREV.
BENJAMIN HIGLEY, son of Micah and Olive (Adams) Higley,
was born at Becket, Mass., November 30, 1777. His baptism,
with that of his only brother, Micah, Jr., is entered upon the
register of the Becket Church as having taken place July 2, 1786.
When an infant but one year old he was deprived of paternal
care by the accidental and sudden death of his father; he had,
however, careful training and admonition under his stepfather's
guidance, Elijah Alford, 3d,1 who was his father's cousin, and
whom his mother married the year following the decease of the
latter.
There is but little placed before us to make us familiar with
the earliest years of his life. As far as is known his education
was received at the county school, and though, during his day,
there was a growing indifference and degeneracy in the cause of
education, he acquired a fair knowledge of the common branches.
But the life of the clear-headed man of after years, endowed
with brain as well as sinew, possessing wisdom, tact, and enter-
prise, guided in his daily acting and living by the true spirit of
the Sermon on the Mount, plainly indicated that his childhood
surroundings had been such as developed the higher qualities of
a manly nature.
Lives such as the subject of this sketch are an exhortation to
honesty of purpose and integrity; they stood for right, and have
exercised an influence lasting and fruitful.
The Becket Town Records show that Benjamin Higley entered
his active career as a teacher, having taught the district school
for several terms. In 1804 he was chosen one of the school
1 Elijah Alford, zd, was the son of Elijah, Sr., and Hannah Higley Alford of Becket, Mass,
(see page 177).
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, 305
committeemen for the town. From his early manhood he was
ever after an earnest supporter of the cause of education. The
same year he was elected constable of Becket.
On the i6th of September, 1802, he married Sally McKown,
who was born in Norwich, Conn., March 10, 1773. The young
couple settled in Becket on farming lands owned by Benjamin
Higley; and on the 6th of September, 1807, "Benjamin and Sally
Higley " were together " admitted into full membership in the
church."
Soon after establishing a home of their own they took under
their care and shelter an orphan, six years of age, named Eli
Case, to whom they were foster-parents till he reached his
majority.
In the summer of 1810 a number of the residents of Becket
became greatly stirred by the description which was given by one
Captain Mills, of an unoccupied township in that large tract of
land then known as the Connecticut Western Reserve in the new
State of Ohio. Captain Mills had already emigrated to Nelson,
the township just north of it, and had returned on a visit to his
native town in old Berkshire. The township described by him
was No. 4, range 6.
The report led to much discussion, and resulted in the proposi-
tion made by three or four neighbors to Benjamin Higley, that
they would work for him one, day each if he would go to North-
ampton (Mass.), and confer with Governor Strong, the principal
owner of the tract, concerning his willingness to sell, and learn
the terms of purchase.
This service Mr. Higley promptly attended to, making the trip
the first week in July, 1810. He returned, bringing a good report
from Governor Strong.
Having now a young family of three sons, whose future he con-
sidered, with that of their adopted boy, and feeling assured that
on reaching manhood they would not remain on the rocky farm-
lands of the Becket hills, together with being, no doubt, prompted
somewhat by the land speculative spirit which had swept over
Connecticut, Mr. Higley favorably decided upon the serious
undertaking of removal westward.
Some weeks after the date above mentioned, on the loth of
September, 1810, a number of men came together at the house of
Thatcher Conant in Becket, and entered into contract "to pay
their equal proportion of the expenses of exploring and viewing
3°6 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
this township of land in ' New Connecticut,' to be paid over to
the agents of the Company."
Benjamin Higley was one of the signers of the contract. His
stepfather, Elijah Alford, acted as clerk of the meeting. It was
" Voted, that Dillingham Clark Esqr. and Jeremiah Lyman be agents to Explore
Said Township," etc.
These two men immediately set off on horseback for that
densely wooded wilderness. Having performed the journey by
the 3ist of October, a meeting was held at the house of Elijuh
Alford to hear their report, which being favorable, Mr. Clark was
appointed to apply to Governor Strong for the privilege of
purchase; and at a subsequent meeting, held November 3, a com-
mittee was chosen to devise a plan for dividing the township, if
purchased.
The negotiations with Governor Strong having been satis-
factorily completed, which included the appraisal of the farms
and real estate belonging to the purchasers in Becket, to be
turned in by them toward payment for the township, an exchange
of deeds by the agents of the company was ordered at a meeting
held November 27, 1810.
This tract of wild land contained " 14,845 acres more or less,"
and was purchased at $1.76 per acre.1
Having now obtained the township they next preceeded to
apportion it among the members of the company, and assign to
each individual his particular share. This was done by lot. By
the i$th of March, 1811, the proprietors received their deeds, and
discharged their agents. Except Dillingham Clark, who invested
the largest amount of money and drew much the largest quantity
of land, the stepfather and son, Elijah Alford and Benjamin
Higley, drew the largest shares.
The value of the deed received by Benjamin Higley was $2040.
His original share, together with that of a separate purchase made
by his wife, amounted to 1227 acres. To this he added by
exchange and purchase, making the whole number of acres which
he obtained more than thirteen hundred.
The company reserved half of lot 56, near the center of the
1 The names of the original purchasers were : Dillingham Clark, Benjamin Higley, Elijah
Alford, Jeremiah Lyman, Enos Kinsley, Bille Messenger, Ebenezer N. Messenger, Aaron P.
Jagger, John Seley, Nathan Birchard, Elisha Clark, Benjamin C. Perkins, Alpheus Streator,
Thatcher Conant, Gideon Brush, Isaac Clark, Oliver Brewster, and Spencer Clark.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 307
township, for "a public green, a burial-ground, and the use of a
minister."
Arrangements having been finally concluded, several of the
families began to look toward immediate removal, each family
consulting its own convenience as to the time of beginning the
journey. Fully believing in the ordinances of religion and in the
rich advantages and benefits of church organization, a party of
eleven of those who proposed to emigrate decided to organize a
church before starting, and on the 2d of May, 1811, a meeting
was held in the old First Congregationalist meeting-house in
Becket, for that purpose.1
A written request was presented, signed by the parties " desir-
ing to be dismissed with the design to be formed into a separate
church before their removal."
The persons named were : Deacon Elijah Alford and Olive, his
wife, Thatcher Conant and Elizabeth, his wife, Benjamin Higley
and Sally, his wife, Jeremiah Lyman and Rhoda, his wife, Ruth
Alford, daughter of Deacon Elijah Alford, Susannah Conant, and
Anna Streator.
All of the above, it is stated, were "in regular standing and
full communion."
After giving the subject deep consideration and prayer the
ministers present unanimously gave their permission for the pro-
posed measure, and dismissed the applicants from their immediate
relationship with the Becket church.
The parties above named then " having taken upon themselves
the Confession of faith and Convenant," were publicly formed
and installed as a regular Church of Christ, Deacon Elijah Alford
was chosen as standing moderator and deacon of the new
organization.
This infant church they transplanted to the leafy solitudes of
nature in the wild forest of Ohio, and it is now the First Congre-
gational Church of Windham, Portage County.
Early in June (1811) six families of the emigrants set out —
"Westward ho!" The Higleys had a canvas-covered wagon
which was laden with their beds and bedding for camping out,
together with cooking utensils for camp-fires, and other essentials,
two horses, a yoke of oxen, and two cows. They were thirty-
1 The ministers present at this meeting were the Rev. Joseph L. Mills of Becket, Rev. William
Gay Ballentine of Washington, Mass., Rev. Alvin Hyde of Lee, and Rev. Jonathan Nash of
Middlefield.
308 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
seven days making the journey, arriving at their destination July
15. The families, not all keeping pace with each other, arrived
on different dates. From a well-draughted plot each man knew
just where his lands lay. For temporary shelter Benjamin Higley
with his family occupied a rough log house built from trees, which
had been felled by his two half brothers, Elijah Alford, 3d, and
Oliver Alford, assisted by two young men named Messenger, be-
longing to families of the proprietors, who had preceded the emi-
grants in March and erected a rude structure on lot No. 84.'
But the Messengers had returned to Becket late in the spring,
greatly discouraged with the prospects.
The dense forests covered the face of their surrounding world.
All nature was wild. Except one Indian trail through the
thickets near the northern border of the township, there was not
even a pathway of access from one point to another. And the
whole country teemed with deer, bears, and wolves, with innumer-
able lesser game of every variety, and reptiles of many kinds.
The struggle of life with their environments now began with
the emigrants in serious earnest; but courageously and with
energy and capacity both men and women gave their full contri-
bution toward civilization. They laid the ax at the roots of the
great trees with fresh blood and strong muscle, and began clear-
ing a space in which to begin farming operations.
Later in the season, 1811, Benjamin Higley sowed a small patch
of wheat on lot No. 84, on a partial clearing in the woods which
the Indians "had used. This was the first wheat that was raised
in the township. From three bushels of seed sown upon four
acres, one hundred bushels of wheat were harvested the following
summer.
Benjamin Higley early constructed a substantial dwelling of
logs on lot No. 36, near the center of the township, and near the
present site of the village of Windham, to which he removed. It
was a well-watered, fertile section, on which is an exhaustless,
beautiful spring of pure soft water. This spot was his home
fifty-seven years, till the close of his long and useful life.
Mr. Higley's was the third family from Becket that arrived in
1 The original plot of lots drawn by the proprietors show that one half of No. 84, containing 75
acres, was drawn by Benjamin Higley. He afterward sold the same to Elijah Alford, with other
land, as shown by the land records, for the consideration of $257. — " Windham Town Record"
PP- 13. !$•
a The Indians had all removed west of the Cuyahoga River previous to 1811. They joined the
British in the war of 1812. The remains of an Indian village on the bottom lands of Windham
township were to be seen for many years after the settlers came.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 3°9
the township. By the last of July the little colony comprised
eight families, a family from the neighboring township of Nelson
having joined them.
On Sunday the 28th of July, 1811, the little church in the
wilderness held its first service. It was a memorable day.
" Although it is always Sunday in a vast solitude like this,
except in storm and earthquake, it now seemed all the more quiet
and serene. The church doors were wide open; the grand
cathedral aisles were full of light and beauty, soft and entrancing,
leading the soul up along the mighty columns of evergreen life
to the blue apse of heaven." The still small voice of the Eternal
whispered to every heart.
The echo of song rang through the solemn and mysterious
forests in strange harmony with the music of the trees. There
were forty-two persons present; and from that date forward,
though they were without roads, without bridges, and constantly
forced to meet numberless difficulties and inconveniences, as
Sabbath after Sabbath came around, they never failed to meet
together for public worship.
A month later the settlement was visited by the Rev. Nathan
B. Darrow, who was sent out by the Connecticut Missionary
Society. He preached the first sermon to which they listened in
their isolation, taking for his text :
" For the Lord's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his
inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste
howling wilderness." '
Mr. Darrow administered the holy communion the first Sabbath
in September, which was received by sixteen communicants.
Fifty years afterward Benjamin Higley stood the only living
member who was present on that day, and but two others were
inhabitants of earth.
Early in October (1811) his stepfather, Deacon Elijah Alford
with his mother, Olive, and their family, arrived. They made a
temporary stay in the log house on lot 84," the first house built in
the settlement, and finally settled there permanently.
The first regularly held town meeting was held on the 24th of
October. Benjamin Higley was chosen to preside. The busi-
ness proceedings concerned the very genesis of the town. A
committee was appointed "to erect corner posts, marking the
1 Deuteronomy xxxii. o, 10.
* This lot has been the home of Elijah Alford's descendants for three generations.
21
310 THE HIGLEYS A.VD THEIR ANCESTRY.
boundaries to the lots." It being essential that the farmers and
producers should at once have roads, Benjamin Higley and
Alpheus Streator were made a committee to petition the commis-
sioners that a committee be appointed to " lay them out." From
this time, for more than a quarter of a century, Mr. Higley was
notably associated with the construction of highways, and in
advancing improved means for transit.
The town was at first called by the proprietors Strongsburgh, in
honor of Governor Caleb Strong of Massachusetts. Later on —
March n, 1812 — it was formally named "Sharon" — a Biblical
name, by which it was known eight years. In 1820, by enactment
of the State Legislature, it was changed to its present name —
Windham. '
From the beginnings of the town Benjamin Higley was inspired
with the great need of a school system, and always bore in mind
its large usefulness and strong influence in character building.
His early teaching days had left their impress of its imperative
importance. Being elected one of the first three trustees of the
township, it lay within his compass to do much toward the advance-
ment of educational interests, and from the first he never faltered
in his steadfast and loyal support of public instruction. A school
was opened in a private house the first winter, and early in the
winter of 1812-13 a l°g schoolhouse, which was the first public
building erected in the town, was built. From that time the
town has always sustained excellent schools of the common and
high school grades.
The year following Benjamin Higley's arrival in Ohio came
the formal declaration of war, 1812. By Hull's cowardly sur-
render the scattered border settlements were at the mercy of the
treacherous Indians, being entirely unable to make defense
against them. The little colony at Sharon was thrown into
great apprehension and distress. It is stated that "every man
ran to his arms," quitting his heavy labor of clearing the forests
and preparation for seed-sowing.
On the 23d of August of that year, just at nightfall, a messenger
rode into the settlement, with military orders for all the able-
bodied men to march at daybreak with their muskets, ammunition,
and rations, destined to Cleveland forty miles distant. Cleveland
1 This township was "set off" from Hiram township, April 5, 1813. It was many years before
school districts were formed, or school commissioners appointed. " January 2, 1806, three Trustees
and a Treasurer were authorized to Deflected in each township for the purpose of taking charge of
the school lands or the moneys arising therefrom."—" History a/ Portage County, Ohio" p. 302.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 311
was then on the frontier. Devoting the night to the hasty prepar-
ation of rations, " cleaning hunting rifles, sharpening their knives,
and filling their powder horns and bullet pouches with ammu-
nition," in the early morning they left their wives and families, in
a desperate fright, to defend themselves against the maurauding
Indian depredators and the bears and wolves of the dark woods,
directing that in case the American forces were defeated they
should promptly flee to the nearest settlement and fortify them-
selves against attacks of the savages. The military tendency of
Benjamin Higley was strong; a gift bestowed by legacy upon him
by his ancestors of four generations. He now made no hesitation
at shouldering arms and facing the situation. He went into camp,
and was elected sergeant of the ist Battalion, 2d Regiment,
4th Brigade, Ohio Militia.1
On the troops reaching the front, " so general had been the
uprising that the Major-General commanding gave directions
that half the volunteers should be sent home to act as a reserve
or a second guard in case of emergency." Many of the men
returned in ten days, the immediate cause of the alarm having
proved not well founded. It is not definitely known how long
Sergeant Benjamin Higley was absent, or how often he was
called into active service during this war.
On the 6th of May, 1813, another serious alarm was given.
That summer " every able-bodied man in Portage County, not
then in active service or on parole, was ordered to Cleveland, and
the scattered settlements were again left defenseless."*
An interesting old manuscript relates that "the people of
Sharon suffered in the general calamity. Many who were sum-
moned to the field of defense were gone for months at a time,
others for an indefinite period, according to the emergency. In
these sudden frays fear seized on every soul. By the close of
the year some suffered for want of provisions which were scarce
and high-priced, the men having turned their attention to the
war, the yield of the small fields which had been cleared were light
owing to the scanty seed sowing."
The announcement by Perry of his glorious victory, Septem-
ber 10, 1813, "We have met the enemy and they are ours," was
received by the affrighted and anxious inhabitants with pro-
foundestjoy, through "an excited horseman who dashed into the
1 Whether he had joined the Ohio militia previous to the war has not been ascertained.
8 " History of Portage County, Ohio," p. 281.
312 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
settlement blowing a horn and conveying the glad tidings. The
terrible suspense and dread of Indians were now past and soon
gave way to thanksgiving and rejoicing over the brilliant success
of the American naval forces on Lake Erie."1 The church in the
woods at Sharon observed the 2d of December, that year, as a day
of thanksgiving and prayer.
On the i4th of July, 1818, Sergeant Higley received a com-
mission as lieutenant, and having signalized himself by military
ability, he was on the icth of July, 1816, commissioned captain"
of the 2d Company, 2d Regiment, ist Battalion. This com-
mission was issued from Chillicothe, which was then the capital of
the State of Ohio. On the 23d of September, 1819, he received a
promotion, issued by Governor Ethan Allen Brown, to the rank of
lieutenant-colonel of the ist Regiment, 3d Brigade, 4th Division.
The date when he rose to the rank of colonel by his successive
promotions does not appear among his papers. He served with
devotion in the Ohio militia after the war closed, till August 9,
1820, when, at his own request, he was officially and honorably
"discharged from further military duty."
On the 2d of June, 1816, Colonel Higley "raised " a barn, one
of the first frame buildings erected in the township. Two years
later, the 3d of September, he raised a substantially built frame
dwelling-house, which was painted in 1821. These buildings,
together with a wood-house and a "cow house" built in 1823,
are still in a good state of preservation (1895). In 1826 he built
a cider-mill.
In 1824 a census was taken, showing that the colony had
increased to eighty-three families, comprising "467 souls." The
1 " History of Portage County, Ohio," p. 281.
8 The following copy of Colonel Higley's old mustqr-roll, preserved among his papers, bears much
of interest, the names of his company being the familiar names of the first settlers of the town-
ship, whose descendants are now its leading citizens.
"MUSTER ROLL.
"Capt. Benj. Higley. "Sergeants Hiram Messenger.
" Lieut. John Messenger. James Seley.
" Ensign John Streator. " Corporals Erastus Snow.
Joseph Southworth.
" Music, EH Case.
" PRIVATES :
"Elijah Alford Junr., Oliver Alford, Gideon Bush, Joel Bradford, Levi Alford, Thatcher F.
Conant, Jacob Earl, Joseph Earl, Jonathan Foote, Robt. M. Gondon, Joseph Higley, Aaron P.
Jagger, Daniel Jagger, Thomas Lee, Thomas M. Seymour, Ebenezer O. Messenger, Nathan H.
Messenger, Benoni Y. Messenger, Ephraim H. Seeley, Stillman Scott, Albion Taylor, Joshua
Waldon, Nathaniel Rudd, Albion Taylor, Isaac Clark, John Condor, Benj. Roth, Alpheus C.
Munsell, and others.
" Stillman Scott defishanl in all but a musket. Joshua Walden defishant in all but a Rifle."
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 313
readers of the Bible and Testament were carefully and separately
numbered. Colonel Benjamin Higley's household, it appears
from the register, contained eight person, six of whom could read
the Scriptures. They were the possessors of " three whole Bibles
and three whole Testaments."
In 1819 an element of dissatisfaction arose in the church with
Colonel Higley's views upon the subject of the Trinity. He was
a thorough trinitarian, but, expressing himself concerning the
"Three in One" in language somewhat different from that
generally used in his time, the minister of the church, with a
handful of followers, standing rigidly upon the old Puritan plat-
form, and taking up the hair-splitting point, inflamed themselves
with the idea that Colonel Higley was ''embracing heresy."
We do not hesitate to declare that in these times of greater
toleration of religious ideas, and a more liberal policy of the
Church at large in platforms of beliefs, the question would be
deemed unworthy of notice. There is no evidence that Colonel
Higley ever undertook to advocate a doctrine at variance with
the Westminster Catechism, or that he did more than to state
his cogitations in quiet casual conversations with his familiar
friends, yet the arbitrary and vigilant minister felt willingly
bound to enter charges.
Being an emphatic man of his sort, and tenacious of holding the
sacred rights to his own convictions, Colonel Higley would not
recant. The carefully kept records show him all through the
difficulty to have been amiable toward the church, his tone being
peaceable and without enmity, and assuming the policy of silence
as far as he could.
In March of the following year, 1820, after having been sus-
pended from church fellowship for a few months, he stated to
its official body his regret that "he had indulged in such reason-
ings, and made use of language concerning this incomprehensible
distinction of Persons in the glorious Trinity as had been calcu-
lated to lead the mind into perplexity and had excited the feelings
of the brethern "; at the same time avowing his belief in the doc-
trine of the Trinity as expressed in the "Confession of Faith."
This acknowledgment was accepted by the church as satisfactory.
This ecclesiastical struggle, together with the character and
ability he evidenced, made a marked impression upon the church;
but the state of religion stood at a low ebb that year, and there
was much feeling engendered which did not wear away. The
3H THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
result was that in the spring of 1820 a number of prominent
families retired from the communion. And Colonel Higley,
after a time, withdrew for a number of years, attending worship
with a small body of believers at Newton Falls and Garrettsville.
Among his private papers is found a church letter in the hand-
writing, and over the personal signature, of the Rev. Joseph
Treat, pastor of the church, under date May 2, 1824, stating:
" This may certify that Benjamin Higley is a member of the church of Christ
in Windham, Portage County, O., in good and regular standing ; and as such he is
entitled to the attention and esteem of the followers of the Lamb."
The letter, however, is not upon record; the "brethern"
evidently desiring to re-establish fraternal relations with so
earnest and valuable a man, did not consent to his withdrawal.
A month later the church appointed him the assistant superin-
tendent of the Sabbath school.
But the wound was not healed, nor the difference cordially
settled. Later on, 1831, he united with a body of Christians
known as "Seceders," and aided in erecting a church for this
sect. In this connection he remained fourteen years.
The day came when the zealous young minister of the First
Congregation Church was deposed from his place by request of
the congregation; the church passed through different stages,
during which its spiritual and financial condition were often at
a very low state. But time is a conciliator and time brings to pass,
" The ringing grooves of change."
On the 25th of January, 1845, Colonel Benjamin Higley, Elijah
Alford, William C. Adams, John Larkin Higley, and their wives,
with four other persons, were cordially welcomed into the mem-
bership of the old church home which Colonel Higley, with his
associates, had founded and nursed in its infancy, the rules being
suspended in order that they might be admitted the same day
that their names were presented.
Colonel Benjamin Higley loved music. It was a happy factor
in his useful life, and in this direction he made himself of special
service to the church he loved. He studied the improvement of
the choir, planned to have its members attend musical gatherings,
and encouraged them in various ways.
Among the projects which his music-loving spirit conjectured,
and which was carried out, was the presentation in February,
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 315
1852, of a church pipe organ — an excellent instrument, in the
cost of which he was joined by Dillingham Clark, Warren W.
Hinman, and Daniel Jagger. A graceful acknowledgment of the
handsome gift is spread upon the church records.
At the semi-centennial celebration of the settlement of Wind-
ham township, he was in request to represent the musical aspect
of the occasion. Although he had passed his four-score years, he
served with successful endeavor as chairman of the committee
for arranging an old folks' concert. As a matter of course old
time music was revived, and the breezes were filled with airs of
"ye olden days."
One of the most touching of his efforts at vocal music occurred
at the first Sabbath service in May, 1864, following the departure
of the volunteer soldiers of the village to the Civil War. It was
a time of anxiety and sadness. Forty-five noble, strong men,
accustomed to attend worship, were missing from the congrega-
tion; there was but one male voice left in the choir. Julia
Higley — Colonel Higley's married granddaughter — sang bass.
Colonel Higley's indomitable spirit suggested taking the part of
the absent ones. There was something strangely pathetic in the
sight of his venerable form, crowned with the impress of eighty-
five years, his fine brow touched with the halo of life's setting
sun, when he arose, and, leaving his accustomed seat, he marched
up the aisle with his bared head erect, and entering the choir,
joined in with the organ as it pealed out its solemn tones.
There was telling eloquence in the old man's eager act and in-
spired manner, if there was inharmony in the quavering notes of
his voice as he struck into the music, which brought tears, befit-
ting the occasion, to more than one cheek of those who turned to
gaze at him and listen.
In the early days of his pioneer life in Ohio, Colonel Higley
regularly set apart the months of November and December of each
year for the hunt. He thoroughly enjoyed this agreeable pastime.
But he made his enthusiastic fun pay; settling his annual tax bills
for a number of years with the proceeds of the skins and furs which
he collected. The spicy narratives of these wild and exciting
adventures were a characteristic features of his extreme old age. !
1 One morning in the late autumn of 1815, Colonel Higley and his adopted son, Eli Case, muffled
to their noses in deer-skin caps, which were pulled over their ears, set out hunting. It was a misty
day, a light rain falling at intervals. On nearing a swamp in the woods a half a mile from his
house (on lot 17), they separated from each other, Colonel Higley sending Case to steal around to a
certain spot to see if he could get a shot.
All at once the rustling of bushes told Higley's alert ears that something was happening. Case's
316 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Sally McKown, his wife, was his affectionate and faithful com-
panion throughout their united lives. Her kindly heart and true
open-handed hospitality multiplied her opportunities for serving.
The door of their hospitable home was always cordially open to
the stranger. She was found at the bedside of the sick by night
and by day, and if distress entered the home of a neighbor she
was there.
Like all pioneer women it was her lot to work, work, work,
from early Monday morning till late Saturday night, with Sunday
scarcely excepted. Her household duties were legion. She
spun, wove, and dyed, cut and made all the garments worn by
the entire family, nine in number. She also manufactured the
skins of the deer which her husband killed in hunting into gloves
and mittens, and became such an adept in the business that for
many years she was called upon to make all of the wedding-
gloves worn by the young bridegrooms of Sharon and the
adjacent settlements. These she cut by a pattern. The leather
was used in its natural color. With the proceeds of her glove
industry was purchased, at the distant stores of merchandise at
Ravenna and Pittsburg, all of the wares and notions which were used
by the family during their first ten years in the Ohio wilderness.
gun went — Bang ! Colonel Higley with his gun in hand hurried to the spot. Case had surprised
a big black bear which was feeding among the limbs of a fallen tree in the shadows of the thicket.
Stepping back about three paces he fired, the ball entering the bear's head below the ears and com-
ing out at the nose, tumbling it over, but not killing it. The beast was soon on his feet, running
round and round in a circle. Higley quickly raised his gun to his shoulder and fired, but missed
his aim. They both hastily loaded, but this time their triggers clinked, and their old flint-locks
flashed in the pan ; their guns were wet and they could no longer use them. The bear was badly
wounded and angry. Knowing there was serious danger at hand, the two men yelled for the
Streator brothers, who were fitting up an addition to their log house a quarter of a mile away, who
came with axes and clubs, and all gave chase, the bear now making off toward the swamp, having
recovered himself enough to move as rapidly as a man could easily run.
While he was crossing a little creek on a fallen log, the men with their clubs tried to knock him
off, but could not. On bruin ran. He had just reached the swamp when Alvin Streator struck
him with an ax, which infuriated him even more than before, and the brute showed fight. Alvan
ran and the bear after him. It was a blood-curdling moment. Colonel Higley, Case, and John
Streater hotly pursuing, the latter dashed forward with his ax meaning to deal a blow upon the
bear's head, but his ax glanced as he struck, and the beast whirled and grabbed it, and raising upon
his haunches, he hugged it. Streator, losing his balance by the impetus of quick motion, landed in
the quagmire, sinking above his knees and losing one shoe, which the old men of the neighborhood
still declare " is there yet." It was only by superhuman exertion that he managed to scramble out
of reach of his enraged antagonist.
Just then, as the bear was turning on to the other men, a sway of Colonel Higley's club, with a
terrific blow across the nose, brought him to the ground and he lay dead at their feet.
On skinning the animal it was found that the layer of fat upon its back was nearly four inches in
thickness, which, together with the thick hair, had most effectually warded off the blows from
^L -
the axes.
The bear was allowed for the present to lie where he fell until the next day, when Mr. Cas«
killed a deer near by. So they had a deer and a bear to take home.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY. 317
These employments of her busy fingers were performed in
addition to the usual household duties — cooking, washing, and
ironing, hominy, soap, and cheese making. The manufacture of
cheese was an almost universal industry among the well-to-do
and progressive farmers of the Western Reserve from early in
the century. Butter and cheese were the chief products of the
Higley farm for many years. Mrs. Higley's fame in these arts
extended far beyond the township boundaries.
She was also careful each year to dry native plants to be used
in case of family ailments. Every mother of a household in
those times had certain specifics for every malady that came to
her family. It was many years before physicians were called
upon, — indeed, there were few in that part of the country, and
apothecaries were not known.
Mrs. Sally Higley was stricken by paralysis, which greatly
enfeebled her, a few weeks before her final demise. Her decease
took place October 2, 1849.
To enter the beginnings of a State, when everything was rude
and wild, and share the labors and responsibilities in laying the
foundations of any of its parts is no ordinary place to have occu-
pied in this life.
Although never desiring political preferment, Colonel Benjamin
Higley, in the full spirit of zeal for the public good, did his part
in the essential and steady work of whatever would advance the
interests and improvement of VVindham. He filled almost every
office in town matters into which the townspeople could place
him.
He devised the construction of roads to render the new
country accessible, he surveyed lands, was repeatedly appointed
fence viewer, constable, overseer of the poor, grand juror, and,
as the population increased, he served in arranging and " setting
off " school districts, looked out that schoolhouses were built
and schools established, and aided in building two churches; and,
indeed, grappled with all the measures which the advancement
and well-being of the community demanded.
Colonel Benjamin Higley was commanding in figure, erect,
firm, and military in his bearing. His individuality was strong.
He always bore a thoughtful air. His cheerful and genial spirit
made him companionable to both aged and young alike; children
were his delighted little friends, made happy by listening to his
entertaining stories of adventures with the wild animals and
31 8 THE HIGLEYS AKD THEIR ANCESTRY.
hunting exploits of early times, which he never tired of con-
tributing to their amusement. He was square and upright in his
dealings, though never behind in a bargain.
When well on in years he contracted a second marriage with
Mrs. Elizabeth A. Perkins, a widow, who died April, 1864.
He gave farms in the vicinity of Windham to each one of his
sons, together with his adopted son, and his only surviving
daughter.
He outlived nearly all of his contemporaries, sitting down in
his old age in great tranquillity, after a long life of prosperity and
active usefulness, having followed with deep interest the history of
events, and witnessing his noble State — Ohio — richly endowed
with a high state of cultivation and crowned with upward progress
and prosperity.
He lived on the same farm which he carved out of the wilder-
ness till he entered his ninetieth year, when he peacefully closed
his honored career, and was "gathered to his fathers." He died
July 4, 1867. He was interred in the Windham cemetery, by the
side of his first wife, Sally McKown.
In the First Congregational Church at Windham an attractive
memorial window of stained glass has been placed as a tribute of
honor to his memory; bearing the inscription :
Colonel JBenjamfn
" Sure to the last end
Of the good man is peace ; how calm his exit !
Night dews fall not more gently to the ground,
Nor weary worn out winds expire so soft.
Behold him in the evening-tide of life —
A life well spent, whose early care it was
His riper years should not upbraid his green ;
By unperceived degrees he wears away,
Yet, like the sun, seems larger at his setting. "
The children of Colonel Benjamin and Sally McKown Higley
were as follows :
Robert M., born February 12, 1804; Benjamin £., born April
25, 1807, died September 15, 1826; Lorin, born February 2, 1810;
Matthew P., born September 12, 1813; Sarah Ann, born January
19, 1819; Hannah Z.,born January 2, 1820, accidentally drowned
July 12, 1824; Alfred J/., born December 12, 1822.
ROBERT M. HIGLEY.
CHAPTER XLIV.
DESCENDANTS OF COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY.
"We plow the deep, and reap what others sow."
ROBERT McKowN HIGLEY, the eldest son of Colonel Benja-
min and Sally McKown Higley, was born in Becket, Mass.,
February 12, 1804, and baptized September 20, 1807. He came
to Windham, O., with his parents in 1811. His early years were
spent working upon his father's farm, learning the first lessons of
the privations and toils of a pioneer life. After a school had been
established, he attended it during the winter months. When
about nineteen he one day met with an accident, dislocating his
hip, causing a lameness which affected him the remainder of his
life. After this he made an education his chief aim, attending
the school at Warren, O., and finally was fitted for a successful
instructor. He taught steadily six years.
He married Lydia Mary, daughter of Thatcher Conant, Sr.,
November, 1831. She was born April 23, 1808. They took pos-
session of a farm given him by his father. He afterward entered
into partnership with his brother-in-law, William C. Adams,
pursuing a mercantile business, and while thus engaged made
frequent journeys with teams, then the only method of transporta-
tion, through sloughs of mud and over corduroy roads, to Cleve-
land, Pittsburg, and Wellsville, on the Ohio River, to which
places he took the various products of the farms, exchanging
them for such staple goods as the needs of the frontiersman
required. They could afford no luxuries in those times.
January, 1835, became a way-mark in the family story by the
husband and wife together -making public profession of religion,
uniting with the Congregational Church in Windham, of which
they remained consistent and esteemed members while they
lived.
For many years Robert M. Higley was a very active man in
the public interests of the town. Among many other public ser-
vices rendered acceptably to the inhabitants, he filled the office
320 THE HIGLEY S AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
of justice of the peace for twenty-one years, and was always
known as " Esquire " Higley afterward.
The last years of his life were pathetically spent. Varied
trials combined to weigh down his spirits, and his mind became
clouded. For a period of more than twenty years he was to a
great extent deprived of the ordinary scenes and associations
that make life desirable, remaining in seclusion in his own home,
under the faithful and affectionate care and attentions of his
daughter, Mrs. Mary E. Goodrich. He passed peacefully -away
in his home at Windham, on a Sabbath morning, August 3, 1890,
in the eighty-seventh year of his age.
The decease of his wife took place many years before, her
health having declined by consumption. She died June 20, 1853.
Robert M. and Lydia Conant Higley were the parents of five
children, viz. :
Edward B.; Sarah E.; Mary E.; Lydia ^.,'born March 10,
1841, and died July 2, 1845; Rosaline E., born November 9, 1847,
who married, July 26,. 1870, George W. Finley, and died August
16, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Finley resided in Lawrence, Kans. She
left no children.
EDWARD B. HIGLEY, the eldest child of Robert M. and Lydia
Conant Higley, was born at Windham, O., October 24, 1832. At
an early age he attended the Windham district school, after-
ward entering the Windham Academy. From the age of twelve
he devoted a part of his time gaining experience by clerkship in
a store of general merchandise. At twenty-one he established
a mercantile house for himself, connecting with it the sale and
shipping of dairy and farm products, which he continued for
twenty-eight years in his native town.
On the 7th of November, 1853, he married Julia M., daughter
of Isaac M. Clark of Windham, an old schoolmate. In the
spring of 1882 they removed to Mason City, la., where Mr.
Higley now conducts an extensive wholesale and shipping busi-
ness in poultry, butter, and eggs, with branch houses at Spencer,
la., and in South Dakota. "The enterprising house of E. B.
Higley at Mason City is one of the points west of Chicago which
consolidates and sends to the Eastern seaboard cities a fast stock-
train, laden entirely with the products in which it deals." His
beautiful suburban residence, " Farm Home," at Spencer, where
he resides, is one of the most attractive and desirable pieces of
property in the township.
EDWARD B. HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY. 321
His wife, Julia M. Higley, died at " Farm Home," December
10, 1893. Her body was brought eastward and interred in the
family burial lot at her native town, Windham, O., on the i7th,
the funeral services being held in the Congregational Church,
of which she became a member in February, 1856. The following
extracts are from a sketch of her life which was then presented:
" Julia M. Clark Higley, born in Windham on the 2Oth of June, 1833, the
oldest child of Isaac M. and Sarah (Frary) Clark, was one of a family of seven
children. Her early school advantages in the old academy of Windham gave her
intellectual culture, and nearly two years of earnest study enabled her to complete
the preparatory course at Oberlin, and fitted her for entering the regular college
course in that institution, but her cherished hopes of a thorough education were
blighted by financial reverses in her father's family. On the 7th of November,
1853, she married Edward B. Higley, and in that relation they passed along life's
journey together, mutually sharing their joys and trials for forty years. In intel-
lectual and literary pursuits she took a deep interest, and, from her youthful days
until her later years, was ready to lead or assist in temperance, literary, and social
entertainments in aid of enterprises for the good of others.
" During the war clouds of the Rebellion her voice and musical talents were
prominent in a glee club of this place, which gave admirable concerts, the avails
of which were given to aid in furnishing supplies for the hospitals and the suffering
soldiers. In her later years she read the four years' course laid out by the Chau-
tauqua Literary and Scientific Association, and was a leading active member of the
large Chautauqua class at Spencer, la. , at the time of her death. In horticultural
and floral subjects she was full of enthusiasm, and the plants she cultivated and
the fruits she matured about her home were the admiration of her neighbors. The
pleasure of watching the beauties of the opening flowers and their exquisite color-
ings led her heart to adore the power and goodness of the Creator, in thus bestow-
ing such marvelous loveliness and perfection upon the works of his hand.
"On the approach of death, while conscious of its nearness, she looked forward
to the change that awaited her with a spirit of resignation to God's will, and peace-
fully fell asleep in death on a quiet Sabbath evening."
The Clay County News (Iowa) says of her : " She was a true lover of flowers, a
skilled horticulturist, and was a gifted literary character. She has read many excel-
lent papers at our farmer institutes, and will be sadly missed by that organization ;
and also by the C. L. S. C., of which she was an active and helpful member.
These societies were represented at the funeral among attendants and pallbearers.
The C. L. S. C. presented beautiful floral gifts."
SARAH E. HIGLEY COTTON, the eldest daughter of Robert M.
and Lydia Conant Higley, was born at Windham, O., September
30, 1834, and married, January i, 1848, John Cotton, who was
born in Mahoning County, Ohio, February 9, 1826. Falling a
victim to consumption, Mrs. Cotton's married life extended to a
322 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
period of a little less than six years. She died at Windham, O.,
December 9, 1853. Her husband survived her many years, his
death taking place in Allen County, Indiana, January 26, 1880.
They had one child, viz. :
ROBERT McKowN COTTON, M. D., the only child of John Cotton and Sarah
E. Higley, was born June 9, 1849, at Windham, Portage County, O. He was left
motherless before he was five years of age. He remained under the care of his
father till he was ten, when in the month of July, 1859, he was placed in the home
of his grandfather, Robert M. Higley. Here he resided till May, 1865, assisting
in farm work during the summer and attending the district school about four months
of each winter.
At sixteen he set out to make his own way in the world. He first went to the
State of Illinois, then to Iowa, afterward drifting back to Indiana, and finally to
Michigan ; all the while supporting himself by any employment he could find.
At the same time he was a diligent reader, and spent his Sundays, stormy days,
evenings, and early mornings in studying physiology, chemistry, and other sciences.
He spent one winter in the lumber forests of Michigan, and during this time, in
addition to being regularly employed at work by the month, he managed to take a
course in double entry bookkeeping, by devoting his Sundays and evenings, and
rising at four o'clock in the morning, to study. These efforts prepared him to
pass his examination and enter the department of pharmacy, University of Michi-
gan, on the 1st of January, 1873, though he was three months behind his class, and
was without any experience in compounding drugs.
While passing his senior year in pharmacy, by close application and using great
economy of time, he took the junior year in medicine. He was graduated June
24, 1874, receiving the degree of pharmaceutical chemist ; and was appointed
assistant in analytical chemistry in the chemical laboratory, where he served during
the school years 1874-75. While performing these duties he at the same time
took his senior year in medicine, and was graduated with his class, receiving the
degree of M. D., March 24, 1875.
After leaving the university he gave his attention to pharmacy, residing one
year in Central Illinois. .
February 9, 1876, he married Lina Brown of Ann Arbor, Mich., who was born
near Pickney, Livingstone County, Mich., October II, 1849. They resided in
Fainnount, Neb., three years, where Dr. Cotton practiced medicine in Clay
and Fillimore counties. They then removed to Clyde, Oakland County, Mich.,
remaining there till May, 1887, when he removed with his family to Tyndall, Bon
Homme County, S. D., where he now resides, practicing his profession, and is the
owner of a drug and apothecary store. Children of Dr. Robert M. and Lina
B. Cotton :
Grace Rena, born March 29, 1877, at Fairmont, Neb. ; Nina B., born August
26, 1883, at Clyde. Mich. ; Lyra H., born February 16, 1890, at Tyndal, S. D.
MARY E. HIGLEY, the third child of Robert M. and Lydia
Conant Higley, born October 24, 1838, married William P.
Goodrich, November 25, 1869, who was just six years her senior,
having been born October 24, 1832. William M. Goodrich died
JULIA M. HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY. 323
October 24, 1876. His widow and only surviving child reside in
Windham, O., in the old homestead of her parents. They had
two children, viz. :
Charles C., born October 6, 1870 ; and died, June n, 1878 : Lina M., born
July 13, 1876.
LORIN HIGLEY.
Lorin, Colonel Benjamin, Micah, ist, Joseph, ist, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
I found Him in the shining of the stars,
I mark'd Him in the flowering of His fields,
But in His ways with men I find Him not.
— Idyls of the King.
LORIN HIGLEY, the third son of Colonel Benjamin and Sally
(McKown) Higley, was born in Becket, Mass., February 2, 1810,
and baptized on the i8th of March following. He was brought a
babe to Portage County, Ohio, the following year, on the removal
of his parents westward. The family was the third that arrived
in the township.
His boy-life, spent amid the solitudes and sublimity of the
great forests and chaos of tangled thickets, was full of the variety
of interests associated with the frontiersman's surroundings.
Eager in the pursuit of game, with which the woods abounded, he
had unrestrained fun in trapping and shooting, and many an
adventurous hunt for " coons," oppossums, wild turkeys, squirrels,
and numerous small game, including rattlesnakes, copperheads,
black snakes, and other reptiles. It was no uncommon thing to
any day kill a dozen or more snakes, the rocky hillsides and
ledges being alive with them. He earned his spending money by
tanning the skins of woodchucks, of which he made whip lashes
and sold them, doing a thriving business. Deer, bear, and
wolves were still numerous. The settlers generally made their
shoes of deer skins.
His education was received at the district school. Nobly and
earnestly did he perform his part when he had arrived at mature
years, in the enormous difficulties and labor of opening a new
country, and getting at the fruitful soil; and in bringing the state
of society upward, not in a restricted sense, but in laying the
groundwork upon which the wider and more important economi-
cal features of to-day are developed.
March 8, 1832, Rachel Elmina Frary of Windham became his
wife. On the i6th of January, 1834, they took possession of
324 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY,
a dwelling-house newly completed, which was built on a farm
owned by Lorin Higley, located one and a half miles south-
west of Windham Center. Here they spent fifty years of married
life, much blessed in a social domestic tie, that stood the strain
and stress of the usual cares, anxieties, and disquietudes which
enter into so large a part of this earth-existence.
On the same spot they celebrated their golden wedding, March
8, 1882, an occasion of great interest to the gathered children,
grandchildren, and kindred who hailed them with greetings of
their veneration and love. In the autumn of 1884, — October 22, —
wishing to lay aside the care of a large farm, Mr. Higley pur-
chased a home in Windham village, to which they removed.
On the 29th of April, 1840, Lorin Higley united with the First
Congregational Church of Windham. After this the affairs of
the church, with those of the society, were among his chief
activities and close attachments. For many years he was an
efficient worker in the Sabbath school.
In politics Mr. Higley was a Republican. During his long life
he filled various offices of trust in the township.
His wife, Rachel Elmina Frary, was born in Becket, Mass.,
June 27, 1811. In October, 1829, she came to Windham in com-
pany with her mother, who was then a widow, and six brothers and
a sister, of a family of eleven. The other children remained in
Massachusetts. Soon after their arrival Rachel engaged in
teaching, which she continued till her marriage.
She was a woman of remarkable bodily vigor. For forty-five
years she performed her household duties without having to con-
sult a physician.
She made public profession of religion during the time of a
great revival, and united with the First Congregational Church,
February, 1860. Long before this time, however, she had illus-
trated the life of a Christian by the best of evidence — her daily
walk and example. Quiet, unassuming, patient, and persevering,
her special field of labor and influence was in the circle of her
home. It may well be said of her that "she hath done what
she could." Her children, and many who knew her, delight to
"rise and call her blessed." For many years she suffered with
sciatic rheumatism, together with weakened heart action, which
finally ended her life. Her death took place July i, 1889.
Her husband survived her more than two years, when calmly
and peacefully, on the evening of February 25, 1891, he took his
LORIN HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY 325
departure, joyously realizing the glories of the unseen and
eternal world beyond.
Children of Lorin and Rachel Elmina (Frary) Higley:
Sheldon Frary, Stephen Lorin, William Adams, twins, born and
died March 20, 1842 ; Seymour Augustus and Sarah Ann, twins.
SHELDON FRARY HIGLEY, the eldest child, was born November
24, 1833, at Windham, O. He received his education at the com-
mon school and at the Windham Academy.
On the 6th of May, 1856, he married Cecilia E. Fitch of
Geneva, O., and settled on a farm near his native village. In
February, 1860, he united with the First Congregational Church of
Windham, and the following year was among the first who nobly
and patriotically offered themselves to save the Union in time of
her peril.
It was early in the autumn of 1861 that he enlisted in the 4ist
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served one year in the Civil War,
when he was honorably discharged on account of disability for
further service, caused by ill health. In the spring of 1864 he
again enlisted in the ryist Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for one hun-
dred days, and served his time. At the close of the war he sold
his farm at Windham, and removed to Geneva, O., where he now
resides. Since the year 1866 he has followed commercial travel-
ing. He is also the owner of a well cultivated fruit farm lying
near Geneva.
Sheldon and Cecilia E. (Fitch) Higley are the parents of one
child, Mary Elmina Higley, born July 15, 1867. She received her
education at the Geneva high school, and was a student two
years at Oberlin College. She married, March 23, 1890, Leslie
Harry Webb of Cleveland O., where they now reside.
STEPHEN LORIN HIGLEY, the second child of Lorin and Rachel
E. (Frary) Higley, was born January 27, 1837. In 1857 he went
to the then far West, taking up his residence in Colorado.
On the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted (1861) in the zd
Colorado Cavalry. He was assigned to the staff of General
Blunt. He took part in many severe battles, and continued in
active service till the war ended.
He then returned to Colorado, and pursued his profession of
surveyor, being engaged with Captain E. L. Berthoud's engineer-
ing corps, surveying railroad routes in Colorado. In the autumn
of 1883 he returned to Windham, O., broken in health, and died
January 10, 1884. He never married.
326 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
WILLIAM A. HIGLEY.
William A., Lorin, Benjamin, Micah, ist, Joseph, ist, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
WILLIAM ADAMS HIGLEY, the third child of Lorin and Rachel
E. (Frary) Higley, was born at Windham, O., March i, 1840.
His first school days were spent at the public school in Wind-
ham village. He then pursued the entire academic course at
the Windham Academy; and afterward attended one year the
State Normal School at Geneva, O. His early boyhood and youth
being spent on his father's farm homestead, he became familiar
with agricultural pursuits.
The Civil War roused in William A. Higley, as it did in his two
brothers, the war instinct, as well as his loyal faith in our Govern-
ment; he willingly offered his service in its defense.
On August 31, 1862, the approach of the war on Ohio soil
strangely disquieted the city of Cincinnati. The next day, Sep-
tember i, "the Confederate general, Kirby Smith, with ten thou-
sand men entered Lexington, Ky., and were soon joined by the
daring raider, John Morgan, with his forces. Six thousand of
these troops were sent against Cincinnati.
"The situation looked dark and foreboding. The defeated
troops of the Northern army were falling back to Louisville, Ky.,
and victorious Confederate forces were encamped between the
cities. General Lewis Wallace arrived in Cincinnati and assumed
command. Martial law was proclaimed, and the citizens were
officially notified that ' an active, daring, and powerful enemy
threatened them with every consequence of war.' Business
ceased entirely, banks and schools closed, the street cars were
stopped from running, thousands of citizens organized into mili-
tary companies and began to drill.
" Preparations for defense began on the opposite side of the
Ohio River, where hasty fortifications were traced, guns mounted,
and pickets thrown out. Bankers, clergy, teachers, merchants,
and artisans worked side by side in the entrenchment."1
The citizens filled their cisterns, laid in food supplies, and
hastily prepared for the "siege." It was threatened that the
city was to be burned.
Meanwhile Governor Tod was equally astir, and was fruitful in
his steps for the defense of his State.
1 Extracts from " The Military History of Ohio," p. 188.
DESCENDANTS OF COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY, 327
"The soil of Ohio must not be invaded by the enemies of our
glorious government," he proclaimed, as "he called on all the
border counties to arm in self defense, "and ordered his adjutant-
general to "send forward all available troops instantly; they
were not to be held for muster but to be forwarded."
In every quarter of the State, city, town, and village, volunteer
defenders arose. Farmers and village men turned out by the
thousands, armed with their squirrel guns and shot-pouches.
They had no thought of pay or allowance, or of anything but the
defense of their beloved State and to maintain the nation's honor.
" It was one of the most patriotic actions taken by the men of
Ohio during the entire war. All offers of armed men were
accepted and were ordered to report to General Wallace." For
days these heroic volunteer civilians, so suddenly organized,
"henceforth to be known as the 'Squirrel Hunters,' " moved
toward the threatened city and swarmed its streets. Every rail-
road train brought large detachments of these untrained troops.
One of the first young men of Windham to answer to Governor
Tod's call for defenders was William A. Higley. Full of energy,
life, and spirit, in the prime of strong young manhood, a few
months past twenty-two, he was quick to place himself among
the great reserve power ready for action.
He shouldered his father's old silver-mounted rifle, that had for
forty years served well on many a hunting expedition, and with
which many a wolf and deer had been killed. All night the
members of the family molded bullets, and his patriotic mother
cooked a supply of rations. With a folded blanket upon his back,
without uniform or knapsack, he, with his comrade "Squirrel
Hunters," eagerly set forward and were early the next morning
crowded at the railway station into a sheep transportation car.
It was a rough experience for the farmer boys in exchange for
their soft feather beds and well-laden tables, but the spirit of
fight and defense was in every heart, and determination was upon
every face. Each man made up his full contribution to the com-
mon defense.
On arriving at Cincinnati these troops were transported and
stationed across the Ohio River on the Kentucky shore opposite
the city. Here they stood vigilant and ready for determined
action every hour of the day, and all night they laid upon their
arms.
"On the night of September 9 the advance of General Kirby
328 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Smith's forces were so near the outskirts of the defenses that
several skirmishes took place. In the city excitement reached
its height."1 September n the Confederate forces under General
Smith began to retreat, and on the i3th the volunteers were dis-
missed with public appreciation and pride of thousands of grate-
ful citizens for their noble service. The Windham "boys"
arrived home on Sunday, the i4th.
The following is a copy of the official discharge received by
Mr. Higley and his gallant comrades.
"THE SQUIRREL HUNTERS' DISCHARGE.
" Cincinnati was menaced by the enemies of our Union.
" DAVID TOD, Governor of Ohio, called on the Minute Men of the State, and
the Squirrel Hunters came by thousands to the rescue.
"You, WILLIAM A. HIGLEY, were one of them, and this is your HONORABLE
DISCHARGE.
" September, 1862.
"CHARLES W. HILL.
" Approved by " Adjt.-Gen. of Ohio.
" DAVID TOD,
"Governor. "MALCOLM MCDOWELL,
" Major and A. D. C."
The following Certificate was subsequently issued by the
Governor of Ohio:
THE GRKAT SEAL) 'THE STATE OF OHIO,
"j STATE OFOHIO, \ " EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
1802. ;
v y / " COLUMBUS, March 4th, 1863.
"To WILLIAM A. HIGLEY, ESQR., of Portage County, O. The Legislature of
our State has this day passed the following Resolution :
" Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Ohio,
That the Governor be, and he is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate out
of his contingent fund, a sufficient sum to pay for printing and lithographing dis-
charges for the patriotic men of the State, who responded to the call of the Gov-
ernor, and went to our Southern border to repel the invaders, and who will be known
in history as the ' SQUIRREL HUNTERS.'
"And in obedience thereto, I do most cheerfully herewith inclose a Certificate
of your service. But for the gallant services of yourself and the other members of
the corps of patriotic ' Squirrel Hunters,' rendered in September last, Ohio, our
dear State, would have been invaded by a band of pirates determined to overthrow
the best government on earth ; our wives and children would have been violated
and murdered, and our homes plundered and sacked. Your children, and your
children's children, will be proud to know that you were one of this glorious band.
" Preserve the Certificate of service and discharge, herewith enclosed to you, as
1 "The Military History of Ohio."
DESCENDANTS OF COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY. 329
evidence of this gallantry. The rebellion is not yet crushed out, and therefore the
discharge may not be final : Keep the old gun then in order ; see that the
powder horn and bullet pouch are supplied, and caution your patriotic mothers or
wives to be at all times prepared to furnish you a few days cooked rations so that
if your services are called for (which may God in his infinite goodness forbid), you
may again prove yourselves ' Minute Men,' and again protect our loved homes.
" Invoking God's choicest blessings upon yourself and all who are dear to you,
" I am very truly, Yours,
"DAVID TOD, Governor."
On May 4, 1864, William A. Higley again entered the Civil
War, joining the lyist Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company I,
Ohio National Guard, and served his full term of enlistment.
The story of this regiment is related in the sketch of Corporal
Alfred M. Higley, the uncle of Mr. Higley, who belonged to the
same company and regiment.
William A. Higley was assigned to the quartermaster's de-
partment. After his regiment suffered defeat by superiority of
numbers at the battle of Cynthiana, Ky. , and were taken pris-
oners and finally paroled, he met the scattered forces when
they again collected together at Camp Dennison, O. He
remained with the regiment, doing guard duty on Johnson's
Island, till it received its honorable discharge at Sandusky, O.,
August 20, 1864.
Mr. Higley has always resided in Windham. He has for
many years owned a commodious, well-appointed home in the
village, and a farm on the outskirts. For twenty-six years he
has been engaged in commercial traveling, having been associated
the greater part of this period with the National Lead Co. of
New York, his business office being in Cleveland, O. With
every detail of the business he is thoroughly familiar, and has
brought to the Company in the discharge of his duties rare and
faithful energy and business ability.
The successful issue of that pleasant occasion, the general
family reunion in 1889' of the Higleys at Windham, O., was
largely due to Mr. Higley's efficient oversight and labors,
together with his genial welcome to the guests, leaving nothing
omitted which could contribute to their comfort and pleasure.
In the cordial hospitality of his home, his wife and household add
their full share.
William A. Higley is a pushing man, of varied knowledge, and
1 See sketch of Alfred M. Higley, p. 335.
33° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
of generous character. He possesses a graceful geniality and
pleasant friendliness at all times, to which he owes in a large
measure the popular high esteem in which he is held.
His wife, Elizabeth Elmina Scott, was the daughter of David
Scott of Becket, Mass., who came to the township of Freedom,
O., about 1828-29, and Sarah Philena Marcy, who arrived from
Otis, Mass., at Freedom, January 13, 1828.
Thomas and Elizabeth M. Marcy, the parents of Sarah Philena
Marcy (and grandparents to Elizabeth Scott Higley), were
among the early founders of Freedom township, and among the
organizers of the first church in the town — February 10, 1828.
Their daughter, Sarah, was a woman of deep practical piety, and
an excellent scholar for those times, and has left upon record
interesting reminiscences of her devoted life. She married David
Scott,1 November 18, 1830. They settled on a farm near Drakes-
burg, O., and here Mrs. Elizabeth Scott Higley was born, July 7,
1842. She resided with her parents, near Drakesburg, till March,
1860, when the family removed to Windham, O. Five years and
six months later she became the wife of William A. Higley.
She is of a cheerful and remarkably serene nature, of which her
kind face is an index, gentle in social life, and diffident of her
excellent abilities. Mrs. Higley is an admirable wife, well quali-
fied to be the kindly companion of her husband.
William A. Higley and Elizabeth E. Scott were married at
Windham, Octobers, 1865. Their children:
LUTHER SCOTT HIGLEY, the eldest, was born November 2, 1866. He was
graduated from the high school of Windham, June, 1886, and entered the university
at Worcester in September of the same year ; but was unfortunately not able to
complete the course on account of impaired eyesight, which forced him to abandon
his studies in the autumn of 1888.
He resides in Cleveland, O., and is engaged in business with the Standard Sew-
ing Machine Company of that city. From his boyhood he has given considerable
earnest attention to music, and is well-skilled in the use of the cornet, bearing a high
reputation as a performer in B flat.
JOSEPHINE MARCY HIGLEY, the second child of William A. and Elizabeth E.
Scott Higley, was born September 26, 1874. She was a bright and interesting
schoolgirl while pursuing her studies in the high school at Windham. She is
making a specialty of music.
SEYMOUR A. and SARAH ANN HIGLEY, twin children of Lorin
and Rachel E. (Frary) Higley, were born June 8, 1845.
1 David Scott was born at Becket, Mass., 1803. He died at Windham, O., March 28, 1877. His
wife, Sarah Philena Marcy, was born 1807, and died August i, 1876.
MATHEW P. HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY. 331
They attended together the common school in Windham and
afterward the Windham Academy, closing their schooldays by a
course at the Hiram Collegiate Institute.
Sarah Ann married, September 2, 1875, John Luther Miner,
who was born and brought up in Cornwall, Conn. They reside in
Jamestown, N. Y. They have but one surviving child :
Lorin Luther, born January 20, 1878.
Seymour A. Higley married, October 13, 1880, Emma R.
Sheldon 1 of Aurora, O. He is the owner of, and resides in, the
old homestead and on the farm near Windham village, where
his parents founded their hearthstone in 1834. Their children
are :
Nellie Gertrude, born March 31, 1883; Benjamin Sheldon, born
June 6, 1890; Herbert Seymour, born , 1894.
MATTHEW P. HIGLEY.
Matthew P., Colonel Benjamin, Micah, ist, Joseph, ist, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
Behold the upright : for the end of that man is peace. — PSALM xxxvii.
MATTHEW P. HIGLEY, the fourth son of Colonel Benjamin
Higley, was born at Windham, O., September 12, 1813. He was
the second male child born in the township. In his youth he
attended the district school, but later on he acquired a good
rudimentary education at the academy in Windham Center.
Until he reached the age of twenty-one, when not in school he
did the work usually falling to farmers' sons. Strength and
muscle, with close application to the hard toil of farm life, was
prized in those days as a card to good standing in the com-
munity, quite as much as books and book-learning.
On reaching his majority his father gave him a farm, which he
subsequently sold in order to purchase one containing a greater
number of acres. He received his pay in patent clocks, which he
traded in part payment for a fine farm located in the adjoining
township of Paris. Here he built, in 1840, a house and two barns,
and resided nine years.
He married, September 25, 1839, Luna C. Robbins, daughter of
Philander and Lydia Robbins of Warren, Herkimer County, N. Y.
1 Judge Ebene/er Sheldon, the grandfather of Emma R. (Sheldon) Higley, was from Sufiield,
Conn., and was the first settler of Aurora township, arriving in Portage County, Ohio, June, 1779,
Her father, Ebenezer Sheldon, Jr., came to Aurora in 1800.
332 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
In 1849 he purchased a farm in Windham township, on which he
built a residence which the family occupied till the autumn of
1870. Retiring then from active life, he removed to Windham
village, purchasing the old academy building in which he received
his education and fitting it up as a pleasant residence. During
the last days of his well-spent life, he occupied the same room in
which he pursued his studies when in the vivacity of youth, more
than sixty years before. He was long a familiar figure to the
citizens in his walks through the streets, greeting with the same
friendliness the humble and the well-to-do alike.
Like his parents and brothers, Matthew P. Higley early came
to believe in the principles of the Gospel. He united with the
First Congregational Church of Windham in 1840. The moral
weight of his father's umblemished character rested, too, upon this
son as it did upon his brothers. His habits were always exem-
plary, and he enjoyed the esteem of the community.
The evening of his days were happily and contentedly spent.
He retained his full interest in the current affairs of life, though
in August, 1^90, he had a light stroke of paralysis, which greatly
enfeebled him physically.
On the 25th of September, 1889, Mr. Higley and his wife cele-
brated the very interesting occasion of their golden wedding, as
well as the tenth anniversary of the marriage of their daughter,
receiving the congratulations of their numerous kins-people and
friends.
They bore in their beautiful old age the armor triumphant of the
Christian; in happy cheerfulness looking toward the golden era
in the life beyond, which they calmly approached.
Matthew Higley died November, 1893. Children of Matthew
P. and Luna C. (Robbins) Higley: Hannah Lovisa ; Philander
Robbins j Marion C.; Perkins B.; Frank M.y born April 24, 1857,
died March i, 1865; David Mack.
HANNAH LOVISA HIGLEY, the eldest child of Matthew P. and Luna C. (Rob-
bins) Higley, was born August 15, 1841, and married Henry B. Walden, November
25, 1863. They are prosperous farmers in Windham.
Mr. Walden did soldierly duty in the late war, entering, in the spring of 1864,
the I7ist Regiment Ohio National Guard, serving with the one-hundred-day men,
and seeing active service in the engagement at Cynthiana, Ky.
Their children are :
Frank, born February 3, 1866; Luna C., born August 18, 1867; Delia A. ,
born October 12, 1873 ; and Caroline M., born January 30, 1875.
DESCENDANTS OF COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY. 333
PHILANDER R. HIGLEY, the second child of Matthew P. and Luna C. (Robbins)
Higley, was born in the township of Paris, Portage County, O., January 17, 1843.
He received his early education at the public school and the academy in Wind-
ham, afterward taking the course at the Hiram Collegiate Institute, followed by a
full commercial course at Eastman's College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
When the emergency of the Civil War called men into action, Philander Higley
came to the front. On the sudden demand for defenders of the city of Cincinnati
and the southern border of Ohio, in 1862, he tendered his services for duty, and
joined the " Squirrel Hunters" brigade. This service, however, as has been
already stated, was of short duration. Mr. Higley received a certificate of com-
mendation, which was ordered by the State Legislature and signed by the Governor,
for his prompt and loyal response to the call for troops.
In May, 1864, when he had only recently passed his twenty-first birthday, he
entered the Union Army, with the lyist Regiment, Company I, Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, a company composed chiefly of his fellow-citizens. With his regiment he
passed through the rough foray when General John Morgan's men stole upon the
Union forces unexpectedly at Cynthiana, Ky., a severe fight following, in which
cannon ball and shot did deadly work. Philander Higley showed hero blood, doing
brave and noble service as color-corporal of his company. He was captured and
made prisoner, but was, with his comrades, finally paroled. He was in the war
service till the term of his enlistment expired, and received an honorable discharge.
On the I2th of October, 1870, he married Adelaide Cannon, daughter of Reuben
P. Cannon of Aurora, O. They are the parents of one child, a daughter, named
Maude, who was born December 20, 1877. They reside in Windham, O., and
own a farm in the vicinity of the village.
MARION C. HIGLEY, third child of Matthew P. and Luna C. (Robbins) Higley,
was born June 13, 1848. Her schooldays were spent at the \Vindham public
school, and at the Hiram Collegiate Institute ; afterward she spent one year at the
Lake Erie Female Seminary at Painsville, O.
She married, September 25, 1879, Frank O. Wadsworth, and became the mother
of three children, viz.:
Lee O. Wadsworth, born May 20, 1883 ; Flora V., born June 13, 1885 ; and
Luna Olive, born March 20, 1887. They resided at San Diego, Cal., where Mr.
Wadsworth engaged in the culture of tropical fruits. Mrs. Marion C. Wadsworth
died of cancer May 10, 1892, and was interred at San Diego.
PERKINS B. HiGLEY.the fourth child of Matthew P. and Luna C. (Robbins) Higley,
was born at \Vindham, O., July 3, 1851. He received his education at the Windham
schools. He married, December 15, 1875, Harriet Messenger, and owns a farm in
Windham, upon which he resides. .Mr. and Mrs. Higley have three children, viz.:
Lulu M., born August 9, 1877 ; Bertha M., born November 6, 1881 ; and Ray,
born March 20, 1887.
DAVID MACK HIGLEY, the sixth child and youngest son of Matthew P. and Luna
C. (Robbins) Higley, was born December 16, 1858. He attended the Windham
schools. On the iSth of October, 1883, he married Lucretia R. Cannon of
Aurora, O., aud now resides upon his farm in Wrindham.
He displays a highly creditable talent in music, and plays alto, in the musical
organization known as the " Windham Band."
Their first child, Clayton Cannon Higley, was born June 26, 1895.
334 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
MRS. SARAH ANN HIGLEY ADAMS.
Continued front page 318.
SARAH ANN HIGLEY, daughter of Colonel Benjamin and Sally
McKown Higley, was born at Windham, O., January 19, 1817.
When quite young she was sent from home to attend school at
New Lisbon, O. On the i2th of July, 1832, when she had scarce
passed her fifteenth birthday, she married William C. Adams of
New Lisbon. They took up their residence at Newton Falls.
Two years later they removed to Windham. Mr. Adams here
conducted a dry goods mercantile business, in which he con-
tinued till 1850, when he retired from active business life. The
marriage was one of mutual happiness and comfort. After a
lapse of nineteen years Mrs. Adams fell a prey to that insidious
disease — consumption, which, after some months of suffering,
proved fatal. She died December 27, 1851.
William C. Adams passed the remaining years of his life, after
retiring from business, living quietly in Windham. June 9, 1853,
he married Eliza McClintock. He died , 1875, aged
seventy.
William C. and Sarah A. Higley Adams were the parents of
twelve children, only two of whom survived infancy; ten little
ones passing away between April 3, 1835, and June 4, 1848.
Benjamin Higley, the oldest child, survived ; and Mary Ann, the
youngest.
BENJAMIN HIGLEY ADAMS, the eldest child of Sarah Ann Higley and William
C. Adams, was born at Windham, O., September 6, 1833. He was educated at the
academy in his native town, leaving school in 1852.
In 1854 he went to the then far West, now the State of Nebraska, where he se-
cured a tract of land near Plattsmouth and remained two years. He afterward went
to Colorado, but returned to Windham in 1857, and studied law in the O. S. & W.
Law College at Cleveland and was admitted to the bar May 17, 1859. The
autumn of the same year he went back to Plattsmouth, Neb., and entered upon the
practice of his profession.
In the early beginning of the Civil War he enlisted in the I4th Ohio Indepen-
dent Battery, and was mustered into service September 10, 1861. Holding the
responsible position of chief gunner of his battery, he proved himself a gallant
soldier. At the memorable battle of Pittsburg Landing he was in the thickest of
the fight, with determined bravery courageously remaining the last man at the guns,
barely escaping being made a prisoner, when, "owing to failure of infantry sup-
port, its guns were captured."
Taking a severe cold the night after the battle, he fell seriously ill, and was
DESCENDANTS OF COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY. 335
brought home by his father, who had hastened to him, reaching Windham, June 16,
1862. He died six days after, at the early age of twenty-eight.
MARY ANN, the youngest child of William C. and Sarah Ann Higley Adams,
was born at Windham, O., February 22, 1850. The year following, when she was
scarce yet two years of age, she was left a motherless infant. In Eliza McClintock,
who became her second mother, she found a kind-hearted, careful guardian, who
devoted much faithful attention to her home training and education. Her school-
days were spent, after attending the Windham Academy, at the Lake Erie Female
Seminary at Painesville, O. At the general reunion of the Higley Family held
at Windham, 1889, she presented an original poem, entitled " Our Family Tree,"
which, with the fine effect with which it was read, was received with much
enthusiasm.
She married, September I, 1887, John D. Bosley of Johnstown, Penn., where
they now reside.
ALFRED M. HIGLEY.
Continued from page 318.
ALFRED M. HIGLEY, the youngest son of Colonel Benjamin
and Sally McKown Higley, was born at Windham, O., December
2, 1822. He spent his youth in the rude toil incident to the
Ohio farmer-pioneer's life. The district school was the scene of
his first efforts for an education. Later on he enjoyed the advan-
tages of the academy in his native town. He was eminently
a child of religious stock, his home life and associations being
spent amid intelligent Christian surroundings.
At twenty he made public profession of religion and united
with the First Congregational Church of Windham, to which he
was a close adherent and a valuable member as long as he lived.
Possessing a pleasant and amiable disposition, he endeared him-
self to a wide circle who prized his friendship.
At twenty-two, January 9, 1845, ne married Mary R. Knapp
of Geneva, O., and by virtue of being the youngest son of his
father's family, he remained with his parents, taking his young
wife to their home. Here they launched out upon life together
under happy and comfortable circumstances. A diligent, stead-
fast, and honorable life," spent mostly in agriculture pursuits,
brought him an ample competency, though in after years he met
with reverses which somewhat reduced his living.
In May, 1864, at the trumpet call of the Civil War, he volun-
teered his services to do soldierly duty, joining the one-hundred-
day men of the Ohio National Guard, who composed a part of
the lyist Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Alfred M. Higley
336 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
was made corporal, Company I. In the same regiment were his
three nephews.
The regiment was mustered into service at Sandusky, O., and
placed on duty on Johnson's Island, Lake Erie. In June it was
sent to Kentucky, detailed to meet General Morgan and his
guerrillas, who were near Cynthiana. Immediately after arrival
hot work began, the regiment finding itself suddenly surprised
and surrounded by Confederate forces numbering full two-
thirds more than its own men. They fought after bush-whacking
fashion. The unequal battle continued five hours, against great
disadvantages to the Northern troops, many of whom were
untrained soldiers. After stubborn resistance General Hobson
was forced to accept a flag of truce ; however, the service
of the Federals was creditable, and they afterward received
high commendations for displaying great personal courage. On
being surrounded and taken prisoners they endured the hard-
ships of a chilly night, without food or shelter, and were marched
fourteen miles beyond the Confederate lines, where they were
paroled without blankets, or rations, or arms for defense. They
rapidly made their way to Augusta, on the banks of the Ohio
River, forty miles distant, crossed the river, and finally joined
their comrades who had come into camp before them at Camp
Dennison, O.
Being paroled, the regiment was returned to its old camp on
Johnson's Island and could not be placed on duty for some
time; it then served on guard duty till the expiration of the
term of enlistment, when it was honorably discharged and mus-
tered out of service, Corporal Higley returning to his home at
Windham.
During the winter of 1866-67 he made a journey to California,
sailing from New York in December, and going by the way of
the Isthmus. He arriving in San Francisco after a delightful
voyage, January 19. He spent several months visiting different
parts of the State. Returning via Panama, he arrived in Wind-
ham July 5, just in time to attend the funeral of his aged father.
On the 5th of September, 1889, a notable event took place at
the homestead of Alfred M. Higley, on the old family estate of
his father, Colonel Benjamin Higley — the fourth annual reunion
of the widely-extended Higley Family of this country. By
general invitation of Alfred M., and his nephew, William A.,
Higley, the large assemblage of kindred and connections, num-
ALFRED M. HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY. 337
bering full three hundred, from several States, convened, and met
a welcome in keeping with the generous and true hospitality
with which the host and his excellent wife, with all of this branch
of the Family joined by the descendants of Joseph Higley, 3d, have
a well merited reputation. The rural feast was a thoroughly
enjoyable success, a rich profusion of table varieties being served
in tents erected for this special purpose. Formal exercises
were held, at which able historical addresses were delivered by
the Hon. Warren Higley of New York and Hon. Brainard S.
Higley of Youngstown, O., and a historical paper presented
by Mrs. Mary Coffin Johnson of Brooklyn, N. Y. Mrs. Mary
Ann Bosley read an original poem. The occasion was enlivened
by music given by the Windham Cornet Band, several members
of which were of Higley families. Those present will long
remember the tall and dignified presence of Alfred M. Higley,
who presided on the interesting occasion, as he gave one and all,
in a neat and graceful speech, a most kindly and hearty welcome
to his home, "the old land-mark of his tribe, where seventy-
eight years before a dense forest had covered the ground"; as
well as the enjoyable day when old friendships were renewed,
and blood relations for the first time met and became acquainted.
Scarce one year had closed its days, bringing the next annual
reunion close at hand, when the scene at the old Windham home-
stead was suddenly and wholly changed.
" They bade adieu to gladness,
And joy was turned to sadness ; —
Life seemed a desert."
Love was weeping in secret as well as openly. From the same
home in which he was born, and in which he had always lived,
the subject of this sketch departed " to a better country, that is
an heavenly."
His decease took place August 17, 1890, in the sixty-eighth year
of his age. He left the precious legacy of a life above reproach,
commanding the respect and trust of all who knew him.
His wife, Mary Robbins Knapp, who survives him, was the
daughter of Orin Knapp and Sarah M. Burrell, and was born in
Geneva, O., March 16, 1823. Her parents came to Geneva, O.,
when they were young people, Mr. Knapp being a native of
Norfolk, Conn., and Sarah Burrell of Sheffield, Mass. They were
married in 1819. Mrs. Higley's childhood was spent in Geneva,
338 THE HIGLEYS AXD THEIR ANCESTRY.
her native place, where she attended a select school. She after-
ward received two years' instruction at the Windham Academy,
and attended an academy at Conneaut, O.. She then became a
teacher for three years previous to her marriage. She united
with the First Congregational Church at Windham at thirteen
years of age.
Children of Alfred M. and Mary R. Knapp Higley:
Sarah Maria, born August 10, 1847; Burrell Alfred, born
November 25, 1850; Arthur Stanley, born March i, 1861.
SARAH M. HIGLEY, the eldest child, received her education at the Windham
district and high school, and at the Hiram Collegiate Institute, afterward spend-
ing one year at the Lake Erie Female Seminary. She married, November 13, 1867,
Sergeant Edward Payson Clark of Windham, who had made a most honorable
record during three years' service in the Civil War, having enlisted in its early
history in Company D, iO4th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and when mustered out was
first sergeant of his company. He fought in engagements at twelve different
points.
In company with her husband, Mrs. Sarah M. Higley Clark openly professed reli-
gion, uniting with the Congregational Church at Windham, during a time of revival,
March, 1868. She was of a happy, genial disposition, endearing herself to all who
knew her. She died January 5, 1874, leaving one child, Edward Alfred Clark,
who was born January 22, 1870, and resides with his father.
BURRELL ALFRED HIGLEY, the second child of Alfred M. and Mary R.
(Knapp) Higley, was born November 25, 1850. He received his education at the
district and high school in Windham, afterward taking the preparatory course of
Oberlin College. He then attended the Commercial College at Mount Union, O.
At the age of seventeen he united with the First Congregational Church of
Windham, in the work of which he took an active part, filling various offices. In
a business line he was a merchant of Windham village, where he resided.
He married, November II, 1878, Rilla E. Bosley. But the bright lives of these
excellent young people were destined to a short duration. Burrell A. Higley died
October 17, 1885. His wife survived him but five brief months. She died March
16, 1886.
Of a cheerful temperament and a generous nature, Mr. Higley left behind him a
life fragrant with excellencies of character, the perfume of which still lives in the
hearts of his friends and associates.
ARTHUR STANLEY HIGLEY, the youngest son of Alfred M. and Mary R.
(Knapp) Higley, was born March I, 1861. He attended the Windham schools,
afterward studying two years at the Newton Falls High School. He completed
his education by taking a full course in the Commercial Department of the Normal
School at Ada, O., receiving a diploma February 24, 1882.
Mr. Higley has by energetic and faithful practice developed his natural talent for
music, and attained skill as a performer on the solo cornet, in B flat. He is the
cornetist at the regular services of his church, and a member of a musical union of
local fame, which gives regular weekly village open air concerts, and is much in
request to play on public occasions in neighboring cities.
DESCENDANTS OF COLONEL BENJAMIN HIGLEY. 339
He owns the farm near Windham village once the old homestead of his grand-
father, Colonel Benjamin Higley, which has come into his possession in succession,
and partly by purchase, and where he now resides.
Mr. Higley possesses a frank, clever personality ; he is a successful farmer of
intelligence and unusual enterprise.
He married, October 27, 1886, Alta E. Hudson, formerly of Edinburg, O.
They together united with the First Congregational Church of Windham, March,
1887.
Arthur S. and Alta E. Higley are the parents of two children, viz. :
Florence Mildred, born November 7, 1888 ; and Ruby Lucille, born July 21,
1893-
CHAPTER XLV.
LIEUTENANT ASA HIGLEY.
Asa, ist, Joseph, ist, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
Continued from page 286.
Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another
generation. — JOEL i. 3.
ASA HIGLEY, ist, the third son of Captain Joseph Higley, ist,
and his second wife, Sarah Case, was born at Higley-town, Sims-
bury, Conn., January 31, 1745.
It appears to have been the design of Captain Joseph Higley to
settle his four eldest sons in Becket, Mass., at which place he
purchased lands, intending that his youngest son, Simeon, should
remain with him at the home farm in Higley-town.
The two eldest, Joseph and Micah, fulfilling their father's
wishes, removed to Becket, but Asa and his next younger brother,
Ozias, absolutely refused to go; whereupon their father sternly
declined to give them a start in life. They were, however, strong,
independent, and energetic, and not being daunted, arose to their
emergency. To the mountain sides in West Granby they went,
where they purchased lands a mile west of West Granby Center,
contracting a debt for the same by agreeing to pay two bushels
of wheat per acre.
The times of the Revolution found them with some remaining
^debt; yet, full of the military spirit, when open war came, they
were ready to march against the British.
Asa Higley, ist, served with the Connecticut State troops, iSth
Militia Regiment, entering the army under Captain Samuel Hays.
He was corporal of his company.1 They arrived in New York,
August 22, 1776. He was with the American army when the
forces found their retreat cut off after the disastrous defeat
upon Long Island, and his general with his forces charged and
broke through the British lines, reaching their camp with great
loss of life and at great peril. Hundreds were killed and made
prisoners, but Corporal Higley was among the fortunate. He
1 " Record of Connecticut Men in the War of the Revolution."
34<>
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, \ST. 341
was afterward in the fight at Horse Neck, and in the battle at
White Plains, October 28, 1776. After the battle of Horse Neck,
overcome by fatigue and exposure, he suffered from a serious ill-
ness, which well-nigh cost him his life. Careful nursing at his
home, to which he was removed, together with a fine constitu-
tion, restored him, and no sooner was his health regained, than he
hurried back to the fight for liberty.
He was then promoted to the rank of lieutenant. The follow-
ing year he was in the fierce encounter with Burgoyne at Still-
water and Saratoga. After Burgoyne's surrender, October, 1777,
Lieutenant Asa was detailed with his company to guard the
British prisoners on their march to Boston.
When the Revolutionary Army was disbanded he returned with
his brother to their farm in Granby. Captain Joseph Higley, now
seeing that these sons were industrious and thrifty, relented and
assisted them to remove the debt from their land.
The date of Lieutenant Asa Higley's marriage has not been
ascertained. It was about the year 1770. His wife was Eunice
Colton, daughter of the Rev. Eli Colton.
They resided as long as they lived upon the farm which he,
with his brother Ozias, purchased before the Revolutionary War.
An old record states that he "was a respectable farmer and that
both he and his wife were worthy professors of religion." They
were members of the church at North Granby. They together
"owned ye Covenant," December 29, 1771. It is probable
that they took this step the year after their marriage. Asa
had faithfully attended the Simsbury Church before going to
Granby, since we find "the great pew in the gallery " assigned by
the town committee for his use in 1768. In November, 1786, he
was reappointed tything man, having previously filled the
office; he was surveyor in 1793, and frequently served as grand
juror.
Lieutenant Asa Higley died early in 1805.
His will was received at the Court of Probate on the 28th of
March of that year. It was dated one year previous, March 12,
1804, and the indications are that he was in declining health for
many months. His will states that: "Laboring under infirmi-
ties tending to dissolution, and sensible that the time of my
departure is at hand, that my house may be set in order I have
thought fit to dispose of my affairs," etc. He left substantial
legacies to "his beloved wife Eunice," to his sons Asa and
23
342 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Pliny, and to his two daughters. His son Asa was named as his
executor.
The place of his burial remains undiscovered.
Their children were :
Asa, ad, Eunice, Theodosia, and Pliny.
i
CHILDREN OF LIEUTENANT ASA AND EUNICE (COLTON) HIGLEY.
CAPTAIN ASA HIG^EY (2d), born October 13, 1771, spent his
life in West Granby, Conn., upon the homestead farm that had
belonged to his father. He was made freeman September 15,
1794, at the age of twenty-three.
He married Ruth, daughter of Noadiah Kendall; the date of
the marriage has not been found.
On the 7th of July, 1822, Asa, with his wife Ruth, were admitted
to the First Congregational Church, North Granby, on profession
of their faith, and they appear afterward to have continued faith-
ful members till their decease, living lives that commanded the
fullest respect of all who knew them.
The absence of data prevents a record here of Asa, 2d's, mili-
tary deeds. He served, in all probability, with the Connecticut
State troops in the war of 1812. From many allusions found in
old writings, as well as from the inscription upon his tombstone,
it is known that he held the rank of captain, and that he was
known in the community as " Captain Asa Higley."
Captain- Asa and Ruth (Kendall) Higley were the parents of
eleven children, three of whom died in infancy. On the 8th of
September, 1832, two months after their parents were received
into membership, seven of these children were baptized on one
day in the North Granby Church.
Captain Asa Higley died September 2, 1840. His wife died
July 19, 1843.
His tombstone is thus inscribed :
1Tn flfcemorB of
Capt. Ssa •flbtglcE
wbo Died
September 2«*> 1840
69.
How blessed are the pious dead
Who follow Christ their living head,
They rest in peace, their crown receive,
In yonder heaven of perfect love.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, 1ST. 343
His will was admitted to the Court of Probate, Granby, Sep-
tember 31, 1840.
Their children were:
Asa, 3d, Eunice, Harold, Gunilda, Adune, Theodocia, Ruth, and
Miranda. The dates of births have not been furnished.
CAPTAIN ASA HIGLEY, 3D.
Asa 3d, Captain Asa, Lieutenant Asa, Joseph, ist, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
ASA HIGLEY, 3d, the oldest child of Captain Asa and Ruth
(Kendall) Higley, was born in West Granby, Conn., May 16, 1806.
He acquired a fair education by devoting his leisure hours from
farm work to study, and also attended the country school.
While yet a young man he taught several school terms. He was
devoted to music, by which he was made captive. Possessing
decided ability, never was his time spent so happily as when in
the company of his musical friends. He conducted the musical
services of the Methodist Episcopal Church at West Granby for
more than twenty-five years.
In his early years he learned a trade, that of carpenter and
joiner, which he successfully practiced till he was near forty. He
then retired to a farm.
He always took an active part in politics, and was elected con-
stable of the township; and afterward, in 1842, filled the office
of justice of the peace, giving general satisfaction. Later on he
turned his attention to the study of law, of which he acquired con-
siderable knowledge, though his ambition never led him to apply
for admission to the bar. He, however, successfully handled
legal cases during the last years of his life, frequently being
retained by the sturdy and honest farmers against able opponents.
He made a good collector, and established a fair legal business.
He served for some years as captain of the militia, and was still
an officer when military drill was set aside. He lived an honor-
able, upright, and useful life, and died May, 1869, in the sixty-
fourth year of his age.
His wife was Eliza, daughter of Nathaniel Pratt, whom he
married in West Granby in 1835. They were the parents of
three children, viz. :
Brewster Asa, Perry, and Eliza Annan.
BREWSTER ASA HIGLEY, their eldest child, was born at West Granby, Conn.,
January 21, 1836. There he grew to manhood. He received his education at the
344 THE H 1C LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
district school and worked upon the farm until he reached his majority. He then
for two successive years taught the winter terms of a country school.
In September, 1860, he removed to Gustavus, Trumbull County, O., and was
engaged for several years in a mercantile business with an uncle. Here he mar-
ried, in 1865, loa Stephenson. Five years after his marriage it was decided to re-
move to Kansas for a change of climate, hoping to benefit the health of his wife.
The adventure met financially with ill success, and their hopes not being realized,
they returned eastward, and settled at Mercer, Pa., in 1880, where Mr. Higley
was engaged for ten years with the Mercer Woolen Mills. In 1891 he removed
to Toledo, O., where he held a position with the Armada Mills in that city.
They have one child, a son, named Henry Clay Higley, born January 31, 1871.
PERRY HIGLEY, the second child of Asa Higley, 3d, and Eliza Pratt, was born
November 25, 1837. He attended the town school, working upon the farm during
summers.
In the year 1862 he took a journey to California, and being delighted with the
fair country, found employment on a fruit farm near San Jose, where he remained
a year. He then returned to his home in Granby, Conn. On the death of his
father he was engaged for some time as superintendent of a department in the
Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine manufactory at Bridgeport, Conn., and sub-
sequently was engaged with the Monumental Zinc Works in the same city. He
resided in Bridgeport for several years.
He is a man of powerful strength, and fearless in exercising it when occasion
requires. Holding the office of constable while a resident of Granby, he some-
times made daring arrests of wild or vicious persons who were holding at bay a
crowd of townspeople. His great physical vigor has sometimes led him into odd
experiences, as well as caused him to be a terror to evil-doers.
Perry Higley married Kate, daughter of Martin Kelly, of Ansonia, Conn. They
have no children. He resides in Brooklyn, N. Y.
ELIZA, the third child of Asa Higley, 3d, and Eliza Pratt, was born March 8,
1839. Her early education was received at the academy in West Granby, and
finished at Wilbraham, Mass. Possessing a bright intellect, she had a taste for
study and ranked one of the first in her class. After her schooldays were passed,
she proved a successful teacher. She possessed a passion for music. Under its
inspiration she performed well on the piano when but twelve years old, and at
fourteen she played the organ at the church services.
She married the Rev. Charles E. Paige, who was graduated at the Middlebury,
Vt., College, and had just entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Her gentle disposition and kindly ways brought her many loving friends, who
mourned her untimely death, April, 1871, at the age of thirty-two. Mrs. Paige
left three young motherless children.
*' In secret love the Master
To each one whispers low,
' I am at hand ; work faster ;
Behold the sunset-glow ! '
And each one smileth sweet
Who hears the Master's feet."
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, 1ST. 345
Continued front page 343.
EUNICE HIGLEY, the second child of Captain Asa, 2d, and Ruth (Kendall) Higley,
married Hiram Case and resided at West Granby, Conn. Their children were :
Adune, George, Anna, Charles, Asa, and John, who died in childhood. She
became a member of the church at North Granby in 1832, July I. She died .
HAROLD, the third child of Captain Asa, 2d, and Ruth (Kendall) Higley, lived un-
married upon the old homestead which his grandfather had settled in West Granby.
When he had passed his fortieth year he married Rachel Austin of Suffield,
Conn., to which town, after selling his property, he removed. Here he followed
farming. He united with the North Granby Congregational Church May 4, 1828.
His wife died April 2, 1864, aged fifty-six.
In the year 1882, as he was one day returning from the field during a severe
thunder storm, he was killed by lightning. He lived the honorable life of a good
man. They had no children.
GUNILDA, the fourth child of Captain Asa, 2d, and Ruth (Kendall) Higley, married
Myron W. Graham of Canton, Conn. They had five children, whose names are
not given.
ADUNE, the fifth child, died aged ten.
THEODOCIA, their sixth child, married Waldo Reed of Granby, Conn. She had
one daughter, Kathleen, who possessed unusual talents, and became a successful
teacher. She married a physician and removed to Illinois. She died at the age
of thirty-four.
RUTH, the seventh child of Captain Asa, 2d, and Ruth (Kendall) Higley, married
Samuel White. She became a member of the North Granby Congregational
Church, July i, 1832, on profession of her faith. They resided at Suffield, Conn.,
and had one child, a daughter.
MIRANDA, the youngest child-of Captain Asa, 2d, and Ruth (Kendall) Higley, mar-
ried Emerson Case of Barkhamstead, Conn., and was the mother of four children.
FAMILY OF LIEUTENANT ASA HIGLEY, 1ST.
Continued front page 342.
We now return to the direct line of Lieutenant Asa Higley and
Eunice Colton.
EUNICE, their eldest daughter, married Deacon Thaddeus Hays,
of an old and very respectable family of Simsbury and Granby.
They had one child — a son, named Flavel Hays.
THEODOSIA, the third child of Lieutenant Asa and Eunice (Col-
ton) Higley, was born 1781, and married Nathan Strong, a farmer
of Granby. They had no children. She died October 9, 1853.
PLINY HIGLEY, the fourth child of Lieutenant Asa and Eunice
(Colton) Higley, was born 1784. He followed farming, living
upon the old farm in West Granby upon the mountain side, which
his father purchased in 1771; but he was not successful. He
was easy-going, good-natured, and lacking in energy, but withal
346 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
agreeable and most kind. He was distinguished by a feature
which has marked the Higley race through all its history — his
fine physique and Sampson-like strength. It was said of him that
rather than harness his horses he would take the tongue of his
loaded wagon and pull it to any part of his farm.
Another marked quality in his make-up was his excellent
memory. By simply reading through an article or essay once or
twice, he could repeat it correctly weeks afterward almost verba-
tim. Being fond of books, and having a taste for historical
research, he made himself very familiar with the history of other
lands as well as with that of his native country.
On the 4th of May, 1828, he was admitted, on profession of
faith, to membership in the First Congregational Church in North
Granby. But for some reason which is not stated, his association
with the church appears to have been unfortunate. It is upon
record that he was "expelled November 3, 1837."
He married Martha Beman, the date of marriage not given.
After they were both well advanced in years, his wife was
rendered almost helpless from inflammatory rheumatism. This
called forth Pliny Higley's kindness and patience to a remarkable
degree, his devotion to her needs proving a striking illustration
of the best qualities which exalt human nature. His faithful
attentions were brought to a close by a sudden attack of typhoid
pneumonia, which proving fatal, closed his life on the morning of
the 3d of February, 1861. When his wife was informed that he
had passed away, she had no more spirit in her, and exclaimed :
"I can live no longer ! " In a few hours she was attacked with
apoplexy, and on the evening of the same day departed.
One wide grave in the North Granby cemetery was opened to
receive their remains, in which, two days later, they were laid side
by side. The inscription on a double tombstone reads as follows:
t>t0leg flfcartba
2>leJ> Dis TMife
fc 1861, DieO
BE 77. ffebruarBSO 1861
BE 81.
In death they were not divided.
Pliny and Martha (Beman) Higley were the parents of three
children, viz.:
Elvira, Almira, and Gilbert.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, \ST. 347
ELVIRA married John Cosset and removed to Michigan.
ALMIRA married Charles Alderman and became the mother of three daughters.
GILBERT HIGLEY, the only son of Pliny and Martha Beman Higley, was born in
West Granby, September 3, 1823. He lived at home with his parents till he was
sixteen, when, having acquired the elements of a plain English education, he was
apprenticed to his cousin, Asa Higley, 3d, to learn the trade of carpenter and
joiner, in which his excellent natural ability in due time caused him to excel as a
workman.
When his term of apprenticeship expired, in 1844, he went to North Carolina.
Here he engaged in trading in dry goods, and two years later did an extensive
business in the purchase and sale of carriages. He then became a contractor and
builder, in which he met with profitable and satisfactory success. In 1850 he
took the contract for building the court-house at Lumberton, N. C., and finding a
wife in the person of Ann Eliza, daughter of Thomas A. Norment, he married in
1851, and settled in the town, where he has since resided. He grew prosperous, and
entered fully into sympathy with Southern interests.
The beginning of the War in 1861 found Gilbert Higley engaged in building a
large Presbyterian Church, with three Northern men among his workmen. One of
these left immediately and returned to his New York home ; another ventured to
remain longer, and ran the blockade ; the third, an elderly man from Connecticut,
remained.
The Confederate States were mustering their forces. In April, 1862, a company
was formed in Lumberton of which Mr. Higley was commissioned second lieutenant,
and went into camp a little south of Wilmington, N. C. His regiment did service on
the coasts of the Carolinas and on the islands near Charleston till the autumn of
1863, engaging in but one sharp encounter, which was at Neuse River bridge on the
railroad south of Goldsboro. The regiment was then ordered to Petersburg, where
it went into winter quarters.
In the spring of 1864 Lieutenant Higley was with his regiment at New Berne,
N. C., when the Federal forces were driven in. They took a goodly number of
prisoners, but failed to carry the town by assault. Afterward the troops did lively
service in preventing the advance of General Butler upon Petersburg. He was in
the engagement at Dairy's Bluff on May 16, 1864, and behind the " almost impreg-
nable line of earthworks " from which the Confederate forces charged and drove
Butler back to Bermuda Hundred.
His division was afterward ordered across the James River, to fall in on the
flank of Lee's army. The Confederate troops lay in line of battle behind breast-
works all one night, but before the evening of the next day, June I, 1864, at the
battle of Cold Harbor, Lieutenant Higley with all his men were taken prisoners.
He was the only officer of his company in command at the time, the first lieutenant
being with the ambulance corps, and his captain ill in hospital in Richmond.
In August these prisoners were sent by the Federal Government to Charleston,
S. C., and placed under the guns of the fort on Morris Island, to prevent the
Confederates from firing upon the fort. They were kept here three weeks in a
stockade, and were then conveyed to Fort Pulaski, Ga. Here their rations per
day were five hard-tack biscuits and a small piece of meat. After a time they were
put on ten ounces of corn meal per day, which was issued in quantities to cover ten
days at a time. On this allowance they lived thirty-three days.
34§ THE H 1C LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
About this time General Sherman with his army came through on his way to
Savannah, and some of his men coming to visit the Confederate prisoners' quarters
found how they were subsisting. About forty of these Union soldiers divided their
rations of meat and threw them over the lines into the prison yard. The Federal
guard and provost marshal ordered them to stop, but they did not obey. General
Foster was at the front. After this incident there were added to the prisoners'
regular rations of meal four ounces of meat and four ounces of potatoes.
On the 2oth of February, 1865, an order for exchange of captured prisoners was
received, and from this time full rations were given them. They were finally
transferred to Fort Delaware, where they were kept till the igth of June, when
the war being ended, they were discharged and left to get back to their homes as
best they could.
Lieutenant Higley reached his home at Lumberton, N. C., on the 2Qth of the
same month, having worn the " gray " three years from the time of his enlistment
in the Southern army, and having served in " brave and simple faith" in its cause.
He now resides in the town and State of his adoption.
Lieutenant Gilbert and Ann Eliza (Norment) Higley are the parents of six chil-
dren, all of whom reside in Lumberton, N. C., except the eldest, a daughter, who
lives at Blacksburg, S. C. Their names are as follows :
Martha Elizabeth, born October 5, 1852, married James H. Barnes, and has
six children. Thomas N., born March 7, 1854, married Emma Pope, and has
two children. Mary Fannie, born March 28, 1857. Gilbert P., born April 8,
1863. Annie K., born September u, 1867, married Neal A. Brown. Arabella
Ilderman, born April 28, 1869.
CHAPTER XLVI.
OZIAS HIGLEY.
Ozias, ist, Joseph, ist, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
Continued from page 286.
" Still linger in our northern clime
Some remnants of the good old time."
OZIAS HIGLEY, ist, the fourth child of Captain Joseph Higley
and his second wife, Sarah Case, was born at Simsbury, Conn.,
March 20, 1748.
Together with his brother Asa Higley he purchased, when
about twenty-three years of age, lands on the mountain side in
West Granby, after having refused an offer from his father of a
farm at Becket, Mass., on condition that he would reside upon
it. For their Granby lands the brothers agreed to pay "two
bushels of wheat per acre." However, as has been before stated,
Captain Joseph Higley, on seeing the unyielding courage and
industry of these two sons, assisted them later on in paying the
debt on their farms.
There is circumstantial record that Ozias Higley was one of
the patriots of the War of the Revolution. And while there is
every probability that the story is correct, no official record of
the fact is yet discovered.
He married, December 3, 1772, Martha Gillette,1 of whom we
have no particulars. The Gillettes were one of the oldest and
best known families in the colony, and of excellent standing.
Ozias Higley was made freeman September 19, 1775. On the
ad of January, 1774, he, with his wife, signed the church covenant,
and two years later, January, 1776, were admitted on profession of
their faith to the First Congregational Church in North Granby.
At this time the Rev. Josiah Strong was the pastor. Ozias
Higley had already been a faithful church-goer since his youth.
When but twenty we find him assigned by the town committee
1 Martha Gillette was probably the daughter of Isaac, Jr., or Captain Zaccheus Gillette of the
Granby Church.
349
35° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
to "pew 14" in the old Simsbury Church, where he sat with
two neighbors "and their wives."
Among many kinsman and other residents of the parish, he
was a patron of his uncle Deacon Brewster Higley, 2d's, cider dis-
tillery, his name being among the "Creditors who brought cider
to the Still," September, 1775.
The time had not yet come when the use of strong liquors as a
beverage was unpopular ; indeed, it was considered necessary to
health, and it was as much a usage, and as honorable to partake
of it, as of any other beverage. Total abstinence societies had
not yet been dreamed of. Only pure liquors which were prepared
from wholesome materials were then used.
Ozias Higley was appointed by the town and served as tithing-
man,1 December 4, 1784, and served also during the years 1794-95.
He is described as a man of unremitting energy, prompt and
quick in endeavor, and highly respected ; and was consequently
recognized as a useful member of the community. He was fre-
quently appointed to public service.
His first wife died October 7, 1817. Previous to 1821 he
married his second wife, Elizabeth of Simsbury, whose
name appears in the settlement of his estate.
He died at his farm in West Granby, June 22, 1827.
His will was admitted to probate June 29, 1827. His son,
Judge Silas Higley, and his nephew, Captain Asa Higley, were
appointed his executors.
The children of Ozias, ist, and Martha Gillette Higley were as
follows :
Theodore -, Ozias, 2d, Betsey, Martha, Silas, Annis, and Abiel.
THEODORE HTGLEY, the eldest child, born 1773, married Polly
Ann Gaylord in West Granby, Conn.
Having been unfortunate in the loss of property, he removed
with his family to Montgomery County, North Carolina, about
the year 1828, where he took up the business of retailing goods
from place to place by peddlers' carts.
Leaving North Carolina he went to Missouri, establishing him-
self in Holt County. Here he resided a number of years till his
decease, 1853. Their children were:
Mary Ann, who married Jairus Gray of Fabarra County, North
Carolina, where they reside; Martha, born 1816, married David
1 For the duties of this peculiar office, see sketch of Nathaniel Higley, page 141.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, 1ST. 351
Nest, and resides in Holt County, Missouri ; William G., mentioned
below; Frances, born 1819, married Thomas Evans, and resides in
Holt County, Missouri; Susan, born 1827, died, unmarried, 1851;
Algernon, born 1833, resides in Holt County, Missouri.
William G. Higley, born 1817, married Maria Dayton, February,
1850, and resides in American Fork, Utah. Their children:
Theodore, born March, 1853, died in Salt Lake City, 1869; Annie G., born
September, 1854, married W. A. Pitt, 1873, of Salt Lake City, where they reside.
Mr. Pitt is the proprietor of the Overland House. Josephine, born February, 1856,
died in Salt Lake City, 1867 ; William, born October, 1857, died 1860 ; Dolly, born
1859, died 1860 ; Lulu, born 1861, married, 1883, Henry Roberts, who died the
following year; Frank, born 1862, died 1865; Leon, born 1865, married Mary
Stoddard, 1886, and resides in American Fork, Utah ; Willard, born 1869.
OZIAS HIGLEY, 2d, the second son of Ozias, ist, and Martha
(Gillette) Higley, was born in Granby, Conn., 1773.
He married Delight, daughter of Alexander Cossett, born
December 21, 1769. His father gave him a farm at Becket,
Mass., to which they removed, and July 28, 1801, Delight was
received into the Becket Church "by letter" from the church
at Granby. Here they lived a number of years.
Ozias Higley, 2d, sold his farm at Becket and removed with
his family to Herkimer, N. Y., and there through misfortune lost
his property. Soon after this, unhappy relations existing between
the husband and wife culminated, and they separated, breaking
up the family. The helplessness into which the children were
brought by this state of things aroused the ready and practical
sympathy of their father's sisters at Granby, who made them
their wards.
Their children were as follows :
Ozias, 3d, born September 24, 1791; Betsey Maria, born August
3> J793> and baptized February 31, 1796; Sally, born November
21, 1797; Marquis (familiarly called Mark), born June 10, 1799;
Julia, born 1802, and Nancy.
Ozias, 3d, the eldest, and his sister Betsey Maria, married and settled in the
State of New York. Sally lived with her aunt, Mrs. Alpheus Hays, and married
Ansel Humphrey. Marquis went to his grandfather, Ozias, ist, subsequently
returning to his father in Western New York. The father and son afterward went
South and followed peddling. It is not known that they ever returned. Julia
resided with her aunt, Mrs. Elnathan Strong. She was killed by lightning, April
20, 1820, aged eighteen. Nancy married Dr. Benjamin Weld of Canton, Conn.,
and removed to Iowa.
35 2 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
BETSEY, the date of whose birth is not given (page 350), daugh-
ter of Ozias, ist, and Martha Gillette, was admitted to the church
in North Granby on profession of her faith, June 6, 1828; she
became the first wife of Alpheus Hays of Granby, who was Repre-
sentative to the Connecticut Legislature, 1822-26. They had
one child, a daughter, Emetine, who married Dr. J. D. Wilcox.
Betsey died , and Mr. Hays married for his second wife,
her first cousin, Sarah Higley, daughter of Simeon Higley.
MARTHA, the second daughter of Ozias Higley, ist, and Martha
Gillette, married Theodore Hays. They had children, viz. :
Dwight, William, Edwin, Betsey, Martha, and Arthur. The last
four died early in life.
Continued from page 350.
SILAS HIGLEY, the fifth child of Ozias, ist, and Martha (Gillette)
Higley, was born in Granby, Conn., 1780. He was admitted
freeman at Granby, September 21, 1801; and is recorded as hav-
ing, on profession of his faith, become a member of the church
at North Granby, October 21, 1804.
He studied law, and was admitted to the bar while yet a young
man, scarcely thirty. For more than forty years Judge Silas Higley
practiced his profession in Hartford County, Connecticut, being
many years on the bench, and " was honorably identified with
the growth, organization, and management of the leading interests
of the town." The public records show that few citizens were
more prominent. Socially and intellectually by bench and bar,
and from a legal standpoint, he was acknowledged everywhere as
one of the foremost and distinguished men of the county.
He married Melissa .
Judge Silas Higley died June 21, 1853, and was interred in the
Salmon Brook cemetery (Hartford County), where a handsome
monumental shaft of granite honors his memory.
His wife, Mrs. Melissa Higley, died May 16, 1856, aged
seventy-four years and six months.
They had four children, as follows :
MARY THERESA, born February 22, 1808, who married James Case, M. D.,
October 5, 1830. Dr. and Mrs. Case were the parents of one son, William Case,
a prominent lawyer who resides in Hartford. Mrs. Case died 1887. They resided
in Salmon Brook, Conn.
JOHN JAY, the second child of Judge Silas and Melissa Higley, born 1809,
died April 6, 1826, aged 17.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, 1ST. 353
WILLIAM WILTSHIRE, their third child, was born 1819, and died September
14, 1820, aged eighteen months.
JULIA MINERVA, their fourth child, born January, 1821, died September 29,
1822, aged one year and eight months.
ANNIS HIGLEY, the sixth child of Ozias, ist, and Martha
(Gillette) Higley (page 350), was born^ November 8, 1781. She
became a member of the Granby church in 1802. January 6,
1806, she married Elnathan, son of Deacon Elnathan Strong, of
Granby, Conn., who was sergeant in the i8th Militia Regiment in
the Revolutionary War, Captain Samuel Hays' company. They
settled on a farm in Granby, lived in good circumstances, and
bore an excellent reputation in the community, being highly
respected.
They lost a number of children by death in infancy, only one
living to mature years, who was named Annis Elizabeth, born
November 19, 1816. She married John Burwell, and resided in
Granby.
Annis (Higley) Strong died November 17, 1842. Her husband
survived her less than one month. He died of pneumonia,
December 4, 1842.
CHAPTER XLVII.
ABIEL HIGLEY.
Abiel, Ozias, ist, Captain Joseph, ist, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
Continued from page 350.
My advice is to consult the lives of other men as he would a looking-glass, and from them fetch
examples for his own imitations. — TERENCE.
ABIEL HIGLEY, the seventh and youngest child of Ozias, ist,
and Martha (Gillette) Higley, was born in West Granby, Hartford
County, Conn., in the year 1789. His early life was spent in
occupations incident to a Connecticut farm. It was no doubt
during these years that he gained his ardent love for horses,
which brought him in time to be an exceptionally fine horseman.
In the year 1814 he married Prudence Crane of East Windsor,
Conn., and took his young wife to his farm at West Granby.
For a number of years he turned his attention somewhat away
from farming, entering into a considerable business in the pur-
chase of clocks and notions, which he shipped by coast vessels
to North and South Carolina. During the winter months he
traveled over these States selling his goods to the planters. He
was one of the original " Yankee Clock Peddlers."
There is no question but that these journeys led to the expan-
sion of his mind, and enlarged his ideas of life beyond the narrow
boundaries of the Connecticut farm that had been his foster-land
from his birth, and may have been the indirect stimulus to an
undertaking a few years later, to leave its hard soil and reach a
country more fertile and favored.
The successive births of six children brought his home- in a few
years to be the abode of an interesting family.
On the 4th of January, 1829, Abiel Higley and his wife together
united, on profession of their faith, with the First Congregational
Church of North Granby, and on the i2th of the July following
they had a public baptism of their four children, " Henry
Edwards, Sarah Cornelia, Harvey Grant, and Maria Louisa," who
was then the youngest.
Their eldest son, at the age of twenty-two, who had assisted
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, 1ST. 355
his father on his business tours in the Carolinas, craving a field
of adventure in the then "far West," determined to satisfy it.
Leaving the family home in Granby in the autumn of 1840, he
made his way to the great prairie State of Illinois, of whose rich
surface covered with deep black soil, ready to support its civilized
millions, his forefathers, whose lives we have been tracing, never
had dreamt.
The enthusiastic letters of the son telling of the wonders of
these broad unplowed prairies, together with business reverses,
were the immediate cause of Abiel Higley undertaking removal
westward.
In the spring of 1841 he disposed of the farm at Granby,
fitted up several teams, loaded into wagons a meager supply of
the bare necessities for living, — for this was before the days of
Western railroads, — and with his wife and six children, among
whom was a married darghter and her husband, they set out on
that old time two months' overland journey of privation and peril,
from Hartford County, Connecticut, to the Mississippi River.
The strict watchfulness which the church exercised over its
members in those days is strikingly shown in its record concern-
ing Mr. and Mrs. Higley. The minister was evidently not in
sympathy with their movements, and taking occasion to adminis-
tet reproof, he enters on his church book under date, "March
i3th 1841 — Abiel Higley, Admonished, W. W.,"1 and on the
opposite page, " Abiel's wife admonished, W7. W."
But onward they went; and there was no disappointment in
their favor in the weariness and perils of the long trudging road.
The journey was fraught with all the hardships incident to a
journey of the magnitude accomplished in that way at that day.
Arriving at Bloomington, 111., in July, they stopped there the
remainder of the summer and the following winter. In the mean-
while it was decided that their son, Henry E., should go to Marion,
Linn County, la., and on the ist of April, 1842, Abiel and his
family again set their faces westward and followed on. A two
weeks' further travel brought them to their destination. The
journey from Bloomington, 111., to Marion, la., in the early
return of spring, was a difficult one, being just after the spring
rains. The streams were overflowing their banks, the roads,
which were but Indian trails over the broad unbroken prairies
waving with tall grass, were at times almost impassable. No one
1 The interpretation of " W. W.," is watch withdrawn.
356 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
but a brave and resolute man would have attempted such a
journey with a family.
On the i5th of April, 1842, they arrived at the end of their long
and weary march, Marion, the county-seat of Linn County, Iowa,
which was at that time but a hamlet of twenty dwellings, includ-
ing the rude log cabins.
Here Abiel Higley decided to permanently settle, and pur-
chased a farm just east of the town, which he at once began
improving.
Says his son, Major Mortimer A. Higley : " The country was very
new. It was four years before Iowa was admitted into the Union
as a State. Marion was but a few miles from the Indian line, and
the Indians for many years were our friends and associates more
than the white people. The tribe nearest was the Sacs and Fox
tribe; in many respects a noble people.
"The hardships and privations of this pioneer life can only be
known and appreciated by those who experienced it. Luxuries
we had none, and but few of the bare, rough necessities of life.
" All the pioneers were moneyless. There was no money in the
community. Whenever a settler had a wagon load of produce to
sell, he was forced to haul it to Dubuque, seventy-five miles dis-
tant, sleeping under his wagon at night and cooking his own food,
then dispose of his whole wagon load for a few dollars. Dressed
pork at that time sold for one dollar per hundred pounds, and it
required eight hundred pounds of pork to buy a barrel of salt.
" In our neighborhood it was impossible to sell any produce for
cash. All business was done on the "dicker," or bartering,
principle. There was not a sufficient amount of money to pay
the taxes, though they were light. Warrants were issued by the
county to pay its expenses, and the inhabitants, getting hold of
these warrants, would trade or "dicker" them at the stores of
general merchandise for the necessaries of life. And to pay their
taxes they took their butter, eggs, wheat, oats, and corn to these
stores and dickered them for goods, county warrants, etc., paying
the amount due without using a dollar of currency.
" I remember that letters often lay for weeks in the post office
before we could afford twenty-five cents in cash to pay the
postage. Postage was not prepaid in those days. And the mails,
being slow and very irregular, and money so scarce, we seldom
received letters, though we enjoyed hearing from our friends.
We were far more pleased at receiving a newspaper than a letter,
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, \ST. 357
the postage being much less on papers, and they often brought us
more news than the letters contained, the margins being covered
with writing. An ink was used which was legible only after it
was exposed to the heat.
" While there was a great proportion of the settlers honest, in-
dustrious, enterprising men, there were a great many daring,
dishonest adventurers who spent their lives stealing horses and
manufacturing and passing counterfeit money. Lynch law was
frequently practiced, and many a wretch was hurried into eternity
without judge or jury. This was the only way that the honest
settler could protect his family and his property."
It was but five months after Abiel Higley's family was settled
in this new country and new surroundings, that its members were
called, under strange and sorrowful circumstances, to suffer a sore
affliction in the death of the husband and father. Abiel Higley
was stricken down with a serious illness in the month of Septem-
ber, and died October 5, 1842; leaving his wife a stranger, far
from the home of her childhood and kindred, with six children,
and but a small allowance of this world's goods, the means which
he had brought with him having been largely consumed by the
purchase of the farm and its improvements. After his decease the
balance was required to pay the bills consequent upon his illness
and death. But Prudence Higley was brave and courageous.
She met the emergency of the situation with firm resolution,
keeping her young family together. Henry and Harvey, her two
oldest sons, aided her to the best of their abilities.
Major Higley states that "a contractor, who was supplying a
distant United States fort — Fort Atkinson — with rations, engaged
these two young men to haul these supplies across the wild
prairies to the fort. This was a great undertaking, when it is
taken into consideration that there were no roads, and no means
for crossing the swollen streams except by swimming the 'horses
and conveying the wagons and provisions over on rafts, which
was not only laborious work, but at times was attended with ex-
treme danger.
"On one of these journeys they were overtaken by a violent
storm in the midst of the wide prairie, many miles from their
only protection, the timber that belted the banks of the streams.
It was late in the day and darkness overtook them. The rain
fell in torrents, and the only way they could keep to the dim
trail was by the flashes of lightning, which was so vivid that the
358 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
young teamsters thought they could see a stream of electric light
pass around the tires of the wagon wheels. At last they reached
their camping-ground in safety, and as the party of teamsters
sat around their camp-fire that night, even the profanest and
most hardened of them acknowledged in his own rough way the
terror of God's thunder-bolts."
Mrs. Prudence Higley lived to fulfil her sacred life-trust in
bringing up her family, receiving much compensation in her old
age for her noble heroism, and finding herself surrounded by
every comfort, coupled with the luxuries, of life which she desired.
She died at Cedar Rapids, la., in the eightieth year of her age,
January 4, 1878.
It was of such as she that Judge Warren Higley spoke in his
speech at the Higley Family reunion at Windham, O. :
"Our mothers — God bless them ! What do we not owe to them ! They gave
us the best of their lives ; trained us to virtues that are brightest in our manhood ;
inspired us .to noblest endeavor, and even encouraged us to walk in the pathway that
leads to honorable achievement in our chosen avocations. In our weakness they
tenderly cared for us. In our ignorance they taught us. In our discouragement
they cheered us. In our successes and victories over difficulties they rejoiced with
us. In our unbelief they lead us lovingly to the fountain of eternal life — the
source of all power, — the Good. They taught us love of country, inspired us with
hope and faith. When a noble son works his way up into the blaze of popular
recognition, and commands distinguished honors from his countrymen, how gener-
ally do we trace his virtues back to his mother's teachings — to her who wisely
sowed the precious seed in the garden of his youth.
" The grandest virtues and noblest heroism of the mothers and sisters and wives
and daughters, though exercised without ostentation, or the thought of public
recognition, would, if known and faithfully recorded, make the brightest pages of
history — and do most honor to womanhood and manhood."
Children of Abiel and Prudence (Crane) Higley :
Henry Edward, Sarah Cornelia, Harvey Grant, Louisa Maria,
Wellington Wesley, Mortimer Abiel.
HENRY EDWARD HIGLEY, the eldest child of Abiel and Pru-
dence (Crane) Higley, was born at West Granby, Conn., July 15,
1818. When quite a lad he made journeys with his father when
engaged in the sale of clocks in Virginia and the Carolinas. In
1840 he went to Bloomington, 111., and in 1842 he removed with
his father and the family, who had come from Connecticut, to
Marion, la., where for a number of years he was engaged with
his brother Harvey in the manufacture of fanning mills.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, 1ST. 359
He married Mary N. Morgan of West Granby, July 29, 1845,
the affection for each other having been cherished since their
schooldays, when but children. He brought his young wife to
his Western home at Marion ; but in less than one year, April 22,
1846, she died in childbirth. Her baby son survived her but a
few months.
Soon after the decease of his wife he removed to Cedar Rapids,
engaging there in selling merchandise. In 1849, g°ld having
been discovered in immense quantities in California, he was led
in feverish excitement to join in company with a party of reso-
lute and brave men, and cross the plains to the Pacific Coast, a
three months' journey full of peril in those days. Arriving at
Sacramento in the autumn, he was soon busily employed in min-
ing, and in conveying goods and mining supplies by pack-load
upon the backs of mules up into the mountainous regions. This
he continued till 1851, when he returned by the way of Panama
to Cedar Rapids, la., and again entered into a partnership with
his brother, Harvey Grant Higley, in merchandising, at which he
remained till the close of his life.
In 1853 he married for his second wife, Hannah E. Emery of
Dingman's Ferry, Pa. They had two children, a son, Edward
£., and a daughter, Mary £., born 1855; the latter died in child-
hood, February 6, 1863.
Henry Edward Higley died August 6, 1868. His wife is still
living.
EDWARD EMERY HIGLEY, their son, born September, 1853, married in Chicago,
111., December 29, 1885, Georgia A Brogdin of Toronto, Canada. He resides at
the town of Higley, Orange County, Fla., which he founded, and where he has
large interests. He is engaged in mercantile pursuits, and holds the appointment
of postmaster.
Continued front fage 358.
SARAH CORNELIA HIGLEY KENDALL, the second child of Abiel
and Prudence (Crane) Higley, was born at West Granby, Conn.
May 21, 1822, and married Albert Kendall of Granby, November
9, 1840. They removed to Bloomington, 111., the spring follow-
ing their marriage — 1841— going westward in company with her
father's family. Here they resided a few years, and then re-
moved to Marion, la.
Mr. Kendall was by trade a wagon-maker, carrying on the
business while a resident at Bloomington, and for many years at
360 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Marion. He did a profitable business making sales throughout
the State in its early history. Later in life he engaged in the
hardware business.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Kendall was specially noted for its
warm hospitality. There was a never-failing cordiality offered
their guests, which will ever linger in the memory of those who
were privileged to be entertained beneath their roof. In this
respect it was an ideal home.
Albert Kendall died January, 1876. His wife, Sarah C. (Higley)
Kendall, died December 8, 1888, at Marion, la.
Their children :
WILLIAM ALBERT KENDALL, the eldest, was born at Marion, la., April 4, 1847.
He married, November 18, 1875, Jennie E. Frantz of Burlington, a native of Penn-
sylvania. They reside at Burlington, la., Mr. Kendall holding a responsible
position as General Agent for the B. C. R. & N. Railroad Company, an office which
he has faithfully and honorably rilled for more than twenty years. They have
two children, both born at Burlington, viz.:
Leslie, a daughter, born July 21, 1879, and Reginald IV., born September 3,
1884.
WELLINGTON JEROME KENDALL, the second son of Albert and Sarah (Higley)
Kendall, was born May 19, 1851. He married December 25, 1873, Emma E.
Brancht at Findley, O. They reside at Marion, la. At the time of his father's
death he was his partner in the hardware firm, and was his successor in business.
He was well known as an active, keen-sighted, and successful business man. Hav-
ing prospered and acquired a competency, he retired in recent years from active
business life. They are the parents of two children, viz. :
Carl W., born April 5, 1881, and Alberta, born July 25, 1877.
HARVEY GRANT HIGLEY, the third child of Abiel and Prudence
(Crane) Higley, was born at West Granby, Conn., September i,
1824. In figure and features he bore close resemblance to the
maternal side of the family, but inherited strong characteristics
of his father; among which was the great fondness he early
betrayed for horses. This continued a part and parcel of his
nature throughout his whole life. When but a boy of seventeen
he drove a four-horse team from Granby, Conn., to Marion, la.,
no small undertaking. Though he never entered the turf, he
was a practical horseman, and always fond of driving. His good
judgment and excellent handling of horses, in which few have
excelled, was well-known in all circles. At one time, in addition
to his regular business, he was the owner of a large stable of
horses, of which he never permitted one to be overdone or jaded.
Until the year 1847 he was engaged in a partnership with his
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, \ST. 361
elder brother, Henry, in the manufacture of fanning mills. He
then removed to Cedar Rapids, engaging in mercantile pursuits,
in which he continued till within a few years of his death. The
last years of his life were given to the care of his real estate, and
improving the same. Some of the finest blocks in that city are
monuments testifying to his enterprise and public spirit. Harvey
Grant Higley married, November 7, 1849, Anna Bishop of Bristol,
Conn.
He died June 23, 1878. His wife survives him. They were
the parents of five children, viz.:
Henry Grant, Elmer Abiel, Mortimer John, Louis Karl, and
Albert Harvey.
HENRY GRANT HIGLEY, the eldest, was born in Cedar Rapids, la., February 16,
1851. He married, October 28, 1875, Ella M. Nye, who was born in Boston, Mass.
His business is that of florist, owing a fine business house, also extensive gardens,
which are pleasantly situated on the bluffs commanding the southern suburbs of the
city of Cedar Rapids. Both he and his wife gained considerable note for original
and highly artistic designs in floral decorations. They have three children living,
viz.:
Henry G., Jr,, born February 4, 1880; Louis Karl, born June n, 1886 ; and
Ella ; all of whom were born in Cedar Rapids. Three children died in infancy.
ELMER ABIEL HIGLEY, the second son of Harvey Grant and Anna (Bishop)
Higley, was born at Cedar Rapids, la., November 19, 1856. He married, Decem-
ber 29, 1880, Helen L. Olds, who was from Vermont. Mr. Higley is the senior
member of the firm of Elmer A. Higley & Co., wholesale dealers in eggs,
butter, poultry, beef, and veal. They are the owners of large cold storage
warehouses in Cedar Rapids, in which they store these products in great quantities,
holding them till the market is ready for their sale, and doing an extensive busi-
ness. During the year 1891 Elmer A. Higley 'and his brother, Mortimer John
Higley, who are managers of the estate of their father, Harvey G. Higley, erected
a fine business block, corner of Third Avenue and Second Street, Cedar Rapids,
at a cost, including the lot, of eighty-seven thousand dollars, which, in honor of
their old Connecticut ancestral town, they call " The Granby." It stands as a
handsome monument to Harvey Grant Higley, who for many years contributed
to the progress and improvement of this enterprising city.
Elmer A. and Helen (Olds) Higley are the parents of three children, all born in
Cedar Rapids, viz.:
Harvey Douglas, born July 16, 1882 ; Donald Sturges, born October 14, 1884,
who died December 6, 1886 ; and Fred Mitchel, born April 16, 1888.
MORTIMER JOHN HIGLEY, the third son of Harvey Grant and Anna (Bishop)
Higley, was born at Cedar Rapids, la., October 25, 1861. He is the junior partner
of the firm of E. A. Higley & Co., and assumes the charge of the office and
financial interests of the firm. He married at Burlington, la., October 10, 1883,
Ida Nelson of that city. They have one child
Hazel Higley, born July 20, 1885.
362 THE II IG LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ALBERT HARVEY HIGLEY, the fifth son of Harvey Grant and Anna (Bishop)
Hlgley, was born in Cedar Rapids, la. , September 29, 1872. He received his
education in the city schools of his native town, and afterward attended Kempter
Hall, Davenport, la. He married, February 23, 1892, Mary, daughter of H. B.
and Susan Stibbs of Cedar Rapids. They reside in Lexington, Ky.
Continued from page 358.
LOUISA MARIA HIGLEY, the second daughter and fourth child
of Abiel and Prudence (Crane) Higley, was born at West Granby,
Conn., April 10, 1827. She was a girl of fourteen at the time
her parents turned their faces westward.
On the 2 ;th of November, 1844, she married, at Marion, la.,
William Greene of Burlington, in that State, to which place she
went to reside with her husband.
Mr. Greene was at the time engaged in book-binding, being
the first man who engaged in this business in Iowa. He met
with success, and did the binding for the Territory, Iowa not hav-
ing yet become a State when he began the business. In 1846 he
removed with his family to Cedar Rapids, being among the very
first comers to the place, and was one of the first to open a mer-
cantile business, his brothers, Judge George Greene and Joseph,
being partners in the firm.
Possessed of enterprise and great natural ability, and seeing
avenues then opening in the new State for money-making, as well
as the possibilities for its development and improvement, he was
one of the leading and foremost men in bringing the State of
Iowa up to her present advanced and remarkable condition of
prosperity, and for many years was widely known in business
circles.
In the year 1857 Mr. Greene, associated with his brother,
Judge Greene, entered into the banking business, having branch
houses in several of the prominent centers of the State — Des
Moines, Council Bluffs, Cedar Falls, Vinton, and Sioux City.
In 1863 they turned their attention to constructing and operat-
ing railroads, Mr. Greene personally superintending the building
of the McGregor Western Railroad. They built the Rockford,
Rock Island and St. Louis, the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and
North Railroad, having the management of the latter until 1873.
No undertaking seemed too great for William Greene, and no
public enterprise was started in Cedar Rapids during many years
of its history about which he was not consulted. His life was
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, \ST. 363
identified with the whole life of the young city. He was a man
of exceeding liberality and great kindness of heart: the poor were
never turned away empty-handed. He never entered politics.
When, in the early history of the city, it was determined to
organize the parish of Grace Church, he was made a member of
the vestry, although a very young man, and filled the office of
senior warden for thirty-seven years, only laying down the office
when he left this life. For many years he was a faithful com-
municant of the church.
Mr. Greene was born in Staffordshire, England, January 25,
1819, but, from two years of age, was reared and educated at
Buffalo, N. Y. He died March 28, 1887.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Greene was conspicuous for its
elegance and its unbounded hospitality. Louisa M. Higley, the
wife, mother, and hostess, for more than forty years was her hus-
band's confidante and the sharer of his inner life, bearing with
him the "heat and burden" of his successful activities in the
business world.
They were the parents of ten children, as follows :
The eldest, George Higley, was born at Burlington, la., October 29, 1845. He
married Charlotte Backus at Independence, la., and had three children : William,
Henry, and Nellie. He was a railroad man and lived at Denison, Tex. He died
at St. Paul, Minn., February, 1892.
The second child, Sefer Prudence, was born at Cedar Rapids, May 16, 1848, and
married Peter Martel, a native of Syracuse, N. Y. They have three children, all
born at Cedar Rapids : Mary, Barbara, and Sefer. Mrs. Martel died at Cedar
Rapids, May 5, 1889.
The third child, William Wellington, was born at Cedar Rapids, April 13, 1850.
His wife was Fannie Patterson. They have one child, Nellie. He is a farmer
and lives near his native place.
The fourth child, Frank Higley, was born at Cedar Rapids, October 29, 1854.
He married Rosa James, and lives on a farm near that city. They have four
children, namely : Maud, Louise, Everilt, Nellie.
The fifth child, Mary Boardman, was born at Cedar Rapids, October 2O, 1856 ;
she married Willis P. McCreary, an attorney-at-law. They reside at Hastings,
Neb., and have three children: Mary and Willis, born at Cedar Rapids, and
Dorethea, born at Hastings, Neb.
The sixth child, Charles Mortimer, was born at Cedar Rapids, October 29, 1858.
He married Emma Troxel of Burlington, la. They have two children, both born
at Burlington : William Troxel and Fannie. Charles M. Greene died at Cedar
Rapids, December 25, 1889.
The seventh child, Sarah L., was born in Cedar Rapids, November I, 1860, and
married J. Fred. Kimbal of Council Bluffs, la., where they now reside. They
have no children. Mr. Kimbal is a banker and real estate operator.
364 THE H1GLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
The eighth child, Robert Abiel, was born in Cedar Rapids, January 18, 1862.
He married Edna Smith at Douglas, Wyo., where they now reside. They have
no children. He was graduated at the Iowa University in civil engineering.
The ninth child, Fannie Jane, was born in Cedar Rapids, September 3, 1867,
and married, October 30, 1890, Chas. T. West. They now reside in Cedar Rapids.
The tenth and last child, Albert Joseph, was born in Cedar Rapids, August 27,
1868, and married Florence Burr, March, 1890. His wife died the following April.
He resides with his mother in Cedar Rapids, la.
Continued from page 358.
WELLINGTON WESLEY HIGLEY, the third son and fifth child of
Abiel and Prudence (Crane) Higley, was born in West Granby,
Conn., July 14, 1831.
He was about eleven years of age when his father removed,
with his family, to the fine and fertile Territory of Iowa, this
country being at the time of their coming yet the scene of border
life. From his youth he has participated in the successive
stages of advancement through which the prosperous State, with
its growing cities and towns, has passed. The progress of this
new realm of civilization, which lay in the heart of the great
rolling prairies of the central United States, has been one of
remarkable advance. The only laborers in those times were the
settlers and their sons, and every man and boy had his share in
extending his helping hand toward the proud results of honest
labor.
Personally, in general bearing, facially, and in leading charac-
teristics, he is the most pronounced Higley of his branch of the
family. He is a man of decided opinions, and possesses the
courage to maintain them; of fine business ability and rare
judgment, and has achieved an exceptional reputation, winning
his way in life with marked success as an honorable business
man. Elastic in temperament, quick-witted, and with a ready
answer to any question, linked to a delightful sense of humor,
Mr. Higley is popular at all social gatherings.
He gained some knowledge of business life in Burlington, la.,
in 1844, and came finally to Cedar Rapids, where in 1846 he
entered the mercantile house of his brother-in-law, William
Greene, as a clerk, remaining till the year 1856. He soon rose to
be the manager of the establishment. The trade of the house
was in its early days largely with the Sac and Fox Indians, and to
this day the descendants of those Indians come to his place of
business to inquire for him.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY,\ST. 365
The year 1856 found him engaged in the lumber trade, under
the firm name of Higley & Carroll, and about the year 1858
he, with J. C. McClelland as partner, was the owner of large
stables.
In the autumn of 1859, in company with his two older brothers,
Henry and Harvey Higley, he entered the dry goods trade, in
which he continued till the year 1866, when he became the pur-
chaser of a partnership with his younger brother, Mortimer A.
Higley, in a hardware and stove house. This house is still doing
an active and successful business.
Wellington W. Higley was largely instrumental in organizing
and founding the Merchants' National Bank of Cedar Rapids,
and was one of the original directors. He also lent his aid in
organizing the Security Savings Bank, and has been one of its
directors since its organization.
Oak Hill Cemetery, lying southeast of the city, where the
citizens lay their dead,
" Who hath awakened from this dream of life,"
is a spot triumphant in rural beauty, of which they are justly
proud. To its improvements and adornments Mr. Higley has
given much careful attention, having been for many years a lead-
ing director, the treasurer, and superintendent of the grounds.
He married, April 8, 1858, in Cedar Rapids, Jane E. Farnum,
who was born in Millbury, Mass.
They are the parents of three children, viz.: Jessie £., Charles
Wellington, and William Mortimer.
JESSIE E., the eldest, was born September 17, 1861, in Cedar Rapids, la., and
married, November 23, 1887, Eugene A. Regley, M. D. Dr. Regley was gradu-
ated at the Chicago Medical College, and attended colleges in New York City and
Europe in the line of his specialty — the eye, ear, and throat. He ranks as one of
the most skillful practitioners in the State.
They have one child, a son, born December 9, 1888, who bears the given name
of his grandfather, Wellington Higley Regley.
CHARLES WELLINGTON, the second child of Wellington W. and Jennie E.
(Farnum) Higley, was born March 18, 1 866. He received his education at Coe
College, in his native town, after which he traveled abroad.
He is now engaged as special agent and adjuster for the Underwriters' Insur-
ance Company of New York, his territory embracing Iowa, Minnesota, and Wis-
consin. He resides in Minneapolis, Minn.
WILLIAM MORTIMER, the third and youngest child of Wellington W. and Jennie
(Farnum) Higley, was born July 24, 1874. He is pursuing his studies in the high
school in Cedar Rapids.
366 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
MORTIMER ABIEL HIGLEY, the sixth child and fourth son of
Abiel and Prudence (Crane) Higley, was born at West Granby,
Conn., April 12, 1838. His memory scarcely reaches back to the
time of the removal of his parents to Iowa in 1842, when he was
but four years of age.
He received his education at the common schools at Marion
and Cedar Rapids, which he attended till the age of fourteen.
From this time till he was seventeen, he was gaining experience
in the elements of a business life in the mercantile house of his
older brothers in Cedar Rapids, the family having removed to
this place in the year 1849.
At Waverly, la., in 1855, he obtained a situation as clerk in a
store of general merchandise, continuing here till the year 1857,
when he went to Neosho Falls, Woodson County, Kan., and re-
mained one year, seeing much of rough border life. In July,
1857, he returned to Cedar Rapids, and entered the employ
of W. B. Mack, a wholesale grocer, serving his superior well,
and remaining in this position till the beginning of the Civil
War.
During this period he held the office of city recorder, which
he resigned when going into the army.
The Civil War gave Mortimer A. Higley an opportunity to show
the mettle of which he was constituted. Determined to enter the
contest, he made a record for himself by securing a commission
to raise a company of infantry on the call for troops. He at
once recruited about forty men and took them to Lyons, la.,
there consolidating them with a company but partly recruited,
which was then assigned as Company A, i5th Iowa Volunteer
Infantry, and which became the first company of the regiment.
In this he enlisted September 17, 1861, and was promoted to the
first lieutenancy the 28th of the following October.
The i5th Iowa left camp, taking a boat down the Mississippi
River, March 19, 1862. It was a stormy, gloomy day. "Many
sad hearts were left behind," says the historian of the regiment,
" but everyone felt that if the i5th should find the opportunity,
it would give a good account of itself, and inscribe its name high
on the roll of fame." And so it came to pass. None who follow
the history of its conspicuous record, taking its place in the
oldest brigade in the Army of the Tennessee, can fail to do hom-
age to its pre-eminent usefulness and noble service to our country
in her time of danger.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, 1ST. 3&7
Of Lieutenant Mortimer Higley, says General Belknap: "He
was a very efficient officer — up by daylight or before, and watch-
ful of the interests and necessities of the men. He was a soldier
and a real hero."
February 20, 1862, Lieutenant Higley was promoted to the
position of quartermaster of his regiment, and in August, 1862,
was assigned to the staff of General E. O. C. Ord, commanding
the district of Corinth, as acting commissary of subsistence.
He was assigned to the staff of General McKean, as quarter-
master of the 6th Division of the Army of the Tennessee, Octo-
ber 4, 1862, and to the staff of General James B. McPherson, as
acting commissary of subsistence of the left wing of the Army
of the Tennessee, November i, 1862.
His ability was so promptly recognized in the department that
he was recommended for promotion as commissary of subsistence
with the rank of captain, to which position President Lincoln
appointed him, November 28, 1862, and he was assigned to the
staff of General J. B. McPherson, as chief commissary of sub-
sistance, i;th Corps, Army of the Tennessee.
In January, 1864, an officer of the subsistence department of
higher rank was assigned to the lyth Corps, and Captain Higley
was assigned to the staff of General J. M. Tuttle, as depot com-
missary of subsistence at Cairo, 111., until the following April,
when he was ordered to report to General C. C. Washburn at
Memphis, Tenn., with whom he was to have made the march with
Sherman's army through the Confederacy. Serious illness, how-
ever, prevented General Washburn from going upon this invasion,
and Captain Higley was assigned as depot commissary of sub-
sistence at Memphis, supplying all troops with commissary stores
from Memphis to Corinth, Miss.
Captain Higley was in the heat of active service at the battle
of Shiloh, Miss., when his regiment "went through its bloody
baptism," on April 6 and 7, 1862. For three hours the 15th
Iowa maintained its position, "the men fighting like veterans,"
though they were but two weeks in the field, and 'twas the first
time they had been under fire. After the battle only 407 an-
swered at roll-call, out of 1045 noble men. Seventeen officers
were among the killed and wounded.
General Belknap again remarks of Captain Higley: "Though
his position did not call for it, he was found in the midst of
danger, rallying the scattered men, and regardless of peril."
368 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
And in his official report of the battle of Corinth, October 3 and
4, 1862, General Thos. J. McKean, commanding 6th Division,
i3th Army Corps, uses these words:
" Acting Division Quartermaster M. A. Higley performed his
arduous duties in a very intelligent manner; has always shown
himself reliable, and was fearless and indefatigable." The official
report of the colonel commanding, — Colonel Hugh T. Reid, — in
his report of the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862, gives him no less
praise and credit for "the masterly manner in which he per-
formed his arduous duties on the field and elsewhere during the
fight."
At the battle of Corinth Lieutenant Colonel Belknap, then the
colonel commanding, registers "Quartermaster Higley" in his
official returns as among "the officers whose gallant conduct
came under my especial observation."
When Belknap came to fill the office of United States Secretary
of War, he ever after honored Higley by the title of " major," by
which he has since been known.
On returning from the army, July, 1863, Major Higley again
settled into active business life in Cedar Rapids, la., and became
prominent in mercantile and financial circles.
The year of 1864 found him in partnership with P. W. Zigler,
engaged in the hardware business. In 1866 his partner sold his
interest in the firm to Wellington W. Higley, a brother of the
subject of this sketch, and the firm, which speedily built up a
large and successful business, has since been known as Higley &
Brother.
On the i8th of April, 1883, he was elected president of the Mer-
chants' National Bank of Cedar Rapids, which holds a supremacy
of capital over all other banks in the county. This position he is
holding at the present time (1892).
Major Higley is public-spirited. In connection with his brother
he has been a man of no ordinary importance in the current affairs
of their city.
Since the year 1875 he has been a member of the Board of
Education, having from that time served continuously, and more
than once has held the position of its president. To him is given
much of the credit for the new and finely constructed high-school
building which has been recently erected (1891) in Cedar Rapids,
a thoroughly equipped educational center, which, states a cor-
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, 1ST. 369
respondent, "stands as a monument to the energy and persist-
ence of Major M. A. Higley, who, as chairman of the building
committee, has voluntarily devoted months of unremitting atten-
tion to this labor of love."
Major Higley is also vice president and treasurer of the Cedar
Rapids Gas Works.
Social life he enjoys in many of its aspects. Being possessed
of fine intelligence, a genial good nature, he is endeared to a very
wide circle; his highest and finest qualities shining most con-
spicuously in his devotion to his home.
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has
attained the 32d degree, and is also a member of the Grand Army
of the Republic.
Perhaps the most distinguished honor that has been conferred
upon Major Higley, was being elected Commander of the military
order of the Loyal Legion ' of the United States, Commandery
of the State of Iowa. This high position he held two years,
1888-89, after already having filled a term of service as junior
and senior vice commander.
Major Mortimer A. Higley's first marriage took place February
19, 1863, with Lucy L. Sheet, who was born in Wattsburg, Erie
County, Pa., August 20, 1844. Her father, David F. Sheet, be-
came one of the early settlers of Kane County, Illinois, while she
was yet a child, and near Aurora she grew to womanhood. The
marriage took place on the farm where the family resided. It came
about after a romantic fashion, during the Civil War, while Major
Higley was on duty, stationed at Cairo, 111., chief commissary
of subsistence, Army of the Tennessee. Having a lower Mis-
sissippi boat for his commissary depot, well furnished and equipped
for comfortable living, he suddenly conceived the idea of bring-
ing his fiancee ', from Northern Illinois, to his headquarters as his
wife. The unexpected proposition for an immediate marriage
was accepted. With General Tuttle's permission, a brief leave
of absence was taken, Major Higley returning in a few days
with his bride. They took up their temporary abode on the
1 The military order of the Loyal Legion of the United States was instituted at the time of the
death of President Lincoln ; patterned after, and with similar purposes, as the honorable Order of
the Society of Cincinnati organized by General Washington and officers of the Revolutionary War.
It bears at the head of its roll of members, — all of whom have died since its organization, — Gen-
erals Grant, Sheridan, who was commander-in-chief of the order, Hancock, McClellan, Logan,
and a long list of others, whose acts and lives are an important part of the history of our common
country."
37° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
steamer deck, where the young wife remained three months,
until Major Higley was ordered to report to General Washburn
at Memphis.
From the beginning of their life together, Mortimer A. and
Lucy Higley found great happiness in each other, the union prov-
ing singularly congenial and fraught with reciprocal sympathy.
Mrs. Higley was endowed with many gifts for making all those
about her happy; animated, full of kindly hospitality, generously
forgetful of self, hopeful and strong, her presence was always a
cheer. Yet she was by no means a neutral character. She had
quick intelligence, and thoughts of her own, but these were never
obtruded to excite friction.
In the year 1868 she united with the Second Presbyterian
Church of Cedar Rapids, and became one of its most willing and
faithful supporters, " seeming," says her pastor, " to make its
work and progress a constituent part of her being." Possess-
ing a fine contralto voice, she for many years devoted much
time to the choir of the church, and was its first organist. Later
on she was chairman of the music committee.
Her wide acquaintance in society, her cordiality as hostess, her
activities in church and benevolent circles, her winning and love-
able ways toward all classes of people, caused the whole city to
be strangely moved with an indiscribable feeling of general
sorrow, when she suddenly " went to her heavenly home," March
30, 1892.
" She allured to heaven
And led the way."
Her last illness, which was brief, seized her while she was
absent from her pleasant home and accustomed paths in life,
visiting an invalid sister in the city of Chicago. It was in that
city that Heaven's home-call came and — she was not; for the
angel of the Eternal took her.
To the lonely home-hearts it was left only to dwell upon
the thought of the added graces that are hers in the realms of
light.
Her earthly remains were brought to her bereaved home at
Cedar Rapids, from which the funeral obsequies took place, Sun-
day the 3d of April, amid her grief-stricken family and a large
concourse of sorrowing friends and citizens. The interment
was in the beautiful grounds at Oak Hill. The funeral ceremo-
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH H1GLEY, \ST. 37 1
nies were conducted by her friend and pastor, the Rev. J. R.
Fowler, D. D.
" Have we not caught that smiling
On some beloved face,
As if some heavenly sound were wiling
The soul from our earthly place,
The distant sound and sweet
Of the Master's coming feet ? "
The following Sabbath the auditorium of the Second Presby-
terian Church was filled to overflowing on the occasion of a mem-
orial service held specially in commemoration of Mrs. Higley's
valuable services in noble Christian philanthropy and the influence
she exerted by her warm-hearted Christian zeal in every good
word and work. It was an impressive occasion; the holy joy of
a great grief was upon all hearts that day.
The choir, for the interests of which she had loved and
labored, and with which the power of her melodious voice had so
often revealed her own inner self, rendered in solemn tenderness,
" Come Unto Me," " Sometime We Shall Understand," and other
choice selections; the Rev. Dr. Fowler delivered an earnest
address from Acts ix. 40: " Tabitha, arise," not alone setting
forth Mrs. Higley's many virtues, but laying it upon his hearers
to see to it that the work which she had left as a sacred trust
should not be allowed to die; that " the seed she had sown and
the things she had lived for," were the true ministry of life which
build an enduring monument.
On the 4th of February, 1895, Major Higley married, in Phila-
delphia, Mrs. Jennette Robertson Nicholas.
Major Mortimer and Lucy L. (Sheet) Higley were the parents
of four children, viz.:
Mary Louisa, Carrie J., Flora Blanche, and Mortimer Albert.
MARY LOUISA HIGLEY, the eldest, was born in Cedar Rapids, la., April 24, 1866.
She was graduated from Coe College in her native city, June 16, 1887, receiving a
diploma. She married A. F. Matschke, October 27, 1887.
Mr. Matschke was born in Brooklyn, N. Y. At the time of his marriage he had
charge of the business of the United States Express Company in eastern Iowa. His
health becoming impaired, they went to Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, in 1888, where
they resided two years. They now live in Minneapolis, Minn. They have one
child, a son, named Mortimer Higley Matschke, born June 18, 1890.
CARRIE J. HIGI.EY, the second child of Major Mortimer A. and Lucy (Sheet)
Higley, was born in Cedar Rapids, la., May 5, 1869. She married William Water-
372 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY,
house Dimond, November 8, 1886. Mr. Dimond was born in Honolulu, Sandwich
Islands, and is the son of General W. H. Dimond of San Francisco, Cal., director
of the United States Mint, and grandson of John Thomas Waterhouse, an English
subject and extensive merchant and landowner, who went to Honolulu in 1848.
They reside at Honolulu.
FLORENCE BLANCHE HIGLEY, the third child of Major M. A. and Lucy (Sheet)
Higley, was born in Cedar Rapids, la., July 17, 1875. She was graduated from
the high school of Cedar Rapids, and is at present (1895) a student at Dana
Hall, Boston, intending to pass the entire course of Wellesley College.
MORTIMER ALBERT HIGLEY, the youngest child and only son of Major M. A.
and Lucy (Sheet) Higley, was born in Cedar Rapids, February 23, 1881, and died
of German measels, followed by peritonitis, May I, 1888, aged seven years and two
months.
He was a bright, hopeful, kindly child, full of good cheer and noble impulses,
with the promise of a useful life foreshadowed in his unusual intelligence. His
departure brought a deep shadow into the stricken home, leaving a lasting furrow
in the heart of his fond father.
" And he asked, Who gathered this flower?
And the gardener answered, The Master !
And his fellow-servant held his peace." '
1 From a tombstone, Burdock churchyard, England.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
SIMEON HIGLEY.
Continued from page 286.
Simeon, ist, Captain Joseph, ist, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
SIMEON HIGLEY, the fifth child and youngest son of Captain
Joseph Higley and his second wife, Sarah Case, was born in the
year 1751. Of his childhood and youth we find no mention.
At the age of twenty, December 17, 1771, he married Margaret
Phelps, the daughter of Phelps and Martha Loomis. They
appear to have first settled in that part of Simsbury which is now
Granby, where they both united with the old Congregational
Church on profession of their faith, October 10, 1773. Simeon is
found later on, having a moderate supply of cider brandy distilled
at his uncle, Deacon Brewster Higley, 2d's, cider still.
On March 26, 1777, Simeon Higley enlisted in the War of the
Revolution, Colonel Belden's regiment, Connecticut Militia,
Captain Abel Pettibone's company. The terms of service of
these soldiers were generally of short periods, the men re-enlist-
ing. Phelps in his history states, " Of enlisted men for the army,
few, if any, of the towns furnished a larger number than did the
town of Simsbury."
How long Simeon and Margaret Higley resided in Granby
cannot be ascertained. His father, Captain Joseph Higley, by his
will devised him his home farm in Higley-town, and also made
him one of his executors. The farm came into his possession in
1790. Here they resided a few years, removing their church-
letter to Simsbury parish.
About the year 1798 Simeon sold the old home farm, and pur-
chased a farm at South Canaan, Litchfield County, Conn., to
which place he removed with his family, the mother of his wife
accompanying them. He was now forty-seven years of age and
was the father of a family.
It is recorded of Simeon Higley that " he was an exemplary
Christian, and was chosen deacon of the church when yet a young
man."
it 373
374 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
For more than twenty years the mother of Margaret Phelps
Higley resided with her son-in-law, receiving tenderest care as
she neared and passed the one hundredth mile-stone of life.
Simeon Higley died October 30, 1822. His wife, Margaret
Phelps, who was born November 16, 1747, survived him twenty-
eight years. She was of a long-lived race, her mother, as already
stated, living to the prolonged period of one hundred and one
years. Margaret Higley lived to the extraordinary age of one-
hundred and two years and four months, and her daughter
Margaret's age, at her decease, was ninty-nine years and eight
months. Her daughter Sarah lived to ninty-one years and six
months. Margaret Phelps Higley died March n, 1850.
In 1847 the centennial anniversary of her birth was celebrated
with interesting observances, by neighbors and friends. "She
was now as erect as a girl of eighteen," says the Rev. H. Good-
win of Canaan, <: and exceedingly active in person, walking quite
a distance to visit a neighbor shortly before. Until ninety years
of age she walked to church, a distance of more than a mile.
Her hearing was not greatly impaired, and her second sight had
come and gone, but with the aid of spectacles she read without
much difficulty, and sometimes did a little fine needle-work. She
retained her judgment, and expressed her opinion in reference to
the concerns of the house and farm and the movements of society.
She obtained considerable knowledge of current events, in addi-
tion to remembering those long ago passed; conversed readily
and intelligently with visitors, enjoying the society of both the
old and young, and manifested an interest in all that related to
her church as well as public affairs. She sometimes suffered from
rheumatism, which, however, did not seem to prey upon the
vitality of her constitution."
On this interesting anniversary the venerable woman stood
quite alone in her generation. All had disappeared. The neigh-
bors and friends of her youth, her companions and kindred, had
all gone from the earth, leaving her in the midst of a new genera-
tion. She had closed the eyes of many valued friends, and con-
signed to the grave many a loved form. "If now," says Mr.
Goodwin, "when she knows she must soon be removed, she had
no prospect of a home and friends and the bliss of love in another
life, how would her joys all wither ! "
Mrs. Higley lived after this birthday event, two years and
three months, a picturesque figure of her time.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH HIGLEY, \ST. 375
Simeon and Margaret Higley had seven children as follows:
Clarissa, Simeon, born March 31, 1777, died February 17, 1778;
Margaret, SaraTi, Diadama, Simeon, zd, and Henry.
Of this family three died within five months of each other, aged
respectively ninety years and six months, ninety-nine years and
eight months, and eighty years. The others who lived to matur-
ity, died at the ages of sixty-nine, eighty-two, and eighty-five
years.
CLARISSA HIGLEY, the eldest, born November 30, 1772, married Ezekiel Haskins
of Simsbury. They removed to Canaan, Conn., where she died March 16, 1854.
Their children were, viz. :
ZILPAH, born November 27, 1795, who married Henry Post, May, 1830. She
died in Canaan, September 17, 1871.
JULIA, born April 14, 1798 ; married John B. Reed, February 8, 1828. She died
July 17, 1836.
EMELINE, born May 22, 1800 ; married Frederic Fenn, December 25, 1823 ; she
died at Canaan, Conn., December 25, 1875. Their descendants removed to Lan-
caster, Pa.
CHARLOTTE, born June II, 1804; married Frederick Lowery, bctober r, 1823;
died at Lee, Mass., January 29, 1865. But one of her descendants is living: Can-
field Lowery, who resides in California.
MELISSA, born June 20, 1806; married Ormil Brinton, February it, 1837; died
at Canaan, April n, 1886. Had two children : Julia and Frederick. Frederick
was a soldier and died in the Civil War.
MARYF.TTE, born June 7, 1808 ; married Nathaniel Brinton, May 22, 1836.
SEYMOUR, born March 3, 1813 ; married Abia Deming, March 7, 1839 ; died at
Canaan, August 18, 1883.
SARAH G., born April ir, 1815 ; married Theodore Prentice, September r, 1841 ;
died August 17, 1881.
MARGARET HIGLEY, the third child of Simeon and Margaret Phelps Higley,
was born January 28, 1779, and died August 15, 1878, aged ninety-nine years and
eight months.
SARAH HIGLEY, the fourth child of Simeon and Margaret Higley, was born
September 25, 1781, and became the second wife of Alpheus Hays of Granby,
Conn., in 1809 ; his first wife having been her cousin, Betsey Higley, daughter of
Ozias. As has been heretofore stated, the Hon. Alpheus Hays was Represen-
tative from Granby to the Connecticut Legislature, 1821-23. He died in 1828.
His wife lived in widowhood forty-four years. She spent the last years of her life
at Washington, Pa., removing thither with her youngest daughter, Mrs. McKinley,
with whom she had her home.
Mrs. Sarah (Higley) Hays was a member of tbe Presbyterian Church from 1829,
forty-three years. " She took great delight," says her pastor, the Rev. James I.
Brownson, D. D., "in the word of God, and in the society of religious people.
Her faithful words and deeds, her sympathy and prayers, and her Christian ex-
ample will ever live in the hearts of those who knew her, and of her children."
The last three years of her life she was mostly confined to her bed, under the
natural infirmities of age, which brought her slowly and gently down to the end of
this earth-life. She died March 30, 1872, aged ninety years and six months.
376 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
The Hon. Alpheus and Sarah (Higley) Hays were the parents of seven children,
all born in West Granby, Conn. Their sons and daughter Margaret, resided at
Washington, Pa. The children are as follows :
GEORGE HAYS, who married Carolina Wilcox of West Granby.
EDWARD, born August 9, 1815, married Rhoda Kendall, August 5, 1839. She
was born October 17, 1815 ; had children.
FREDERICK, born December 25, 1817 ; married Mary E. Redilion, June 5, 1855.
She was born November 20, 1827 ; had four children.
CHARLES and MORGAN, twins, born March 13, 1820; Charles married, first,
Sophia B. Koomby, September 2, 1846, who died October 15, 1854 ; second wife,
Margaret Fleming, married June 9, 1857, and had eight children. Morgan
married, December 23, 1845, Sarah J. Wilson. She was born June 3, 1828 ;
had nine children, three of whom died in infancy. His eldest son, William,
died January 20, 1872, aged twenty-six.
SARAH, of whom no further mention is made.
MARGARET, born May 15, 1829; married Alexander McKinley of Washington,
Pa., April 27, 1852. He was born January 4, 1817. She died in Christian
hope, March 5, 1871. They had eight children.
DIADEMA HIGLEY, the fifth child of Simeon and Margaret Phelps Higley, was
born April 30, 1784, and died, unmarried, at Canaan, Conn., August 6, 1853.
SIMEON HIGLEY, 2d, the second child of his parents by this name, and the sixth
child of Simeon and Margaret Phelps Higley, was born in Simsbury, Conn.
October 17, 1786 ; married Wealthy Noble, daughter of Matthew Noble, February
22, 1822. She was born February 7, 1794. He died December i, 1871. Their
children :
ELIZABETH, born December 14, 1822, married Charles B. Maltbie, M. D., of
Norfolk, Conn., May 22, 1848. The children of Dr. and Elizabeth (Higley)
Maltbie were :
Seraph Elizabeth, born May 18, 1852 ; married Lee P. Dean of Canaan, Conn. Mary Alice,
born October 7, 1854 ; married Willard S. Brown ; reside in Falls Village, Conn. Charles^ born
September 22, 1858 ; died Jannary 4, 1878. C. Belle, born January 27, 1867.
The children of Lee P. Dean, are Lee Maltbie, born May 16, 1875 ; Willard Parker, born
October a, 1879 ; Henry Charles, born June 8, 1885 ; Olive Elizabeth, born June 6, 1886.
MARY, the second daughter of Simeon Higley, Jr. , and Wealthy Noble, was born
July 20, 1825 ; married Chester Holcombe of Canaan, Conn., May 26, 1847.
Children : Margaret Higley Holcombe, born March 23, 1856 ; married, 1877, Burritt
Yale of Cornwall, Conn.
HENRY HIGLEY, the seventh and youngest child of Simeon and Margaret Phelps
Higley, was born July 7, 1792 ; married Caroline Phelps, March, 1851. He died
April 26, 1872. They resided at Canaan, Conn. Their children :
Henry Irving, born March II, 1852, married Sophia Call ; Eugene Greenville,
born February, 1855.
CHAPTER XLIX.
HANNAH HIGLEY OWEN MILLS.
Continued from chapter xviii. p. 100.
Hannah, Brewster Higley, ist, Captain John Higley.
The roots of humanity are so inextricably intertwined that we must grow together if we grow at
all. — DORA GREHNWELL.
HANNAH, the eldest daughter of Brewster Higley, ist, was born
in Simsbury, Conn., December 17, 1717, and named, no doubt,
for her aunt, Mrs. Hannah Trumbull.
She was unquestionably a woman of strong character, and had
the conditions in which she lived been in the present day, she
would have had a distinct personality.
She married, first, about 1734, Elijah Owen, the son of Isaac
and Sarah Holcombe Owen, and grandson of John Owen, a
Welshman who came to Windsor, Conn., about the year 1634.
They settled in Turkey Hills (now East Granby). The farm is
still pointed out.
Her husband, Elijah Owen, died September, 1741, at forty-one
years of age, leaving his wife a young widow of but twenty-four.
After a lapse of seven years, Mrs. Owen married, in 1748,
Pelatiah Mills of Wintonbury, Conn., grandson of "the ancestor
of the race of Miles or Mills, who came from Holland," and whose
Dutch name, tradition says, was changed to " Mills " on his
arrival in America.
It is said of Pelatiah Mills that "he was a man held in high
estimation, both in civil, ecclesiastical, and religious concerns."
Mr. and Mrs. Mills walked side by side in happy union for
thirty-eight years. In the repose of their advanced years their
excellencies and virtues shone so conspicuously that they seemed
" laying aside their earthly garments one by one, and dressing
themselves for heaven." It is said that they were commonly
alluded to as "the good Deacon Mills and his pious wife — that
good woman."
Pelatiah Mills died in 1786, at an advanced age. Hannah Hig-
377
378 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ley, his wife, survived her husband twenty years and died in 1806,
at the ripe age of ninety.*
By her two marriages Hannah Higley was the mother of eleven
children, several of her descendants becoming marked characters.
Children by the first marriage : an infant, who died; Elijah
Owen, Jr., born 1738; Hannah, born 1740; and Rebecca, born 1744.
Children by second marriage:
Pelatiah, Jr., Samuel, Roger, "Patsey" or Martha, Eli, Frederick,
Susannah, and Elihu.
ELIJAH OWEN, JR., the eldest son of Hannah Higley and Elijah Owen, was of
pious character, and from early manhood was of great activity and usefulness in the
affairs of the church at Turkey Hills. He died at Otis, Mass., in 1814, aged
seventy-six.
REBECCA, her eldest daughter, married Benedict Alford and settled at Windsor,
Conn., but removed to Vermont about 1790. She lived to an extreme old age,
ninety-five. Her husband, Benedict Alford, Sr., was a Revolutionary soldier.
He was born probably about 1730. It is stated that later in life they removed to
Geauga County, Ohio, where they both died.
HANNAH, the third child of Hannah Higley and Elijah Owen, married, in 1757,
Captain John Brown of Wintonbury (now Bloomfield), Conn., a direct descendant
from Peter Brown, a Mayflower Puritan. She was the grandmother of John
Brown, the slave liberator.4 They settled at West Simsbury.
Captain John Brown, her husband, was born November 4, 1728. He received
his commission from Governor Jonathan Trumbull, who was first cousin to his
wife's mother, May 23, 1776.
On the nth of June he was directed by order of his colonel, John Pettibone, to
enlist one third part of his company to serve as minute men, "for the defense of
their own and the adjoining colonies." Soon after, Captain John Brown with his
men joined the Revolutionary Army at New York, where, after two months' ser-
vice, he was taken ill with dysentery, and died in a barn on the 3d of September,
1776, shortly before the battle of Long Island, in which his regiment took part.
His wife, Hannah Owen Brown, was left a widow with a hard struggle before her,
and in a trying situation, with eleven children, four sons and seven daughters ; the
eldest but seventeen, and the youngest born after the death of his father. These
children all lived to maturity, and she saw each one comfortably married and all
except one have families.
She was a woman of rare courage. Her great-grandson, Heman H. Barbour,
writes of her : " I well remember my great-grandmother, Hannah (Owen) Brown,
daughter of Elijah Owen and Hannah Higley, who died in 1831, aged ninety-one.
She retained her mental faculties in a remarkable degree to the last, and very enter-
taining stories did she tell us children of her eventful life.
" The responsibilities and labors of bringing up her family, and managing the
1 The children of Brewster Higley, ist, particularly his daughters and some of their descendants,
were noted for their longevity. It is said that the ages of his eight children, when added together,
make the round number 646 years, averaging a longevity of more than eighty years each.
a See sketch of John Brown, chapter 1.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 1ST. 379
farm affairs, were met and discharged with such fortitude, discretion, and patience
as are seldom exhibited by woman. The suffering and hardships of the hard
winter of .the Revolution, 1777-78, were peculiarly severe. For a long time she was
obliged to provide water for her cattle by melting snow ; and repeatedly during this
winter did she go on horseback several miles to a mill, with a bag of grain for grind-
ing. Her faith in God, with a naturally energetic, brave, and indomitable spirit,
sustained her through all her trials, and she kept her family together and reared her
children to respectable stations in life. She was a noble woman." '
Of this numerous family of Captain John and Hannah (Owen) Brown,
HANNAH, the eldest, born 1758, became the second wife of Solomon Humphrey
and was the mother of the Rev. Heman Humphrey, president of Amherst College.
DEACON JOHN BROWN, the eldest son, born 1767, resided in New Hartford,
Conn., " an honored and faithful man." He married, first, Millicent Gaylord, and
second, Mrs. Case, a widow.
Hon. FREDERICK BROWN, the seventh child, born 1769, was a member of the
State Legislature in 1812, and in 1816 was one of the founders of Wadsworth, O.,
where he was on the bench fourteen years. He married, first, Catherine Case ;
second, Chloe S. Pettibone.
OWEN BROWN, the eighth child, born 1771, was known as " Squire Brown."
He and his first wife Ruth, granddaughter of the Rev. Gideon and Elizabeth
(Higley) Mills were the parents of John Brown of Harper's Ferry, Va., fame.
He was twice married after. He died in 1856.
ABIEL BROWN, the youngest son, born in 1776, after his father's death in the
army, was the hfstorian of Canton, Conn., a valuable work containing sketches of
the early settlers of that town. He married Anna Lord of Lyme. He died in the
year 1856.
The daughters, besides Hannah mentioned above, were, viz. : Azubah, born 1760 ;
married Michael Barber. Esther, born 1762 ; married Timothy Case. Margery,
born 1764 ; married, first, David Giddings ; second, Prince Taylor. Lucinda,
born 1765 ; married Russel Borden. Thede, born 1773 ; married William Mer-
rells; and Roxy R., born 1775; married Alexander Humphrey.
The sons of Hannah Higley, of whom her second husband,
Pelatiah Mills, was the father, left numerous descendants, whose
lives are worthy of extended record.
Her daughter Martha, or Patsey, as she was familiarly called,
married James Barnard, of a highly respectable family of Bloom-
field, Conn.
Susannah, married Hubbard, also of Bloomfield.
1 " My Wife and Mother," by H. H. Barbour, p. 75.
CHAPTER L.
JOHN BROWN.1
Owen Brown, Hannah Owen Brown, Hannah Higley Owen, Brewster Higley, ist,
Captain John Higley.
The blast that startled camp and town,
And shook the walls of slavery down —
The spectral march of old John Brown !
— WHITTIER.
JOHN BROWN, the son of Owen Brown and Ruth Mills, both of
whom were the grandchildren of the two sisters, Hannah Higley
Owen and Elizabeth Higley Mills (daughters of Brewster Higley,
ist), was born at Torrington, Conn., where his parents then
resided, May 9, 1800.
The family moved to Hudson, O., in 1805, and here his youth
was spent. He was never fond of school. However, on reach-
ing early manhood and desiring to enter the ministry, he re-
turned to Connecticut and studied under a private tutor, the
Rev. Moses Halleck, who, it is said, fitted him for college. The
impairment of his eyesight compelling him to give up his studies,
he returned to his Ohio home. He then learned the tanner's
trade, which he followed twenty years, during which period,
except for his marriages, no marked events in his life took place.
His first marriage is found upon record thus :
" John Brown and Dianthe Lusk were legally joined in competent authority, on
the 2ist day of June, 1820. REV. WILLIAM HANFORD."
Dianthe Lusk was of Portage County," Ohio. She died August
10, 1832, having become the mother of seven children, five of
whom survived her. His second marriage took place July n,
1 From The Century Magazine. — Woodman's Portrait of John Brown.
DANVERS, 8mo., 16, 1882.
MY DEAR FRIEND : Thy portrait of John Brown is by far the best I have ever seen. It is the
•man— not only the physical man, but his inner self also. It is he at his best and truest.
Thanking thee for the picture, I am
Very truly thy friend,
ToSeldonJ. Woodman. JOHN G. WHITTIER.
I have seen Mr. Woodman's portrait of my husband. I think it a very good likeness of him,
and the more I see it the more I like it.
MRS. JOHN BROWN.
TOPEKA, KANSAS, November 15, 1882.
9 Book a, " Records of Portage County, Ohio."
380
By courtesy of THE CENTURY Co.
Copyright, 1883, by THE CENTURY Co.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 1ST. 381
1833, with Mary Anne Day, of northern New York, who was then
but seventeen years of age. She bore thirteen children. Seven
of these died in childhood.
Space will not permit in these pages of a lengthened biographi-
cal sketch, or an acute analysis of John Brown's life and char-
acter, which developed strong types of a vigorous individuality,
one which was a singular compound of enlarged capacities and
admirable virtues, but strangely balanced and difficult to inter-
pret, a character of marked integrity, of splendid earnestness,
conscientious to a high degree, strictly free from the use of all
intoxicants, devotional in habit, adhering with rigid fidelity to
narrow religious ideas, yet withal laden with many defects. He
was severe in his utterances of pronounced opinions, might often
have been called uncharitable in his condemnatory judgments,
was shrewd and cunning in devising a purpose, a full believer in
retaliation, in the sword, and in war, and finally proved himself
equal to deep intrigue.
And yet the great final act of his life, the seizing, with his force
of only twenty-two armed men,1 of the United States Govern-
ment arsenals at Harper's Ferry, W. Va., October 17, 1859, to
procure equipments for slaves for insurrectionary purposes, was
the consummate outcome of a heroic and noble sentiment, a pro-
found and living sympathy for the human beings whom he be-
lieved to be unjustly suffering the wrongs of human bondage.
In his last speech before the court which sentenced him to the
gallows, his recorded testimony is but one prbof among many
others that he acted in this event in accordance with his deeply-
rooted convictions and his utter abhorrence of slavery.
He said :
" This court acknowledges, as I suppose, the validity of the Law of God. I see
a book kissed here which I suppose to be the Bible or, at least, the New Testa-
ment. That teaches me ' that all things whatsoever I would that men should do
unto me, I should do even so to them.' It teaches me further, to ' remember them
that are in bonds as bound with them.' I endeavored to act up to that instruc-
tion. 1 say, I am yet too young to understand that God is any respecter of per-
sons. I believe that to have iuterfered as I have done — as I have always freely
admitted I have done — in behalf of his despised poor, was not wrong, but right."
Said a South Carolina gentleman, who was early at the scene
of the Harper's Ferry raid, a man at that time full of political
prejudices, in speaking of this would-be liberator :
1 Brown's force consisted of seventeen white and five black men.
382 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
" It is impossible not to feel respect for men who offer up their lives in support
of their convictions." '
And Bishop Phillips Brooks remarked :
"Alas, for the man who will not rush through fire though it burn, through water
though it drown, to do the work that his soul knows it must do."
Some of John Brown's more prominent characteristics, showing
the elements in his nature which, influenced by a fanatical zeal,
fitted him for the bold and defiant undertaking which cost him
his life, cannot perhaps better be given than the following per-
sonal reminiscences narrated to the writer by his old-time friend,
William H. Ladd, for some years president of the State Board of
Agriculture of Ohio, a prominent member of the Society of
Friends, and later a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y.
"I knew him well," says Mr. Ladd. " He began operating in the wool trade
about three years before I met him. From the day that he came to my father's
house, in the year 1843, to the time he began to devise practically his plans and pur-
poses for the last great event of his life, he was often a guest in our home.
" We were both interested at that time, and for a few years afterward, in stock
and fine wool-growing, and our acquaintance thus formed brought us into many
relations, not only of business but those of a social and friendly nature. We fre-
quently attended the different State Fairs together, and were often out on long
journeys. On one of these journeys in New York and New England, we traveled
for three months together, mostly by private conveyance, frequently occupying the
same bed-chamber. This was in 1846.
" During these travels, John Brown would not go about on Sundays, nor could he
be induced to talk of or make any allusion to business matters from sunset on
Saturday evening till Monday morning. And wherever we happened to find our-
selves on the Sabbath, he strictly attended a church service.
"After I was married, it was the custom in my home on taking our seats at meals
to bow our heads and ask a silent blessing, but when John Brown was my guest he
invariably asked a blessing audibly, whether invited to do so or not ; and when our
breakfast was over he never failed to kneel in vocal prayer, though we did not
suggest it.
" Though an agreeable companion, I cannot say that he was genial and social by
nature. If interested in a subject and aroused, he conversed freely, but easily
settled again into a mental retreat and introspection. This gave him an air of
seeming coolness and immovability. His accustomed positive bearing had the
effect to hold those with whom he was in contact somewhat at a distance and in a
sort of awe. Being matter-of-fact and practical, he cared little for a joke, yet could
not be called sanctimonious in manner.
" My old friend could make a fair speech — not fluent, but of few words, very
terse and directly to the point. He had no respect for, and was impatient with, any
1 " Life and Letters of John Brown," p. 6ix.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, \ST 383
speaker who took the time and attention of an audience, " without," as he
expressed it, "saying something." To receive a long letter was a positive vexa-
tion to him. He scarcely ever read a letter to the end if it covered more than one
page.
" He entertained an abhorrence of shams, hating hypocrites, and greatly enjoyed
tearing the mask from people and things. While he was entirely respectful in an
argument, he was thoroughly independent, decided, and fearless, expressing his
convictions in a downright fashion from which he could not be swerved.
" I never found him a man to interfere with other people's matters unless he saw
or knew something going on which his convictions led him to feel was wrong ;
then he was outspoken, harsh, and rancorous.
" We were once together at Northampton, Mass., on one of our journeys, and
were invited to the home of a friend of mine, a wealthy manufacturer, to stay over
the Sabbath. We, of course, accompanied the family to their church, a large and
elegant edifice, in which worshiped a refined congregation. We were seated in a
corner pew to the right of the pulpit. During the service I noticed John Brown
constantly glancing at the choir, which was made up of twenty-four young persons,
and was located in the gallery at the back of the audience. They were behaving
in a frivolous manner, smiling, making signals, etc. This shocked his sense of
propriety. He was disgusted and restless. Finally he seemed to forget the
sermon and the service altogether, keeping close watch upon them. The bene-
diction had scarcely escaped the minister's lips, when he exclaimed in a loud,
indignant tone, ' What a mockery ! ' and much to my mortification, when my
host, who was one of the prominent members of the congregation, introduced us to
his pastor immediately after, John Brown, though he had never before met him,
without any sort of formal greeting, ungraciously descended upon him with a volume
of scathing reproof for permitting such conduct in the house of worship.
" An intense love of investigation was one of his prominent characteristics. He
liked prying to the bottom of matters and unearthing the foundations. In this
connection his associations at the college at Bethany, W. Va., of which Alexander
Campbell, the founder of the sect called Campbellites, or ' Christians,' was then
the president, were most congenial to him, and afforded a pleasant place, both from
a business and a religious standpoint, to which he delighted to resort. Mr. Camp-
bell was at that time an extensive fine wool grower, and engaged as well in dealing
penetratingly with theological and anti-slavery themes.
" Brown was a vigorous observer of men, a close, shrewd scrutinizer, and always
examined a proposition which was laid before him with great care, in business as
well as other matters. During a period of full thirty years before his death, long
before I knew him, he gave much of his time and thought and action to the cause
of the abolition of slavery.1 He was neither ashamed nor afraid to publicly
denounce the system at any time or in any place. I have often heard him say that
he ' would kill any man whom he might see taking a slave back into slavery, rather
than allow him to do it." He always declared his creed to be, ' He that stealeth a
man and selleth him, shall be put to death ' — ' an eye for an eye, a tooth for a
tooth.'
1 He was associated from the beginning with the band of those citizens of our Northern States
who, in defiance of then existing laws, were conductors of the Underground Railway," whose trains
ran mostly at night and gave no return tickets." The passengers were ths fleeing slaves. — THB
EDITOR.
384 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
"All the while I knew him he put his abolition principles severely into practice.
He rigidly refused to use rice or sugar or any other product from the slave States,
fearing he might encourage the slave power. He even refused coffee when a guest
at my home or on our journeys, unless he was quite sure that it was the product of
free labor.
"His eldest four sons removed to Kansas in 1854, and Brown himself followed
them about the year 1855 with his family. During the bloody drama enacted
there in 1856-57, in which he gained laurels at Ossawattomie in the border warfare,
his son, Frederick Brown, was murdered before his eyes. This act, no doubt,
boiled John Brown's opinions on slavery to overflow, and brought to culmination
his long-cherished and misguided plan for its overthrow [a plot to furnish the slaves
with arms and incite them to rise in revolt], upon which he had deliberated for full
twenty years. I think it was soon after the assassination of this son that he began
maturing his secret scheme.
" I have been told that a small circle of his intimate and trusted friends among
the Abolitionists were made acquainted as early as 1858 with the fact that he early
intended a raid of some sort. But he did. not make his project known to the most of
us, nor did he even visit us while perfecting it, having fears, no doubt, that we
would antagonize his purpose, knowing that he would receive our strong dis-
approval of his proposed method of action."
Twenty-one years after his execution at Charlestown, Va.,
his old friend, the Hon. Frederick Douglass, claiming in an elo-
quent address that "John Brown's zeal in the cause of liberty
resulted in the immediate cause of the war between the Northern
and Southern States of our Union," used the following expressive
language :
"If," said he, "John Brown did not end the war that ended
slavery, he at least begun the war that ended slavery. If we look
over the dates, places, and men for which this honor is claimed,
we shall find that not Carolina, but Virginia; not Fort Sumter,
but Harper's Ferry and the arsenals; not Major Anderson, but
John Brown, began the war that ended American slavery and
made this a republic. Until this blow was struck the prospect
for freedom was dim, shadowy, and uncertain. The irrepressible
conflict was one of words, votes, and compromises. When John
Brown stretched forth his arm, the sky was cleared, the armed
hosts of freedom stood face to face over the chasm of a broken
union, and the clash of arms was at hand."1
Sixteen days after John Brown's unsuccessful attempt at Har-
per's Ferry to lead the slaves to liberty, in which several lives
were sacrificed on both sides, among them his two sons, Watson
and Oliver Brown, and his son-in-law, Mr. Thompson, the sen-
lTAe Century, July, 1883.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, \ST. 385
tence from which he suffered the penalty of death was pronounced
against him by a Virginia court at Charlestown, where he had
been taken for trial. He was declared, " Guilty of treason
against the Commonwealth of Virginia, conspiring and advising
with negroes and others to produce insurrection, and of murder
in the first degree."
In his defense he refused to acknowledge any intention of com-
mitting murder or treason. From first to last he adhered to the
statement that he was not in any way guilty at the bar of his own
conscience.
Froude once said, " High treason is either the greatest of
crimes, or the noblest of virtues," and " which it is," says Stearns,
"depends upon the circumstances of the case."
The incidents and conditions during the brief interval between
his capture and his death were touching in the extreme. He was
shackled at the ankles, and fastened by a large chain to the floor
of his prison cell, though there was little need of this precaution,
for during much of the period he was confined to a pallet disabled
by severe wounds which he received while defending his little
party in the historic engine-house which was his citadel at Har-
per's Ferry. With his efforts blasted, and his plot overthrown,
stricken down and helpless, he appeared entirely resigned to bow
before his fate ; while affecting nothing heroic, he yielded the pur-
suit of his long devised purpose with resolute and courageous
fortitude, steadfastly clinging to a strong and lively faith in the
ultimate successful issue of the cause he was serving in sincerity
of heart.
" I can," he writes to his family, " trust God with both the time
and the manner of my death, believing as I now do that for me
at this time to seal my testimony for God and humanity with my
blood, will do vastly more toward advancing the cause I have
earnestly endeavored to promote than all I have done in my life
before. I beg you all meekly and quietly to submit to this, not
feeling yourselves in the least degraded on that account.
" May God Almighty comfort all your hearts, and soon wipe
away all tears from your eyes ! Think of the crushed millions
who 'have no comforter.' I charge you all never in your trials
to forget the griefs ' of the poor that cry, and of those that have
none to help them.' "
" Tell our children," said he, in the pathetic and only interview
386 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
he had with his wife in his cell, " that their father died without a
single regret for the course he has pursued — that he is satisfied
that he is right in the eyes of God and of all just men." '
He declared in another letter : " The near approach of my great
change is not the occasion of any particular dread."
When he came to the scaffold he walked, never faltering in his
step, to the platform and waited in silence. To the end he was
calm and dignified in bearing, gentle and resigned, meeting his
death with perfect composure.
At the time of his execution, December 2, 1859, his family was
residing on a farm at North Elba, Essex County, N. Y., in the
Adirondack Mountains. To this spot his body was conveyed for
burial. He had made the request, " When 1 die, bury me by the
big rock where I loved to sit and read the Word of God," and
here he was laid in the frozen ground, on Thursday the 8th, a bleak
December day.*
" The body was borne by six of his neighbors from his own roof
to the rock near by, under the shadow of which he had directed it
laid.' The coffin had been previously placed in front of his door-
step, where sympathizing neighbors came to take a last look.
Before leaving the house John Brown's favorite hymn, 'Blow ye
the Trumpet, Blow,' was sung, and an impressive prayer was offered
by the Rev. Mr. Young of Burlington, Vt., who with others of
that city had ridden all night to be present. Remarks were then
made by J. M. McKim of Philadelphia, followed by an address by
Wendell Phillips of Boston, amid the strong emotion and deep
sympathy of the family and friends. It was deeply touching to
see the three widows, his wife and the wives of his two sons,
Watson and Oliver, leaning on the arms of strangers and reliev-
ing their broken hearts by sobs."
1 " Life and Letters of John Brown," by F. B. Sanford, p. 586.
4 The " John Brown Farm," at North Elba, was purchased in 1869 by a syndicate, Kate Field,
Sinclair Tousey, the sons of William Lloyd Garrison, and several other admirers of John Brown,
and held as a reserve till January, 1896, when it was transferred to the State of New York to be
used as a public park, the old homestead and his grave to be preserved. A monument is to be
erected. The place is annually visited by hundreds of tourists.
3 The epitaphs inscribed on a tombstone near the bowlder are as follows : " In memory of Capn
John Brown [See Captain John Brown, chapter xlix. p. 378], who died at New- York Sept. ye 3,
1776, in the 48th of his age." Below this is the following inscription : "John Brown, born May
9, 1800, was executed at Charlestown, Va., Dec, 2, 1859." Close to the ground is still another
inscription: "Oliver Brown, born March 9, 1837, killed at Harper's Ferry, Oct. 17, 1859." ^n
the other side of the tombstone is the inscription : " In memory of Frederick, son of John and
Dianthe Brown, born Dec. 21, 1830, and murdered at Ossawattomie, Kansas, Oct. 30, 1856, for
his adhesion to the cause of freedom." Still another inscription on this side of the stone reads :
" Watson Brown, born October 7, 1835 ; wounded October 17, and died October 19, 1859."
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, \ST. 387
Says the Rev. Dr. Lundy : " His simple gravestone in his old
favorite resort behind a great bowlder in his beloved North Elba,
where he came to read his Bible, pray, and meditate, is the noblest
monument through which to perpetuate the name and the memory
of human greatness.
" As a prophet, he foresaw and foretold the great war of the
Rebellion. . . As a hero he did what he could, almost single-
handed, both in Kansas and Virginia, to rouse the nation, or at
least the servile portion of it, to make this Republic in reality
what it was only in name — a land of freemen.
"His confidence in the negro character being misplaced and
mistaken, there was no uprising as he had expected, and John
Brown suffered a capital sentence.
" It was unquestionably one of the most remarkable executions
that has ever occurred in history. It produced a profound im-
pression throughout this country and Europe, and did much to
make John Brown one of the foremost figures of the Western
World. His tragic end did as much as anything else to pre-
cipitate the final and distressing conflict between Slavery and
Freedom."
" One of the most dramatic acts of the life of Henry Ward
Beecher belonged to this epoch. It was in the old Broadway
Tabernacle, New York City, which was packed from floor to
ceiling. The chains with which John Brown had been bound had
been brought into the meeting, and lay upon the table upt>n the
platform. The orator kindled as he spoke; the chains before
him became a symbol of the chains that bound the wrists of three
million slaves,1 and in an outburst of passion he seized upon
them, cast them upon the floor, and ground them beneath his
heel as though he would then and there grind the whole power of
slavery to dust beneath his feet. The effect was indescribable.
The whole audience cheered till the roof rang, and all hearts
took a new vow to march on till every chain should be broken
and every siave set free. " "
Let us sit down by his grave at North Elba, and read his last
touching letter written to his kinsman, the Rev. Luther Hum-
phrey, twelve days before his execution:
CHARLESTOWN, JEFFERSON Co., VA., isth November, 1859.
" MY DEAR FRIEND — Your kind letter of the twelfth inst. is now before me.
So far as my knowledge goes as to our mutual kindred, I suppose I am the first
1 Three millions and upward. * " Life of Henry Ward Beecher," by Lyman Abbott, D. D.,p. 145.
388 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
since the landing of Peter Brown from the Mayflower that has either been sen-
tenced to imprisonment or the gallows. But, my dear old friend, let not that fact
alone grieve you. You cannot have forgotten how and where our grandfather
(Captain John Brown) fell in 1776,' and he too might have perished on the scaffold
had circumstances been but very little different.
" The fact that a man dies under the hand of an executioner, or otherwise, has but
little to do with his true character, as I suppose. . . Whether I have any reason to
be of ' good cheer,' or not, in view of my end, I can assure you that I feel so. . . I
feel neither mortified, degraded, nor in the least ashamed of my imprisonment, my
chains, or my near prospect of death by hanging. . . I should be sixty years old
were I to live till May gth, 1860. I have enjoyed much of life as it is, and have
been remarkably prosperous, having early learned to regard the welfare and pros-
perity of others as my own. I have never, since I can remember, required a great
amount of sleep, so that I conclude that I have already enjoyed full an average
number of waking hours with those who reach their ' three score years and ten.'
I have not as yet been driven to the use of glasses, but can still see to read and
write quite comfortably. But more than that, I have generally enjoyed remark-
ably good health. I might go on to recount unnumbered and unmerited blessings,
among which would be some very severe afflictions, and those the most needed
blessings of all. And now, when I think how easily I might be left to spoil all -I
have done and suffered in the cause of freedom, I would hardly dare risk another
voyage, even if I had the opportunity. It is a long time since we met, but we shall
now soon come together in our Father's house, I trust. Let us hold that fast
which we already have, remembering that ' we shall reap if we faint not.'
" Thanks be ever unto God, who giveth us the victory through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
"And now, my old, warm-hearted friend — Good-bye.
"Your affectionate cousin,
"JOHN BROWN."2
"And now, indeed," writes Doctor Lundy, "his 'soul goes
marching on.' Under the shadow of the grand mountain peak —
old Whiteface —
" ' John Brown's body lies a-moldering in the grave,'
as the most precious treasure held in the trust and keeping of
those everlasting hills. His name shall for ages to come connect
the Adirondacks and human liberty together."
Thus John Brown laid down his life, giving lofty expression of
his faithfulness and sincerity to the grand principle of human
rights and justice. He did not live in this life to see "the sword
cut the fetter," but from the height of some far away celestial
hill, out of reach of the clank of chains, the jeers of the hooting
crowd, and the turmoil and ghastly sights of war, he saw the
1 See sketch of Captain John Brown, chapter xlix. p. 378. a From the original letter.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, \ST. 389
complete fulfillment of his purpose, and the end which his clear,
far-away vision had traced. Only three years, less one month,
from the day of his death the shackles of more than three mil-
lions of slaves in the United States of America were loosened by
proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln.
NOTE. — A marble bust of John Brown, executed by E. A. Brackett, was unveiled
on Emancipation Day, January i, 1863, in Medford, Mass. It was afterward placed
on exhibition in the Boston Athenaeum.
A handsome memorial gold medal in honor of John Brown, modeled by the
Brussels artist, Wurder, was presented to Mrs. Brown by distinguished French
citizens in 1874. Among those who did this graceful act were Victor Hugo and
Louis Blanc. The presentation was accompanied by a highly gratifying address.
The inscription is as follows :
" A la memoire de John Brown, assassine juridiquement a Charleston, le 2
decembre 1859. Et a celle de ses fils et de ses compagnons morts, victimes deleur
de'vouement a la cause de la liberte des noirs."
An iron steamer built at London, which plies on the coast of West Africa for the
use of the colored missionaries at British Sherbro, fitly bears the name of John
Brown.
26
CHAPTER LI.
HESTER HIGLEY CASE.
Continued from chapter xviii. p. 100.
Hester, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
Love I esteem more strong than age, and truth more permanent than time — MRS. JAMESON.
HESTER, the fifth child of Brewster Higley, ist, was born
December 3, 1719, and married in 1740 Captain Josiah Case,
whose father, the Hon. James Case, was a member of the Con-
necticut General Assembly for a number of years. Captain
Case was born 1717.
Of the Case family there were many members in successive
generations who bore military titles. Its ancestors settled in
Simsbury as early as 1669, and founded a numerous and highly
respected family line. There have been numerous intermarriages
with the Higleys and their relations among the descendants.
Captain Josiah Case and Hester first settled at Terry's Plain.
Great difficulties and disagreements in the old parish at Sims-
bury led to the formation of a new settlement and church society
in West-Simsbury, now Canton. To this neighborhood Captain
Case, with his wife, removed about the year 1743, becoming the
owners of lands which, since that time, have been held by their
descendants — their grandson, General Jarvis Case, having occu-
pied the old homestead on Chestnut Hill 1 till after the middle of
the present century.
During a married life extending through a period of nearly
half a century, they dignified human existence in their domestic
relations by the practice of love and sweetness of temper. It is
recorded of them that they lived together in the full enjoyment
of uninterrupted happiness, and that they were constantly spoken
of by their friends and neighbors as a living example of conjugal
felicity.
Captain Josiah Case died November 21, 1789. Hester Higley,
his wife, died September 15, 1807, aged eighty-eight years. Their
children :
Lois, born 1741, died March 21, 1759. James, born April 2,
1 Known also as East Hill school-district.
390
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY,\ST. 391
1744; married first, Phebe Tuller, second, Lydia Case. He died
January 7, 1822. Hester, born May 16, 1745; married first,
Thomas Case; her second marriage was to Carmi Higley, her
first cousin, and her third, to Abram Pinney. Hannah was born
June 23, 1749, and married Amos Wilcox; she died September
5, 1833, aged eighty-three. Betty, born April 26, 1752, married
John Barber; she died May 26, 1817. Captain Fithen, born Sep-
tember 17, 1758, married Amarilla Humphrey; he died 1829.
The last-named were the parents of General Jarvis Case of
Canton, who distinguished himself by organizing the "Canton
Cadets " which, it is said, took precedence as being the finest
military company in Connecticut. General Case was first captain
of this company, then colonel, and afterward was promoted to
the rank of general under the old militia law.
CHAPTER LII.
JOHN HIGLEY, SR.
Continued from chapter xviii. p. 100.
John, Sr., Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
" Sic transit gloria munde." >
THE sixth child of Brewster Higley, ist, was baptized John.
His birth, which took place at Simsbury, Conn., is thus
recorded :
"John Higley, Ye fourth son of Bruster Higley was born febuary iyth 1722."*
He was trained in the home circle to the same sound principles
and example of industry which characterized the heads of that
well-governed household.
Of his youth there is little trace. Later on his life is found to
have been one of stimulated energy. There are many signs of
him having borne his full part in the responsible public interests
of the town.
" At ye Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Simsbury Regularly assembled for the
Choice of Town Officers on the Third monday, being the Twentieth day of Decem-
ber A. D. 1756, John Higley was chosen a Collector to Collect ye Town Rates of the
Inhabitants of Salmon Brook Society for ye year Ensuing ; Alsoe, John Higley was
chosen Constable for the year ensuing."
Appointments of minor importance, from the time he was yet
a young man, fell to his lot, such as fence-viewing, leather-
sealer, grand juror, etc., and as has been stated in the narrative
of his sister Elizabeth (Higley) Mills, he was intrusted with the
collection of the Church society tithes.
He was well-to-do in the world, receiving lands by deed from
his father while his father was yet living, and at his decease he
inherited a legacy of additional lands, and two hundred pounds
in money. Being one of the heirs to his mother's property, he
received his portion of her estate at her decease.
During the war between Great Britain and France, the com-
1 "So passes away the glory of this world." * " Simsbury Records," book iii. p. 261.
393
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY, 1ST. 393
bined forces of the French and Indians, approaching from
Canada, did savage work. The Colony of Connecticut gave
noble service. The State militia about this time was very
numerous, according to the population. It is stated that early in
1759 Connecticut had more than six thousand men in actual
service.
On April 18, 1758, John Higley, together with his half cousin,
Samuel Higley,1 joined the Provincial troops, enlisting in Captain
Nathaniel Holcombe's company of six-months' men. Whether he
re-enlisted at the expiration of his time, the following November,
has not been ascertained.
When the War of the Revolution required men, though he was
now a man of fifty-four years, lacking only one year of the limit
in age, he again served his country, enlisting in Company 8,
i8th Regiment of the Connecticut Militia, under Captain John
Brown, his cousin by marriage. He arrived in New York and
joined the army August 19, 1776.
John Higley married, about 1745, — the exact date not appear-
ing,— Apphia, the daughter of Colonel Jonathan and Mercy
(Ruggles) Humphrey, and great-grandchild of Michael Hum-
phrey of Windsor, Conn., the ancestor of all the Connecticut
families by that name. Apphia Humphrey was born May 9, 1726.
They resided on the line between old Simsbury and what was
afterward the town of Canton, though the most of his lands lay
within the Simsbury boundary.
The parish of Canton was established, and the first Congrega-
tional church organized, in 1750. It does not appear that John
and Apphia Higley joined this parish, but continued their con-
nection with the old church at Simsbury.
Apphia Higley died August 27, 1762. Her tombstone is still
standing in the ancient burial ground in Simsbury.
John Higley's second marriage was with a "Widow" Clark.
He appears about the time of this marriage to have been baptized
into the Church of England at St. Andrews, Bloomfield, five miles
distant.
He died May, 1802, aged eighty years.
On the 7th of June, 1802, his son, John Higley, Jr. (or 2d),
and two men of New Hartford were appointed administrators to
his estate. They gave bond for two thousand dollars. The
inventory * amounted to $1740.90.
1 Son of Nathaniel Higley. * " Simsbury Probate Records," book vi. p. 223.
394 THE HIGLEY S AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
John and Apphia (Humphrey) Higley had children as follows :
Apphia, born March 27, 1746; John, Jr. (zd), born February i,
1748; Carmi, born May 16, 1749; Rosanna, of whom no data is
found and probably did not survive infancy; Isaac, born June 22,
1753; Obed, born October 25, 1757; and Eber, baptized July 17,
1763. By second wife: Roger, baptized January 13, 1765; Martha,
baptized June 29, 1766; and Job, baptized July 31, 1768.
APPHIA, the eldest, born March 27, 1746, married, March n,
1767, Jared Mills of Canton, and became the mother of ten chil-
dren. She died 1783. Her husband, Elder Jared Mills, was
afterward twice married. In 1808 he was ordained by the Baptist
Church to preach.
JOHN HIGLEY, Jr. (2d), the eldest son of John, Sr., and
Apphia (Humphrey) Higley, was born February 14, 1748. His-
torical information concerning him is very meager. He married
Dibble,1 probably during the year 1772. The given name
of his wife cannot be discovered. They resided on the farm
which had belonged to his father, which lay in the northwest
part of the Farm's school district in West Simsbury or Canton.
The " ear-mark " granted him for his cattle, sheep, and swine
was placed upon the town records February 3, 1784.
John Higley, Jr., was one of three administrators to his
father's estate. He died in 1802, a few months after his father's
decease.
Five children were born to John Higley, Jr. (2d), and his wife,
viz. :
Hannah, born March 25, 1773; John, 3d, born November 12,
1774; Lois, born October i, 1776, who died in childhood; Timothy,
born November 30, 1781; Dan, born December 22, 1789.
HANNAH, the eldest child, born March 25, 1773, married
Abraham Barber, Jr., the grandson of Sergeant Thomas Barber,
a leading character of his day. Abraham Barber was born 1767.
They resided in Canton.
JOHN HIGLEY, 3d, and eldest son of John Higley, Jr. (or 2d),
and the third in this line, was born November 12, 1774. He
married, in 1796, Lodama, the daughter of Simeon Messenger of
Barkhamstead, one of the old Simsbury families. Simeon Mes-
1 The Dibbles were descendants of Thomas Dibble, an early settler at Dorcester, Mass., and of
Windsor, Conn. John Higley, Jr.'s wife probably belonged to one of the families then residing at
Salmon Brook, a few miles from Simsbury, Conn.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER IIIGLEY,\ST. 395
senger was the fourth of the fifteen children of Isaac Messenger,1
whose father, Joseph Messenger, removed to West Simsbury in
1742, being the first by the name who settled there. Lodama
Messenger was born April i, 1780. John, 3d, and Lodama Higley
settled upon the farm in Canton that had been occupied by his
grandfather and father. John Higley, 3d, though he had some
unfortunate habits, was known as a hardworking man, and bore
the reputation in the community for being clever and talented,
and capable of accomplishing almost any sort of handicraft.
Lodama (Messenger) Higley died March 28, 1830. The Rev.
Jarius Burt preached her funeral sermon from the text, Hebrews
xii. 14. John Higley, 3d, died in Canton May i, 1833, on the
farm upon which he was born. His funeral sermon was preached
from the text, Ecclesiastes xii. 7, by the same minister : "Then
shall the dust return to the earth as it was : and the spirit shall
return unto God who gave it."
John, 3d, and Lodama (Messenger) Higley had a large family —
eleven children. They were as follows :
Apphia, Pamelia, Jasper, Dency, William, Alanson, Jfayden,
Harriet, Coy, Charles, and Julina.
APPHIA HIGLEY, the eldest, was born at Canton, Conn., August
23, 1798, and married, 1817, Amos Oviatt of Milford, Conn.,
where they resided. She died November 5, 1820. They had
one child, viz. :
ORIN W. OVIATT, who was born May, 1820. He was an infant six months
old at the time of his mother's decease. He became the ward of his uncles,
Alanson and Hayden Higley. When he became of age he went to Ohio, and on
the 1st of December, 1842, married Delia Wadsworth of Monroe Falls, Summit
County, in that State. They resided in the towns of Edinburg and Wadsworth, O.,
till the spring of 1852, when they removed to Battle Creek, Mich., and lived there
twelve years. They then removed to St. Joseph, where they remained till 1887,
when they returned to Mr. Oviatt's native town, Milford, Conn. They finally
went to Chicago, where Mrs. Delia Oviatt died December n, 1888, aged sixty-
six years and eleven months. She was buried at St. Joseph, Mich.
Mr. and Mrs. Oviatt were the parents of two daughters, Marion Annett and Delia
Irene.
MARION A., the oldest, married, in 1866, Captain John H. Langley, and resides
in St. Joseph, Mich. They have three children, viz.:
John H. Langley, Jr., Marion Bernice, and Ruth.
DELIA IRENE married, in. 1878, George Crafton, and has one child — a son named
Robert W. They reside, in Chicago, 111.
1 Isaac Messenger was one of four residents of Canton, living neighbors, who had forty sons
between them, thirty nine of whom lived to manhood.
396 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
PAMELIA HIGLEY-STURDIVANT, the second child of John Hig-
ley, 3d, and Lodama Messenger, was born May 25, 1800. She
married John Sturdivant of Simsbury, Conn., in 1821, and died
January 26, 1888. They had eight children, all born in Sims-
bury, viz. :
EMELINE, born 1822, who died at Chicopee Falls, Mass., 1842.
DENCY, born 1823, who married Loren Worster of Naugatuck, Conn., 1840.
They had two sons, Charles Worster, who was accidentally killed by an explosion
in a powder mill, and Orin, who resides at Naugatuck.
ELIZA, born 1825, married John Potter 1842. They had one child Antonette,
who married Luzern Gunn and resides in Union City, Conn.
JULINA, born 1827 and died 1829.
HARRIET, born 1828, married Ruggles Baker, 1846. They had two children :
Ella, who married James Wright, and one son— James Baker. Harriet L. Baker
died, 1885, at Naugatuck.
HENRY, born 1830, married Augusta Turner, 1859. They had daughters : Ida
and Carrie, who died , and Clara P., who died August, 1879. Henry
Sturdivant resides at Miles Grove, Pa.
CHARLES, born 1832, married Nettie Watson of Columbus, O., 1860. They had
two sons, Charles Watson and Frank, who reside in Miles Grove, Pa. Nettie
Watson Sturdivant died August 23, 1875.
SUSAN, born 1838, married Alonzo H. Turner, and resided at Union City, Conn.
She died September T2, 1887, leaving no children.
JASPER HIGLEY, the third child of John, 3d, and Lodama
(Messenger) Higley, was born at Canton, Conn., March 9, 1802,
and married Laura Haskins, 1825. She was born September,
1805. He served an apprenticeship at the trade of blacksmith,
after which he was for a few years in the employ of the Kelloggs,
machine builders, of Hartford, Conn. He then went into busi-
ness for himself in Simsbury. He embraced religion while yet a
young man, and united with the Methodist Church. Later on, an
unfortunate internal injury destroyed his health, causing him
much suffering the remainder of his life. This stopped his busi-
ness, and brought his family into reduced circumstances. He
died August 20, 1840. He was known as an honest-hearted
citizen. His wife died December 16, 1893, aged eighty-eight
years. She had married a second time. Jasper and Laura
(Haskins) Higley had two children, viz. : Wilson and Elizabeth P.
WILSON HIGLEY, born March 27, 1827, married July 8, 1849, Sabra A. Tuller.
They had five children :
Franklin P., Eugene, William, Rosa, who died young, and Charles. His wife,
Sabra A. Higley, died March 9, 1879.
DESCENDANTS OF BRE WSTER HIGLE Y, 1ST. 397
ELIZABETH P., born January 9, 1836, married, September II, 1853, Dwight
Gates, and had four children :
Juliette, Ida, Emily, and Laura. They reside in Simsbury.
DENCY HIGLEY, the fourth child of John, 3d, and Lodama
(Messenger) Higley [page 395], was born December 13, 1803,
and married Orin Case of Barkhamstead, Conn. They emigrated
to the State of Ohio in 1822, making the journey of six weeks
with an ox team. They settled at Ridgeville, O. Later in life
they removed to Iowa. Their children were Seymour, Alanson,
and Austin.
AUSTIN CASE resides in Milford, la. He married [date not given] and has an
interesting family. He is a highly respected and influential citizen. His son,
Eugene, who is postmaster of the town, is a clever, enterprising young man of
excellent standing. Mrs. Dency (Higley) Case died of pneumonia, in Iowa, Janu-
ary 24, 1879. From the Okoboy paper the following is taken : " Mrs. Dency Case
was the mother of Austin Case, Esqr., and was highly respected and esteemed by
all who knew her. She was a consistent member of the Congregational Church,
and died in the full assurance of life beyond the grave. Few women lived who
possessed a warmer heart or more lovable nature ; endowed with purest womanly
virtues, she was ever sympathizing, genial, and a faithful friend. Of her it may
truly be said, ' The world is better for her having lived.' "
WILLIAM HIGLEY, the fifth child of John, 3d, and Lodama
(Messenger) Higley, was born at Canton, Conn., June 25, 1806.
He married Lydia J. Matson of Granby, Conn., about 1825.
They resided in Hartford County, Connecticut. He died, 1839.
They had four children, viz. :
JULIA ANN, born 1827, who married Truman A. Case, and has two daughters,
Nellie and Rosie. They reside in Milwaukee, Wis.
MILES PORTER, born October 7, 1830 ; served in the late Civil War with the
Federal forces. He died before the close of the war of disease contracted in the
field.
WILLIAM EMERSON, born in Hartford County, Connecticut, October 7, 1835 ;
married, March I, 1870, Clara S. Ingham of Middletown, Conn. They reside in
Chicago, where the following children were born :
William Lewis, born February I, 1871 ; died September 10, 1871. Clara
Julia, born April 15, 1872. Walter, born October 12, 1874 ; died May 4, 1884.
Arthur Montague, born June 9, 1876, and Clinton Emerson, born July 12, 1879.
WILBURT J., the youngest child of William and Lydia J. (Matson) Higley, born
1838 ; married , and has five children. They reside in Sullivan County,
Pennsylvania. No data furnished.
398 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ALANSON HIGLEY, the sixth child of John, 3<3, and Lodama (Mes-
senger) Higley [page 395], was born in Canton, Conn., July 26,
1808, and married November i, 1830, Mary Carlton of Derry,
N. H. She was born June 20, 1811. Alanson Higley was a man
of 'fine physique, full of animation and hilarity, popular with his
friends, and counted a "jovial good fellow." The responsibili-
ties of bringing up a family of nine children fell largely upon the
excellent wife and mother, a woman of sterling qualities, gifted
with wise strength, uniting action with much thoughtfulness and
lovableness of character. Alanson Higley died December 29,
1869. They resided at Candia, N. H., where their children
were born, viz. :
Mary Ann, Harriet, JohnH., Charles W., Harriet W., 2d, Eben
N. , Albert A. , Sarah J. , and Hannah N.
MARY ANN, the eldest, born October 4, 1831 ; married William Benson, May 8,
1851. She died December 29, 1852. They resided at South Berwick, Me. They
had one child, Sallie, born June I, 1852 ; died an infant.
HARRIET, the second child, born November 6, 1832 ; died September 25, 1836.
JOHN H., the third child, born November 21, 1834, at Candia, N. H. ; died
January 10, 1855.
CHARLES W., born February, 1837 ; left home at the age of sixteen, and never
was heard of after.
HARRIET W., the fifth child of Alanson and Mary (Carlton) Higley, was born
April 22, 1839, and married June 18, 1859, Ira T. Warren. They reside at Cape
Elizabeth, Me., where Mr. Warren has accumulated a considerable property, and
is the owner of a goodly portion of real estate in the town in which they live. He
is a man of sterling integrity, and a staunch Republican in politics. For near thirty
years he has been an engineer on the Boston and Maine Railway. His wife,
Harriet W. Higley, is an amiable Christian woman, a friend true to the core,
possessing marked stability of character. Their children are :
Mary Ella, born July 22, 1860, and died January 25, 1875 ; George F., born
March 9, 1862, and Mamie E., born July n, 1875.
EBEN N., the sixth child of Alanson and Mary (Carlton) Higley, was born
in Westford, Mass., May 20, 1843. His parents removed to Candia, N. H., in
1847, when he was four years old. Here his younger years were spent. At the
age of twelve he was " bound " to a farmer in the same town, with whom he re-
mained four years. He then secured a situation in a cotton factory at South Ber-
wick, Me., remaining with his employer till the year 1861. At the age of eighteen
he went to sea before the mast, enlisting on June I, 1861, in the United States
Naval Service for one year, from which he was honorably discharged, July 9, 1862.
Soon after the last date he entered the Navy Yard at Kittery, Me., but deciding
upon joining the forces in the Civil War, he enlisted in Company B, 27th Maine
Volunteers, for nine months' service. The wing of the army to which his regiment
was assigned served mostly in Virginia. On being mustered out, July 17, 1863, he
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY,\ST. 399
went to Lake Village, N. H., to learn the trade of machinist. Here he remained
more than a year. Before the close of '64 he again entered the United States Naval
Service, and was transferred from the receiving ship to the United States Sloop-of-
War San Yacinto. While on a voyage she was shipwrecked, January I, 1865, on
No-name Key, the Bahama Banks, an uninhabited island, where the officers and
marines were obliged to remain nineteen days before being taken off.
Mr. Higley was then transferred to the United States Ship Fort Henry, and was
on board when she was sunk in the St. Marks River, Florida. He received his dis-
charge July 6, 1865, after the close of the war, having served honorably.
In March, 1866, he went to Great Falls, N. H., engaging with a large manufac-
turing company. Here he remained three years. March, 1869, he began the ma-
chinist business for himself, in which he continued till 1882, when he sold out, and
being given to practical thinking, he entered with some enthusiasm into inventions,
in which he succeeded by virtue of his natural genius and perseverance. In the
course of a few years his experiments had resulted in him taking out above thirty
patents, which, together with mining interests, brought him a comfortable fortune.
Some of his enterprises were of a scientific character.
Mr. Higley is at present the treasurer of the Beaver Dam Mining Company of
Nova Scotia ; the president of the Golden Gate Mining Company of South Carolina,
and president of the Deer Creek Gold Mining Company of Idaho.
On December 28, 1868, he married Hannah B. Morrison of South Parsonfield,
Me. They have resided much of their married life at Somersworth, N. H., but
spent a few years in New York City.
Eben and Hannah (Morrison) Higley are the parents of three children, all born
in Somersworth, N. H., viz. :
Winfield C. , born May 12, 1870 ; died August 14, 1871. Maud, bom February
7, 1875 ; and Florence, born June I, 1879 ; died January 13, 1884.
ALBERT A., the seventh child of Alanson and Mary (Carlton) Higley, was
born February 22, 1845. When the emergency of the Civil War demanded
men, he enlisted in the 8th Maine Regiment, Company F, August 14, 1861.
He fell ill early in the following autumn, and received an honorable discharge on
the I5th of December, 1861, at Hilton Head, S. C. After remaining a few months
on the coast, he returned to his home in Maine. His health having improved,
he again enlisted September 10, 1862, in the 27th Maine Regiment, Company B,
and served his time, at the expiration of which he was honorably discharged,
July 17, 1863. His health, however, became permanently impaired during his
war service. He now resides in Eliot, Me.
SARAH J., the eighth child of Alanson and Mary (Carlton) Higley, born
August 26, 1849^ married David Stewart Worster, July 4, 1878. Mr. Worster
served his country during the Civil War, enlisting in the 14th Maine Regiment,
Company E, in 1861, and continuing throughout the conflict, received an honor-
able discharge at Augusta, Me., September n, 1865. He was promoted to
the office of sergeant, and took part in six battles. He conducts a business in
carriage and sign painting in Deering, Me., where the family now resides, and where
Mr. Worster has attained deserved popularity both in his line of business and as a
citizen.
His wife, Sarah J. Higley, is bright, energetic, full of glowing feeling, exempli-
fying in her tasteful home and love of home interests, to a large degree the strongly
400 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
marked characteristics of the New England woman. The study of music has been
her specialty, in which she has made successful progress.
Not having children of their own, their active sympathies led them to receive
into their home two motherless boys, upon the training and guidance of whom they
have spent much faithful endeavor ; and in 1889 they adopted a daughter, eight
years of age, whom they call Florence M. Worster.
HANNAH N., the youngest child of Alanson and Mary (Carl ton) Higley, was
born December 13, 1851. From her childhood she suffered from scrofula, which,
as she grew in years, foreshadowed an early death. Her life, during which she
exhibited a lovable, patient nature, closed at twenty-three years of age, February
8, 1875-
HAYDEN HIGLEY.
CHAPTER LIII.
HAYDEN HIGLEY.
Continued from page 395.
Hayden, John, 3d, John, Jr., John, Sr., Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
There is an unfading glory in the labors of good men ; and though death is permitted to draw
a dark shadow over their persons, they will live in the just reputation of their good works. —
R. BARCLAY.
HAYDEN HIGLEY, the seventh child and fourth son of John, 3d,
and Lodama (Messenger) Higley, was born at the old farm home
in Canton, Conn., September 13, 1810, where his father and
grandfather had spent their lives. The large family which made
up the household, together with limited means, caused his parents
to place this son in a situation, at the early age of eight years,
away from home. He lived in different places doing "chores,"
till he was sixteen, when he went to Ansel Humphrey of Canton
to learn the clothier's trade, with whom he remained two and a
half years, receiving the first year twenty-five dollars, and thirty-
five dollars for the second year.
From the time that he began earning for himself, a deep
longing took possession of his heart to do something for the aid
of his younger sister Harriet, who was a deaf mute. Resolving
that she should be educated at the asylum for deaf mutes founded
by the Rev. Thomas Gaudalet at Hartford, Conn., he put forth
his best efforts to raise the required means, and by untiring zeal
and earnest labor he met with success. She entered the school
and was supported by him for three years.
Under the preaching of the Rev. Jairus Burt, and during the
time of a great revival in Canton, Hayden became a professor of
religion, uniting with the Congregational Church in Novem-
ber, 1827. On the same day 130 persons were received into
membership.
The year 1829 he traveled in New Hampshire as a trunk sales-
man, afterward entering the house of Freeman Parker of Candia
in the clothing business, with whom he continued two and a half
401
402 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
years. Two years later he rented the woolen mill belonging to
Mr. Parker, and began business for himself.
On the 3ist of December, 1835, he married Sabrina Fitts, the
daughter of Abraham and Susanna (Lane) Fitts. She was born
in Candia, N. H., May n, 1813.
April i, 1837, he purchased one-half the interest in a woolen
mill in West Epping, N. H., where he remained, with David
Bunker as his partner, nine years, in the business of carding wool
and dressing cloth. While here he attended the Congregational
Church at Raymond, N. H., his wife uniting with the same
church on profession of her faith.
In 1846 he purchased Mr. Bunker's interest in the mill, conduct-
ing the business himself for two years. He then accepted Jacob E.
Prescott as partner, enlarging the mill and extending the business.
For twelve years their affairs. prospered. In 1860 he retired from
this branch of business. Later on he purchased additional lands to
property he already owned, fitted up a pkasant home, and opened
a small grocery business, which proved successful, till August 29,
1878, when his two business-houses and his dwelling were suddenly
destroyed by fire. Mr. Higley, now well on in years, and having
had the burden and care of an active business life for a long
period, did not re-enter business, but erected a business building on
one of the lots, which his son-in-law now occupies. As his age ad-
vanced he enjoyed open air exercise on the farm and in the garden.
On February 5, 1858, Hayden Higley was unanimously elected
to the office of deacon of the church at Epping, N. H. For
twenty years he was superintendent of the Sabbath school. On
the 28th of December, 1866, he and his wife severed their con-
nection with the Epping Church, after their removal to Raymond,
N. H., the town adjoining.
His pastor, the Rev. Josiah Stearns, says: "Deacon Higley
was highly respected by the community as a man of enterprise
and integrity in business, ever acting the part of a man of
firm Christian principle. This gave him weight of character
which was felt for good in all his efforts for the welfare of the
people. Though his home was three miles from the church, he
was very constant at all the services, both week days and Sun-
days. In pecuniary matters, whether for the support of religious
institutions at home or abroad, he aided with such cheerful readi-
ness as to stir others to well doing. He was, in fact, a pleasant
friend and valuable helper to every pastor."
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLE Y, SR. 4°3
Sherburne P. Blake, clerk of the church at Raymond, N. H.,
of which Deacon Hayden Higley is a member, writes: " He was
chosen superintendent of our Sabbath school in the spring of
1864, and held the position with honor for five consecutive years.
On the lyth of May, 1867, he was elected deacon in this church,
and is at the present time one of its most worthy officials. He
was elected treasurer of the society in 1872, holding the position
five years, and for many years has served on committees in all
matters pertaining to the welfare of the church and society. His
life in this connection has been'one of steady labor in the Master's
vineyard, the church and society having been regularly, almost
without an exception, honored by his presence at all their
meetings.
" His noble heart has at all times beaten in unison with God's
true followers, and his purse has always been open wide and deep
to aid in every good word and deed. He is found always stand-
ing ready with a kind persuasive word to any who are grieved or
wounded; always charitable in judgment, and in his admonitions
he evinces a Christian spirit seldom equaled. That he may be
spared to us for many years to come is the prayer of every mem-
ber of the Congregational Church in Raymond, N. H."
The one-hundredth anniversary of the organization of the First
Congregational Church in Raymond, N. H., was celebrated Octo-
ber 22, 1891. It was a noteworthy occasion of deep interest to
Deacon Hayden Higley, as well as to every citizen of the town.
Deacon Higley was chosen one of the three speakers to represent
"Personal Reminiscences " at the evening session. For turning
the leaves of the past he was singularly qualified, as his speech
gave evidence, having left the burden and heat of many years
behind him, spent in this and the adjoining town since he was a
very young man, and lived a life fraught with much experience, a
life now clothed with the wisdom of years in a green and peaceful
old age.
After having spent his long and useful life in the practice of
"sweet mercy, nobility's true badge," the chord that linked his
earth-life to heaven was severed and his spirit went to God who
gave it, December 6, 1894.
His wife, Sabrina F. Higley, died March 5, 1880, having sus-
tained a lovely Christian character.
They were the parents of two children, Elma A. and Harlan P.
Higley.
THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ELMA A. , the eldest child of Deacon Hayden and Sabrina (Fitts) Higley, was
born in Candia, N. H., January 27, 1837, and baptized the 1 5th of the follow-
ing October, after the removal of her parents to Raymond.
In 1860 she learned the milliner's business. After she had gained some experi-
ence, her father purchased the business house and stock of goods of Charles E.
Eaton of Raymond, of which she took entire charge on her own responsibility, and
conducted the business successfully seven years.
She married Charles A. Shepard, October 23, 1866. They reside in Raymond,
N. H., where Mr. Shepard is a merchant and the postmaster of the town.
Charles A. Shepard served three years during the late Civil War, belonging to
Company A, nth New Hampshire Volunteer Regiment. During the entire period
of the war he was not absent a single day from his post of duty.
They had two children, viz.: Charles S., born April 4, 1867, and Abby Ho-we
Shepard, born May 19, 1874.
CHARLES S. SHEPARD is in the employ of the Boston and Maine Railroad Co.,
which position he has held since the year 1887.
ABBY HOWE, the only daughter, died May 29, 1891, aged seventeen years. Her
young life was clouded by chronic disease. She was a constant invalid ; her last
years were years of great suffering. She possessed natural excellent abilities, was
of an affectionate disposition, and especially attached to her " dear grandfather."
To her it was a joyous release when the day came that she was freed from earth's
pain and struggle with infirmity, and entered the realities of the heavenly realm.
HARLAN P., the second child and only son of Hayden and Sabrina (Fitts
Higley, was born June 27, 1839. When the late civil conflict of war began he
had just reached the full tide of young manhood, and life before him was bright
with promise. He espoused the Union cause, and volunteered his services in the
army, November 14, 1861, joining Company D, the 8th New Hampshire Volun-
teers, which was mustered into service on the 2Oth of the same month. After a
year's gallant services he died of fever in an army hospital at Carrolton, near New
Orleans, November 21, 1862.
HARRIET, the eighth child of John, 3d, and Lodama (Mes-
senger) Higley [page 395], was born at Canton, Conn., March
19, 1813. From her birth she was a deaf mute. As has been
already narrated, she was educated by her next older brother,
Hayden Higley, in the asylum for deaf mutes founded by the
Rev. Thomas Gaudalet in Hartford, Conn. Here she received
a fair education, which added greatly to her enjoyment of life.
She married, 1839, when twenty-six years old, Ephraim
McEwen, who was also a deaf mute. They resided at Bridge-
port, Conn.
Harriet Higley McEwen died of pneumonia, February 4, 1890.
Ephraim McEwen died of cancer, the date not given.
They had three children, viz. : Mary Ann, David, and Martha.
MARY ANN, born February 13, 1845, married, first, Theodore Dutton, February
16, 1862. They had one child, Nellie, born March 12, 1863, and married William
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLEY, SR. 405
Blackburn, September 13, 1886. Theodore Button was a soldier in the late Civil
War and died in the service October 10, 1864. His wife married, second, Charles
Frear, December 6, 1865. They had one child, flattie, born May 28, 1866, a
woman of quick perception and attractive qualities. She married Frederick
Stickle, June 27, 1887. They reside in Worcester, Mass.
DAVID McEwEN, the second child of Harriet Higley and Ephraim McEwen,
was born July 7, 1847, and married, 1870, Lizzie Shay. They had three children:
Willie, died 1872; Emma, died 1874; and Minne, born 1875.
MARTHA, the third child of David and Harriet (Higley) McEwen, born April 15,
1854; married, first, Albert Wiggins, May 2, 1870. He died April 6, 1873. They
had one son, George H., born August 25, 1871. Martha married, second, Charles
A. Gould, July 17, 1875. They reside in Bridgeport,, Conn.
Coy, John, 3d, John, Jr., John, St., Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
Continued from page 395.
COY HIGLEY, the ninth child of John, 3d, and Lodama (Mes-
senger) Higley, was born at Canton, Conn., February 10, 1815.
When quite a young man, scarcely twenty-one, he went to Merri-
mac,1 Mass., and there married Sarah Kendrick, a native of that
town. She was born April 12, 1817. They settled in a home of
their own, where they resided in quiet habits in the same house
and on the same spot, fifty-seven years, respected and beloved
by the whole community. Mr. Higley, during his active years,
was engaged in a lucrative business.
The tranquil married life of Mr. and Mrs. Coy Higley, which
was a treasure of happiness and sympathetic companionship, was
celebrated at their fifty-first wedding anniversary, June 9, 1887.
A golden wedding is always an event which claims genuine
interest. Thackeray says: "To see a young couple loving each
other is no wonder; but to see an old couple loving each other is
the best sight of all."
The added year in this instance — the fifty-first — did not dimin-
ish the lively pleasure taken by their friends and kinspeople from
far and near, on the occasion of a large reception which they
gave at their home on the date above named, at which the aged
couple received notable assurance of the affectionate esteem in
which they were held.
Gifts in great variety, in silver, china, and glass, and valuable
bric-a-brac, together with a purse of gold, were presented. A
brother, aged seventy-five, of the bridegroom of fifty-one years,
was present; also a sister of the bride, aged eighty-one. During
1 This town was formerly known as West Amesbury.
27
4°6 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
the evening the pastor of their church, Rev. Mr. Lunt, and
guests from Newburyport, Haverhill, and other adjacent towns,
made congratulatory addresses, wishing the "happy pair"
many more years of conjugal bliss. The exercises of the evening
were interspersed with old-time songs, and were closed with
a fervent prayer by their pastor.
But they were destined to but few more years of married hap-
piness in this life; the time of separation finally came — Coy
Higley died March 29, 1893.
Coy and Sarah (Kendrick) Higley had one child, a son, viz. :
OILMAN SMITH HIGLEY, born July 9, 1837. He married, March 3, 1861, Ellen,
daughter of R. Leach, of Hallowell, Me.
Early in the late Civil War he enlisted for a term of three years in the 23d Regi-
ment, Company A, Massachusetts Volunteers, called the Salem Zouaves. At the
expiration of his term he re-enlisted in Washington, D. C., in Company K, 1st
Regiment, United States Veteran Volunteers, General Hancock commanding, and
bravely served his entire time in both enlistments, remaining in faithful service till
the bells of peace rang out their glad chimes over war and carnage ended.
Oilman S. and Ellen (Leach) Higley had children, viz.:
Sadie Smith, born July 7, 1862 ; George £., born July 18, 1867 ; LilKe, born
October 22, 1869, died September 12, 1870 ; and Nabbie, born August 30, 1871.
Oilman S. Higley met his death by accidental drowning in the Merrimac
River, August, 1873.
CHARLES HIGLEY, the tenth child of John, 3d, and Lodama
(Messenger) Higley, was born April 6, 1817.
He went to South America, and it is supposed he died in that
country, no tidings having been received of him for full forty
years.
JULINA HIGLEY, the eleventh and youngest child of John and
Lodama (Messenger) Higley, born August n, 1819, died an
infant, May 21, 1820.
Continued from page 394.
We now return to the direct line of the family of John Higley,
Jr. (or 2d), in the person of his second son.
TIMOTHY HIGLEY, the second son of John Higley, Jr. (2d),
whose wife was Dibble, was born in the farm homestead
which had descended from father to son in the line of the
"Johns" Higley, which lay in the "Farm's school district in
Canton, Conn., November 30, 1781. He married Polly Allen,
who was born 1787. They resided for a number of years — till
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLEY, SR. 407
later than 1822 — in West Hartland, Conn. Subsequently they
removed to Pennsylvania, taking a family of children, and settled
on a farm in Athens Township, Crawford County. Here they
and their descendants spent their lives as plain farming folk.
Timothy Higley died 1868. His wife died many years before —
1845. They lie buried in a private burial plot on a farm that has
been owned in the family for two or more successive generations,
five miles from Townville, Crawford County, Pa.
Timothy and Polly (Allen) Higley had four children, viz. :
MARIA, who married Solomon Sturdivant, both of whom died many years ago.
CHESTER, married Bulah Vanzcise. Not living.
ALVIN, little is known of him. He married and had one child.
SYLVESTER, born 1814, married Eliza Vanderhoof, who was born the same year.
They resided at Townville, Pa. , and had five children, viz. :
Aha, James, Emily, Milo J., Mary.
ALVA HIGLEY, born August 27, 1838 ; married Martha Lilibridge. Alva
Higley served in the Civil War, and was killed in battle. They resided in Spring-
field, 111., and had one child, named James C., born March n, 1862.
JAMES HIGLEY, son of Sylvester and Eliza Higley, was born August 10, 1840,
married Julia A. Lilibridge. James Higley served twenty-two months in the Civil
War. They had two children : Eva J. and Alva E., who was born April 2, 1861,
and married Mary E. Ralston. She was born October 27, 1858.
Alva E. and Mary (Ralston) Higley have three children, as follows : Cornelius J.
born July II, 1882 ; Julia E., born May 6, 1887 ; and Thomas IV., born April 22,
1889. They reside at Townville, Crawford County, Pa.
EMILY HIGLEY, born December n, 1842, married Charles Bromley. She died
February 20, 1883. No children.
MILO J. HIGLEY, born July 2, 1845, married Ellen Lilibridge. They reside at
Townville, Pa., and have twelve children (two of whom are not living), viz.:
Nettie, Timothy, Mary, Henrietta, Teressa, John, Charles, Jennie, Paulina,
George E., Alva, and Mack.
MARY HIGLEY, born April 7, 1851, married Hugh Bromley. They reside at
Riceville, Crawford County, Pa. They have no children.
DAN HIGLEY, the youngest child of John Higley, Jr. (or ad),
and his wife Dibble, was born in Canton, Conn., Decem-
ber 22, 1789.
He was thirteen years of age at the time of his father's death,
and being a minor, Ezra Adams, Esq., was appointed his guar-
dian. Mr. Adams bound the boy as an apprentice to Theopolis
Humphrey of Canton. In course of time, when scarcely eigh-
teen, Dan married and soon afterward absconded, on or about
November 17, 1807; in consequence of which Mr. Humphrey
brought suit against his guardian for damages to which he
thought he was subjected. The sum of $163.43 was awarded
him, and the court authorized the guardians to sell seven acres
of the land belonging to Dan Higley, a legacy from his father,
4°8 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
to satisfy the claim.1 The town of Canton was also reimbursed
for expenses attending his young wife. What became of young
Dan is not known.
Among the few miscellaneous characters bearing the Higley
name who appear to have been connected by heredity was :
JOHN A. HIGLEY, who was born either in Simsbury or Canton,
Hartford County, Connecticut, in the year 1793. During the
second war with Great Britain, 1812-14, he served under Com-
mander Isaac Phelps, enlisting August 18, 1814, and was honor-
ably discharged with the troops, October 25, 1814. During the
early wars of our country the terms of enlistment were short;
many however re-enlisted, and John A. Higley may have been
among that number. For many years he received a United
States pension.
He married at Simsbury, Jerusha Fuller. They resided in
Simsbury, Conn. John A. Higley died November 17, 1841. His
wife died March i, 1861, aged seventy-four. They were interred
in the Simsbury cemetery. Their children :
George Byron Higley, born October 14, 1823; Sabria, born
April 2, 1826. Both are living and are unmarried. They reside
in Simsbury.
1 Simsbury Probate Records, book vi. p. 183.
CHAPTER LIV.
/
CARMI HIGLEY.
Continued from page 394.
Carmi, John, Sr., Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
" And yet he was not alone. About him stood the mighty spirits of the past, who fought and
became immortal in the cause of Liberty."
CARMI HIGLEY, son of John Higley, Sr., and Apphia (Hum-
phrey) Higley, was born in Canton, Conn., May 16, 1749. He
married his cousin, Hester, the widow of Thomas Case, and daugh-
ter of Captain Josiah Case and his wife, Hester Higley.1 She
was born May 10, 1745. They resided in Canton.
Carmi Higley joined the army of the Revolution in 1776, Colo-
nel Huntington's regiment, Captain E. Fitch Bissell's company.
After the battle of Long Island, August 27, 1776, he was reported*
" missing." a Subsequently it was found that he was taken pris-
oner of war, and was for some time confined in one of the New
York churches, which was used as a prison ; but his lot finally fell
with the large number — more than twelve thousand men* — who
were placed in the wretched hulks of British prison-ships moored
near the site of where the United States Navy Yard at Brooklyn,
N. Y., now is, and were starved to death. Historical record tells
that from these " floating dungeons their bodies after death were
taken on shore." One of the Revolutionary poets thus describes
the manner in which their remains were disposed of :
" Each day at least six carcasses we bore,
And scratched their graves along the sandy shore ;
1 Page 391.
2 "Colonel Huntington's regiment was reorganized for the year 1776. After the siege of Bos-
ton it marched under Washington for New York, via New London, at which point it boarded
schooners and passed through Long Island Sound. It remained in the vicinity of New York from
April to the close of the war, assisting in fortifying the city. August 24 it was ordered to the
Brooklyn front and engaged in the Battle of Long Island, Augusta?, fought near where Greenwood
Cemetery now is, and being surrounded by the British, lost heavily in prisoners." — Record of
Connecticut Men in War of tke Revolution.
* " Of this number the ' Society of Old Brooklynites,' Brooklyn, N. Y., have obtained from
the records of the British War Department eight thousand names."
409
410 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
By feeble hands the shallow graves were made,
No stone memorial o'er the corpses laid ;
In barren sands and far from home they lie,
No friend to shed a tear when passing by."
For thirty-two years these noble dead lay in their unmarked and
unnoticed graves, the bones of some being washed out of their
shallow sepulchers by the tides which swept the beach, till a move-
ment was made in the year 1808 by the "Columbian Order" of
New York City, which resulted in having them collected and
buried with imposing ceremonies, " in which the governors of sev-
eral States, mayors of cities, and civil, military, and ecclesiastical
dignitaries from all parts of the country took part." Ultimately
the Park Commissioners of the City of Brooklyn "prepared with
great care and expense a permanent tomb for the reception of
these sacred remains, on the historic ground of Fort Green, a
charming elevation in Washington Park, overlooking the scene of
their sufferings and death — to which they were carefully removed
and deposited."
Here our national colors float over them on all national holi-
days and public days of consequence. The debt of gratitude
which our country owes to the memory of these gallant heroes,
who sacrificed their lives in horrible prisons, under circumstances
which tested their loyalty to the cause of liberty even more than
that of the soldier who fought in the excitement of the battle-field,
meeting death as they did under slow and torturing fate, and
when persistently importuned to choose between the prison-ships
and enlistment in King George's army, exclaimed :
" GIVE us THE PRISON-SHIPS AND DEATH, OR WASHINGTON
AND LIBERTY ! "
should be forever recorded in the hearts of a grateful country, and
preserved in imperishable granite.
Carmi and Hester Higley had one child — a son who bore his
father's name. Hester Higley settled the estate of her husband,
exhibiting an inventory in court, March 2, 1779. She died in
1790.
CARMI HIGLEY, 2d, son of the above, was born about 1775. He married Sally
Kelsey, who was born in 1783. He perished at sea in the prime of life, in 1814.
His wife died January 25, 1850. They had three children, viz. :
Sally, Carmi, 3d, and Festus.
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLE Y, SR. 411
SALLY HIGLEY, the eldest child, was born 1809. She married, first, Wadsworth
Brown, and second, Hiram Webster. No children. She died, 1849.
CARMI, 3d, the second child of Carmi, 2d, and Sally (Kelsey) Higley, was born
1810. He married a widow, Coates. They resided in Bloomfield, Conn.,
where Mr. Higley owned a neat property, and followed the trade of builder. They
had no children. He died October 2, 1859.
FESTUS HIGLEY, the third child of Carmi Higley, 2d, and Sally (Kelsey) Higley,
was born 1814. He married Theda Burr, July 25, 1842. She was born April 15,
1817. They had one child, a daughter named Lura. Festus Higley died May i,
1869. His wife died April 4, 1884.
LURA HIGLEY, daughter of Festus, was born August 4, 1846, and married, Decem-
ber 25, 1884, William J. Pease. He was born May 6, 1837. The only child of
William J. and Lura Higley Pease is named Carrie Florence, born January 25, 1886.
They reside in Hartford, Conn.
Continued from page 394.
ISAAC HIGLEY, son of John, Sr., and Apphia (Humphrey) Hig-
ley, was born in Canton Conn., June 22, 1753. Well established
family tradition states that he was a Revolutionary soldier, join-
ing Colonel Belden's regiment in company with his brother, Obed,
in 1777, which is probably correct, as he was then twenty-four
years of age, but no recorded facts are furnished.
He married Anna Clark and resided in Simsbury. His name is
found in the town records1 as " Fence Viewer," December 1,1800.
In the year 1808 he purchased a tract of 128 acres of land, at
two dollars per acre, in the town of Elba, Genesee County, New
York, to which he removed with his family. Here he died two
years later — 1810.
Isaac Higley, Sr., and Anna (Clark) Higley had seven children,
viz. :
Isaac, Jr., Abby, Ruth, Adah, Anna, Hannah, and Candace, all
born at Simsbury, Conn.
ABBY, the eldest daughter, born September 15, 1783, married Elias Pettibone ;
died October 4, 1806.
RUTH, born September 12, 1784, married Daniel Mills and lived in Elba, N. Y.
She died October 10, 1870.
ADAH, born June 26, 1791, married, first, Zebulon Woodruff; second, Reuben
Norton. She died July 29, 1824.
ANNA, born March 17, 1793, married Samuel Lampson, and lived in Onondaga
County, New York. She died January 8, 1873 ; he died September 6, 1855.
HANNAH married William Knapp, and lived in Ashtabula County, Ohio. Both
were buried in Andover, O.
CANDACE, born October 9, 1793, married John Hawkins and lived at Alexander-
N. Y. She died May 18, 1864.
1 Simsbury Town Records.
412 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ISAAC HIGLEY, Jr., the only son and eldest child of Isaac, Sr.,
and Anna (Clark) Higley, was born at Simsbury, Conn., July
21, 1779.
He married Dorothy, placed upon record "Dolly,"1 daughter
of Timothy Kilburn of Wethersfield, Conn., afterward of Sims-
bury. She was born in 1783. She received a bequest from her
father's estate, August, 13, 1814.
Isaac, Jr., and Dorothy Higley emigrated to Genesee County,
western New York, in 1808, with Isaac Higley, Sr., and his
family. Here they lived and died. After his father's decease it
fell upon Isaac to assume the remaining debt upon the land
which they had taken on contract from a land agency, to be
cleared and paid for in eight years. The fine and beautiful
Genesee country was at that time an uncultivated forest. But
despondency had no place in his nature, and with a stout heart
he proceeded to conquer the difficulties of the task before him.
A comfortable farm was in due time under cultivation, and the
price of the land nearly trebled in a very few years.
When the war of 1812 was declared, the men of his neighbor-
hood were ordered to the front. Isaac Higley, with his uncle
and nephew, reported for service at Buffalo, taking blankets and
three days' provisions. It was, however, found that the Govern-
ment had not sufficient equipments for all the men, and he, being
among a number who had left young families behind them, was
sent back to his home.
He was one of three commissioners appointed to divide the
township of Batavia, N. Y., into two townships, and it was he
who gave the town of Elba its name.
In 1820, at the first town meeting which was held in Elba, he
was elected commissioner of schools, and served in this capacity
for many years.
His life stood the test of trial and time. He lived to make a
name and a place respected among the early settlers of Genesee
County.
He died July 31, 1832. His wife died November 4, 1852.
Isaac, Jr., and Dorothy (Kilburn) Higley had seven children,
viz. :
Emily, Horace, Maria, Eber, Anson, Isaac Newton, Alvira.
EMILY, the eldest, born February 28, 1802, married Walter Holbrook, and lived
in Leon, Ashtabula County, O. They had a family. Names not given.
1 Simsbury Probate Record, book vi. p. 266.
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLEY, SR. 4*3
HORACE HIGLEY, born September 20, 1803 ; never married. Died December
28, 1828.
MARIA, born December 10, 1805, married Isaac Tinkham. They lived and
died in Ashtabula, O., leaving a family of seven children.
EBER HIGLEY, born June 18, 1808, married Abigail Lester of Tiffin, O. They
reside in Prescott, Wis., no data furnished.
ANSON HIGLEY, the fifth child of Isaac, Jr., and Dorothy (Kil-
burn) Higley, was born in Elba, N. Y., November 13, 1811. He
was but eighteen years of age when death deprived him of his
father's care and counsel. Although young, he was capable of
rendering valuable assistance to his widowed mother in settling
the estate.
His educational advantages were limited, but having a great
desire for knowledge, he resolved to supply the need he felt, and
used every opportunity within his reach.' Being a diligent
reader, his mind became stored with a large amount of general
information, especially on historical and Biblical subjects. Polit-
ically Mr. Higley was an old time Whig, and later on a pro-
nounced Republican, taking an active interest in public affairs.
He grew up in league with the advancing interests and growth
of the section of Genesee County in which he lived, faithfully
serving his town and county in public appointments. He served
four terms as supervisor, was repeatedly elected assessor, and
acted as commissioner of highways sixteen years.
He was always actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and
was one of the best known agriculturists in western New York.
For several years he was the president of the Genesee County
Agricultural Society. At one time he owned and managed over
four hundred acres of land. Till the close of his life he held a
farm of 156 acres in the town of Elba, which was noted for its great
productiveness and beauty of situation. During the last few years
he resided in Batavia, the county-seat of Genesee County, New
York, where he owned a handsome residence with grounds sur-
rounding.
In 1885 Anson Higley and his wife united with the First
Baptist Church of Batavia on profession of his faith. He had
believed himself a Christain for fifty years, but for certain reasons
had not entered a denominational communion. He fully identi-
fied himself with all of the active interests of his church, and was
a regular attendant.
Anson Higley was twice married. His first wife was Lydia C.
THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Newkirk of Byron, N. Y., whom he married January 24, 1838.
She died October 5, 1867. On the i$th of April, 1875, he mar-
ried Lizzie Cassidy of Rochester, Vt.
He died, after a brief illness, February 8, 1894.
Anson Higley and his first wife, Lydia C. Newkirk, were the
parents of the following children, viz.:
Mary Pamelia, Sarah Ellen, Isaac Anson, Elizabeth Wakeman,
John Osborn, and Emma Gertrude.
MARY PAMELIA, the eldest, was born February 22, 1840. She was educated
in the schools of Elba, N. Y., her native town, and at the Genesee and Wyoming
Seminary.
On the i6th of March, 1865, she became the wife of Milton M. Browne. Mr.
Browne was graduated from Dartmouth College in 1861, and is now a prominent
lawyer. They have resided for thirty years at Osage, Mitchell County, la.
They are members of the Congregational Church, and residents honored and
esteemed. They have one child, viz.:
GALEN HIGLEY BROWNE, who was born March 15, 1872. He was graduated
from the Cedar Valley Seminary, a flourishing institution of learning located in the
town in which they reside, June, 1890.
SARAH ELLEN, the second child of Anson Higley and his first wife, Lydia (New-
kirk) Higley, was born at Elba, N. Y., April 12, 1842. She married Francis P.
Terry, March 15, 1860. They resided at Batavia, N. Y., for many years. Their
home is now in Buffalo. Mrs. Terry is an active member of the Woman's Chris-
tian Temperance Union. They have five children, viz. :
George Higley Terry, born November II, 1863, who married Myrta Loomis,
September 15, 1882; reside in Batavia, N. Y. Fred Raymond, born April 17,
1866; died October 29, 1876. Earl Gordon, born June 22, 1870. John C., born
July 6, 1874. And Grace E., born November 12, 1879.
ISAAC ANSON, the third child of Anson and Lydia (Newkirk) Higley, was
born at Elba, N. Y., November 18, 1843, and married, March 22, 1870, Louise
Campbell. They reside near Elba, N. Y., where Mr. Higley owns a fine farm of
148 acres. He engages in the political questions of the day, belonging to the
Republican party. Their children :
Levi C., born March 18, 1871; Frank Chase, born October 6, 1872, died Jan-
uary 17, 1876; Anson Holbrook, born January 28, 1874; Irving Wilson, born
May 7, 1879; Leicester Charles, born February 26, 1886.
ELIZABETH WAKEMAN, the fourth child of Anson and Lydia (Newkirk) Higley,
was born February 24, 1846, and married Burr Humphrey. She died Sep-
tember 20, 1879. They had one child, viz.:
Clarence Anson, born January 23, 1871.
JOHN OSBORN, the fifth child of Anson and Lydia (Newkirk) Higley, was
born at Elba, N. Y., February 19, 1849, and married Almedia Churchill,
March 11, 1875. He owns 97 acres of fine farming land, which lies on the
town boundary between Batavia and Elba, Genesee County, N. Y. He takes
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLEY, SR. 415
part in political matters, supporting the Republican party. They have one
child, viz.:
Homer D., born August 30, 1880.
EMMA GERTRUDE, the sixth child of Anson and Lydia (Newkirk) Higley,
was born April i, 1851, and married William F. Robe, December n, 1873.
They reside at Elba, N. Y. They have three children, viz. :
Gertrude Abbie, born March 19, 1875; Mary Eva, born August 13, 1878; Guy
Higley, born January 16, 1891.
Continued from page 412.
ISAAC NEWTON HIGLEY, son of Isaac, Jr., and Dorothy (Kilburn) Higley, was
born May 4, 1814, and died on his twenty-fifth birthday, May 4, 1838; unmarried.
ALVIRA, the seventh and youngest child of Isaac, Jr., and Dorothy (Kilburn)
Higley, was born at Elba, N. Y., February 16, 1817. She married Charles
Ames, March 7, 1837. Charles Ames was born March 20, 1812. They removed
to Republic, O., May 13, 1843, taking a family of three children with them.
Here they have since resided, having six more children. Their children :
Andrew Judson, Henry, Louisa, William Waller, Emily Ann, Maryetta, Joseph,
Charles, and David Erwin.
ANDREW JUDSON AMES, the eldest, was born at Elba, N. Y., January 18, 1838,
and married Theby Burge, a widow, September 21, 1864.
He entered the War of the Rebellion, and fought with bravery. At the battle
of Chancellorsville, May 2, 1863, he received a severe wound in the leg, which
caused a lameness for the remainder of his life.
SERGEANT HENRY AMES, the second child of Charles and Alvira (Higley) Ames,
was born July 24, 1840, at Elba, N. Y.
He was an early volunteer soldier in the late Civil War, re-enlisting in the 66th
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was one of the veteran victors with
General Sherman on his march to the sea. For his meritorious service he was ele-
vated to office of sergeant. Receiving a gun-shot wound, he was sent to Chatta-
nooga, Tenn. , where he died from its effects, and was interred in the national
cemetery at that place.
LOUISA, the third child of Charles and Alvira (Higley) Ames, was born at Elba,
N. Y., December 27, 1842, and married , November 2, 1865. They live
near Republic, O.
WILLIAM WALTER, the fourth child of Charles and Alvira (Higley) Ames, was
born at Republic, O., August 21, 1844. He resides at Fargo, N. D.
EMILY ANN, the fifth child, was born at Republic, O., November 20, 1845,
and married , April 10, 1866.
MARYETTA, the sixth child, was born at Republic, O., September 25, 1848, and
married Joseph An way, December 1 6, 1869. They reside in her native town.
JOSEPH, the seventh child of Charles and Alvira (Higley) Ames, was born at
Republic, O., July 12, 1850. He lives at Fargo, N. D.
CHARLES ALBERT, the eighth child of Charle*- and Alvira (Higley) Ames, was
born at Republic, O., October 8, 1855. He resides at Fargo, N. D.
DAVID IRWIN, the ninth child of Charles and Alvira (Higley) Ames, was born
at Republic, O., February 8, 1858. He lives at Fargo, N. D.
CHAPTER LV.
" DEACON " OBED HIGLEY, SR.
Continued front page 394.
Obed, Sr., John, Sr. (or ist), Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
" There is not a human life that is now potent for good, which is not shaped and swayed in a
large measure by the influence of lives which have passed from earth."
OBED HIGLEY, SR., son of John and Apphia (Humphrey) Hig-
ley, was born at Canton, Conn., October 25, 1757, and always lived
there. He was a man in his day of much force of character, and
of considerable prominence, mingling in church and public affairs;
his life being apparently marked by respectability, thrift, and fore-
sight.
He joined the Army of the Revolution, Colonel Belden's regi-
ment, Captain Abel Pettibone's company, March 26, 1777, and
received at the end of his service an honorable discharge. His
name was placed upon the list of United States pensioners, the
act of 1832, "who served two years or more"; he drew a pension
till his death, at eighty-four years of age.
December 14, 1801, he served as grand juror, and in the set-
tlement of an estate, December, 1813, he is upon record as
"Attorney."
The old church in Canton, of which he was deacon, was a part
and parcel of his special interests. According to the old New
England custom, he was always known as " Deacon " Obed Higley.
His first wife, Rebecca Mills, whom he married about 1786, and
who was the mother of his children, was born August 13, 1766.
She died October 15, 1827. His second wife was Phebe Hum-
phrey, for whom he provided in his will, which indicates that he
had a comfortable property for support in his old age. In his
declining years he was cared for by his son, Alson Higley. He
died January 24, 1841.
His will was produced in court, February 3, 1841, in which he
mentions, besides his wife, Phebe, his nine children.
A private letter written to the Higleys of Vermont by the Hon.
Jeffrey O. Phelps of Simsbury, about the year 1852, contains the
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLEY, SR. 4*7
following remark: "Obed Higley left a large family, many of
them now living in Simsbury and Canton, and most of them
wealthy and respectable."
Deacon Obed, Sr., and Rebecca (Mills) Higley, his first wife,
were the parents of ten children, viz. :
Sally, Theda, Obed, Jr. (or 2d), Alson, Luther, Correll, Pomeroy,
Amelia, Almenia, and Emeline.
SALLY, their eldest child, was born September 30, 1787 ; married
Allen Case of Canton. He was born 1785. She died in 1815,
at thirty years of age. He married the second time. Allen
Case died 1849.
THEDA, the second child of Obed and Rebecca (Mills) Higley,
was born August 10, 1789, and married Benjamin Goff. She
died 1853.
Hon. OBED HIGLEY (2d), the eldest son of Deacon Obed, Sr.,
and Rebecca (Mills) Higley, was born in Canton, Conn., January
5, 1791. He was a brickmaker by trade. He married, December
n, 1811, Mary Dickinson, who was born August 9, 1793. Their
married life covered a period of nineteen years, during which they
had a family of four children. She died August 23, 1830. Feb-
ruary 4, 1831, he married Anna Hastings. The same year Obed
Higley was chosen by his townspeople as representative from
Simsbury in the Connecticut General Assembly, and was again a
member in 1835. He was a deacon in the Baptist Church in Can-
ton, and, like his father, he was designated as " Deacon Obed " by
all who knew him. He always resided in Canton, Conn. He
died March 21, 1878. His second wife, Anna (Hastings) Hig-
ley, died December 13, 1870, at the age of seventy-five. Chil-
dren of Hon. Obed Higley (2d) and Mary Dickinson :
Mary Ann, born March 16, 1814 ; died April 17, 1817. Lyman
Owen, born May 26, 1816. Marietta, born April 4, 1818 ; died
January 17, 1819. Marietta (ad), born January 30, 1822 ; died
March 9, 1825.
LYMAN OWEN HIGLEY, the only son of Hon. Obed (2d) and Mary (Dickinson)
Higley, and the only child who lived to maturity, was born in Canton, Conn., May
26, 1816. He married Sarah A. Woodford, who was born December 26, 1817.
The marriage took place November 16, 1837. They resided in Canton. He died
November 30, 1884.
They had four children, viz. :
Lyman Owen Higley, Jr., born July 18, 1839; died October 2, 1839. Burton
Obed, born September 30, 1842. Anna Maria, born August n, 1845 ; married
41 8 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Orlando Miner, June 10, 1873. Maiy Gertrude, born October 8, 1847 ; died
November 4, 1860.
BURTON OBED HIGLEY, son of Lyman O. and Sarah A. (Woodford) Higley, was
born at Canton, Conn., September 30, 1842. He married, September 3, 1867, E.
Josie Woodford. She was born February 27, 1847. Mr. Higley is a man of con-
siderable prominence in his town, bearing the respect of the entire community. He
is a farmer and resides in Canton, Conn. No children.
ALSON HIGLEY, the second son and fourth child of Deacon
Obed, Sr. (or ist), and Rebecca (Mills) Higley, was born at Can-
ton, Conn., February 20, 1793.
When about eighteen years of age he went to Genesee County,
New York, and was residing with his uncle, Isaac Higley, Sr.,
when the War of 1812 was declared. The men of that part of the
country were ordered into service. Alson Higley, with his uncle,
Eber Higley, and his cousin, Isaac, Jr., taking with them blankets
and three days' rations, reported for duty at Buffalo. Arms and
ammunition being scarce, the volunteer soldiers could not all be
supplied, and a number of men who had young families were sent
back to their homes. Among these was Isaac Higley, Jr. Alson
entered the ranks and was forwarded with the troops to Queens-
town Heights. Here he was taken prisoner by the British in the
severe engagement fought October 13, 1812, and conveyed to
Halifax, where he was held fourteen months.
Before leaving his uncle's home at Elba, N. Y., he concealed
thirty dollars, sewing it up inside of his shirt pocket. With this
money he procured by stealth, during his imprisonment, sufficient
necessaries for immediate subsistence, which prevented him shar-
ing the sad fate that met so large a number of those noble sol-
diers— death by starvation. His family and friends at his home
in Canton, Conn., obtaining no tidings of him during the long
months of silence, gave him up for dead and had his memorial
sermon preached. To their utter astonishment he one day
appeared at the door. There followed, as a matter of course,
great rejoicings among kith and kin.
On the ist of January, 1816, he married Christian Robbins at
Avon, Conn. She was born at Farmington, Conn., July 27, 1795.
They settled in Canton, and finally resided in the homestead of
his father, Deacon Obed Higley, Sr. , administering to his needs
during the declining years of his old age. Farming was the occu-
pation of Alson Higley's life.
The old residents of the town who lived during his time will
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLEY, SR. 4*9
never fail to recall the great contest in the courts which occurred
at a much later period, — about 1844, — involving a long and try-
ing litigation in which he was a party. It was an event that
produced a powerful influence in the community and great ex-
citement and feeling. The case called out Mr. Higley's untiring
and relentless defense, into which he put all the energy of his
strong nature, giving his opponents a lot of trouble. It was
probably at this period of his life that his strongest personal
characteristics were exhibited. He and his friends were in the
end gratified by the final decision of the courts being in his
favor.
He died in Canton, September i, 1863. His wife died at
Bloomfield, Conn., July 23, 1870.
They had nine children, all of whom were born at Canton,
Conn., viz. :
Sally, Erastus, George, Willard, Oliver, Adelene, Angeline, Eliza
Ann, and Willard Alson.
SALLY, the eldest, was born May 30, 1817. She married William A. Curtis,
September 12, 1838. They resided at Meriden, Conn., where she died March
24, 1847.
ERASTUS, the second child, was born July 8, 1822 ; married Mary A. Belding,
March, 1847. He died at Meriden, where they lived, December 2, 1869.
GEORGE, the third child, was born February 6, 1824, and married Ruth E. Cook,
June 5, 1854. She was born September 7, 1831. He died June 13, 1868. She
died March 3, 1863. They were interred at Meriden, Conn.
They had one child :
GEORGE E., born February 16, 1856, at Meriden, Conn. George E. Higley
married, March 20, 1877, Susan N. Dolph, who was born at Guildford, Conn.,
September 4, 1856.
George E. and Susan (Dolph) Higley have children, viz. :
William C., born April 19, 1878 ; George E., Jr., born September 12, 1880 ;
Raymond C., born August 5, 1882 ; Bertha L., born February 17, 1884 ; LenaM.,
born February 4, 1886. They reside at Stony Creek, Conn.
WILLARD, the fourth child of Alson and Christian (Robbins) Higley, was born
April 13, 1825 : died when twelve days old.
OLIVER, the fifth child of Alson and Christian (Robbins) Higley, was born
January 27, 1827 ; married Phynetta Rice. He died at Windsor, Conn., Septem-
ber 28, 1866. They had two children, Frank and Eva. Frank died .
Eva married Martin Bidwell. They lived at Hartford, Conn.
ADELINE, a twin daughter, the sixth child of Alson and Christian (Robbins)
Higley, was born February 24, 1829. She married, August 22, 1847, William A.
Curtis, the former husband of her sister Sally. They had one child, Willis
Curtis, born July 24, 1848.
ANGELINE, twin sister to Adeline, born February 24, 1829, married, November
21, 1855, Norris Holcombe of Canton. He was born 1829. They have no children.
420 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ELIZA ANN, the eighth child of Alson and Christian (Robbins) Higley, was
born January 24, 1831 ; married May 30, 1853, Wells A. Lawton. He was born
at Goshen, Conn., September 19, 1830.
Their children are :
Eliza A., born May 10, 1865, died June 2, 1865. Freddie Higley, born April 8,
1867. And George Clark, born October 3, 1869.
WILLARD ALSON, the ninth child of Alson and Christian (Robbins) Higley, was
born January 2, 1834, and died at Canton, Conn. , October i, 1860, unmarried.
Continued from page 417.
LUTHER HIGLEY, the fifth child of Deacon Obed, Sr., and Re-
becca (Mills) Higley, was born in Canton, Conn., November 9,
1794, and spent the greater part of his life there. He worked at
manual labor on his father's farm during his early years, and
received an ordinary education in the country school. His think-
ing mind was afterward the cause of him obtaining a special
knowledge of law, to which he devoted himself with recognized
ability in years later on. .
In the year 1818 he began selling "Yankee" clocks, traversing
the States of Maine, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Mary-
land, and the Carolinas, which gave him a store of knowledge of
every kind. In this business he continued more or less till 1839,
accumulating from this source alone about twenty thousand
dollars. He also at one time owned an interest of considerable
value in a powder mill, engaging in shipping powder over an
extensive territory. About the year 1820 he purchased a farm in
his native town, which was his home till the year 1856. Here
his children were born.
He was appointed justice of the peace in 1825, which office he.
held with little exception as long as he resided in Canton town-
ship. In 1850 he was appointed by Governor Thomas H. Sey-
mour judge of probate for the district of Canton, continuing in
this service for a number of years. From the time of his first
appointment as justice till his removal from Canton, thirty-one
years, he was constantly engaged in important actions, and there
was probably tried before him as many cases during those years
as before any other justice in Hartford County. In one special
case, a litigation in which his brother was involved, he devoted
the greater part of his time for one entire year.
In 1850 he purchased, together with his brother, Pomeroy
Higley, several thousand acres of land in the States of Illinois
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLEY, SR. 421
and Louisiana. This enterprise was successful. He held large
quantities of Illinois land till his decease.
August, 1856, he sold his farm in Connecticut and bought
farming lands at Bainbridge, Chenango County, N. Y., to which
place he removed the following November, and there resided till
his death, which took place on the 3ist of December, 1857.
Judge Luther Higley was three times married, his last two
wives being sisters.
His first wife, whom he married October 8, 1816, was Electa
Woodford, who was born November 24, 1794. She died February
4, 1818, in little more than a year after their marriage, leaving
no child. He married, second, Flora Bidwell, who was born
October 24, 1796. She became his wife April 14, 1819. She died
February 24, 1826, leaving two children. His third wife was
Sarah F. Bidwell, born January 3, 1801. Their marriage took
place November 13, 1826. Sarah (Bidwell) Higley died June 19,
1874. She was the mother of four children.
Children by second wife:
Luther Bidwell and Thomas Baxter. By his third wife:
Walter, Edwin, Rollin, and Truman.
LUTHER BIDWELL HIGLEY, the eldest son of Luther and his
second wife, Flora (Bidwell) Higley, was born in the town of
Canton, Conn., April 25, 1821. Here he resided with his parents
till the year 1840, having been engaged since reaching manhood
in the delivery of powder manufactured by his father in his
powder mill.
About this time he became acquainted with Phylecta Wood-
ford, the daughter of Lyman and Jane (Boyd) Woodford of
Lincolnton, N. C., who was attending a school in Hartford,
Conn. Their congeniality of tastes ended in a happy marriage,
which took place on the 2ist of November, 1842. Phylecta
Woodford was born February 19, 1828, and was at the time of
her marriage scarce fifteen years of age, while the young bride-
groom was only turned of twenty-one.
Luther B. Higley very soon took his youthful bride to her native
State, and there they established their home on a plantation of
six hundred acres, which lay about seven miles north of Lincoln-
ton, Lincoln County, N. C., adjoining that of her father. Here
they resided till the year 1866, soon after the Civil War, and it
was here that eight of their family of eleven children were born.
28
422 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
From early life Luther B.Higley was fond of fine horses, which
became a well-known characteristic. It was his good fortune,
while yet in his prime, and until his death, to gratify this predi-
lection, spending his money in a liberal and enterprising way in
his favorite fine-blooded animals, and eliciting applause, from
everybody interested in this line, by his fine driving.
His love of music was another leading characteristic which was
deep-rooted from his early life. It always kindled his higher
emotional faculties. He was a fond husband and father, and
never was he better or in happier mood than when his large
family were gathered about him, singing together and having
cheery "goings-on."
When Fort Sumter was fired upon in his neighboring State,
and the Civil War began, Luther B. Higley, at no time an ex-
treme partisan, did not incline to enter the ranks of the Con-
federate Army. From the Southerners' point of view, and in
sympathy with the people and land of his adoption, he took sides
with his State; but the strong natural affection he bore toward
his family, and the thought of encountering danger when sepa-
rated from them, together with his natural regard for his
Northern kindred, caused him to withhold from volunteering
for active service. He was, however, twice drafted and twice
marched to the front. The nearest scenes of the war lay full
fifty miles away from his home. But the plantation owners were
greatly harassed by detachments of cavalry from the Confed-
erate army, which galloped through the surrounding country,
collecting horses and provisions, and stripping the farmer of
every conceivable thing upon which they could lay their hands,
which made occasion for Mr. Higley to exercise vigilance over his
stables and property.
In his military service the last two years of the war he was
fortunate in securing, through the influence of a Southern colonel
who was his personal friend, a position unattended with danger,
being detailed to superintend a large forge, located within a few
miles of his home, belonging to the Confederate Government.
Each time that he was ordered to the front he was absent less
than two weeks, the engagements in which he took part amount-
ing to little more than mere skirmishes.
When the war was over, the despoiled plantations and houses,
and the generally impoverished state of the South, brought on
by the failing Confederate cause, presented a discouraging pic-
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLEY, SR. 423
ture for the future, and Luther B. Higley early determined on
removing his family to one of the rich farming Middle States.
He chose Illinois. Selling his Southern plantation, with all of
its appointments, at a great sacrifice, he purchased a farm six
miles west of Waukegan, Warren Township, to which he removed
with his family, leaving North Carolina October 15, 1866. There
the family afterward resided. He died December 29, 1879.
His wife, Phylecta (Woodford) Higley, was born at Lincolnton,
N. C. Her mother died when she was seven years of age. She
lived for a few years under the care of her aunt, Mrs. Timothy
Case, and was then placed in a young lady's seminary in Hart-
ford, Conn. As has been already stated, she married before she
reached her fifteenth birthday. As she was the only surviving
child of her father, he was earnest that the young couple should
settle near to him in North Carolina.
After her bereavement by the death of her husband in 1879,
Mrs. Higley, with the assistance of her younger children, con-
ducted the farm near Waukegan, 111., till the year 1890, when she
removed with her family to Libertyville, 111. During these years
she had an ample field for the exercise of her exceptional virtues
and fine capabilities, pressing forward, embracing hope and
courage, and preserving a calm temper of mind as she occupied
herself with the responsibilities of a large family of fatherless
children, now left upon her to bear alone. Together with her
husband she had lived and walked in the midst of her loved ones
in bonds of unrestrained affection; never was her joy so expanded
and complete as when her family was gathered about her; she
made the home the center of all that was tender and true.
With her children she maintained the most intimate maternal
relations, and from them she derived abundant sources of com-
fort. They were devotedly fond of their mother, and were
accustomed to minister to and support her with the profoundest
sentiments of filial love.
After a long and painful illness, she fell asleep to awaken in
a better world — May 9, 1892.
" ' Blessed,' saith the Spirit, ' are the dead
Who in the Lord do die.
For they from labor rest. No more of strife
Of cares, no more to sigh
Over shortcomings many. All fears have fled
And now is perfect day.' "
— JOSEPHINE BIDWELL.
424 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Luther B. and Phylecta (Woodford) Higley were the parents
of eleven children, viz. :
Isadore, Theodore Luther, Lyman Baxter, James Edward, Almena,
Lauraett, Willisburton, Anna, Jennie, Clarence Pinkney, Walter Fred.
ISADORE, the eldest child, born September 5, 1846 ; married, January 6,
1876, Thomas H. Williams. They are farmers, residing at Platte Centre, Neb.
Children :
Arthur, Maud, George, John, Earl, Edward, Bessie.
THEODORE LUTHER, the second child, born July 24, 1849; unmarried. He is
a farmer ; resides at Platte Centre, near Stuart, Neb.
LYMAN BAXTER, the third child, born January 24, 1851; unmarried. He is a
farmer ; resides near Stuart, Neb., adjoining his brother.
JAMES EDWARD, the fourth child, born near Lincolnton, N. C., April 15, 1854,
and removed with his parents to Waukegan, 111., when he was twelve years of
age. He received a common school education at the district school. He
is an enterprising man, possessing quickness of perception, excellent business
ability, and bearing a fine character. He resides at Russell, 111., where he has for
some years held the position of station agent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railroad. Mr. Higley is a Master Mason ; also an active member of the
" Modern Woodmen of America," a popular and growing organization, with
a membership covering a broad field, and fast increasing in power and influence.
He was administrator to the estates of both his parents. He married, September
27, 1882, Hattie S. Sherman of Shermanville, 111., daughter of Joel S. Sherman
and his wife, Harriet Read Botsford, both natives of Connecticut, who settled in
Chicago in the year 1843, an(i there became a prominent family. Mr. Higley
owns a neat home at Russell ; also property in the city of Chicago. Like his
father he is a lover of high-blooded horses and is the owner of some very good
stock. They have one child, viz. :
Howard James Higley, born August II, 1884.
ALMENA, the fifth child of Luther B. and Phylecta Woodford Higley, was born
May 20, 1856, died November 28, 1857. She was interred beside her grand-
parents on the family plantation in Catawba County, N. C.
LAURAETT, the sixth child, was born near Lincolnton, N. C., October 27, 1858.
She married, September 12, 188-, Charles Herbert Galloway, who was born
October 6, 1856, in Northfield, Cook County, 111., son of Job Galloway, formerly
of Erie County, Pennsylvania, and his wife, Emma Millen, a native of Syracuse,
N. Y. Mr. Galloway has the habit of pleasant expression and agreeable
manners. These traits, associated with a most estimable character, together with
good business ability, doubtless contribute largely to his present business success.
Those who come within his orbit know him to be straightforward and of high
principle. He is the president of the Galloway Glass Co. of Chicago, an enter-
prising firm doing a prosperous business. Mr. and Mrs. Galloway own a pretty
home at Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago. They have one child, viz.:
Clayton Higley Galloway, born February 13, 1893.
WILLISBURTON HIGLEY, the seventh child, born August 7, 1862, married Carrie
Lux, September 12, 1889. He is acting as General Station Agent of the Northern
Pacific Railroad, and resides at Gray's Lake, 111.
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLEY, SR. 425
ANNIE, the eighth child of the family of Luther B. and Phylecta (Woodford)
Higley, was born November 25, 1864.
She grew to young womanhood one of those favored and attractive souls whose
amiable qualities, warm natural impulses, and purity of spirit, caused hearts to
open to her " as flowers do to the sunshine." She was a member of the Presby-
terian Church, and devoted to its interests, acting as the church organist, faithful in
the Sunday school and in the Young People's Association.
She was summoned from this life by a tragic death. While on a visit to
a married sister in Chicago, on the evening of June I, 1889, she went with a friend
to a railway station. While on the platform she unfortunately came too near
a track on which a fast-going train was swiftly passing, when her clothing was sud-
denly caught by the strong suction, and in a twinkling flinging her with tremendous
force under the train, killed her instantly.
At her funeral services the Rev. Mr. Frothingham paid a glowing tribute to her
memory, testifying to the high esteem in which she was held in her wide circle of
acquaintance, her useful life, her gentle, affectionate, and sunny disposition, and her
beautiful and unwavering devotion to her widowed mother.
"Sure when thy gentle spirit fled
To lands beyond the azure dome,
With arms outstretched God's angel said
' Welcome to heaven's home, sweet home.' "
JENNIE, the ninth child, born February 28, 1867, near Waukegan, 111., married,
August 10, 1893, Henry Charles Morgan. Mr. Morgan, the son of George and
Harriet Morgan, was born in Tunbridge, County Kent, England. They reside at
Highland Park, near Chicago.
CLARENCE PINKNEY HIGLEY, the tenth child of Luther B. and Phylecta (Wood-
ford) Higley, born March 12, 1869, married, May 18, 1893, Amelia Taylor. They
reside in Chicago. He is a mechanical engineer.
WALTER FRED HIGLEY, the eleventh and youngest child, was born March 4,
1872. He resides at Geneseeo, 111., where he is engaged in the Chicago & Rock
Island Railroad service. He is unmarried.
Continued from page 421.
THOMAS BAXTER HIGLEY, the second child of Luther and his
second wife, Flora (Bidwell) Higley, was born at Canton, Hartford
County, Conn., March 14, 1824. He went to California in the
early history of the gold excitement in that State, sailing "around
the Horn " in 1849. He died on the 26th of December the same
year, and was interred on the banks of the Sacramento River. A
monument to his memory was erected at his native town —
Canton, Conn.
WALTER HIGLEY, the eldest child of Luther and his third wife,
Sarah (Bidwell) Higley, was born in Canton, Conn., April 9,
1828. He married, first, Flora Bidwell, March 16, 1854, who
426 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
died ten months later, January 19, 1855. He married, second,
December 13, 1859, Alice C. Wade.
Mr. Higley is a prosperous farmer, owning and residing upon
the farm which his father purchased in 1856, at Bainbridge,
Chenango County, N. Y. x
By his first wife he had one child, a daughter, Viroqua, who
died April 28, 1875. By second wife :
Homer ff., born April i, 1861; William IV., born March 14,
1863, died October 21, 1881; Sarah A., born February 3, 1865;
Mary Elizabeth, born April 8, 1868; and Sterling F. Higley.
HOMER H. HIGLEY, the eldest child, married, February 4, 1892, Cornelia M.
Martin. He is engaged in a general hardware business, and resides at Nor-
wich, N. Y.
EDWIN HIGLEY, the fourth son of Luther Higley and the
second child by his wife Sarah (Bidwell) Higley [page 421], was
born in Canton, Conn., November 6, 1831; married Harriet
Underwood of New Marlborough, Mass., February u, 1859. She
was born January 7, 1837. Edwin Higley served three years in
the late Civil War, under General Sherman, in a New York
cavalry company.
Their children were :
LUTHER E., born January 23, 1861, at Sidney, N. Y., who married, November
3, 1886, Carrie Rich of Hobart, N. Y.
CHARLES A., born June 27, 1863, at Franklin, N. Y., who married, October
15, 1884, Carrie E. Emmonds of Sidney, N. Y. They have a son named Luther
E. Higley, Jr., born in Sidney, March n, 1886.
ROLLIN HIGLEY, the third son of Luther and his wife Sarah
(Bidwell) Higley [page 421], was born in Canton, Conn., March
29, 1835, and married Henrietta Sisson, March 23, 1858. He
died, November 25, 1870. They had children, viz. :
Ida V., born August 10, 1861, who married James M. Gladwin,
December 5, 1883. Addie IV., born April 7, 1864; died Septem-
ber, 1884.
TRUMAN HIGLEY, the youngest child of Luther and his wife
Sarah (Bidwell) Higley, was born in Canton, Conn., April n, 1837.
He resides at Bainbridge, N. Y., retired from a farming life.
He is unmarried.
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLEY, SR. 427
Continued from page 417.
CORRELL HIGLEY, the sixth child of Deacon Obed, Sr., and
Rebecca (Mills) Higley, was born in Canton, Conn., February 12,
1796, and married Nancy Phelps. They first resided at Avon,
Conn., afterward removing to Indiana (the name of the town not
given), in which State they both died. Correll Higley served in
the War of 1812, entering the ranks under command of Captain
Isaac Phelps, August 18, 1814. His company was discharged
October 25, 1814. Correll Higley died in 1865.
They had two children, viz.:
Catherine, who married Allen E. Phelps, and died ; and
Phelps Higley, who resides in Lafayette, Ind.
CHAPTER LVI.
POMEROY HIGLEY, SR.
Continued front page 417.
Pomeroy, Sr., Obed, Sr., John, Sr., Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
Thus learned I from the shadow of a tree,
That to and fro did sway upon the wall :
Our shadow-selves, our influence may fall
Where we can never be.
— A. E. HAMILTON.
POMEROY HIGLEY, Sr., the seventh child of Deacon Obed and
Rebecca (Mills) Higley, was born in Canton, Hartford County,
Conn., November 10, 1798. He married, August 7, 1821, Eunice
Delight Humphrey of Canton, who was born April 2, 1803. They
always resided in their native town, occupying a homestead which
stood in Canton village, and which is still occupied (1892) by
their youngest son, Howard Higley. They were both members
of the Baptist denomination.
For energy and business capacity Pomeroy Higley was excelled
by few men. He possessed both brain power to project measures
for the realization of his ambitions and capability to execute
them. Life to him was one persistent and constant pressure for
gain. He devoted himself almost entirely to the accumulation of
lands and property.
He had a prime constitution. Physically, he required but few
hours sleep. Rising long before day, it was his habit to rouse
the whole household and have things sprouting and growing by
sunrise.
While he never sought public honors, he won his way to a
degree of prominence, and was no inconsiderable man in the
community, his fellow-citizens having full confidence in his
integrity and'indomitable energy.
He was appointed justice of the peace in 1842, and served as
deputy sheriff of Hartford County for a term of years.
All through life he cut his way with a two-edged sword. His
concise, commanding force of character caused most people to
interpret him as austere, yet he had a quick appreciation of
gentleness and possessed kindly impulses. In his family his word
was law.
He disliked to be trammeled. His restless ambition craving a
4*8
POMEROY HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HISLEY, SR. 4*9
larger opportunity for accumulation and business than a Con-
necticut farm afforded him, he identified himself, while yet a young
man, with business interests which took him traveling much of
the time for several years in the South. During these absences,
even then, while sitting in hotels in distant cities and towns, his
clear head kept pace with every detail of the farm work, and he
wrote explicit directions as to what work each son and farmhand
was to do in a given period of time. These directions he ex-
pected to be strictly carried out.
His energy and practical knowledge of business brought him
much success, and he dred, having accumulated, for those times,
a comfortable fortune, leaving a property of fifty thousand dollars,
besides lands, etc.
His decease took place November 7, 1868. The interment
was in the cemetery at Canton.
The virtues of Eunice D. Higley, his wife, shone throughout a
life conspicuously beautiful in her home and to all who knew her.
Her bosom concealed a. heart full of gentleness of temperament.
She was a woman in every way worthy to be remembered. Gifted
with wisdom and intelligence, an efficient helper of her husband,
patient with his peculiar personalities, rising at a very early
morning hour and busying herself till late at night in active work
for the household, with a vast amount of care devolving upon
her, her noble nature and the Christian spirit she manifested in
her relation to life was all the while inspiring her children to
ideas of right living, and a sense of something higher than the
simple daily round of life's unremitting toil.
She departed this life September 27, 1875.
Pomeroy Higley, Sr., and Eunice Delight Humphrey were the
parents of nine children, viz. :
Pomeroy, Jr., Warren, Clarissa, Eunice, Mary, Martha Ann,
Caroline, Howard, and Susan.
POMEROY HIGLEY, Jr., the eldest child of Pomeroy, Sr., and
Eunice Delight (Humphrey) Higley, was born in Canton Centre,
Hartford County, Conn., June 8, 1823.
His early years were spent in the daily plow-boy life usual to
the sons of well-to-do New England farmers; he attended the
country school in Canton when opportunity afforded, which was
mostly in the winter season, and remained at his parents' home
till he was twenty-four years old.
43° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
From his father he inherited the natural ability and aptitude
for business which insures success, together with the kindly dis-
position his mother possessed, her agreeable social air, and many
of her pleasing qualities.
Mr. Higley has followed the business methods of his father,
but devoted himself less to money-making. He is a man who has
a good knowledge of human nature, bearing an excellent reputa-
tion for integrity, and managing his affairs with prudence and
coolness. He is unassuming, having no wish for empty honors,
and is of thoroughly domestic tastes.
About the year 1847 he purchased a farm in the town of
Bloomfield, Conn., where he resided ten years, then sold it and
removed to his present homestead.
He received by inheritance a goodly share of his father's
estate, which by successful management he has gradually in-
creased. He is now the owner of an estate containing two hun-
dred acres of land. The farm home in which he resides is one of
substantial comfort, and stands a little north of the hamlet and
post office of West Simsbury, Conn., and about five miles from
the ancient village of Simsbury. Besides agricultural pursuits,
Mr. Higley pays considerable attention to fine blooded stock-
raising, making throughbred Jerseys and the dairy a specialty.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Higley are regular attendants of the
Methodist Episcopal Church at North Canton, having joined by
letter from the church at Bloomfield, with which they united on
profession of their faith.
In August, 1890, Pomeroy Higley contributed largely as a
member of the committee of arrangements to the very successful
and pleasurable event of the Family Reunion and "clam-bake,"
which was held by the Higleys at Old Simsbury; his well
arranged plans, practically carried out, together with his genial
presence, reviving the old-time forcibleness of character borne by
the ancient ancestry of Higley-town. He is almost the last living
representative of the Higleys living in the precincts of Simsbury.
On the 6th of November, 1845, Pomeroy Higley, Jr., married
Minerva Shepard of Simsbury, daughter of Whiting Shepard,
Esq., a noteworthy family of good old Connecticut stock. She
was born October 13, 1822.
To a delicate organization is linked in her a well-balanced
mind, serene in temper and much natural refinement. Possess-
ing a benevolent and catholic spirit, and taking an interest in the
CLAYTON W. HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLEY, SR. 431
questions of the day, she is the center of their well ordered Chris-
tian home, giving it the inspiration of contentment and peace.
Mrs. Higley received a comfortable estate by legacy from her
father, Whiting Shepard.
Pomeroy and Minerva (Shepard) Higley have one child, viz. :
CLAYTON W. HIGLEY, born August 10, 1850, at Bloomfield, Hartford County,
Conn.
He studied music under masters who imparted to him a thorough knowledge of
the science. On the pianoforte he is a performer of no small ability, and has
acquired well-merited success as an instructor.
Professor Higley possesses refined tastes, is cordial and agreeable in his bearing,
of fine physique, and esteemed for his genuine character.
He is unmarried, and resides with his parents at West Simsbury, Conn.
Continued from page 429.
WARREN HIGLEY, son of Pomeroy Higley, Sr., and Eunice D.
(Humphrey) Higley, was born in Canton, Conn., May i, 1825.
He is a farmer in good circumstances, and has always resided
in his native town. December 13, 1854, he married Caroline
Mills, who was born May 24, 1831.
Their children: Warren Higley, Jr., and Carrie.
WARREN HIGLEY, Jr., born December 25, 1857, married, January 18, 1884,
Anna L. Hayden. He died October 7, 1886.
CARRIE, born October 22, 1862, married, July 26, 1882, Byron G. Fenn.
CLARISSA HIGLEY, the third child of Pomeroy, Sr., and Eunice
D. (Humphrey) Higley, was born in Canton, Conn., August 21,
1826. She married, first, John Robertson, and, second, Isaac
Alcott She had five children, viz. : Frank, Theodore, Charles,
George, and^Otiver. No children by her second marriage.
EUNICE A., their fourth child, was born in Canton, Conn.,
September n, 1828; married Sherman A. Wilcox. She died Sep-
tember 13, 1865. They had one daughter, named Emma, who
married Frank Case.
MARY, the fifth child, born April 25, 1830, died December 25,
1840.
MARTHA ANN, the sixth child, born May 3, 1833, married
Edwin F. Wilcox. They had one child, named Harriet, who died
many years ago.
CAROLINE, the seventh child, born March 10, 1835, married
Giles A. Sisson. Their children were :
Ella, Addie, Frank, and Arthur.
43 2 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Continued front page 429.
HOWARD HIGLEY, the youngest son and eighth child of Pome-
roy Higley, Sr., and Eunice D. Humphrey, was born at Canton,
Conn., February 12, 1837. He married, March 31, 1858, Mary
Etta Case, who was born February 22, 1838. They reside in
Canton in the old family homestead of his father. Mr. Higley
follows agricultural pursuits. Their children are :
Mary A.; Loyal H., born March 13, 1868; and Ellen M., born
July i, 1872.
MARY A., the eldest child, born February I 1863, married, December 25, 1883,
Frederick M. Mills. He died October 23, 1886.
SUSAN HIGLEY, the ninth and youngest child of Pomeroy
Higley, Sr., and Eunice D. Humphrey, was born April 3, 1839.
She married Edmund Hough. They had one son, Eddie, who
died in infancy.
Continued from page 417.
AMELIA HIGLEY, the eighth child of Deacon Obed, Sr., and
Rebecca (Mills) Higley, was born in Canton, Conn., October 7,
1801. She married Colonel Austin N. Humphrey. No further
data has been furnished.
ALMENA, the ninth child of Deacon Obed, Sr., and Rebecca
(Mills) Higley, was born in Canton, Conn., April i, 1805. She
married, April 25, 1831, Leonard P. Swett of Rockland, Me. He
was born December 7, 1801. They resided the latter part of
their lives in West Bay City, Mich. Mr. Swett died in that place
October 7, 1879. Almena Higley Swett died February 8, 1884.
They had four children, viz.:
HENRY WARREX SWETT, born August 31, 1834, in Collinsvllle, Conn., married,
November 30, 1858, Antoinette Burrows of Freedom, Portage County, O. She
died April 15, 1874. He resides in Oakdale, Neb. Their children were : Lena A.,
Henry B., Leonard C., and Jennie L., who died in infancy. Henry Warren Swett
married, second, Sarah E. Kidder. By her he has a daughter, named Antionette^
born June 13, 1877, and a son, born February 14, 1879, wno died.
MARY AMELIA SWETT and a twin sister, daughters of Almena Higley and
Leonard Swett, were born April 20, 1842, at Collinsville, Conn. The twin child
died in infancy. Mary Amelia married, September 6, 1860, Seth Bourn of Den-
mark, Tuscola County, Mich. He was born February 6, 1833, in Savoy, Mass.
They ha've three children, viz.:
Eliza Maria, born September 25, 1861, in Vassar, Mich.; Henry Dwight, born
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLE Y, SR. 433
May 29, 1863, and died January 21, 1865; Minnie Almena, born July 27, 1877,
died in West Bay City, Mich., October 7, 1878.
ELIZA MARIA BOURN, the eldest child, married, December 23, 1879, Henry A.
Hawgood, who was born January 20, 1848, in Wales. They have two children,
a son named Harry Bourn, born April 5, 1887, and a daughter, deceased.
Continued from page 417.
EMELINE HIGLEY, the tenth and youngest child of Deacon
Obed, Sr., and Rebecca (Mills) Higley, was born in Canton,
Conn., November 4, 1808. She married, first, Luke Fuller, who
lived but seven years after. She married, second, Zachariah
Kempton of Simsbury, September 12, 1836. Mr. Kempton
was born in Plymouth, Mass., July 27, 1793. Emeline Higley
Kempton died 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Kempton had four children,
viz. :
EMELINE, born in Bloomfield, Conn., June 25, 1837 ; married Captain Mark C.
Turner, December 20, 1869.
REBECCA, born in Simsbury, Conn., August 13, 1841 ; married Stacey Daniels.
They have one son, Albert Daniels.
EMILY LOUISA, born in Hartford, October 30, 1846 ; married J. B. Sawyer ; died
August 29, 1879. They had three sons : Burt, Mark, and Earnest.
JENNIE, the youngest child of Zachariah and Emeline Higley Kempton, was
born in Hartford, Conn., November 4, 1848 ; married James P. Francis, October
25, 1870. They reside in South Norwalk, Conn. They have one child,
viz.:
MAUD KEMPTON FRANCIS, born in New Britain, Conn., September 23, 1873,
She married September 27, 1894, Richard Hadlock Bulkley.
The South Norwalk (Conn.) Sentinel, the day after the marriage, contained the
following :
" The ceremony which united in the bonds of matrimony Miss Maude Kemp-
ton Francis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James P. Francis, and Richard Hadlock
Bulkley of Southport, took place yesterday afternoon at 4.30 o'clock. The
bridal party stood in front of an altar trimmed with smilax, and under a most
artistically arranged wedding bell of carnations and smilax, while in the back-
ground were banks of palms and other potted plants. The Episcopal ceremony,
with ring, was performed by Rev. Olin Hallock, rector of Trinity Church. The
bride was given away by her father, and the groom's best man was his brother,
William M. Bulkley of Southport. The bride wore a costume of stone blue
broadcloth, with hat to match. Following the ceremony was served an elaborate
wedding repast. The floral decorations were very beautiful. The groom's present
to the bride was a diamond marquise. The young couple are well known and
very popular in local society, and have a wide circle of friends. This was attested
by the magnificent wedding gifts received, representing in value several thousand
dollars."
Mr. and Mrs. Bulkley reside in Bridgeport, Conn.
434 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
EBER HIGLEY.
Continued from page 394.
Eber, John, Sr., Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
EBER HIGLEY — or Heber, according to his baptismal record —
was the seventh child of John Higley, Sr., and was baptized
July 17, 1763.
Whether or not he was a son of the first wife, Apphia Hum-
phrey, who died nearly a year previous to his baptism, is not
clearly shown. Eber and the younger children of John Higley,
Sr.'s, family were baptized by the Rev. Mr. Veits, at St. Andrews,
the old parish known as Scotland, now Bloomfield, five miles from
Canton. It would appear that Mrs. Clark, John Higley's second
wife, was a member of the Church of England, and it may have
been through her influence that her husband was baptized into
the same communion, his name appearing on the record of
baptisms in 1764.'
Little is known of the personal history of Eber Higley except
that he emigrated to Elba, western New York, after having Jived
for a time in Burlington, Conn. No record or date of his mar-
riage is found. Of his wife, who was buried in western New
York, few facts are known.
But his name is indelibly engraved in our country's annals in
connection with the stormy period of the Revolution and the War
of 1812. He could not have been more than sixteen or seventeen
years of age when he entered the Revolutionary Army, joining in
1778 the regiment of the Connecticut Militia commanded by
Colonel Roger Eno, Captain (afterward Colonel) Amasa Mills'
company. They arrived in camp July 4, 1778. Colonel Mills,
who was a neighbor of the Canton Higleys, was in command in
nearly all of the campaigns of the Connecticut soldiers during the
War of the Revolution.
On July i, 1780, Eber Higley re-inlisted in the 2d Connecticut
Regiment, receiving, with the troops, an honorable discharge five
months later, December 19, 1780.
When the second war with England was declared, he was
among those men of valor and determined courage who gave the
loftiest expression of patriotism that a soldier can offer his
country — that of death by starvation; " and this in face of alluring
1 From the parish records of St. Andrew's Church, Bloomfield, Conn.
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLE Y, SR. 435
promises of liberty and plenty if they would but forswear the flag
of liberty." In company with his nephews, Isaac and Alson
Higley, he went from the town of Elba, N. Y., and reported at
Buffalo for service. He was then forty-nine years of age. At
the unfortunate battle of Queenstown Heights, October 13, 1812,
he was captured a prisoner of war by the British, and taken to
Halifax, N. S., where he met his sad fate.
In the language of General Veazey : " Through weeks and
months they dragged out the weary, joyless, and hopeless days in
hunger, and in lingering torture, death stalking daily among
them; martyrs as well as heroes, yet martyrdom without the
accompaniment of the glorious thrill and the inspiring impulse
of the fury and incense of battle."
Thus by supremest sacrifice thousands of high-souled men laid
down their lives that our country might "assume among the
powers of earth the separate and equal station to which the laws
of nature and of nature's God entitle her."
Eber Higley and Miriam Smith had one child, viz. :
HOSEA HIGLEY, who was born January 8, 1799, in Burlington, Conn. He
married, October 19, 1820, Huldah Heath of Sandisfield, Mass., daughter of
Roswell Heath, an American Loyalist, a nephew of General Heath of Revolutionary
fame, and a family of high standing. Huldah Heath was born June I, 1801.
They resided at New Marlboro, Mass., where all of their children were born.
Hosea Higley died January 15, 1858. Huldah, his wife died January 7, 1881.
Children of Hosea and Huldah (Heath) Higley :
CYNTHIA MARIA, born March 23, 1822, married, first, William Cowles, Jan-
uary I, 1839; second, J. H. Shields, October 5, 1854. They reside at Moulton, la.
HARRIET, born January 27, 1825, married Lewis G. Sage of Sandisville, Mass.,
November 19, 1854. She died November 18, 1855.
EDWIN ROSWELL, born May 6, 1827, married Sarah Lorilla Cone of Sandis-
ville, Mass., 1854. He removed to Allerton, Wayne County, la., in 1851, where
he now resides.
ALBERT J., born October 18, 1829, died November 23, 1846.
HORACE WARREN, born December 12, 1831, married, first, Alsenia L. Cook of
New Marlboro, Mass., July 24, 1853. His second wife, whom he married August
27, 1866, was Martha Ann Coburn of Lowell, Mass. He married, third, Margaret
Coffee, July 6, 1887, of New Britain, Conn. He resides at Windsor Locks, Hart-
ford Ccunty, Conn. The children are as follows :
By first wife, John A., born May 5, 1854; Warren Hosea, born December 15,
1855; Ida Alsenia, born January 6. 1858; Frank £., born 1860. By second
wife. Mary, born March 25, 1868; George Edwin, born October 14, 1871; Annie,
born August n, 1874; Jennie, born November 26, 1876.
ANDREW NELSON, the youngest child of Hosea and Huldah (Heath) Higley, was
bom December 31, 1833 ; married, first, Mary S. Harmon of New Marlboro,
Mass. ; second, Huldah Heath of Sandisfield, Mass. He resides at Allerton, la.
Children :
Mary A. and Albert R,
436 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Continued from page 394.
ROGER HIGLEY, the sixth son of John Higley, Sr., and his sec-
ond wife, Clark, was baptized January 13, 1765,' by the Rev.
Robert Veits at St. Andrew's Church, Scotland (now Bloomfield),
Conn. As this is the only time his name appears on record, and
nothing is known of him by the descendants of John Higley, Sr.,
it is supposed that he did not survive infancy.
MARTHA, the third daughter of John Higley, Sr., and his sec-
ond wife, Clark, was baptized at St. Andrew's Church,
June 29, 1766. She was known by the name of " Patsey." She
married Job Mills, a brother of her sister's husband, Elder Jared
Mills.
JOB HIGLEY, the youngest child of John Higley, Sr., and his
second wife, Clark, was baptized at St. Andrew's Church,
Bloomfield, Conn., July 31, 1768.' He married, about 1778, a wife
whose name cannot be discovered, by whom he had two children.
On May 9, 1792, he married Dorcas Eggleston of Wintonbury,
Conn. He became a cattle drover, selling his cattle in Balti-
more. In this business he accumulated property and became
very well to do. Afterward he was a marine shipper from the
port of Baltimore, and was killed by accident on board ship about
the year 1808.
By his first wife Job Higley had two children, viz. :
Semira, born in Bridgewater, N. Y., 1789, and Carlo, born 1791,
of whom nothing more is known.
By his second wife, Dorcas Eggleston, he had six children,
viz. :
Edwin, born 1793, died unmarried. Nelson, born 1795, who
married Wealthy Myers, of whom no further account has been
furnished. Clarissa, born 1797, never married. Olive, born 1799,
died November, 1819, unmarried. Myron Spencer, born Decem-
ber 29, 1 80 1. And George, born 1803.
MYRON SPENCER HIGLEY, the son of Job and Dorcas Eggleston
Higley, was born December 29, 1801, and married, about the year
1826, Priscilla Eberson. They resided ten years in Leeds,
Canada, then removed to Iowa. That country was then very
new. Here they remained till the year 1852, when they went to
Utah, and settled in Salt Lake valley, living in Morgan and Davis
Counties till the year 1872, when they removed to Hooper, Weber
1 From the Parish Records.
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLEY, SR. 437
County, where they resided till their deaths. His trade for
several years was that of turning bowls; he was afterward an
agriculturist. He died in 1887. His wife, Priscilla, lived to
a great age, and died February, 1892. They had eleven children,
viz. :
Nelson, born April i, 1827, died 1828. Clarissa, born in Leeds
County, Canada, October 21, 1829, died 1873. George IV., born
November 20, 1831. Ediuin, born November 12, 1833, died
April 10, 1852. Adelia, born June 23, 1836. Abigail, born at
Port Leyden, N. Y., October 6, 1838. James, born July, 1841,
died the same year. Dorcas, born December 2, 1843, died Octo-
ber, 1864. Mary Jane, born February 13, 1847, at Benton Port,
la. Elizabeth Ann, born April i, 1850, and Myron, Jr., born
February 6, 1853, at Uintah, Weber County, Utah.
GEORGE W. HIGLEY, the eldest surviving son of Myron S. and Priscilla Eber-
son Higley, was born in Leeds County, Canada, November 20, 1831. He married
Nancy Ellen Wadsworth, July 24, 1855. She was born July 23, 1839.
He preceded his father and the family in their emigration to the then " faraway
wild West," arriving in the Salt Lake valley with a merchant train from the Missouri
River, in the autumn of 1851, having only twenty-five cents in his pockets when
he reached Salt Lake. There were at that time between three thousand and four
thousand white people in Utah Territory. He found employment in Salt Lake
City until the following spring, 1852, when he went to the Green River ferry, on the
overland route to California, and bought a one-fifth interest in the ferry. During
that autumn he met his parents at Laramie, Wyo. (five hundred miles from Salt Lake
City), and brought them to the Salt Lake valley. He made this journey through an
Indian country on horseback and alone. In the following spring he went to Marsh
valley in Idaho, 125 miles north of Salt Lake City. Here he built a bridge over
the then called Marsh Creek, and owned a trading-post on the " Hedge Pith Cut-
off," on the emigration road to California. He returned in the fall and spent the
winter in Utah. While at Marsh valley bridge he bought some cattle from the
emigrant trains, and succeeded in obtaining a thoroughbred Durham bull, which
was one of the finest ever brought to the Territory. He built and kept a trading-
post on the old emigration road at Goose Creek Mountains in Idaho, during the
summer of 1854.
After his marriage to Nancy Wadsworth in the year 1855, they removed to Weber
valley, Utah, now Morgan County, and built the third house erected in the valley.
It was during this same summer that Little Soldier, a Snake Indian chief, endeavored
to drive the settlers from the valley. One morning this chief, with thirty of his
warriors, all in war paint, surprised Higley and several settlers, by coming suddenly
upon them, striking them over their heads and on their faces with their whips, and
trying to trample them under their horses' feet, and in every manner sought to pro-
voke them to some action whereby they would have a pretext for massacring them.
An agreement was reached, however, and hostile intentions suspended till a mes-
senger could be sent to Salt Lake City with a son of Little Soldier to confer with
29
438 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY,
Brigham Young. The Indians were finally pacified by a contribution of beef for
the braves and clothing for the chief. In later years, after the Indians became
civilized, Little Soldier, in recounting the incident, said it was the bravery of the
settlers that saved them; that had they shown signs of fear they would have been
slain, for he and his warriors had in council determined to do so.
Higley helped to build the first saw-mill in Morgan County, and to survey and
dig the first irrigation ditch. This was in 1856. He lived in Morgan County till
1859, when he removed to his farm in Weber County, near where Ogden City is
now located, but the high water in the spring of 1860 completely destroying it he
was left almost without means. He returned to Morgan County, where he resided
until 1871, when he went to Hooper, where he now resides on a farm. Mr.
Higley belongs to the Mormon Church.
The twelve children of George W. and Nancy (Wadsworth) Higley are as
follows :
George Edwin, born September 28, 1857, married Adeline Johnson. Charles
Washington, born June 22, 1859, married Deseret Johnson. Eliza Ann, born
May 4, 1861, married Smith Johnson. William Carlos, born March 21, 1864.
Abiah Alonzo, born November I, 1867. Lucinda Ellen, born January 7, 1869,
married Frank Naisbitt. Joseph Warren, born April 16, 1871. Franklin Spencer,
born November 19, 1873. Olive Deseret, born January 20, 1875. Ida Elenora,
born November 25, 1877. Walter Leonidas, born December 3, 1879, died
September IO, 1890. Mabel Edner, born November 7, 1887.
ADELIA, the eldest surviving daughter of Myron Spencer and Priscilla Eberson
Higley, born June 23, 1836, married David B. Bybee, August 27, 1854. Mr.
Bybee died February 22, 1893. They had fourteen children, viz.:
David Byron, born October 12, 1855, married Emma France. Annis Adelia,
born April 22, 1857, married Nathan Robison, who was killed in Arizona by the
Indians. William Marion, born January 23, 1859, married Lucinda Becksted.
George Myron, born September I, 1860. Mary Olive, born October 13, 1862,
married Brigham Stowell (his first wife); they reside in Mexico. Dora Minerva,
born May 2, 1864, married Joseph France. Francis, born November 13, 1866,
died January, 1868. Rhoda Maria, born May 28, 1867, married Brigham Stowell
(second wife). Heber James, born June 17, 1871, died June 17, 1871. Joseph
Mack, born June 28, 1872, married Alice King. Priscilla, born August 12, 1874,
died January 31, 1875. Dorcas Ophelia, born February 2, 1876. Frank, born
May 10, 1878, died April 20, 1881. Charles Edwin, born September 4, 1881,
died April 20, 1887.
ABIGAIL, the sixth child of Myron Spencer and Priscilla Eberson Higley, born
at West Leyden, N. Y., October 6, 1838, became the first wife of Joseph Wads-
worth in 1853. They have thirteen children. According to the custom of the
Mormon Church in those times, Joseph Wadsworth afterward married a second
wife. When the United States law relating to polygamy went into effect in 1891,
he was imprisoned six months in the Utah Penitentiary for adhering to his religious
tenets. On his release he and his first wife took up their residence in Hooper,
Weber County, Utah, where they now reside on their farm. Their children :
Joseph W., born December 27, 1855, married Sarah Haynes, and lives in Hooper.
Olive Abigail, born August 6, 1857, died . William M. , born July 23,
1858, married Martha Hardy, and resides in Hooper. Edwin A., born February
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN HIGLE Y, SR. 439
16, 1860, married Elizabeth Hunt, and resides at Idaho Falls, Idaho. Mary R.,
born February 2, 1863, married Ephraim Garner, and resides in Hooper. Hiram
S., twin brother to Mary, died . Annie P., born October 2, 1865, married
John Simpson, resides in Hooper. Samuel, born February 3, 1867, died. Orson,
born September 2, 1868, married Carrie Gwilliams in 1892, and resides in Hooper.
Or/in, his twin brother, married, 1892, Violet Parker, and resides in Hooper.
Clara E,, born July I, 1871, died 1886. Alice, born February 28, 1874. Nora,
born May 31, 1878.
DORCAS, the eighth child of Myron Spencer and Priscilla Eberson Higley, was
born December 2, 1843. She married, in 1 860, Leonidas Clark, and died October,
1864, leaving two children, viz.:
Frank Clark, born August 14, 1861, who resides in Ogden City, Utah ; and
Ida, born February 4, 1864, who married William Arave, and lives at Idaho Falls,
Idaho.
MARY JANE, the ninth child of Myron Spencer and Priscilla Eberson Higley,
was born February 13, 1847, at Bento-Post, la. She married Nephi Hardy, and
is the mother of thirteen children. They reside at Hooper, Utah.
(The names of this family have not been furnished.)
ELIZABETH ANN, the tenth child of Myron Spencer and Priscilla Eberson
Higley, was born April I, 1850, at Pottowatomie, la.; married her brother-in-law,
Leonidas Clark, in the year 1868. They reside at Hooper, Utah. Their children :
Elizabeth Flora, born 1868. Nellie, born October 9, 1869, married Lew
Hampton, and resides at Ogden City. John T., born May 2, 1871. Catherine,
born December 10, 1872, married Frank Munsee. Leonidas, born September 12,
1874. Ann, born January 19, 1876. Adelia, born September 10, 1878. Henry,
born November 3, 1880. Nettie, born August I, 1882. Julia, born March 3,
1890. Eugene, born February 3, 1893, and died a few days after his birth.
Continued from page 436.
GEORGE HIGLEY, the second son of Job and Dorcas (Eggleston)
Higley and brother to Myron Spencer Higley, was born in the
year 1803. He married and had two children, viz. :
Mahala, who married Thomas Moor. The name of the other
child is not given.
George Higley was accidentally killed in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1834,
by falling from a building upon which he was at work.
CHAPTER LVII.
ELIZABETH HIGLEY MILLS.
Continued from chapter xviii. p. 100.
Elizabeth, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
" Who that bears
A human bosom, has not often felt
How dear are all the ties that bind our race
In gentleness together, and how sweet
Their force, let Fortune's wayward hand the while
Be kind or cruel."
THE birth of Elizabeth, the seventh child of Brewster Higley,
ist, took place in the year 1723, at Simsbury, Conn.
Of her life very little is discoverable. It would be interesting
to the reader to investigate the prominent elements in her
character as well as her personality, virtues, and imperfections,
could they be brought to light, since she was the ancestress of
many descendants who have shown characteristics and tempera-
ments directly traceable to the motherly loving fragrance of her
good life. It is fair to conjecture that she possessed excellent
faculties and a strong individuality.
Wordly wealth, as estimated in those times, always surrounded
her; she inherited, as did her brothers and sisters, a comfortable
property from her father's estate.
Her marriage is placed upon record thus :
"The Revd. Mr. Gideon Mills and Elizabeth Higley were joined in Marriage the
asth of November, A. D. 1748.'"
Her husband, the Rev. Gideon Mills, born in 1716, was of
Dutch descent, and of a family of high standing. He was
graduated from Yale College in 1737, and settled in Simsbury.
It was near the close of the year 1743, five years previous to his
marriage to Elizabeth Higley, that he began preaching. He was
ordained to the ministry September, 1744, and entered the
Simsbury pulpit.
But during the years of his ministry the parish was in a painful
1 " Simsbury Records," book iii. p. 160.
44°
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HIGLEY,\ST. 441
state of bitter controversy and feud. The warring factions in
the Church had not abated their contentions. Whether the
common aim of religious teaching and its dissemination was
eventually furthered by this divergence of spirit, and the con-
sequent planting of other parishes, we cannot say.
Finally, in March, 1754, Mr. Mills was dismissed, though he
continued to preach for some months later.
One of the results was the forming at "Scotland," a few miles
distant, of an Episcopalian parish, — St. Andrews, — which was the
first founded in the Colony of Connecticut. The Rev. William
Gibbs, a clergyman much loved and revered, who came repre-
senting the London Society for the Propagation of the Gospel,
officiated as rector.
A domineering, Puritanic spirit ruled in the old church at
Simsbury. As to a " unity of spirit and the bond of peace,"
between the two parishes there was a great gulf.
The Simsbury Society, while Mr. Mills was yet its pastor,
appointed its usual committee to collect its church "rates,"
or tax. John Higley, Sr., the brother of Elizabeth Higley Mills,
was chosen " to gather the amount of ;£6oo for the necessary
expenses of the Society to pay for preaching." " On the refusal
of the Rev. William Gibbs," says the Rev. Mr. Heald, "to pay
the tax laid upon him for the support of the Simsbury minister, —
Gideon Mills, — Gibbs was seized by persons representing Mr.
Mills' party, thrown over a horse, and with hands and feet bound
together in such a manner as to make his limbs supply the place
of a girth, he was conveyed to jail. The result of such harsh
treatment was far more serious, no doubt, than his persecutors
intended.
His mind received a shock which threw him into a state of
insanity, from which he never recovered." '
Elizabeth Higley Mills shared the humiliations of her hus-
band's unhappy ministerial career at the Simsbury Church.
\Vhether the animosities ever led to an estrangement among
the Higley families is not known. There is no indication that
they did.
From old Simsbury, the Rev. Gideon Mills and his wife, with
their family, removed to West Simsbury, where Mr. Mills was
installed as pastor of the church in 1759, and where they resided
the remainder of their lives. Mr. Mills died of cancer in 1772.
1 From Historical Address by the Rev. Mr. Heald.
442 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Elizabeth Higley, his wife, died 1774. They were the parents
of six children, viz. :
Gideon, Jr., Samuel, Elizabeth, Jedediah, Anna, Faith.
GIDEON, Jr., born 1749 ; a lieutenant in the War of the Revolution, married Ruth,
daughter of Oliver Humphrey, the first magistrate of West Simsbury, and till 1800
resided on the farm in Canton (or West Simsbury) left him by his parents. They
became the grandparents of John Brown,' their daughter Ruth marrying her second
cousin, Owen Brown^ the son of Captain John and Hannah Brown, and grandson
of Hannah (Higley) Mills.
Of Ruth, her husband wrote in after years: "Never had any person such an
influence over my conduct as my wife, and this was without the least appearance of
usurpation or dictation. If I have been respected in the world, I ascribe it to her."
SAMUEL, the second son of the Rev. Gideon and Elizabeth (Higley) Mills,
born 1751, was graduated at Yale College and entered the American Army of the
Revolution as lieutenant of cavalry. He was taken prisoner and carried to
Philadelphia, having received, from a horseman's sword, a deep and dangerous
wound in his forehead, the scar of which he carried through his life.
While a prisoner and an invalid in a hospital, he became acquainted with Miss
Sarah Gilpin, "a lady of culture and high refinement," who became his first wife.
They had a family of eight children. Lieutenant Mills afterward entered the
ministry, and was pastor of the church in Chester, Conn.
ELIZABETH, the eldest daughter of Rev. Gideon and Elizabeth (Higley) Mills,
born 1753, married Gideon Curtis.
JEDEDIAH, their fourth child, born 1755, was named for his uncle, the Rev.
Jedediah Mills, a minister of much note, who published a number of works. He
married Wells.
ANNA, born , married the Rev. William Robinson. She died 1789.
FAITH, born 1765, married, first, Roswell Spencer; second, Eber Alford. She
died 1850.
NAOMI HIGLEY HUMPHREY.
Continued from chapter xviii. p. TOO.
Naomi, Brewster, ist, Captain John Higley.
NAOMI, the eighth and youngest child of Brewster Higley, ist,
was born in the old homestead of her grandfather, Captain John
Higley, at Higley-town, after her father had taken possession of
that farm.' Her birth took place in 1726. She lived to the great
age of ninety-one, her death occurring in 1817.
Her marriage to Solomon Humphrey, when she was about the
age of twenty, brought about a second marriage alliance in her
family with the Humphreys, her husband being a brother of
Apphia, the wife of her brother John.
1 See Sketch of John Brown, chapter 1, p. 380. a Page 100.
DESCENDANTS OF BREWSTER HICLE Y, 1ST. 443
In 1742 Solomon and Naomi Humphrey left the old parish of
Simsbury, where they first resided, removing to Wes£ Simsbury
(Canton). Their home farm lay on the east side of the mountain,
bordering on the town of Simsbury. Solomon Humphrey, St.,
was born in 1722 and died in 1798. They had six children, viz. : ,
Solomon, who died in childhood. Naomi, born 1749, who
married Andrew Mills. Ruggles, born 1751, who married
Lucy Case (daughter of Amos). Solomon, Jr., born 1752. Esther,
born 1758, married John Owen. And Augustus, born 1771, who
married Barber.
SOLOMON, Jr., the second son of Solomon Humphrey, Sr., and Naomi Higley,
married, first, Lucy (daughter of Ezekiel) Case, and, second, in 1778, his cousin
Hannah Brown, a granddaughter of Hannah Higley, his mother's sister. He and
his second wife, Hannah, became the parents of thirteen children, the eldest of
whom was the Rev. Heman Humphrey, who was born March 26, 1779, and
married Sophia, daughter of Dr. Noah Porter.
HEMAN HUMPHREY, D. D., was thus the grandson on his paternal side of
Naomi Higley, and the great-grandson on his maternal side of Hannah Higley,
daughters of Brewster Higley, ist.
He was graduated at Yale College in 1805, and ordained to the ministry.
While settled as pastor of a church in Pittsfield, Mass., in 1823, he accepted the
presidency of Amherst College (founded in 1821), which had not yet secured a
charter. Principally through his exertions and influence an act of incorporation
was granted by the Legislature of Massachusetts, February 21, 1825.
He continued in the presidency of the college till 1845, when he resigned and
devoted the remainder of his life to literary pursuits. " He was one of the earliest
advocates of the temperance cause, and in 1819 drew up a report to the Fairfield
Association which, as far as is known, was the first tract published on the
subject." '
He bore characteristics which made him greatly beloved. Someone remarked :
" Everybody knows, whoever enjoyed the high privilege of spending even an hour
in President Humphrey's company, that he was the embodiment of every quality
which constitutes a perfect gentleman." And Deacon Terry of Hartford said that
"he never closed an interview with Dr. Humphrey without feeling that he was a
better man than before."
He died in Pittsfield, Mass., April 3, 1861.
1 " American Encyclopedia."
CHAPTER LVIII.
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL.
Continued from chapter xix. p. 108.
Hannah, Captain John Higley.
A long and well spent life, in the service of his country, places Governor Trumbull among the
first of patriots. — GEORGE WASHINGTON.
THE children of Joseph and Hannah Higley Trumbull were as
follows :
JOSEPH, born at Lebanon, Conn., March 27, 1705; married
Sarah Bulkley, November 20, 1727. They resided in his native
town. He was lost at sea, June, 1733. Children: Sarah and
Kate.
JONATHAN, born October 12, 1710; married Faith Robinson.
MARY, born August 21, 1713; married Joshua Fitch. Children:
Jonathan, Mary, and Joseph.
HANNAH, born 1715; died the same year.
HANNAH, 2d, born September 18, 1717; married Joseph Sher-
man, February 25, 1735; died November 7, 1736.
ABIGAIL, born March 6, 1719; married Backus.
JOHN, born 1722; died in infancy.
DAVID, born September 8, 1723; was accidentally drowned
July 9, 1740.
GOVERNOR JONATHAN TRUMBULL, SR.
Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., Hannah Higley, Captain John Higley.
JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Sr., the second child and second son
of Joseph and Hannah Higley Trumbull, was born at Lebanon,
Conn., October 12, 1710.
It is impossible to chronicle, in the limited space that can be
allotted in these pages, the life of a man who lived a long career
of exceptional public prominence and distinguished usefulness
— a life which Stuart, his biographer, says "was profoundly
and most honorably interwoven with the American Revolution."
It was a life left as a legacy to the living, and one which our
PAINTED BY JOHN TRUMBULL.
By courtesy of BELKNAP & WARFIELD, Publishers, Hartford, Conn.
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 445
nation in its annals of distinguished men will never suffer to be
eclipsed.
This future "Revolutionary War Governor" was four years
old at the date of Captain John Higley's decease, and too young
to retain any clear recollection of his maternal grandfather.
The instruction in the schools for young men was in his youth
thorough, for the ministers and tutors were men of learning,
and laid in their pupils an excellent foundation for a higher
education.
At a very early age Jonathan found himself prepared for col-
lege, being but thirteen years old.
He evinced a remarkable aptitude for acquiring the languages,
which were a favorite study, and he became conversant with
Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. It is said that "he became an
expert" in the latter, and that "he was able to compile, chiefly
for his own use, a grammar of the language and to use its phrases
freely in after years in his correspondence with learned men."
In all his studies he was noted for his very marked intellectual
progress. He took his degree in 1727, at the age of seventeen,
and returned from college to the home of his parents in Lebanon.
He came back under profound religious feeling, and very soon
united with the church, which was then under the ministration of
Rev. Solomon Williams. His example ever after, during the
course of a long life, carried the lesson that amid the busy scenes
of both a public and private career, a man might live and act
from the elevated standpoint of a Christian life, characterized
not by mere form, but by the essence of its true spirit.
He gave himself to earnest research of the Bible, which to his
latest day was the chief of his favorite studies, and so intent he
was upon giving himself wholly to a religious life, that he entered
upon the study of theology, was licensed to preach, and invited
to occupy the pulpit at Colchester.
But the utter short-sightedness of all human calculations
marked his destiny. He was called to abandon his purpose.
The loss of his eldest brother at sea, in June, 1732, turned the
whole tide of his life. The failure of his father's health under
the bereavement brought about the necessity for him to leave
the field of the ministry and enter an active business life. He
was now twenty-two years of age. His contact with men soon
introduced him into the broader field of politics and legislation,
for which his natural gifts eminently fitted him. During every
446 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
interval of his busy days, he made civil jurisprudence and history
his special studies, and from this time onward, until he came to
the summit of his life of energy and action, he steadfastly pursued
these studies. Added to these, and his daily research of the
Scriptures, " he made himself specially familiar with chronology,
became acquainted with astronomy, and knew much of mathe-
matics and natural philosophy." " Yet he did not," says Stuart,
"avoid the lighter paths of literature." He was, in after life,
honored by both Yale College and the University of Edinburgh,
Scotland, conferring upon him the honorary degree of LL. D.
He counted time valuable to the highest degree — was jealous
and scanty of his leisure, and did not omit a spare moment which
could be appropriated to gaining freshness and knowledge in the
cultivation of his mind, or the promotion of some valuable end.
Traits of character, which may easily be traced to an inherit-
ance, developed themselves more and more as he grew in age and
experience. His remarkable amiability of disposition and compre-
hensive mind, his indefatigable industry and vigorous activities,
his indomitable energy, his splendid constitution and power of
endurance, were a part and portion of the blood which circulated
through his veins, and achieved for him repeated successes.
There is no question but he was familiar with public and politi-
cal affairs from early childhood, through the traditional stories of
his maternal sire and grandsires, which would naturally leave in-
delible traces upon his character and give his mind a public bent.
His father, too, had been at one time "one of ye Fathers of ye
towne," and his uncle, John Higley, Jr., a man of wealth and
dignified position, had left his seat in the General Assembly of
the Colony scarcely two years before he was elected by his
fellow-citizens to that body.
His first representation in the General Assembly was in the
year 1733, when he was but twenty-three years of age. "And
from this onward to May, 1754, the town repeated that choice for
fourteen sessions."
As has already been stated, he married, December 9, 1735,
Faith, the daughter of Rev. John Robinson of Duxbury, Mass.
"At the May session, 1739, when under twenty-nine years of
age, he was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives, and
again filled the same office in 1752 and 1754. In 1740 he was
chosen by the freemen of the Colony to the post of Assistant and
Member of the Council of the Colony, and re-elected to the same
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 447
important office until he was chosen Lieutenant-Governor in 1766
(except four years while Judge of the Superior Court); serving as
Assistant twenty-two years." *
In 1744 war was declared between the English and the French,
and hostilities were begun in the American Colonies.
"It was indeed," says Stuart, "a stirring and an anxious
time, this whole period of the war, to all of New England, — to no
part of it more, except a portion of the east bordering more
nearly on the seat of contest, than to Connecticut, — and among
the citizens of this Colony, save to its Governor and the general
officers in immediate command of its forces in service, to no one
hardly so much as to Assistant Jonathan Trumbull. . ." Into all
the war measures, consequently, taken by Connecticut, he en-
tered with alacrity — for at the outbreak, in 1739, when the
militia of the Colony was organized into thirteen regiments,
Trumbull had been appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the Twelfth.
"It became his duty, therefore, as forces were ordered from
time to time by the General Assembly, to aid in raising the
quotas required from his own regiment, sometimes to beat up for
volunteers, and, as requested specially by the Colonial Authori-
ties, to ' urge upon the people motives for enlistment ' — to furnish
those who did enlist with supplies— to see to the distribution of
their bounty and wages — sometimes to impress men, arms,
accoutrements, and clothing — to appoint places for the rendezvous
of the soldiers, and see them ultimately marched, under proper
officers, to their destination for actual service."
"He was frequently charged by the Colony with important
general services in regard to the war, and sometimes with vital
negotiations. He was called upon to supply arms and military
stores for expeditions at large, and settle military accounts — but
more than all, and conspicuously, with Commissioners from other
Colonies, and British Commanders of highest rank, he was
designated to act as a principal counselor in the chief enterprises
of the war — to decide when and how they should be undertaken,
and with what outlay and disposition of men and means."*
"In 1745 he was chosen Assistant Judge of Windham County
Court — Lebanon then belonging to Windham County; and in
1746, Chief Judge of that Court, which office he held, by annual
elections, for seventeen years. In 1749 he was chosen Judge of
*" Early Lebanon," p. 88.
a '• Life of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.," by I. W. Stuart, pp. 37, 38.
448
THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Probate for Windham district, and continued in that office nine-
teen years." '
" Besides his ordinary duties as legislator and member of the
Governor's Council, which he fulfilled with regularity, he was
often called upon to deal with the finances of the Colony and
other matters of public concern. In 1751 he was appointed to
deal with the Pequot Indians, in relation to intrusions upon their
lands, and in 1760 with the Mohegans, within whose lands he was
directed to lay out highways. He was appointed at one time to
allay difficulties in the Church at Middletown, and fix the site of
a meeting-house there; and at another time in Windsor, whither,
with Hezekiah Huntington, he repaired, and heard the parties at
variance, and there also staked out the site for a new meeting-
house. Besides all this he occasionally had to look after Houses
of Correction — to see to their construction, and to appoint
masters for the same, and superintend their discharge of duty.
The public expenses of this period, because of the renewal of the
French war, were extraordinary, and Trumbull's services in
auditing accounts, in adjusting them with subordinate collectors
and commissaries, and in paying over to the Colony its loans and
debts due, were more than ever called into requisition."
"Trumbull's chief activity, during the period from 1755-63,
was again in the sphere of war — of that second long, perilous,
and wasting French war, which, renewed again by formal decla-
ration in 1755, was crowned finally by a triumphant and lasting
peace on February 10, 1763.*
" In 1765 he was chosen Assistant Judge of the Superior Court
of the Colony, and in 1766, was elected Deputy Governor, and
re-elected annually until 1770 ; and during this period of four
years he held also the office of Chief Justice of the Superior
and Supreme Courts, and as such discharged with ability the
high functions of that office." *
It was in the year 1756, and again in 1758, as before stated,4
that "he was earnestly requested by the General Assembly, in a
formal note, 'with all convenient speed to repair to the Court of
Great Britain,' and there solicit an adjustment of some expenses
incurred on the part of Connecticut in the late expedition against
Crown Point," also to consult upon other important matters.3
1 " Early Lebanon," p. 89.
a He had now been advanced to colonel-in-chief of the Twelfth Regiment, p. 47, " Life of Jona-
than Trumbull, Sr.," by I. W. Stuart.
s " Life of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.," by I. W. Stuart, pp. 53, 116.
4 See chapter xix. p. 106, Hannah Higley Trumbull.
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 449
During all these years Trumbull had carried on an extensive
business career as the head, since 1733, of three different partner-
ships. "His commercial transactions extended to the West
Indies, England, Ireland, and Holland, exporting home produce,
and importing foreign commodities in exchange; chiefly in ships
and vessels owned wholly or in part by his firm."1 "And so
God send the good sloop to her destined port in safety — Amen,"
concluded many a bill of lading signed by Nathaniel Shaw of
New London in behalf of the firm — VTrumble, Fitch & Trum-
ble."a About 1764 he fitted and sent out four or five whaling
vessels.
But in 1766 Lieutenant-Governor Trumbull met with sad busi-
ness reverses. His youngest son says in his autobiography :
"When I was nine or ten years old my father's mercantile failure
took place. . . In one season almost every vessel, and all the
property which he had upon the ocean, was swept away, and he
was a poor man at so late a period of his life as left no hope of
retrieving his affairs. My eldest brother was involved in the
wreck as a partner, which rendered the condition of the family
utterly hopeless. My mother and sisters were deeply afflicted,
and although I was too young clearly to comprehend the cause,
yet sympathy led me to droop." '
"Trumbull never recovered his fortune. However, he continued
his mercantile persuits in a home and country trade to the begin-
ning of the Revolutionary war, when he virtually gave it up."
"In 1770 he was elected Governor of Connecticut, which office
he afterward continued to hold by annual re-elections, until he
declined, in 1783, two years previous to his death, any further
elections."
It was "a period of novel and startling experiences to the
American world — when the Colonies and the Mother Country . . .
fell into those collisions between themselves, which sharpened
by time,
" ' With wrath, and hate, and sacred vengeance.
Soon indissolubly linked,'
produced at last the American Revolution.'"
The State of Connecticut secured a charter specially favor-
able to her interests through the younger Winthrop, then her
1 " Early Lebanan," p. 89.
* "Life of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.," by I. W. Stuart, pp. ja, 116.
• " Reminiscences of His Own Times," by Colonel John Trumbull.
4 " Life of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.," by I. W. Stuart, pp. 74, 108.
45° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Governor, in the year 1662 from King Charles II., granting
privilege of choosing her own Executive, and this charter had
been preserved by quick-witted citizens at the time of the
Andros invasion, claiming their territory in 1687. ' Governor
Trumbull therefore held his position by the choice of the people,
not by the king's appointment, and was the only governor in the
thirteen colonies thus elected; and the only one who espoused
the American cause. The natural consequence was that few of
the distinguished patriots who were conspicuous during the
Revolutionary period held a position of higher responsibility,
nor one in which greater service to the country was rendered,
nor one in whose service was reposed more confidence and appre-
ciation by General Washington.
During the entire war of seven years he stood steadily "at
the helm of Connecticut, guiding her ship of state."
"In addition to the vast and incessant duties which the war
heaped upon him as chief commander of all the military forces
of the State, he was also, by special Act of the General Assembly
of Connecticut, in 1775, made chief officer of all the naval forces
of the State; and the whole power of raising volunteers, grant-
ing letters of marque and reprisal to privateers, and commissions
to regular officers; of furnishing supplies and equipments, and
of establishing prize courts, and settling prize claims, devolved
on him; and was most ably and efficiently exercised during the
whole war.
" Among the very large number of war vessels fitted out by
this State, two notedly successful ones bore his own honored
name, viz. : the frigate Trumbull, and the audacious privateer
Governor Trumbull, the latter bearing aloft on her pennant
the Trumbull motto, ' Fortuna Favet Audaci.' * Two frigates
were also built and equipped under his special direction, at the
request of Congress, for the national service; one of them, of
thirty-six guns, was built on the Thames, and the other, of twenty-
eight guns, at Chatham on the Connecticut." *
" The public confidence in his prudence and ability extended,"
says Stuart, his biographer, " over the Union. It was specially
manifested by Congress, whose consultations with him, in one
form and another — either as a body, or through correspondence
by members — was almost habitual. It was manifested by exec-
utive magistrates, and councils, and committees of surrounding
1 See chapter xi. pp. 56, 57. * " Fortune favors the daring." * " Early Lebanon," pp. 89, 90.
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 45 l
States, that sought steadily his advice. But more than all, it was
shown by the Father of our Country, — the illustrious Washing-
ton,— who never failed — it may almost with exactness be said,
upon every occasion of emergency during the entire War of
the Revolution — to lean for counsel upon Trumbull's gracious
mind, as strongly as he leaned for material co-operation upon
Trumbull's stalwart arm.
" So frequently did the Commander-in-Chief appeal to the latter
for his deliberation and judgment, that — not only when any con-
jecture of difficulty or peril arose, but often when simply facts and
circumstances hard of solution were under his consideration —
he was in the habit of remarking : ' We must consult Brother
Jonathan ' — a phrase which his intimate relations of friendship
with the Governor of Connecticut fully warranted. . . From the
marque and council-rooms of the Commander-in-Chief, the phrase,
lWe must consult Brother Jonathan, passed out to the soldiery.
" From the camp the expression passed to the adjacent neigh-
borhoods,— from neighborhoods to the States, and through the
medium of returning soldiery became propagated through the
country at large, — until finally it was universally appropriated,
through its two closing words, ' BROTHER JONATHAN,' as a sobri-
quet, current to the present day." '
That there was sometimes a difference of opinion between his
colleagues and himself about national policy is no surprise, though
it never amounted to serious import. That he excited animosities,
especially with the British, would naturally be expected. " The
press in England heaped upon him savage denunciations, titled
him 'the Rebel Governor,' seized and imprisoned one of his sons
who was studying art in London, busied itself in sneering at his
' fanaticism ' and intolerance in religion, gossiped about his
business affairs, and accused htm of 'an abundant share of
cunning.' " But his noble character lay too deep to be moved by
maligning pens or tongues, and his courage was not of the stamp
to be deterred from his lofty and patriotic motives.
The Tory prisoners were forwarded to the custody of his State
by thousands. In Governor Trumbull's treatment of them he
subjected them to the prison's gloom with the unbending
severity the circumstances in each case, in his view, required; or
gave them mild and lenient treatment, or sanctioned their release,
according as the qualities of his manly nature dictated. At one
1 " Life of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.," by I. W. Stuart, pp. 696, 697.
45 2 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
time, in his mercantile career, a correspondent residing in Halifax,
N. S., whom he had never seen, sought business relations with
him because he had heard of him as "a lover of mankind." He
had this fame, and justly so. There was a firm, unflinching side
to his nature; yet notwithstanding the apparent inhumanity in
permitting many of these forlorn subjects of King George to be
placed in the noted subterranean caverns, — the Newgate Prison
mines at Copper Hill,1 Simsbury, — it was a necessity from which
no doubt he frequently recoiled. In dealing -with the captive
Tories at this critical juncture, "when the scales were trembling
in the balance," the leading officials were brought into great
straits because of the limited and insecure prison accommodations
the country afforded. The reader will remember that this was a
period previous to the new era of prison reform, and that Trum-
bull was simply acting according to the spirit and usages of the
age toward prisoners, and under an absolute necessity toward the
foes of the Federal cause who were bound to the British yoke.
In Governor Trumbull's immediate jurisdiction there were other
war-prisoners who, though strictly guarded, were under fore-
bearing and generous treatment, and received attentions more
like guests than prisoners.
The feeling of brotherhood between General Washington and
Governor Trumbull was marked by many interesting incidents,
and expressions of personal esteem. Washington was more than
once the guest of his stanch Connecticut ally. From that
morning in the month of May, 1774, when in view of the threaten-
ing aspect of affairs, and the general convulsion and agitation of
1 The caverns were first occupied as a place for the confinement of Tories about the beginning
of the Revolution. The Colony of Connecticut first used them as a prison in 1773. A committee
had been appointed by the General Assembly to explore the place, who reported that by expending
about thirty-seven pounds, the caverns could be so perfectly secured that " it would be next to im-
possible for any person to escape." The excavations to the prison-mines were upon the summit of
Copper-Hill. There were two perpendicular shafts, dug principally through solid rock. One of
these is nearly eighty feet deep, and the other thirty-five. At the bottom of these shafts we find
the caverns, extending in various directions, several hundred feet. These caverns were used as a
prison for fifty-four years.
In December, 1775, Washington, on sending a lot of prisoners to be confined in this dungeon,
addressed the following letter to the " Council of Safety."
" GENTLEMEN : The prisoners which will be delivered you with this, having been tried by a
court-martial and deemed to be such flagrant and atrocious villains, that they cannot by any
means be set at large, or confined in any place near the camp, were sentenced to Simsbury in Con-
necticut. You will therefore be pleased to have them secured in your prison, or in such other
manner as you shall deem necessary, so that they cannot possibly make their escape. The charges
of their imprisonment will be at the Continental expense.
" I am, etc.,
" GEORGE WASHINGTON.''
— Phelps1 " Newgate of Connecticut."
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 453
the people, Governor Trumbull issued a proclamation appoint-
ing a day of public fasting and prayer, soon after followed, with
significant forecast, "by an order to all towns to double the
quantity of their powder, balls, and flints"; and further followed
by a set of resolutions adopted by the Connecticut General
Assembly boldly denouncing British usurpation, of which, says
his biographer, "there is some reaso- to believe Trumbull him-
self was the author," until the final close of that memorable war,
which founded the grandest republic in the circle of nations, the
Commander-in-Chief well knew that in the Connecticut Governor
he had a steadfast and unflinching patriot supporting him with
strictest fidelity, "invariably pursuing the grand end in view, and
trusting God Almighty to carry it into effect."
On the i8th of June, 1776, sixteen days before the Declar-
ation of Independence was adopted in Philadelphia, Governor
Trumbull, deciding that the time was ripe for such a measure,
issued in the form of a proclamation a remarkable document —
the Connecticut Declaration of Independence :
" Proclamation by the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Governor and Commander-
in-Chief of the English Colony of Connecticut in New England*
" The Race of Mankind was made in a State of Innocence and Freedom subjected
only to the Laws of God the Creator, and through his rich Goodness, designed for
virtuous liberty and Happiness, here and for ever ; and when moral Evil was intro-
duced into the World, and Man had corrupted his Ways before God, Vice and Iniq-
uity came in like a Flood and Mankind became exposed, and a prey to the Violence,
Injustice, and Oppression of one another. God in great Mercy inclined his People
to form themselves into Society, and to set up and establish civil Government for
the Protection and security of their Lives and Properties from the Invasion of
wicked men. But through Pride and ambition the Kings and Princes of the World
appointed by the People the Guardians of their Lives and Liberties, early and
almost universally degenerate into Tyrants, and by Fraud or Force betrayed and
wrested out of their hands the very Rights and Properties they were appointed to
protect and defend. But a small part of the Human Race maintained and enjoyed
any tolerable Degree of Freedom. Among those happy few, the nation of Great
Britain was distinguished by a Constitution of Government wisely framed and
modelled to support the Dignity and Power of the Prince, for the protection of the
Rights of the People, and under which that Country in long succession enjoyed
great Tranquility and Peace, though not unattended with repeated and powerful
efforts, by many of its haughty Kings, to destroy the Constitutional Rights of the
People, and establish arbitrary Power and Dominion. In one of those convulsive
struggles our Forefathers, having suffered in that their native Country great and
variety of Injustice and Oppression, left their dear Connections and Enjoyments,
1 " Colonial Records of Connecticut," Hon. Chas. J. Hoadly, D. D.
30
454 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
and fled to this then inhospitable land to secure a lasting retreat from civil and
religious Tyranny.
" The God of Heaven favored and prospered this Undertaking — made room for
their settlement — increased and multiplied them to a very numerous People, and
inclined succeeding Kings to indulge them and their children for many years the
unmolested Enjoyments of the Freedom and Liberty they fled to inherit. But an
unnatural King has risen up — violated his sacred Obligations and by the Advice of
Evil Counsellors attempted to wrest from us, their children, the Sacred Rights we
justly claim and which have been ratified and established by solemn Compact with,
and recognized by his Predecessors and Fathers, Kings of Great Britain — laid upon
us Burdens too heavy and grievous to be borne, and issued many cruel and oppres-
sive Edicts, depriving us of our natural, lawful and most important Rights, and
subjecting us to the absolute Power and Control of himself and the British Legisla-
ture ; against which we have sought Relief, by humble, earnest and dutiful Com-
plaints and Petitions. But, instead of obtaining Redress, our Petitions have been
treated with Scorn and Contempt, and fresh Injuries heaped upon us, while hostile
armies and ships are sent to lay waste our Country. In this distressing Dilemma,
having no Alternative but absolute Slavery or successful Resistance, this, and the
United American Colonies have been constrained by the overruling laws of Self
Preservation to take up Arms for the Defense of all that is sacred and dear to Free-
men, and make this solemn Appeal to Heaven for the Justice of their Cause, and
resist Force by Force.
" God Almighty has been pleased of his infinite Mercy to succeed our Attempts, and
give us many Instances of signal Success and Deliverance. But the wrath of the
King is still increasing, and not content with before employing all the Force which
can be sent from his own Kingdom to execute his cruel Purposes, has procured, and
is sending all the Mercenaries he can obtain from foreign countries to assist in
extirpating the Rights of America, and with theirs almost all the liberty remaining
among Mankind.
" In this most critical and alarming situation, this and all the Colonies are called
upon and earnestly pressed by the honorable Congress of the American Colonies
united for mutual defense, to raise a large additional number of their militia and
able men to be furnished and equipped with all possible Expedition for defense
against the soon expected attack and invasion of those who are our Enemies without
a Cause. In cheerful compliance with which request, and urged by Motives the
most cogent and important that can affect the human Mind, the General Assembly
of this Colony have freely and unanimously agreed and resolved, that upward of
Seven Thousand able and effective Men be immediately raised, funiished and
equipped for the great and interesting Purposes aforesaid. And not desirous that
any should go to a warfare at their own charge (though equally interested with
others) for defense of the great and all-important Cause in which we are engaged,
have granted large and liberal Pay and Encouragements to all who shall voluntarily
undertake for the Defense of themselves and their country as by their acts may
appear, I do therefore by and with the advice of the Counsel, and at the desire of
the Representatives in General Court assembled, issue this Proclamation, and make
the solemn appeal to the virtue and public Spirit of the good People of this Colony.
Affairs are hastening fast to a Crisis, and the approaching Campaign will in all
Probability determine forever the fate of America. If this should be successful on
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 455
our side, there is little to fear on account of any other. Be exhorted to rise there-
fore to superior exertions on this great Occasion, and let all that are able and neces-
sary show themselves ready in Behalf of their injured and oppressed Country, and
come forth to the help of the Lord against the Mighty, and convince the unrelent-
ing Tyrant of Britain that they are resolved to be Free. Let them step forth to
defend their Wives, their little Ones, their Liberty, and everything they hold sacred
and dear, to defend the Cause of their Country, their Religion, and their God.
Let every one to the utmost of their Power lend a helping Hand, to promote and
forward a design on which the salvation of America now evidently depends. Nor
need any be dismayed : the Cause is certainly a just and a. glorious one ; God is
able to save us in such manner as he pleases and to humble our proud Oppressors.
The Cause is that of Truth and Justice ; he has already shown his Power in our
Behalf, and for the Destruction of many of our Enemies. Our Fathers trusted in
him and were delivered. Let us all repent and thoroughly amend our Ways and
turn to him, put all our Trust and Confidence in him — in his Name go forth, and
in his Name set up our Banners, and he will save us with temporal and eternal
salvation. And while our Armies are abroad jeoparding their lives in the high
Places of the Field,1 let all who remain at Home cry mightily to God for the Pro-
tection of his Providence to shield and defend their lives from Death, and to crown
them with victory and success. And in the Name of the said General Assembly I
do hereby earnestly recommend it to all, both Ministers and People, frequently to
meet together for social prayer to Almighty God for the outpouring of his blessed
Spirit upon this guilty land — That he would awaken his People to Righteousness
and Repentance, bless our Councils, prosper our Arms, and succeed the Measures
using for our necessary self defense — disappoint the evil and cruel Devices of our
Enemies — preserve our precious Rights and Liberties, lengthen out our Tranquility,
and make us a People of his Praise, and the blessed of the Lord, as long as the Sun
and Moon shall endure.
" And all the Ministers of the Gospel in this Colony, are directed and desired, to
publish this Proclamation in their several churches and congregations, and to
enforce the Exhortations thereof, by their own pious Example and public
instructions.
"Given under my Hand at the Council Chamber in Hartford, the i8th day of
June Anno Domini 1776. "JONATHAN TRUMBULL."
In this act he was fully indorsed by the War Council and "the
Representatives in General Court assembled." A few years
later, in acknowledging a copy of Governor TrumbuH's last
address to the Connecticut General Assembly, which had been
forwarded to him, George Washington wrote from Mount Vernon
the following :
" The sentiments contained in it are such as would do honor to a patriot of any
age or nation ; at least they are too coincident with my own, not to meet with
1 The use of these words is very striking, seeing that in Governor TrumbuH's own State the
monument now standing, opposite New London, in honor of the victims of the massacre of Groton
Heights, bears most appropriately the entire verse (Judges v, 18) : " Zebulun and Naphtali were a
people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field."
456 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
my warmest approbation. Be so good as to present my most cordial respects to the
Governor, and let him know that it is my wish, that the mutual friendship and
esteem, which have been planted and fostered in the tumult of public life, may not
wither and die in the serenity of retirement. Tell him, that we should rather
amuse the evening hours of our life in cultivating the tender plants, and bringing
them to perfection, before they are transplanted to a happier clime." '
The amount of indefatigable labor accomplished by Governor
Trumbull during the struggle with Great Britain can scarcely be
touched upon in these pages. The venerable War Office still
stands in the town of Lebanon, Conn., as a relic of his indomita-
ble zeal and devotion to his country.
"At the May session, 1775, the General Assembly established a
Council of Safety, to assist the Governor in the general conduct
of the war."2 This Council held its first meeting June 7, 1775,
at the War Office, Governor Trumbull and every member of the
Council being present. Stuart says that it appears from a
memorandum in Governor Trumbull's handwriting, that he was
personally present at 913 sessions of this Council during the
war, but Hinman, late Secretary of State, after searching the
State records and archives in his official custody, states that
" this Council held over 1200 sessions; . . . and it is more than
probable there were about 1145 sessions of this great, impor-
tant, and illustrious Council, held under the humble roof of that
old War Office; every rafter, and every shingle which covers it,
on all sides, from roof-tree to sill, radiant in memory with the
glorious light of our morning of liberty." *
"The threshold of this notable building has been crossed by
Washington, Lafayette, Count Rochambeau, Baron de Montes-
quieu, the Duke de Lauzun, Admiral Tiernay, Generals Sul-
livan, Putnam, Samuel and John Adams, John Jay, Thomas Jeffer-
son, and by Benjamin Franklin; and a host of other patriots
and high worthies taking council together in ' the days that tried
men's souls.' There it stands," says Lebanon's historian, "pre-
served with sacred care at public charge — forever set apart from
all ignoble or common uses, a consecrated Memorial ! " *
At last the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown brought final
triumph to the gallant and persevering American army, and
" caused the liveliest sensations of joy and gratitude throughout
the country."
" Life of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.," by I. W. Stuart, p. 614. * " Early Lebanon," pp. 69, 70.
» " War of the Revolution," p. 321.
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 457
Negotiations for peace occupied the ministry during 1782, and
early in 1783 official information of the general peace was
announced by General Washington.
Soon after his second election as Chief Executive of his State,
Governor Trumbull was requested by the General Assembly to
examine into the rights of the State to certain lands lying west of
the western boundary of Pennsylvania, whose boundaries were
now questioned, and about which there was disturbing territorial
dispute.
This special act of statesmanship, aside from his ordinary
duties, may here be noted, inasmuch as his support of the claim
of Connecticut to that valuable section afterward known as the
" Western Reserve of Ohio," and the establishment of her rights,
brought hither and founded, a few years afterward, an entire
branch of Captain John Higley's — his grandfather — lineal descen-
dants, who for three generations have enjoyed the advantages of
homes in this favored district.
This claim of Connecticut required long and patient investiga-
tion on the part of Governor Trumbull, accompanied by able and
persistent effort, which covered a period of several years, to
which he/^r.sw?d!//yapplied'himself. "It resulted at last — save in
regard to a small strip of territory at present included in Penn-
sylvania— in an acknowledgment by Congress, after the Revolu-
tion, of that title which rescued for old Connecticut that fine tract of
country known as New Connecticut — known also, in honorable bap-
tism, as Trumbull County ',' Ohio. And it secured the means, in con-
sequence, for the establishment of her magnificent School Fund."
Says a descriptive writer of that county:5 "No better name
than Trumbull could have been selected for this Western Con-
necticut. The name is imperishably stamped on almost every
phase of history of the present State, and represents distinguished
achievement in Statesmanship."
Governor Trumbull was now coming on to venerable years, but
it was not until the conflict was ended and the sword of the
country had been laid down, that this old partisan thought of re-
laxing his stiff energies, or gave a moment's consideration toward
closing his able and remarkable executive and military career.
The October following the official proclamation of Peace,
1 " Life of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr, " by I. W. Stuart, p. 135.
* " New Connecticut," or Trumbull County, was afterward divided into Ashtabula, Trumbull,
and other counties.
458 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
he gave a parting address to the Connecticut General Assem-
bly.1
" To the Honorable Council and House of Representatives in General Court con-
vened, October, 1783.
" GENTLEMEN :
"A few days will bring me to the anniversary of my birth ; seventy-three years
of my life will then be completed ; and next May, fifty-one years will have passed
since I was first honored with the confidence of the people in a public character.
During this period, in different capacities, it has been my lot to be called to public
service, almost without interruption. Fourteen years I have had the honor to fill
the chief seat of government. With what carefulness, with what zeal and attention
to your welfare, I have discharged the duties of my several stations, some few of
you, of equal age with myself, can witness for me from the beginning. During the
latter period, none of you are ignorant of the manner in which my public life has
been occupied. The watchful cares and solicitudes of an eight years' distressing
and unusual war, have also fallen to my share, and have employed many anxious
moments of my latest time, which have been cheerfully devoted to the service of
my country. Happy am I to find that all these cares, anxieties and solicitudes are
compensated by the noblest prospect which now opens to my fellow-citizens, of a
happy establishment (if we are but wise to improve the precious opportunity), in
peace, tranquillity, and national independence. With sincere and lively gratitude
to Almighty God, our Great Protector and Deliverer, and with most hearty con-
gratulations to all our citizens, I felicitate you, gentlemen, the other freemen, and
all the good people of the State, in this glorious prospect.
" Impressed with these sentiments of gratitude and felicitation ; reviewing the
long course of years in which, through various events, I have had the pleasure to
serve the State ; contemplating, with pleasing wonder and satisfaction, at the
close of an arduous contest, the noble and enlarged scenes which now present
themselves to my country's view ; and reflecting at the same time on my advanced
stage of life, — a life worn out almost in the constant cares of office, — I think it my
duty to retire from the busy concerns of public affairs ; that at the evening of my
days I may sweeten their decline, by devoting myself with less avocation, and
more attention to the duties of religion, the service of my God, and preparation for
a future happier state of existence ; in which pleasing employment I shall not
cease to remember my country, and to make it my ardent prayer that Heaven will
not fail to bless her with its choicest favors.
"At this auspicious moment, therefore, of my country's happiness — when she
has just reached the goal of her wishes, and obtained the object for which she has
so long contended, and so nobly struggled, I have to request the favor from you,
gentlemen, and through you, from all the freemen of the State, that, after May
next, I may be excused from any further service in public life ; and that from this
time I may no longer be considered as an object of your suffrages for any public
employment in the State. The reasonableness of my request, I am persuaded,
1 We can here give but mere extracts from such portions of the Address as relates to himself, the
document being too lengthy to introduce into these pages. It contains Governor Trumbull's part-
ing advice and counsel to his constituency, and, says one : " It is a patriarchal document worthy of
the admiration of the lovers of their country."— Eo.
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 459
will be questioned by no one. The length of time I have devoted to their service, with
my declining state of vigor and activity, will, I please myself, form for me a suffi-
cient and unfailing excuse with my fellow-citizens.
"At this parting address you will suffer me, gentlemen, to thank you, and all
the worthy members of preceding Assemblies, with whom I have had the honor to
act, for all that assistance, counsel, aid and support, which I have ever experienced
during my administration of government ; and in the warmth of gratitude to assure
you, that till my latest moments, all your kindness to me shall be remembered ;
and that my constant prayer shall be employed with Heaven to invoke the Divine
Guidance and protection in your future councils and government.
"Age and experience dictate to me — and the zeal with which I have been
known to serve the public through a long course of years, will, I trust, recommend
to the attention of the people some few thoughts which I shall offer to their con-
sideration on this occasion, as my last advisory legacy.
" I commend you, gentlemen, and the good people of the State, with earnestness
and ardour, to the blessing, the protection, the counsel, and direction of the great
Counsellor and Director ; whose wisdom and power is sufficient to establish you
as a great and happy people ; and wishing you the favor of this divine benediction,
in my public character — I bid you a long — a happy adieu.
" I am, Gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
"JON™ TRUMBULL." '
This resignation received the careful consideration of the
General Assembly, and a set of appropriate resolutions, express-
ing, "in terms of the most sincere gratitude, the highest respect
for his Excellency, for the great and eminent services he had
rendered the State during his long and prosperous administra-
tion; more especially for that display of wisdom, justice-, forti-
tude, and magnanimity, joined with the most unremitting
attention and perseverance, which he manifested during the
late successful though distressing war, which must place the
chief magistrate of the State in the rank of those great and
worthy patriots who have eminently distinguished themselves
as the defenders of the rights of mankind."
The Assembly went on "to consider it a most gracious dis-
pensation of Divine Providence, that a life of so much usefulness
has been prolonged to such an advanced age, with an unimpaired
vigor and activity of mind. "
These resolutions were placed upon public record, and
unstinted congratulations flowed in upon him from all the
inhabited sections of this land and lands across the seas.
It was fitting that this great patriot should thus close his
public life.
1 " Life of Jonathan Trurabull, ST.," by I. W. Stuart, p. 604.
460 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Neither receding time nor distance have either magnified or
dimmed the luster of our "Brother Jonathan's" life service.
He remains a fixed star of glittering brightness among the group
of sages who guided the councils of the times. As a result of
their defiant confidence in the triumph of their belief that "all
men are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable
rights," the earnest labor they accomplished was but a faint
prophecy of the outgrowth of a century — the little republic of
thirteen States has, in process of time, developed and expanded
into a circle of forty-five great commonwealths; its peoples
then numbering three millions have now become a nation of
seventy-five millions.
It is a superior eulogy upon Governor Trumbull that he served
his country during these years for no selfish advantage or private
gain. "That he should have gone through the entire Revolu-
tionary War — loaded down almost each hour with labor — labor
that snatched him often from repast, often snatched him from
sleep — without compensation, the while, to meet either his
ordinary or his extraordinary expenses — with nothing to depend
upon for support except a little produce from lands, which,
weighed down with mortgages, were the property of his cred-
itors, and a little income perhaps at first, from a country trade,
which the war, taxes, and the general poverty of the people
rendered soon comparatively insignificant, and which he soon
abandoned altogether — is truly surprising."1
" I have received but two half-years' salaries since the beginning of our contest
with Great Britain,"
he wrote, April 29, 1785, to his son John in England,"8 which
speaks well for the patriotism of the old hero.
On the zpth of May, 1780, Mrs. Faith Trumbull, his wife, died
at the age of sixty-one. She had been in delicate health for
several years. She became the wife of Governor Trumbull
when full of juvenile life, at the age of seventeen, and developed
into an interesting woman of elevated character, who maintained
social dignity and earnest Christian purpose.
1 "Life of Jonathan Tnimbull, Sr.," by I. W. Stuart, p. 659.
3 Governor Trumbull collected in 1 784 the back payments due for his annual salary — three hundred
pounds a year. He died insolvent. He never recovered the heavy losses by his ships in 1766.
The deterioration of his landed estates, the disturbance of business caused by the troubles preced-
ing the Revoluion, and total interruption of trade which followed, cut him off forever from the
chance of repairing his fortunes."— Stuart's " Life of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.," pp. 659, 660.
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 461
The original portraits of Mrs. Trumbull (painted by her son
John) represent her to have been a woman of much personal
beauty, and she is said to have possessed a gentle and affec-
tionate disposition, having the faculty of making many friends;
and, says the obituary notice in the Connecticut Courant,
June 9, 1780: "She was eminently qualified for and adorned
the honorable station in which Providence placed her." She
did not lose the large opportunity which her life by the
side of her husband gave her during the War of the Revolu-
tion, for manifesting great generosity in her deeds, and she was
constant in practical sympathy and aid in the cause they held
dear.
Her remains are in the Trumbull tomb at Lebanon, Conn.
The dawn of 1785 brought Governor Trumbull to the last year
of his noble life. For two years after his retirement from public
duties, he enjoyed the pleasures of a serene and undisturbed
resting-time, engaging himself in his favorite pursuits and studies,
chiefly of a religious nature. He was hale and hearty. But the
day came when he was to leave "the infinite beauty of earth,"
and a life crowned by distinction. It was on the i7th of
August, 1785.
Early in that month he was utterly prostrated by a violent
fever, which assumed a bilious form, and destroyed his vitality,
making him its victim in less than a fortnight.
He scarcely ever had had, from a natural cause, a day's illness
in his life.
He was tranquil and content amid all of the raging of fever.
" Not a murmur from his lips," says his biographer, " disclosed
the least resistance to the dispensation of Providence." His last
hour of human infirmity was one of peace — a holy quiet reigned.
His spirit passed away almost imperceptibly. Heaven's gate
opened and he glided softly into
" The sweet fields of Eden,"
"as one would fall into a deep slumber"; leaving behind him
a name fragrant with truth and honor, and "the inheritance of
a great example."
His mortal remains were followed to the church, where inter-
esting sacred services were held on the igth, by a large and
representative gathering of people, and consigned to a resting-
462 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
place beside his beloved wife in the ancient Lebanon burial-
ground.1
"The sister States of America," as the worthy divine truth-
fully predicted at his funeral, "joined in a 'mournful concert' of
sorrow with the near relatives and friends of the deceased.
Thousands among 'European friendly powers,' who had heard
of his good name and fame, now sighed on hearing the tidings
of his death. Obituary notices, letters of condolence, Sabbath-
day discourses, election sermons, and other addresses made
touching references to the public loss and vied in expressing the
public sorrow."1
The expression of condolence penned, on the receipt of the sad
news at Mount Vernon, by his honored friend " the immortal
Washington," and addressed to his son Jonathan Trumbull, Jr.,
is a fitting message with which to close this sketch, which illus-
trates but in part the impressive life of this great historic figure.
" Mr. VERNON, October i, 1785.
" MY DEAR SIR :
" It has so happened that your letter of the first of last month did not reach me
until Saturday's post.
" You know too well the sincere respect and regard I entertained for your
venerable father's public and private character, to require assurance of the concern
I felt for his death ; or of that sympathy in your feelings, for the loss of him,
which is prompted by friendship. Under this loss, however, great as your feelings
must have been at the first shock, you have everything to console you.
" A long and well-spent life in the service of his country places Governor Trum-
bull among the first of patriots. In the social duties he yielded to no one ; and
his lamp, from the common course of nature, being nearly extinguished, worn
down with age and cares, yet retaining his mental faculties in perfection, are
blessings which rarely attend advanced life. All these combined have secured to
his memory unusual respect and love here, and, no doubt, unmeasurable happiness
hereafter.
" I am sensible that none of these observations can have escaped you, that I can
offer nothing which your own reason has not already suggested upon the occasion ;
and being of Sterne's opinion, that ' before an affliction is digested, consolation
comes too soon, and after it is digested it comes too late, there is but a mark
between these two, almost as fine as a hair, for a comforter to take aim at,' I
rarely attempt it, nor should I add more on this subject to you, as it will be a
renewal of sorrow, by calling afresh to your remembrance things that had better be
forgotten.
" My principal pursuits are of a rural nature, in which I have great delight,
especially as I am blessed with the enjoyment of good health. Mrs. Washington,
1 A fine portrait of Governor Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., is to be seen in the State House, Hart-
ford, Conn.
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 463
on the contrary, is hardly ever well ; but, thankful for your kind remembrance
of her, joins me in every good wish for you, Mrs. Trumbull, and your family.
" Be assured that with sentiments of the purest esteem, I am, Dear Sir,
" Your affectionate friend and obedient servant,
" CEO. WASHINGTON."1
Governor Jonathan Trumbull, ist, and his wife, Faith Robinson,
had children as follows:
Joseph, born March n, 1737; Jonathan, ad, born March 26,
1740; Faith, born January 25, 1743; Mary, born July 16, 1745;
David, born February 5, 1751; John, born June 6, 1756.
* " Life of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.,' by I. W. Stuart, pp. 676, 678.
CHAPTER LIX.
DESCENDANTS OF GOVERNOR JONATHAN TRUMBULL, SR.
Governor Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., Hannah Higley, Captain John Higley.
Each man is a bundle of his ancestors. — EMERSON.
THE grandchildren of Hannah Higley Trumbull (chapter
xix. p. 108), — the group of six children belonging to her son,
Governor Jonathan, Sr., and Faith Trumbull's household, — "were
distinguished for remarkable ability and were all destined to
notable careers."
Governor Trumbull, Sr., was a painstaking and affectionate
father, who looked after the training of his children, and to their
environments, with unremitting attention. He bestowed upon
them a liberal education, and interested himself in the develop-
ment of their whole nature. To this end he made it one feature
of his busy life to provide for an advancement in the standard of
education, as a preliminary to a college and boarding-school
course, and became one of the founders of the celebrated Tisdale
School at Lebanon, Conn.
JOSEPH TRUMBULL, the eldest, born March n, 1737, was gradu-
ated at Hartford in 1756, and became a business partner in his
father's mercantile house. He spent the year 1763 in London,
"promoting the business of the firm," and again, later on, after
the failure of their business house, he resided abroad for some
time.
Colonel Joseph Trumbull was Representative in the General
Assembly of Connecticut, for his own town and for Norwich, for
a number of sessions, beginning with October, 1769; and in April,
1775, the Assembly appointed him State Commissary-General.
Early in the Revolution he was elected by the National American
Congress one of the members of its board of war. Soon after
his appointment by his State as commissary, the same year,
he received "the appointment by Congress as the first Commis-
sary-General of the American Army, an office then of the highest
importance in the struggle for independence, and bringing
with it a crushing weight of perplexing labor and responsibility.
464
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 465
He continued in this office until July, 1778, when, broken down
with unremitted ardor in these duties, he returned home for a
short rest, but his vital powers had been fatally overstrained — on
the 23d of July, at the age of forty-one years, he sank into his
final rest; a martyr to the cause of his country." J
He left a young wife, Amelia, to whom he had been married
but four months. His body was placed in the family mausoleum
at Lebanon.
JONATHAN TRUMBULL, JR., LL. D., the second son, and the
second Governor Trumbull of Connecticut, was born March 26,
1740. He passed from the Tisdale School to Harvard College,
and was graduated, "with unusual reputation," in 1759.
He served for a number of sessions as a member of the State
Legislature, his first election taking place in 1774, and twice was
speaker of the House. "At the opening of the Revolutionary
War, in 1775, he was appointed by the Continental Congress pay-
master-general of the northern department of the army under
General Washington."
In April, 1781, Colonel Trumbull succeeded Colonel Alexander
Hamilton as private secretary and first aid to Washington, from
whose distinguished hand he received the following letter:
" The circle of my acquaintance does not furnish a character that would be
more pleasing to me as a successor to him than yourself. I make you the first offer,
therefore, of the vacant office, and should be happy in your acceptance of it. The
pay is one hundred dollars a month ; the rations those of a Lieutenant-Colonel in the
army, which in fact are additional, as the value thereof is received in money. No
perquisites appertain to the office. The secretary lives as I do, is at little expense
while he is in my family, or when absent on my business, and is in the highest con-
fidence and estimation from the nature of his office." *
Colonel Trumbull served in this important position until near
the close of the war. In 1790, he was chosen a representative in
Congress from his State, and in 1791, was speaker of the United
States House of Representatives, and continued in that office
until 1794, when he was elected to the United States Senate.
From 1796 to 1809, fourteen years, he was annually elected one
of the twelve of the Council of Assistants of the State under the
charter, and as such, a member of the Senate, or " Upper House."
In 1796 he was elected Lieutenant-Governor of Connecticut, and
in 1798 Governor of the State; and w^s annually re-elected to
1 " Life of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.," by I. W. Stuart, p. 554.
466 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
this office for eleven years, and until his death in 1^09. While
holding this office he was also Chief Judge of the Supreme Court
of Errors of his State.
Governor Trumbull, Jr., " was a man cultivated and intellec-
tual, of amiable temperament, and was distinguished for his social
virtues. He long enjoyed the high confidence of the public in a
very eminent degree." He married Eunice Backus of Norwich
in 1767, and they became the parents of five children. Of these
their only son and one daughter, Mary, died young, leaving three
daughters, Faith, Harriet, and Maria, who lived to womanhood.1
He died August 7, 1809, at sixty-nine years of age. His remains
are preserved in the Trumbull tomb at Lebanon.
Their children :
FAITH, the eldest daughter, born February, 1769, married Daniel Wadsworth, the
only son of Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth, " the foremost and wealthiest citizen of
Hartford, Conn., during the Revolutionary period and years following." Daniel
Wadsworth ' ' did much for the growth and prosperity of that city. The Wads-
worth Atheneum is a lasting memorial of his desire to promote literary and artistic
objects. They lived for many years in the mansion on Prospect Street now
occupied by the Hartford Club." * They left no children.
HARRIET, born September 2, 1783, married Professor Benjamin Silliman, Septem-
ber 17, 1809. Professor Silliman held the position of first Professor of Chemistry
and Geology in Yale College, revered and beloved, for fifty consecutive years.
MARIA, the youngest, born February 14, 1785, married Henry Hudson, Esq., of
Hartford, Conn. •
FAITH TRUMBULL, the eldest daughter of the Trumbull house-
hold, was born 1743, and married, May, 1766, Jedediah Hunt-
ington of Norwich, who was afterward a distinguished general of
the war of the Revolution, and at one time was one of General
Washington's aids-de-camp, and a member of his household.
His intelligence, bravery, and fidelity as an officer secured to him
the attachment and lasting friendship of his illustrious Com-
mander-in-Chief.
Faith Trumbull Huntington was a person of marked refinement
and culture. "She too — like her brothers," says Stuart, "had a
Revolutionary destiny to fulfill — one of singular and startling
import." ' She arrived at Boston, where her husband and brother
John were in camp, "just as the thunders of Bunker Hill broke
over a scene of horrible carnage — a majestic and tremendous
1 "Early Lebanon," p. 94.
8 Trumbull's " History of Hartford County."
1 " Life of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.," by I. W. Stuart, p. 194.
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 467
scene, with its blaze of more than five hundred houses in Charles-
town, added to the continual blaze and roar of artillery — a scene
whose havoc, in full view from the heights of Boston and its
neighborhood, was witnessed by thousands of intensely agitated
spectators, and among the rest by the eldest daughter of Governor
Trumbull." Her brother, Colonel John Trumbull, in his autobi-
ography, tells the sad story:
" About noon that day [the day of the battle] I had a momentary interview
with my favorite sister, the wife of Colonel, afterwards General Huntington, whose
regiment was on its march to join the army. The novelty of military scenes ex-
cited great curiosity throughout the country, and my sister was one of a party of
young friends who were attracted to visit the Army before Boston. She was a
woman of deep and affectionate sensibility, and the moment of her visit was most
unfortunate. She found herself surrounded, not by ' the pomp and circumstances
of glorious war,' but in the midst of all its horrible realities. She saw too clearly
the life of danger and hardship upon which her husband and her favorite brother
had entered, and it overcame her strong but too sensitive mind. She became
insane." l
It was on the 24th of November, 1775, five months after the
terrific battle scene which filled her with unaccustomed terror,
and suddenly dethroned her reason, that her beautiful life closed,
at the age of thirty-two years and ten months.
Governor Trumbull, when speaking of their daughter, used to
say:* "The tenderness and affection of my daughter Faith, I
am apt to think, are without parallel." And her husband, in a
letter addressed to her brother Joseph, who was absent at the
time, remarked :
" You have seen the thousand agreeable and tender scenes in which I have passed
with the dear partner of my soul, your lovely sister. The law of kindness was ever
on her tongue and heart — She was one whose benevolence, obligingness, and affec-
tion had no comparison — my tears must flow."
Her husband, General Huntington, survived every general
officer of the Revolutionary War with but one exception. He
died September 25, 1818.
They had but one child — a son, Jabez Huntington, born Septem-
ber, 1767.
MARY TRUMBULL, the second daughter of the senior Governor
Trumbull, was born July 16, 1745. Like her sister, Faith, she was
* " Reminiscences of His Own Times," by Colonel John Trumbull, p. aa.
* " Life of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr," by I. W. Stuart.
468 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
an educated woman. Her earlier school years were spent in. the
Tisdale Academy, and her education was afterward finished at a
Boston school.
On February 14, 1771, she married the Hon. William Williams
of Lebanon. Mr. Williams was a son of the Rev. Solomon
Williams, who for fifty-four years was the pastor of the Lebanon
Church, and a "long-endeared neighbor, friend, and supporter"
of Governor Trumbull. William Williams held the office of town
clerk for a period of forty-four years. "He was chosen to repre-
sent the town in 1757 in the General Assembly, and with few rare
exceptions was continued in this office until 1784 — twenty-seven
years. He was nine times Speaker of the House. In 1776 he
was chosen by the electors of the State at large one of the
Assistants and transferred to the Upper House, to which office he
was twenty-four times elected. It is recorded of him, that for
more than ninety sessions he was scarcely absent from his seat in
the General Assembly. He was a member of the Council of
Safety which regularly met at Lebanon during the war."
He was a member of the Continental Congress in 1776 and 1777,
and signed the Declaration of Independence ; and lived to be the last
survivor of the four signers from the State of Connecticut.
He was ardent and full of patriotic fervor. "With tongue
and pen and estate he gave himself to the cause of the Colonies.
He was a sincere Christian, exercising the spirit of benevolence,
and full of private virtues."
His widow, Mary Trumbull, survived him twenty years, and
died at Lebanon, February 9, 1831, aged eighty-five.
They had three children : Solomon, Faith, and William Trumbull
Williams. The latter married his cousin, Sarah Trumbull, and
was for many years a distinguished attorney in Lebanon, Conn.
He died December 16, 1839.
DAVID TRUMBULL, the third son of the senior Governor
Jonathan Trumbull, was born February 5, 1751. He was the
only son who failed to pass through a collegiate course, and this
was "because, at the period when otherwise he would have taken
this course, the sea had wrecked his father's fortune."
Two marriages took place between the families of the Trum-
bulls and the Backuses of Norwich, David Trumbull marrying
Sarah Backus, sister to his brother Jonathan's wife, on the 6th of
December, 1778. Like the other members of the family, he
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HICLEY TRUMBULL. 469
served with distinction in the American cause. He was always
active in all the local affairs of the town, and was twice its Repre-
tative in the General Assembly.
" The services which he rendered to his country in her trying
struggle for liberty, though less conspicuous, were as devoted
and patriotic, and even more constant, than those of either of his
brothers. He was the only son reserved by his father to aid and
counsel with him in the discharge of the herculean task which
the war devolved upon him, in raising and equipping troops, and
furnishing and forwarding supplies, etc., not only to the land and
naval forces of the State, but to the whole northern army. The
minutes of the ' War Council ' show him to have been not only
' the right hand ' of his father, but of the council also, as the
able, ready, and trusted executive of their important measures.
" For these constant services, rendered often by night as well
as by day, he seems to have received no regular compensation —
only his expenses were paid, except on a few special cases." l
He served also, for some time, as Assistant Commissary-General
of the United States, under his brother Joseph.
He spent the last years of his life upon a farm at Lebanon, and
at his death was laid in the tomb where the family are gathered.
He died January 17, 1822, aged seventy-one. His wife died June
2, 1846.
Their children were Sarah (who married her cousin, William
Trumbull Williams), Abigail, Joseph, John, and Jonathan G. W.
The sons all received a college education.
Of the above family:
JOSEPH TRUMBULL, the third Governor Trumbull of Connecticut, and eldest son
of David and Sarah Trumbull, was born December 7, 1782. He was graduated
from Yale College in 1801, and admitted to the bar in 1803. He practiced his pro-
fession first in Ohio. On his return to Connecticut he was conspicuous in public use-
fulness for many years. He served eleven years — from June 1828 — as President of
the Hartford Bank, and was Representative in the United States Congress, 1839-43.
He was elected to the chief executive office of the State, serving the years 1849 and
1850. He married Eliza, the daughter of Lemuel Storrs, December i, 1824. He
died in 1861.
Their only child, Eliza, born October 10, 1826, married Lucius F. Robinson, a
prominent member of the Hartford County bar, and a high literary character.
JOHN TRUMBULL, the youngest son of the senior Governor
Jonathan Trumbull's family, born June 6, 1756, was probably more
»j ' " Early Lebanon," p. 100.
470 THE HI G LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
nearly the reproduction of his father than any of the children.
He was eminent for the diversity of his talents. Against his
own wish he attended college — not that he desired to evade a
higher education, but his longing was to study art. However, his
father did not for some time enter into this natural ambition of
the son : seeing that he had a mind richly equipped with noble
gifts, he chose for him first a college training. John entered the
junior year at Harvard at the age of sixteen, and was graduated
the following year, 1773.
But the will of neither parent nor tutor could stifle the natural
genius of the youth, "he never surrendered his purpose." Be-
fore he was nineteen the sable cloud of revolution was rising, and
his blood tingled with loyality to the Colonial cause. " My
father," says he, "was now Governor of the Colony, and a
patriot — of course surrounded by patriots, to whose ardent con-
versation I listened daily; it would have been strange if all this
had failed to produce its natural effect upon me. " 1
John set about collecting the young men of the village, and
they began to practice military exercises and get into training.
Very soon he joined the ist Connecticut Regiment and was
adjutant, stationed at Roxbury, Mass., April, 1775. He soon
attracted the attention of General Washington, and was em-
ployed by him in sketching the enemies' position, and was ap-
pointed his aid-de-camp. In August, 1775, he was appointed major
of brigade, and in 1776 adjutant-general on Washington's staff.
"These instances of kindness," his father wrote to General
Washington in July — referring both to his son Joseph's appoint-
ment, and to that also of his son John as a member of Washing-
ton's military family — "justly claim my most grateful acknowl-
edgments." *
"The same year, 1776, Colonel Trumbull was sent to the
northern army for the invasion of Canada, and joined General
Gates at Crown Point, to whom he had been appointed adjutant-
general." After some important service, in which he evinced
marked military ability, "he returned in 1777 to Boston, and
with the approbation of his father and Gen. Washington, resumed
there the study of that art which had ever been the passion, and
was destined to be the glory, of his life; but still holding himself
in readiness for any pressing emergency in the service of his
1 " Reminiscences of His Own Times," by Colonel John Trumbull.
* " Life of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.," by I. W. Stuart, p. 422.
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 47 1
country. The emergency came — when in 1778 he acted as aid-
de-camp to General Sullivan in the attempt to dislodge the
British army and navy from Newport, R. I. His bravery on
this occasion; the cool valor and daring with which he led his
troops into the most deadly of the fierce encounters of that
unequal contest, commanded not only the admiration, but the
astonishment, of Gen. Sullivan and all who witnessed it." '
"He was the natural and pre-eminent military genius of the
family; and, had fate led him to follow the profession of arms,
would doubtless have been renowned as a military chieftain." x
In 1780 he went to London to become a pupil under the cele-
brated artist, Benjamin West; but soon after his arrival "great
excitement prevailing, on account of the execution of Major
Andre as a spy, he was arrested on the charge of high treason, as
a pendant for him," and imprisoned eight months in the famous
Bridewell prison, where he "was very civilly treated but care-
fully guarded." Upon his release through the efforts of distin-
guished gentlemen, he left England for Holland, where he assisted
in negotiations for a loan for the American Congress. When the
war was over he returned to London, and pursued his studies
under West.
His first great historical picture, "The Battle of Bunker Hill,"
was produced in 1786. He returned to America in 1789. In
George Washington's diary, dated "Tuesday, July 8, 1790," is
found the following entry :
"Sat from nine o'clock till after ten, for Mr. Jn°- Trumbull,
who was drawing a portrait of me at full length which he intended
to present to Mrs. Washington," and again under the dates
"Monday i2th," and "Tuesday i3th," "again sat for Mr.
Trumbull from nine until half- past ten o'clock."
Many years after this date, Colonel Trumbull wrote to a friend,
of this picture, which is "whole length standing, three-quarters
left, the right arm resting on a white horse — 20X30 inches," the
following :
" In the year 1775 I had had the honor to be one of the General's aids-de-
camp ; and afterward had received from him many civilities, which added the
endearment and affection of personal feelings to the reverential respect which his
public character always commanded from all men.
" I had also been honored by much civility from Mrs. Washington ; and this
picture, painted ' con amore ' in my best days, was intended as an offering of grate-
1 " Early Lebanon.*'
4?2 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ful respect : and was accordingly presented by me to Mrs. Washington. The
portrait, tho' of small size, preserves accurately the resemblance of the face — the
proportions and manners of his Figure, and the style and minutiae of his military
dress. It is painted on fine cloth." *
Within the next few years Colonel Trumbull produced other
portraits of Washington; also of Alexander Hamilton, General
Philip Schuyler, and many other historical characters.
He again went to England in 1794, as secretary to John Jay,
envoy extraordinary to the Court of Great Britain, and " in 1796
was appointed a commissioner in the execution of the seventh
article of Jay's treaty."
He returned to the United States in 1804, and again pursued
his art. From 1817 to 1824 he engaged himself in painting, by
contract with the United States Congress, his four great histori-
cal pictures that fill compartments in the rotunda of the Capitol
at Washington, representing respectively : " Signing the Declara-
tion of Independence," the " Surrender of Burgoyne," the " Sur-
render of Cornwallis," and the " Resignation of Washington at
Annapolis," for which Congress paid him thirty-two thousand
dollars.
When eighty-six years of age, speaking of the past, he wrote :
" At three score years and ten my hand was steady, and my sight good, and I felt
the vis vita strong within me — why then sink down into premature imbecility ? "
" Many of his national pictures, together with interesting por-
traits of distinguished characters, and several copies from old
masters, — fifty-four pictures in all, — he finally gave to Yale Col-
lege, where they were deposited in the 'Trumbull Gallery,'
specially erected for their reception. The Wadsworth Gallery at
Hartford contains, also, fourteen of his paintings; all of heroic
size, — nine by six feet, — besides other of his valuable pictures,
'which have always formed the central feature of interest in the
Gallery.'"
Colonel John Trumbull was President of the American Academy
of Fine Arts from its foundation, and spent his latter years in
New York City.
He married in London, in 1800, Sarah , an English
lady, who is said to have been possessed of much refinement and
marked personal beauty. Of his wife he records in his auto-
biography a tender and beautiful tribute.
1 A full length picture of George Washington, painted after the above (1790) size, 72 X 108, is
owned by the City of New York, and may be seen at the City Hall.
DESCENDANTS OF HANNAH HIGLEY TRUMBULL. 473
They had no children.
At his decease he was interred beneath the gallery which bears
his name in New Haven, Conn. The epitaph reads :
Colonel 3obn Grumbull
patriot ano artist,
Jfrieno anD BID
of TimasbfnQton.
2>ieo in Tftew 12or&, Uov>, 10, 1843
BE. 88.
•fee reposes in a Sepulcbre
JBuilt bB bimself, beneatb
Gbts Monumental Oallerg;
"Cdbere be deposited tbe remains of Sarab bis wife,
wbo oieo in flew J^orfc, Bpril 12, 1824, BE. 5t.
Co bis Country be gave- bis Sworo anD bis pencil.
CHAPTER LX.
Continued from chapter xxi. p. 134.
JONATHAN HIGLEY.
Jonathan, Samuel, ist, Captain John Higley.
A whisper from his dawn of life ? a breath
From some fair dawn beyond the doors of death
Far — far — away ?
— TENNYSON.
JONATHAN, the eldest child and only son of Dr. Samuel and
Abigail Higley, was born June 21, 1721, as will be seen by the
fac-simile production of his birth record on the opposite page,
taken from the Simsbury, Conn., town records.1
Jonathan was a boy of sixteen when his father met his death
at sea, and his mother died when he was a young man of
twenty-six. Little is known of his earlier years. Early in the
year 1747 he married the only daughter of a family of high stand-
ing— Mary, the third child of the Rev. Edward Thompson,2 a young
woman of unusually bright capacities. She was born 1721.
1 Book iii. p. 261. See also chap. xxi. p. 122.
a The Rev. Edward Thompson was one of the able and distinguished clergyman who embraced
Puritanic views and came from England. He settled at Cape Ann, Mass., where he resided till
about 1687. In June of that year he " was employed " to preach in Simsbury, Conn. He preached
till 1691. The following was the agreement between " the inhabitants " and himself :
" We doe promise and engage that we will by the assistance of Divine Grace render that honor,
love, and obedience, to him [the Rev. Edward Thompson] that is due from us, as he is our Shep-
herd and watchman according to gospel rules. And we doe hereby promise and engage that dur-
ing the time he shall continue the work of the ministry we will pay to him, his heyrs and assigns,
the sum of .£50 per annum, in good and currant pay, viz; One third in good and merchantable
wheat at 4 shillings per Bushel, J^ in pease or Ry at 31! per Bu., and % in Indian corn, or pork, the
Indian corn at 28 6d per Bu. and the pork at £3, ios per barrell, full gaged and well repacked : and
alsoe a sufficiency of wood shall be by us provided and laid by his house for his necessary uses at
all times during his continuance amongst us in ye work of ye ministry." He was also " allowed
the use and improvement " of the parsonage lands that are in the Township. One home lot was
given him " containing four acres with the dwelling house at present standing, which we do prom-
ise to finish at our own cost and charges and to add a new room to it of about 18 feet square and 13
feet between joints, completely built and finished, the said Thompson finding nails, ironwork and
glass for the said new end. Also 18 acres of meadow land lying in Hopp Meadow [now Simsbury],
alsoe 20 acres at Salmon Brooke added to a first piece of 8 acres or more " ; all of which was to
belong to him and his heirs forever.
In April, 1688, a large tract of land was " set off " to the Rev. Edward Thompson lying in Turkey
Hills (now East Granby) a part of which is owned to this day by his lineal descendant, the Hon.
Isaac W. Thompson, who resides upon it. At the close of his ministry in Simsbury, Mr. Thomp-
son returned to Cape Ann, Mass., where he died December 8, 1724. His wife, Hannah Thompson,
was probably his second wife. She died at Turkey Hills, Simsbury, June 13, 1769, aged seventy-
five years.
474
FROM THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF SIMSBURY.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, M. D. 475
She returned, in 1739, after the decease of her father, from
Cape Ann, Mass., to Simsbury, Conn., with her widowed mother,
Hannah Thompson, and her two brothers Edward and Samuel.
They made the journey, which was then a long and tedious one
through the wilderness, on two horses, the mother and Edward
upon the back of one animal, and Samuel and Mary, or Mollie,
as she was familiarly called, riding the other.
On their arrival in Simsbury they settled upon the land "set
off," full fifty years before, to the husband and father, the Rev.
Edward Thompson, on which they built a log house and dug a
well. This well, from which the waters have been drunk to this
day (1896), one hundred and fifty-two years — still remains a
fountain of refreshment to the visitor to the hospitable home of
a descendant, the Hon. Isaac W. Thompson. A comfortable
frame house afterward took the place of the first built cabin, made
of logs.
Mary Thompson was a quick-witted, active girl, and developed
into a forcible woman. She was a great favorite with her father.
He had brought from England a violin — a fine instrument, which
he offered to present to any one of his three children who would
first learn to play it well. Mary being left-handed, he slyly
favored her by stringing the instrument left-handed; and by her
patience and diligence she was the successful competitor. Her
jolly temperament made her popular at " house-warmings " and
the social gatherings in the neighborhood, and the aged aunts, in
after years, told of many an evening dance in days past at which
Mary Thompson was the " fiddler." She was known far and near
as ''the left-handed fiddler."
She appears from the records to have been much engaged in
trading in land, and to have added materially to her already com-
fortable estate.
Besides several exchanges in land, little mention is made upon
the public records concerning Jonathan Higley. On coming of
age he became the owner of property from his father's estate, and
was the purchaser, in 1744 and 1747, of adjoining lands which are
described as "lying on the north side of the river, on the east
side of the mountain, near a place called Salisbury plain, on the
road that leads to Turkey Hills." » The home they occupied was
"in Turkey Hills, near Spoonville bridge." January 18, 1765,116
gave deeds of lands in Simsbury to his two minor children,
1 " Simsbury Book of Deeds and Conveyances," p. 683.
476 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Jonathan, Jr., and Mary. Having received by inheritance a
liberal property, and his wife being a woman of landed estate, it
is probable that he spent his days in easy circumstances, living a
quiet, unassuming life. However, some time before his decease
he appears, through reverses, to have lost his share of the
property.
His sudden death by drowning in the Farmington River, about
three-quarters of a mile below the present site of Tariffville,
Conn., was a shock to the community." The distressing event
occurred Monday, July 8, 1771, when he was fifty years of age.
For more than a mile above the fatal spot (Alderman's canoe
place) the river dashes angrily over great rocks, forming rapids
which terminate in a ledge known as "Eel Rock"; here the
waters are very swift and deep. It is a wild, romantic spot. An
old mill still stands close by, with the rough, thickly wooded
mountainous banks in the background forming a scene of rare
picturesque beauty.
The following was preserved in the private memoranda of his
brother-in-law, Edward Thompson, Jr. :
"Brother Jonathan Higley was drowned in attempting to Swim across Ye river
with his frock on, Att Alderman's canoe place on Ye 8th of July, and was taken up
about 6 Dayes after on a Small island neigh Ye Saw-Mill ; Ye island about 3 or 4
mile Down Ye river."
The verdict of the "Jury of Inquest" was: "Drowned by
accident." '
The "funeral charges" for the simple obsequies, as exhibited
by his son Jonathan, who was appointed his administrator by the
Court of Probate held in Simsbury, August 6, 1771, amounted to
but eighteen shillings.
Jonathan Higley died insolvent. The report to the Court of
Probate of the distribution of the estate to his creditors says:
" It appears as an average there is four shillings on the pound to
distribute to the Creditors."*
The inventory of personal effects amounted to ^28 75. gd.
The debts ^45 75. 6^d.
His wife, Mary, however, managed to retain a comfortable
home and property, the inventory showing a long list of house-
hold goods and farm belongings which the Court of Probate
ordered "set out to Widw Mary Higley, Relict of the Deceased."
1 " Simsbury Town Records," book iv. p. 214. - a " Simsbury Probate Records."
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, M. D. 477
Among the list of articles named are: "2 Hives of Bees,
various tools, Spectacles, saddle Bags, 2 Jack Knives, Pigeon Net,
Great Wheel and Spindle, 2 feather beds, bedsteads, etc., and
one 'Truckle Bed,' 'Curtains and Vallains,' 3 Swine and Neces-
saries to Support, 'and 3 old Snow Shoes.'"
These snowshoes were in the possession of her descendants as
relics for one hundred and fifteen years. They were two feet in
length and twelve inches broad, covered with leather.
Mary (Thompson) Higley survived her husband twenty-four
years. She died October 26, 1795, at the age of seventy-four.
Her will was as follows:
" I give, and devise, and bequeath to my three grandsons, Samuel Higley,
Jonathan Higley Jun. and Thompson Higley, the sum of sixty pounds lawful
worth of my land, or Twenty pounds of money worth a piece to be set out to them
as each of them shall arrive to the age of Twenty-one years at the apportionment,
and if either of them die before he arrive to the aforesaid age, then the other two
are to have his part between them.
" And further, my Will is, that if my son Jonathan doeth well and truly pay said
Twenty pounds apiece to said grandsons at their several arrivals to the above age
of twenty-one years, and get their legal receipts therefore, that then my said son
shall have the whole of my said lands to him and his heirs and assigns forever
after my Decease, and after the aforesaid grandsons arrive to the age of twenty-one
years other ways to be out as aforesaid and at such a part of my said lands as my
said grandsons shall choose so as not to interfere on each other. Item: I give and
devise to my son Jonathan Higley, all the remainder of my whole estate both real
and personal after my decease — And I do make, ordain, constitute, and appoint
my son Jonathan Higley of Granby, to be my executor of this my last Will and
Testament, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and
Testament in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal " etc., etc.
" MARY HIGLEY.
" Witnesses :
" ABNER PHELPS, " Received, proved, and approved,
" EDWARD THOMPSON, Jr., Nov. 27th, 1795."
" MARY COOK, 2d.
Jonathan and Mary Thompson Higley were the parents of
two children, viz. :
Jonathan, Jr., born December 6, 1747; Mary, 2d, born June
9, !75o.
MARY HIGLEY (2d), the only daughter, married her second
cousin, David Higley, Jr., about the year 1772. He was the son of
David Higley, ist, and grandson of Brewster Higley, ist. (See
sketch of David Higley, 2d, pages 282, 283.) The young cousins
had lived in the same neighborhood from their childhood, both
478 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
having been born and brought up in Turkey Hills parish. It was
not long after the sad affliction came to the family — of the acci-
dental death of her father — that her marriage took place. From
the time she was a girl of fifteen she held bonds in her own right.
It is supposed that her decease took place previous to the year
1795, as she is not mentioned in her mother's will. She had two
children who survived her, David Higley, 3d, and Huldah.
JONATHAN HIGLEY, JR.
Son of Jonathan and Mary (Thompson) Higley.
Jonathan, zd, Jonathan, Samuel, ist, Captain John Higley.
Jonathan, Jr. (or 2d), the only son of Jonathan and Mary
(Thompson) Higley, was born at Turkey Hills, Simsbury, Conn.,
December 6, 1747.
The first glimpse that we have of him upon record, after his
birth, is a conveyance of land given him by his father, January
18, 1765, when he was eighteen years of age.
Four years later, 1769, at twenty-two, he married Rachel Negus.
They settled in Turkey Hills.
The accidental death of his father, the summer of 1771, left
his mother and sister Mary to his care. He was appointed by
the Court of Probate administrator on the estate, which he
proceeded to settle, taking bond with James Alderman of Sims-
bury of fifty pounds.
On the 27th of February, 1780, he was admitted to commun-
ion "w't ye Church" in Turkey Hills, and on the 27th of
June, the following year, 1781, they had three children publicly
baptized — Samuel, Jonathan, Jr. (or 3d), and Rachel. There
being no record of his wife having united with this church, it is
more than probable that she was then a communicant of the
Church of England, as she was a true Episcopalian in after
years. Soon after Mr. Higley's admission into the Turkey Hills
church, he became useful in its work, and a man of influence in
the community.
The principal business of the church meetings in those days
was making appointments for the collection of church rates,
arranging the minister's salary, and the consideration and super-
vision of school matters.1
1 When the town of Simbury was divided into ecclesiastical societies, the business relating to
schools was done at these meetings, till the Connecticut State Legislature, about the year 1795 or
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, M. D. 479
From the year 1785, for the succeeding ten years, he was
appointed annually on the school committee. The same year he
was appointed to make out the lists for the parish of Turkey
Hills, his oHvn rates amounting that year to ^30 25. On the
7th of November, 1785, he served as moderator at the annual
meeting of the society. At a freeman's meeting held September
18, 1787, he was made freeman, which entitled him to a franchise;
and on the 4th of January, 1792, he was appointed, with Bothers
named, "to frame a model Church Discipline," and also "to
form a fund for the support of the Gospel."
Mr. Higley acquired a fair legal education by the study of law
books which he owned, though he did not, strictly speaking, fit
himself for a regular legal career by pursuing a systematic
course in law. He however gained a local reputation, and did a
fair business in giving legal advice to his neighbors, making out
writs in civil cases, etc. The aged people relate that it was his
custom, when he was studying a case, to lie at full length upon
the floor with his papers about him.
One day a woman client came to his house and made statement
of a claim that she thought was hers against certain parties in
Boston. Mr. Higley, after hearing her through, deciding that
she had an undoubted right, took the case into hand, agree-
ing that his fee, if he was successful, should be one-half of the
amount he should collect. Not deeming himself presentable in
Boston with the clothes he then had, he borrowed a suit, and set
off on the journey afoot, to save stage fare. On reaching Boston,
and prosecuting the parties with much argument and many
threats, he succeeded in collecting about thirteen hundred dollars,
which he brought to his client and received his fee, having made
the journey at little or no expense to himself.
While he laid no claim to poetic genius, he had a poetic nature
and was animated by a sentiment of rhyming. Some of his
verses, possessing considerable merit, have been preserved.
These supply glimpses relating to the family history, and through
them some of his personal characteristics are made clear.
He not only possessed excellent abilities, but was a man of
deep sympathetic feeling; his elegies and memorial poems upon
the death of his daughter and some of his near kindred are full
1706, enacted that " all business relating to District or Common Schools should be transacted in
School Society meetings, the location of these Societies being the same as the Ecclesiastical
Societies."—" Simsbury School Society," book i.
480 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
of fervor, overflowing with tender emotions; others again inspire
feeling, and evidence that he often dwelt in the higher atmos-
phere of human thought. It was known that he spent much
time in contemplation, and that he took unqualified happiness in
the study of his Bible and in the wonders of nature and her
loveliness. Possessed of an amorous disposition, he had an
admiration for the fair sex which is a marked characteristic of
his lineal race. This sometimes swayed his heart. From his
own confession, we may be led to believe that he was jovial, and
sometimes indulged in convivial occasions, but in the broader
and wider steps of his life and action it is very clear that his
inner thought lifted itself high above the ordinary instincts of
his appetites.
By the year 1795 Jonathan Higley, Jr., was the father of a
family of eight Children — three sons and five daughters. This
year his aged mother, Mary Thompson Higley, whose home had
been with him, died.
The attention of the farmers of Massachusetts and Connecti-
cut was about this time directed with considerable of excited
interest to the desirable lands in the Connecticut Western
Reserve in Ohio, which lay just west of Pennsylvania on the
shore of Lake Erie. Simeon Griswold, a resident of Simsbury,
had been interested in the Connecticut Land movement1 from its
inception, and had drawn a large share in the Western Reserve.
He belonged to the old and distinguished family of Griswolds
of Windsor and Simsbury, Conn., which had then been well-
known to the Higleys for more than one generation.
Through this channel, no doubt, and the influence of Judge
Solomon Griswold, brother of Simeon, who was also a member of
the Connecticut Land Company, and who determined about this
under the name of the " Connecticut Land Company." This company organized September 5,
1795, and made a deed in trust of the entire tract to three trustees for the purpose of convey-
ing it in severally. The tract contained 3,000,000 acres. In May, 1796, the company sent
surveyors to divide the lands into townships. This survey was completed in 1797. On the
first Tuesday in April, 1796, the members of the land company met and drew by lot their shares.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, M. D. 481
time to emigrate to the new country now open for settlement,
Jonathan Higley saw a favorable opportunity for the exchange of
his farms in Turkey Hills for lands in the Reserve, together with
that which his sons received by bequest from their grandmother,
Mary Thompson Higley, as well as better prospects conducive
to the future interest of his children.
Emigration began now bending its course toward the center of
the country. His friend Solomon Griswold removed to " New
Connecticut " (afterward Trumbull County, Ohio) in the year 1800,
and George Phelps, also of Simsbury, a son of Noah Phelps, had
gone in June, 1799. By this time a few scattering members of
the Higley-town community had left the old scenes of their fore-
fathers and their childhood, emigrating mostly to Vermont and
Central New York. With the exception of Brewster Higley, 4th,
who had migrated from Vermont to the southern border of Ohio
in 1797, none had gone to the then "far West," which yet lay
behind a thick veil of forests, and was an undisturbed and seem-
ingly limitless Indian hunting-ground.
By the spring of 1804 the spirit of Western enterprise had
taken strong hold in the breast of Jonathan Higley. That year
proved an eventful period in the family life. On the 26th of
July he, together with his son Samuel, purchased 254 acres of
land of Simeon Griswold, in Windsor Township, Ohio, for which
they paid $580.' A strong additional incentive to removal was
1 The following deed is on the Records, at Jefferson, Ashtabula County, O., vol. i. p. 299 :
" SIMEON GRISWOLD TO JONA. AND SAMUEL HIGLEY.
" WARRANTY DEED.
" To all people to -whom these presents shall come :
" GREETING : Know ye that We Simeon Griswold and Lucretia Griswold both of Simsbury in the
county of Hartford, for the consideration of five hundred and eighty dollars received to my full
satisfaction from Jonathan Higley and Samuel Higley both of Granby in said County do give,
grant, bargain, sell and confirm unto the said Jonathan Higley and Samuel Higley and their heirs
and assigns forever one certain Lot of Land lying in Connecticut Western Reserve so called in the
State of Ohio, in the county of Trumbull and Town called on the general map of said Reserve by
the name of Windsor, said lot being the seventh Lot in the first tier of Lots and contains one hun-
dred and sixty-two acres of Land. Also one other piece of land containing ninety-two acres of
Land lying and being the eastwardly part of Lot number seven in the sixth tier of Lots in said
Township and bounds east on the first mentioned lot and makes one entire piece and said piece
extends so far west as to make said ninety-two acres and both of said pieces of Land contains two
hundred and fifty-four Acres of Land. And I Reserve the Crops now growing on the cleared
land and liberty to gather the same when it shall come to maturity. To have and to hold the
above granted and bargained premises with the appurtenances thereof unto them the said
Jonathan Higley and Samuel Higley & his heirs and assigns forever to them and their own proper
use and behoof in such proportion that the said Jonathan is to have one hundred and twenty
acres of said entire pieces and the said Samuel is to have one hundred and thirty-four acres of
said entire pieces to have and to hold as tenants Jointly and undivided between them.
" And also, We, the said Simeon and Lucretia do for ourselves and our heirs, Executors, and
482 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
no doubt found in the fact that his daughter Abigail, with her
husband, Samuel Forward, Jr., had emigrated from Granby to
New Connecticut with their father, Samuel Forward, Sr., the
year preceding — 1803.
Early in the month of September, 1804, he set out with his
wife and six of his children, his daughter Mary remaining with
her aunt, on a six weeks' journey to the Western Reserve.
• Samuel, the eldest son, was now a young man of twenty-six,
and Jonathan, 3d, was twenty-three ; Thompson, the third son,
was a youth of eighteen; Lydia was a girl of fifteen, and Laura
and Fanny were children of twelve and nine years. The mother,
Rachel (Negus) Higley, a woman of fifty, was of fine physique
and of robust health.
Their mode of conveyance was an ox wagon drawn by two
yoke of oxen, to which a cow was tied behind, the faithful family
dog following. Into the wagon was loaded the articles required
for the bare necessities of the long journey before them, such as
bedding, utensils for camping out, some provisions, etc., the
members of the family finding seats on the boxes and bundles
as best they could.
Taking the route direct to Albany, N. Y., they moved from
thence in a southwesterly direction toward Pittsburgh, crossing
the Allegheny Mountains, and finally entering the Western
Reserve on its southern border. This was a route frequently
taken in those times, though there was yet no highroad for
tourists' travel. On reaching the Reserve they found "no roads
Administrators covenant with the said Jonathan and Samuel and their heirs and assigns that at
and until the unsealing of these presents, we are well seized of the premises as a good indefeasible
estate in fee simple, and have good right to bargain and sell the same in manner and form as is
above written and that the same is free of all incumbrances whatsoever.
" And furthermore, we the said Simeon and Lucretia do by these presents bind ourselves and our
heirs forever to Warrant & defend the above granted and bargained premises to them the said
Jonathan and Samuel and their heirs and assigns against all claims and demands whatsoever.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals the 26th day of July, Anno
Domini 1804.
" SIMEON GRISWOLD. (L. S.)
" Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of " LUCRETIA GRISWOLD. (L. S.)
" DANIHL HUMPHREY.
"DUDLEY HUMPHREY.
"Hartford County, (L. S.), Simsbury, July 26th 1804. Personally appeared Simeon Griswold
and Lucretia Griswold signers and sealers of the foregoing instrument and acknowledged the same
to be their free act and deed before me.
" DANIEL HUMPHREY, Justice of the Peace."
The above deed is entered by John L. Edwards, Recorder, at the City of Hartford, State of
Connecticut, the soth day of August, A. D. 1804.— ED.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLE Y, M. D, 483
of any description, nor even 'blazed' trees to mark the way."1
When crossing the mountains they made a brake for the wheels
by cutting down a tree when necessity required, stripping it of
its limbs, and securing the log firmly to the wagon behind. Their
progress was slow and tedious on account of deep mud, jolting
over roots of trees and great fallen limbs, and passing through
extensive swamps; so that when night came they had made but
short distances. One of the oxen died on the way, and the milk-
cow was doomed to do double duty, being hitched beside the
other ox to help pull the wagon.
On the 2oth of October, 1804, after a journey of forty-two
days, they reached the spot in Windsor, O., where they expected
to spend the remainder of their lives. A rough, bare log house
with a split timber roof, which had been put up for temporary
protection from the weather and wild beasts by one Ira Forest,
a young man who had now left the county, stood ready for a
shelter. This they entered, and dignified it by the name of home.
There were but two white families for miles and miles away —
nothing but the dark dense forests. These families were their
old Simsbury friends and neighbors, Solomon Griswold's and the
Phelpses. Jonathan Higley, Jr. 's, family was the third to enter the
township. But they found, within thirty rods of their log shel-
ter, a large wigwam occupied by Indians. These Indians a with
others, numbering about three hundred, who were living on the
banks of Grand River and Phelps Creek in the vicinity, proved
friendly and rendered them valuable aid during their first winter,
by liberally sharing with them the game taken in their hunting
excursions, bringing them plenty of elk, deer, and bear meat, for
which they wished no compensation. In after time, when Mr.
Higley had raised grains, he took pleasure in making presents to
the Indians of food, grains, and other articles that they liked to
obtain.
But the savages did not prove in most respects agreeable
neighbors. They were accustomed to practice all sorts of
unceremonious liberties. They pulled the latch-string and
walked in at the door either in the day or night whenever they
1 From the Journal of the Rev. Joseph Badger, December, 1803.
NOTE. — " At the August term in Warren, held 1801, a committee, consisting of Solomon Griswold
and Henry Lane, which had been appointed to lay out a road from Harpersfield to Warren, passing
through Windsor and Messopotamia, reported, it ' had caused the same to be surveyed.' " —
" Records Trumbull County" book i. This road had not yet been opened. — ED.
* These Indians were of the Seneca, Cayuga, and Chippeway tribes.
484 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
chose, stretched themselves at full length upon the floor before
the fire, or helped themselves to food as they might incline. It
was no unusual thing for three or four at a time to lodge unin-
vited, lying upon the floor before the big fire-place.
The family, however, managed to live in peaceful and friendly
relations with them. When they were under the influence of
whisky they were hostile and treacherous. To obtain liquors
they were forced to go to Warren, twenty-five miles away, the
nearest trading point where drink could be obtained.
One day, when Mr. Higley and his sons had been absent from
home, on returning they found the house filled with drunken
Indians, who had destroyed many articles. Mrs. Higley and the
girls had fled in great terror, secreting themselves in a cave not
far away. Higley managed to get them dispersed, without excit-
ing their violence.
Besides the trading-post at Warren, the one at Painesville on
Lake Erie was equally distant. From these two points all of the
salt, for which they paid $25 a barrel, was carried on horseback,
as well as all other household supplies procured from stores of
merchandise. For white flannel they paid 76 cents per yard, and
black sewing-silk was 37^ cents a spool ; yard wide cotton cloth
cost 75 cents a yard, and wheat flour cost $28 a barrel.1
During their first winter of pioneer life the family once found
itself out of breadstuff. Each member was called into grave
council as to the choice of purchase, whether it should be flour or
Indian meal. Finally the decision fell upon the meal, because a
larger quantity could be purchased with the amount of money to
be e'xpended. Samuel, the eldest son, was at once dispatched
upon horseback, riding through the tangled thickets of the wilder-
ness to Warren for a fresh supply.
" How we watched the growing wheat in those days," said an
aged pioneer to the writer ; " wheaten bread was such a luxury and
so scarce. When the grain was barely yet ripened, we carefully
gathered the earliest ripe and driest stalks, and flailed them on
the ground, for we had no barn floors or threshing machines,
then we hurried off to the nearest grist mill to get it ground.
Oh, how good that bread tasted ! "
The winter following their arrival the cow and oxen subsisted
by browsing on the buds and tender twigs of the trees that were
1 Taken from bills of that date found in 1889 among Judge Solomon Griswold's old papers.—
ED.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLE K, M. D. 485
felled to the ground, but before the spring time, it became an
absolute necessity to sacrifice the straw beds in order to provide
sufficient provender for the cow. During this winter Jonathan
Higley and his sons began a task which must have seemed well-
nigh hopeless, setting to work at cutting the forest trees, burning
the logs and tangled brush, and making clearings ready for the
spring seed sowing. By the first mild days of 1805 tneY had addi-
tional ground ' ready, in which corn was planted between the
stumps and logs. This was done by chopping a hole into the earth
with an ax, dropping in the seed, and pressing it down with the
foot. It being impossible to cultivate these fields with a plough
on account of the numberless stumps and their roots, the use of
the hoe was essential. But the ground being exceedingly rich a
fair crop was gathered in the early autumn.
Like all wooded new countries, the wilderness was infested
with wild beasts, carnivorous, as well as a great variety of other,
birds, and swarms of reptiles. During the first few years the
settlers at Windsor could keep no sheep on account of the depre-
dations of packs of wolves which made destructive raids on their
sheep-folds, as well as attacking their cattle and hogs. The loss
was frequently alarming. When the time came that effort was
made at sheep-raising, to protect his sheep the farmer constructed
a strongly built pen by cutting saplings into lengths of twelve
to fourteen feet and planting them close together endwise, thus
making a secure inclosure into which he put his flocks of nights.
One venerable pioneer relates that when it snowed early after
dark, there was usually found the next morning a hard trodden
path encircling the sheep-pen, made by these ferocious wolves
whose hideous howls had made the forests ring all through the
night.
Within a year from the time the Higleys arrived at Windsor,
O., there came other families, the Aldermans, Skinners, and
Loomises, from Simsbury, Conn., and, in 1805, Jonathan Higley's
daughter Mary, who had in the meanwhile married John White
of Granby, Conn., emigrated with her husband and joined the
home circle in the new settlement. It was but a few years till
there was a marked growth in the population of the colony, as
many as eighteen families alone coming from Hartford County,
Connecticut.
The breadstuffs upon which the early families subsisted, for
» A small clearing was there already when the land was purchased.
32
486 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
more than four years was ground at the home of Jonathan Higley,
Jr., in a hand-mill which he purchased soon after coming to
Ohio, the use of which he freely granted to his neighbors. By
this primitive method they sometimes ground two bushels of
meal during one evening. These gatherings were enlivened by
jokes and stories recalling the old by-gone days of Connecticut,
and proved occasions of hilarity and enjoyment. For many
years this hand-mill was preserved among the pioneer relics at
Jefferson, the county seat,1 but it was finally destroyed by fire in
the burning of the court-house. .
The pioneers were governed in their isolated forest -life by
principles of honor, and "were a law unto themselves." They
enjoyed social simplicity and were in thorough good fellowship,
assimilating in all of their interests and efforts in the problem of
their lives. As time advanced they had plenty to eat ; it was
coarse food, but there was no lack of quantity. Their Indian
neighbors continued to furnish their supply of wild game, wild
turkeys, and fish, as well as sugar from the sugar-maple trees, in
payment for which they accepted almost any agricultural product,
or trinkets, which was offered to them. These Indians continued
to live near the settlement till the War of 1812, when they sud-
denly disappeared without any previous intimation, the inhabi-
tants awakening one morning to find they had all stealthily cleared
out, and they were never heard of afterward.
In the year 1803, a few months before Jonathan Higley, Jr., and
his family arrived in the Reserve, a United States mail-route was
established northward between the two trading-posts, Warren and
Painesville, passing through Windsor. Judge Solomon Griswold
was postmaster. The mail-carrier came once a week afoot.
"The through mail was contained in a small bag, while the way-
mail was tied up in a pocket-handkerchief." The deep streams
were crossed by cutting down a tree, causing it to fall across from
bank to bank. When a freshet came and the high waters had
swept away this foot-log, the postman fastened the mail-bag on
his head and swam across. After a time, in the march of prog-
ress, the United States mail was brought on horseback. But
letters were generally sent by private individuals whenever
opportunity offered, as the postage was twenty-five cents, and
quarter-dollars were scarce in those times. The Land Records
1 Jefferson is the county seat of that division now known as Ashtabula County, Ohio. A grist-
mill was built in a few years, at Mesopotamia, six miles distant, by Captain Crawford.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL H1GLE Y, M. D. 487
show that Jonathan Higley made additional small purchases of
land in the spring of 1805. The very first deed found upon the
Trumbull County, Ohio, Records is one given by Solomon Gris-
wold to Jonathan Higley, Sr., for twenty-two acres of land, range
5, lot 7, " for the consideration of $45, money received." '
As early as June, 1803, Solomon Griswold, who was a rigid
Episcopalian, had a church service conducted in his dwelling by
the Rev. Joseph Badger, a faithful missionary sent out by the
Connecticut Missionary Society. There were no white people
present but Judge Griswold's own family and the family of
George Phelps; a number of Indian squaws, arrayed in wampum,
silver-bands, and brooches, and leaden ornaments hanging from
their noses and ears, attended, who were quiet and well-behaved,
and showed much delight with the singing.
After the accession to the settlement of Jonathan Higley, Jr.,
and his family, church services were held pretty regularly on
Sabbath at Mr. Higley's house, his Episcopalian wife probably
mollifying, to some degree, his rigid sectarian Presbyterian prefer-
ences. If the little room of the log dwelling was overcrowded,
which was sometimes the case, the service was held in the woods
outside, the people seating themselves on the fallen trees, and on
the ground. Judge Griswold read the beautiful church-service,
in which both Churchmen and Presbyterians joined. But Jona-
than Higley was a true Calvinist at heart. A few years later on,
he had a public theological discussion with Judge Griswold, the
judge taking strong ground for the organic structure and tenets
of the episcopal body, while Higley was equally zealous for Puritan
dogmas. The old MS. of this discussion is still preserved.
In 1811, after John Norris, a local Methodist exhorter, had
joined the colony, Mr. Higley wrote a religious address, which he
brought to Mr. Norris to examine. At a single glance Norris
saw that it was a "rank Calvinistic sermon," as he afterward pro-
nounced it, so he proposed that they should begin the interview
concerning it with prayer. Both men reverently went to their
knees, when Norris prayed loudly and with great fervency that
"this sermon may never be published," whereupon Higley flew
to his feet and left, in a tempest of anger, taking his sermon with
him.
In process of time a well built log house took the place of
the rude shelter Mr. Higley and his family first entered. This
> Book H, p. 82.
488 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
stood near a small stream of running water on the original pur-
chase— lot 8, range 7. In this he lived the remainder of his days.
Jonathan Higley, Jr., fully sustained the military instincts of
his ancestry, and, quite alive to military services, was ready to
give it impulse. It was on "the green" which was about his
dwelling that the first military company of the Ohio National
Guard which was organized in the town practiced on training
days.
The declaration of war in 1812 found him beyond the age for
soldiering; but two of his sons represented him in the ranks.
At the general term of court held March 16, 1806, in Warren,
then the county-seat of the entire Western Reserve or Trumbull
County, it was enacted " that a number of justices of the peace
be allowed" for the new townships "set off at this term," one
of those named being "Troy." The electoral district of which
Windsor was then a part was at that time called Troy.1 But
there appears to have been no justice elected till after the follow-
ing order of the court held, " June 13, 1807," more than one year
later. " Be it remembered that at this Term, the Court ordered
that there be one Justice of the Peace allowed to the Township
of Troy in Trumbull Co. and State of Ohio." Jonathan Higley,
Sr., was the first to hold his office. After this he was known as
long as he lived as " Squire " Higley.
The township of Windsor was organized in 1811. At the meet-
ing convened for this purpose in Judge Griswold's house,
Esquire Jonathan Higley was chosen to preside. He was then
still holding the office of justice of the peace. At this meeting,
among the officers chosen, his son Samuel was elected one of the
trustees, and Samuel and Jonathan, 3d, were made appraisers.
His son, Thompson Higley, was appointed supervisor.
The few remaining years that Squire Higley lived were spent
coping courageously with the difficulties to be encountered in a
new and isolated region. Though he may not have been con-
scious of it, he was laying the foundation of a noble common-
wealth.
Rachel Negus,* whom Squire Jonathan Higley married in 1769,
1 The country being yet thinly settled, the population of Windsor, Mesopotamia, and Farming-
town Townships was required to form an electoral district, and this electoral district was named
Troy.
a The Neguses were at Boston, Mass., as early as 1634, where Jonathan Negus served as clerk of
records. He had a family. Israel Negus resided at Windsor, Conn., the middle of the eighteenth
century. It is supposed that Rachel Negus Higley was a child or descendant of Israel. It is a
well authenticated fact that her mother was Rachel Alderman of Granby.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLE Yt M. D. 489
was a tall, slender, clever girl, whose birth took place in 1754.
Her father died when she was a young child, and her mother
marrying the second time, this daughter was confided to the kind
care of her grandparents — the Aldermans. She was scarcely
beyond the age of fifteen when she became the wife of Jonathan
Higley, Jr. She proved an industrious, prudent wife, developing
into a woman of unusual energy, and with a forcible character,
firm in purpose and possessing a well-balanced mind.
On coming to the primeval forests of Ohio, she was cheerful in
the denial of the things of her past life and associations. Her
life, which was prolonged far beyond the number of years allotted
to mankind, was attended to the last with sound health, and such
remarkable vitality and activity that in her presence the thought
of old age was dispelled. From her girlhood she was a great
pedestrian, and thought nothing, while making the journey from
Connecticut to Ohio, of walking twenty miles a day. After she
was in advanced years, she sometimes walked to Burton, a like
distance, and back again.
Just before leaving her Connecticut home, her provident spirit
prompted her to go to the cider mill and gather up a little bag
of apple seeds. Her neighbors ridiculed the thought that she
would ever see fruit from them. But the seeds were planted in
the rich fresh soil of Ohio the following spring, and grew and
flourished. Seven years afterward she was allowed to enjoy the
fruit produced from them. It was the first fruit grown in the
township. By careful culture this apple nursery yielded a
choice variety, which has since become somewhat famous, to which
was given the name of "the Jonathan apple." This fruit takes
its place in the nursery catalogues of to-day among the finest
assortments.1
One noble, thrifty tree in particular stood sixty years, a speci-
men of fine stature and wonderful beauty, blossoming and bring-
ing its annual crop of luscious fruit, and contributing to the
happiness of the whole settlement. So well known did this
souvenir of old Connecticut and a part of the youth of Windsor
township become, that it may be recorded as having been one of
the famous trees of the county. It was felt to be an enduring
calamity when it was destroyed by a pitiless windstorm, being
1 The original fruit bearing this name is claimed by a horticulturist in Central New York, at
much later date. The writer, however, has conversed with a number of aged persons who clearly
recalled the fact that Mrs. Rachel (Negus) Higley gave her first apples, in 1811, her husband's given
name. — ED.
49° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
torn up by the roots in the year 1865. A group of twenty or
more of its companions are yet standing (1893), now crooked and
distorted into ungainly shapes, true witnesses of the past and
likenesses to " withered age, as it stoops to the caresses of
time."
Rachel (Negus) Higley was confirmed in the Episcopal Church
during her younger years, and ever afterward remained a stanch
adherent to her religious faith. It was not till the year 1816
that a church building was erected in Windsor. She survived
her husband thirty years, and died from the breaking up of her
natural powers, at the advanced age of ninety-three.
The last illness of Squire Jonathan Higley was a fever, and
was brief. His death took place May 3, 1817. The funeral
services were held in the orchard of apple trees just east
of his dwelling A carpenter's work-bench was neatly covered
and converted into a temporary pulpit, from which the Rev. Mr,
Humphrey of Burton preached the funeral sermon. It was a
charming bright May day, and an impressive scene. Shrub and
tree and sod served beautifully to emphasize the symbol of the
resurrection life. The apple trees were robed in the perfection
of fresh verdure, with the beauty and perfume of a canopy of
white blossoms. Heaven could not have given a more fitting or
higher expression to the assurance that earthly shadows rise
into celestial joys.
The funeral procession was a striking spectacle. He was car-
ried to his last resting-place on a bier upon the shoulders of six
of his neighbors, followed by a train of mourners, all on foot.
Almost all of these were his old Connecticut friends who, like
himself, had removed hither with bright ideals of the possibilities
of progress on the fertile soil of the Ohio wilderness.
It was a wild romantic spot where they laid him; and though
three-quarters of a century have now passed, little change in the
surroundings of his rural resting-place has taken place. Belted
by a deep green wall of native forest, away from the centers of
human habitation, and " undefiled by human passions and little-
ness," a plot of two acres has all of these years held its pioneer
dead in calm and silent keeping.1
1 Judge Solomon Griswold " set apart " two acres from his estate, in the year 1801, for a burial-
ground. This plot was placed in the hands of trustees of the Township of Windsor, when it was
organized. The warrantee deed was not given till April Q, 1822, and was placed upon record May
4, 1827. (Public Records, Jefferson County, Ohio.) This burial ground lies near to Windsor
Corners, Ashtabula County, O.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY.M. D. 49 *
The inscriptions upon the stones which mark the last resting-
places of these worthy pioneers are as follows:
f n memory of
3otv» fjieleg
wbo fceparteo tbfs life
d&as 3* 1817. -Rachel, Traife of
B0eo 69 sears & 6 montbs,
wbo emigrated to tbis State Sonatban
Hn tbe gear 1804.
EXeo
Ye mortals who are standing by
You'r born for dust as well as i ©CtObet 5tb 1847
As I am now so you must be
Prepare for death and follow me. SgeO 93
The age of man
Is but a span.
A part of the original home farm descended to Esquire Higley's
son Jonathan, whose land lay adjoining it.
Esquire Jonathan Higley, Jr., and his wife Rachel were the
parents of nine children, all born in Turkey Hills parish, Sims-
bury, Conn.:
Abigail, born April 9, 1772;' Rachel, born 1775; Samuel, born
July 6, 1778; Jonathan, 3d, born March 17, 1781; Mary, born
September 13, 1783; Thompson, born June 2, 1786; Lydia, born
April 18, 1789; Laura, born September 7, 1792; Fanny, born
1795-
> Book iv., " Simsbury Records."
CHAPTER LXL
DESCENDANTS OF JONATHAN HIGLEY, JR.
Abigail, Jonathan, Jr., Jonathan, Samuel, M. D., Captain John Higley.
Who's now on top, ere long may feel
The circling motion of the wheel.
— THOMAS ELLWOOD.
ABIGAIL HIGLEY FORWARD, the eldest child of Esquire Jon-
athan, Jr., and Rachel Negus Higley, was born in Turkey Hills
parish, East Granby, Conn., April 9, 1772. She was baptized in
the Turkey Hills Church, October 6, 1777. She married, about
1795, Samuel Forward, Jr., the son of Samuel Forward, Sr.,1 an
old neighbor of the Higleys, and grandson of Joseph Forward of
Granby. Samuel Forward, Jr., was born November 23, 1775.
He was made freeman at a freeman's meeting of the Turkey Hills
Society, held April 9, 1800.
It is stated that Samuel and Abigail removed the year after
their marriage to Stephentown, N. Y., where they remained
three years, then returned to East Granby.
They emigrated to the Western Reserve, Ohio, in company
with the elder Samuel Forward and his family in the year 1803,
taking up their residence in Aurora Township, Portage County.
Here Samuel, Jr., taught the first school in the town, opening it
the winter of 1803-4, in a small log building at the center of the
township. He also engaged in farming during the summers for
two years. He then removed with his family to Warren, O.,
where he was teacher in the academy six years. Later on they
removed to Auburn, Geauga County, O. It is recorded that Mr.
Forward had fine natural abilities, and that they were persons
1 Samuel Forward, Sr., was born in Simsbury, Conn, fthe division which is now East Granby),
May i, 1752. He married Susannah Holcombe, the only daughter of Hezekiah Holcombe. They
resided in East Granby, one mile north of the center, where, the ancient town and church records
show, Samuel Forward was an active, substantial man. He emigrated with his family to Aurora,
O., reaching their destination, then in the wilderness, July 27, 1803. Here he resided until his
death, May 3, 1821. His wife died December 31, 1832. He was elected Judge of Portage County
Court, was universally respected, and his counsel was highly valued. A monument erected to his
memory stands in Aurora. The Editor concludes, from the records examined, that he was the son
of Joseph Forward, and not of Abel, as some have supposed.
492
DESCENDANTS OF JON A THAN HIGLE Y, JR. 493
of just principles. He died January 4, 1835. His wife, Abigail,
died April 15, 1855.
Samuel, Jr., and Abigail Higley Forward had children as
follows:
ORCEY, born in Granby, Conn., August 29, 1795, married Henry Baldwin, and
settled in Aurora, O. They had one child. Orcey Baldwin died March 28, 1850.
Her husband died at Niles, O., June 24, 1875, aged 83.
ORLIN, born in Stephentown, N. Y., June 13, 1797, died July 28, 1797.
SEMIRA M., born October 29, 1798.
LURA, born in Connecticut, November 17, 1800, married Hascal. She
died February 2, 1877.
SAMUEL, 3d, born in Granby, Conn., November 8, 1802, married Fedelia M-
Hubbard, December 24, 1846. They resided at Riverdale, Rock Creed Township,
Ashtabula County, O., and had a family. He was a highly respected citizen. He
died February 18, 1888.
JONATHAN, born in Ohio, December 7, 1804 : died March 23, 1863.
JULIA, born August II, 1807, married Frost ; died September IO, 1837.
ROLLIN, born April 13, 1809, married and resided in Ohio.
SUSAN, born January 5, 1811, married Hadsell ; died November 7, 1858.
CHAUNCEV, born December 30, 1813 ; resided in Trumbull County, Ohio; died
March 5, 1873.
SEMIRA, the third child of Samuel, Jr., and Abigail Higley Forward, was born in
Granby, Conn., October 29, 1798, and was brought by her parents to Ohio in 1803.
She married, January 8, 1818, James Frost. He was born February 8, 1791.
The year previous to her marriage she procured the first mirror she ever owned, by
planting with her own hands a patch of broom-corn which she cultivated and
harvested ; her father manufactured it into brooms and sold them for her. This
mirror, which in those days in the wilderness was a rare luxury, she preserved for
about sixty years as a relic of her bridal outfit.
James and Semira Frost settled in Mantua, Portage County, O. Here they
resided three score years, living honored and useful lives. James Frost died Sep-
tember 18, 1877. Mrs. Frost survived her husband nearly eleven years. The
following tribute to her worth and character is taken from the Chagrin Falls
Exponent:
" Mrs. Semira Frost, an early pioneer of this town (Mantua, O.), died at the
home of her son, Madison Frost, June 22, 1888, at the advanced age of eighty-
nine*years. She was a woman of large mental capacity, possessing great strength
of mind and purpose, and retained these powers to the day of her death. Her
life was one of simple correctness. She was a true and faithful wife, a mother
kind and affectionate, whose children fondly loved her. Her funeral services, for
which she herself arranged and left instructions, were conducted by the Rev. A.
Wilson of Ravenna, O."
The children of James and Semira (Forward) Frost were, viz. :
Charles, Frank, John, Elmer, Madison, Mary S. , George, Benton C.
CHARLES FROST, the eldest child, was born, September 9, 1819. He was acci-
dentally drowned by the capsizing of his skiff in the Straits of Macinaw, Mich., while
there on a business engagement. His body was washed ashore and discovered by
494 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
two Indians, Mixanassa and Bird, who carefully cared for it, as well as to return
to the family the money they found in the pockets. His death took place Septenv
ber 10, 1840. He was interred at Macinaw. He was a promising young man,
bearing a fine character.
FRANK FROST, the second child, born, March 9, 1821, married, first, Rhoda C.
Bumps. She died October, 1865. His second marriage was to Marcia A.
Michell, August 26, 1868. He settled on a farm, given him by his father, in the
northern part of Mantua. Here he resided till about the year 1889, when he re-
moved to Mantua Station. He died April 24, 1892. No children.
JOHN FROST, the third child, born March 21, 1823. He never married. At
the funeral of his brother Elmer and his wife, he was seized with illness, which
resulted in his death three days afterward, February 22, 1884.
ELMER FROST, the fourth child, was born October 22, 1826. He married Rhoda
A. Reed, November 8, 1848. He owned a farm given him by his father, adjoin-
ing his brother Frank, where he lived, and died on the I4th of February, 1884.
His wife died the third day following, February 17, 1884. The funeral services
and interments were held at the same hour.
MADISON FROST, the fifth child of James and Semira Frost, was born May 6,
1829. He married Maria Powell, May 26, 1858. April, 1859, he purchased a
farm in the western part of the township of Auburn, Geauga County, O., where
they now reside (1894), highly respected citizens.
They have four children, viz. :
MIRA M., born August 28, 1859, who married, January i, 1876, B. L. Stafford, who resided in
Leroy Township, Lake County, O. She died April 24, 1882.
LUNA J., born December 29, 1864, married November 3, 1884, C. D. Jewell. They owned a farm
on which they resided in Newberry, Geauga County, O. Mr. Jewell died January 26, 1892, in the
Christian's faith, trusting his fatherless little ones to the God of the widow and the orphan. Their
children are Frances Pearl, Charles Clyde, and Forest Lyle.
HENRY LLOYD, the third child of Madison and Maria Powell Frost, born April 16, 1872, married,
May 17, 1893, Florence S. Herrick of West Farmington, O. His profession is that of dentistry.
They reside at Chagrin Falls, O.
GLENN M., the fourth child, born July 6, 1880, resides with his parents and is pursuing his
studies.
MARY S. FROST, the sixth child of James and Semira Frost, born February
8, 1834 ; married Nelson Blair. She resides in Parkman, O. Her husband
died . She has two daughters, the eldest married Smith ; the second,
May Blair, married Ora Hoxon.
GEORGE FROST, the seventh child, born September 19, 1836, died March 4,
1837.
BENTON C. FROST, the eighth and youngest child of James and Semira Frost,
born July 6, 1840* He married Perlea E. Gallia, November 17, 1870. They
settled in Auburn, Geauga County, O., where Mr. Frost is the owner of a large farm.
He also owns the flour mills at Mantua Station, O. He is a well-to-do, prosperous
citizen. Their children are Frances and Charles.
Continued from page 491.
RACHEL, the second child of Jonathan and Rachel (Negus)
Higley, was born in Turkey Hills, Simsbury, Conn., May, 1774.
She died in the bloom of young womanhood, January 16, 1796.
The tenderly affectionate heart of her father mournfully lamented
her death. Such was the sharpness of his grief, that he declares
in his writings: "I am left behind to mourn — 'tis enough to
break a human heart — my sorrow I cannot forget ! " He after-
DESCENDANTS OF JONATHAN HIGLEY, JR. 495
ward seems to have struggled to submit his loss unto God, in
view of the inconceivable heavenly joys into which she had
entered, and the thought that her presence was among " the
happy dead who die not."
She was interred in the burial-ground at Turkey Hills.
SAMUEL HIGLEY.
Samuel, ad, Jonathan, Jr., Jonathan, Samuel, M. D., ist, Captain John Higley.
SAMUEL HIGLEY, 2d, the eldest son and third child of Jonathan,
Jr., and Rachel (Negus) Higley, was born at Turkey Hills, Sims-
bury, Conn., July 6, 1778, and was baptized in the Turkey Hills
Church, June 27, 1781.
Upon the death of his grandmother, Mary (Thompson) Higley,
when he was seventeen, he received a legacy of land located in
the same parish.
His early years appear to have been spent in industrial labor
after the manner of the Connecticut farmer boys of his times,
attending school during the winter. He acquired a common
school education beyond the average, and on reaching manhood
entered Harvard College. When his college days were finished
he entered the legal profession, and was admitted to the bar at
Hartford, Conn.
He possessed an original and comprehensive mind, with good
natural powers and shrewd insight, and developed an element of
humor which constantly overflowed, giving great relish to hi
life. He took the freeman's oath on the isth of September, 1800.
In July, 1804, he joined his father in the purchase of land in the
Western Reserve, Ohio, and emigrated with the family in the
autumn of that year. For the first few years, until the country
was opened and the population had increased, he engaged him-
self in paying attention to clearing his land, also in making some
exchanges in land.1 But his bent was never for agriculture, and
he would not devote himself exclusively to it. The winter of
1805 he taught a school in Mesopotamia, the town adjoining
Windsor, which was the second school-term taught in that
town; and in 1806 he taught in Warren, O. The year 1807
found him teaching in Allegheny, Pa., after which he returned
to Windsor and was admitted to the Ohio bar, taking up the
1 These transfers are entered on record at Warren, Trumbull County, O., book i.
496 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
practice of His profession in his own county. He occupied various
public appointments, taking a helpful part in the organization
of the Township of Windsor in 1811, when he was made one of
the first appraisers, and afterward served as county surveyor for
a number of years. He filled the office of commissioner for nine
years, being first elected in 1831 and re-elected in 1834.
His mettle was thoroughly put to the test during the War of
1812, by being drafted for service that summer, but he proved
neither independent nor heroic. When he was served with the
notification, he stepped into a small bedroom which was on the
ground floor, pretending that he must change his clothing, and
slipping out of the window he escaped military duty by making
quick time through the forests to the State of New York.
Nothing was heard of him for some months. Finally, on the 3oth
of the following January, 1813, he wrote a private letter from
Chatauqua County, New York, to Judge Solomon Griswold, saying
that he was in that county, twenty-five miles from'a post office,
and asking him to inform his father concerning his welfare.
He reported himself "in good health and spirits, and doing some-
thing at pettifogging, and earning money faster than he could
at home."1 He did not return to Windsor till the war had
closed. From this time onward he'was branded as " the coward "
of the neighborhood ; but the derision never affronted him, nor
did it even seem to disturb his naturally reckless and easy-going,
merry temperament.
He was remarkably clever, and loved books on all topics, pro-
curing them in every way that he could. Being humorous and
able to gratify that sense in others, and always ready to spring a
witty story on his hearers, he was popular and won the local bar.
There was a touch of quaintness and originality about his life
on all its sides, which, with his dry wit and comical sayings, won
him some renown, furnishing by-words and quotations for the
country roundabout. It was his peculiar way of speaking in
nasal tones, when uttering these droll sayings, that added every-
thing to their effectiveness, which it is impossible to represent in
print, for it was not only what he said, but his manner, his face,
and his voice, that were a good part of the fun.
He was fond of a moderate glass, in which he pretty regularly
indulged, though not to excess, nor was he ever guilty of offen-
sive language in his jollifications or in ordinary conversa-
' Extract from the original letter.
DESCENDANTS OF JONATHAN HIGLEY, JR. 497
tions, nor was it ever said of him that he stepped into oblique
courses.
On the bench he was no grave judge : his varied powers of
mind, good sense, and good judgment winning him much sub-
stantial favor in his profession. Many anecdotes are related of
his shrewd ways. On one occasion a friend came, desiring to
retain him as counsel in a suit at law. After listening to his
statement, Higley said, "I can better serve you by sitting in
the case," strictly charging his client not to mention the fact
of having consulted him. When the day came for trial, " Squire
Sam" arose early, mounted his horse, and rode several miles to
quite another part of the township, returning leisurely about the
time for the court to open, from quite an opposite direction to that
which he would naturally have come, as though he was incident-
ally happening by. Riding up to a group of men gathered about
the door of the town house, he inquired, "What's going on?"
" The case of is to be tried," was the reply. " Why — is it
to-day that comes on ? " feigning surprise. Just then Justice
Clapp came along, who invited him to dismount and come in.
Squire "Sam" took out his old-fashioned watch, and looking at
the time, slowly, with a half absent-minded air "guessed that he
could spare an hour," and went into court. The justice, seeing
that he was not retained as counsel, invited him to "sit" with
him. He, of course, accepted the suggestion, and the case was
soon won for his friend.
Samuel Higley, 2d, was never interested in church matters,
seldom if ever entering a religious service, and he paid but little
attention to politics. His political leaning was with the Demo-
cratic party.
During the agitation upon the question of slavery his
sympathies were with the Anti-Slavery party, and in heart he
was a true friend to the black man, but he took no active part in
the cause. He never seemed ambitious to increase his posses-
sions, nor did he accumulate property beyond a comfortable
competency, though he had a good legal practice and was the
owner of excellent farms. He held his original estate of one
hundred acres till near his decease, owning it about fifty
years.
On the i;th of October, 1818, he married at Mesopotamia, O.,
Maria Miser, daughter of Cornelius and Hannah Miser, who came
from Schoharie County, New York. She was born July 2, 1797.
498 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
She is said to have been a woman of unusual beauty. They
settled on his Windsor farm.
For many years " Squire " Samuel Higley suffered with asthma,
which, however, did not incapacitate him for active practice of
the law. His life and activities, full of the flavor of amiability
and hilarity, ran pretty much in the same groove the last fifty
years that he lived, and was almost barren of incident.
He died of inflammation of the lungs, April 5, 1853. His wife
died October 22, 1863.
Samuel and Maria (Miser) Higley were the parents of six
children, viz. :
Samuel, Jr., born July 2, 1819; Harriet, born June 13, 1821;
Hannah, born December 10, 1823; Dexter, born March 16, 1826;
Hiram, born May 25, 1829; Sarah, born March 16, 1834.
•
SAMUEL HIGLEY, Jr., the eldest son of Samuel, Sr., and Maria (Miser) Higley,
was born at Windsor, O., July 2, 1819. He married March 27, 1844, Hetty Ann
Brooks, who was born February n, 1825. They resided at Windsor upon a part
of the lands originally owned by Samuel Higley, Sr. Their children :
JANE, born December, 10, 1846; married Peter McAboy, who was born 1846.
They reside in Garrettsville, O. They are the parents of twins, Alivilda and
Alzada, born May 29, 1854. Alivilda married, February 22, 1876, Charles Crane,
who was born February 27, 1853. They have two children : Ethel and Ralph.
Alzada, married Judge Harrington, May, 1873. He died July, 1886. JsaMborn
November 9, 1856. Wesley J. and Sarah, twins, born March 22, 1859. Wesley
J. married, 1884, Clarissa C. Stone, who was born 1860. They reside in Hudson,
O. Sarah, his twin sister, married, February 7, 1878, Wesley Kinney, who was
born July 28, 1854. They reside in Windsor, O. Samuel (3d), born May 5, 1861 ;
died, unmarried, 1892. Frank Allen, born April 1870, died 1871.
HARRIET, the second child of Samuel, Sr., and Maria (Miser) Higley, was born
June 13, 1821 ; and married George Abrams. They are the parents of three
children, two daughters and one son. They reside in Painesville, O.
HANNAH, the third child of Samuel, Sr., and Maria (Miser) Higley, was born
December 10, 1823 ; married Walter Roe. They reside in Ravenna, O. No
children.
DEXTER, the fourth child of Samuel, Sr., and Maria (Miser) Higley, was born
March 16, 1826 ; died February 10, 1844.
HIRAM HIGLEY, the fifth child of Samuel, Sr., and Maria (Miser) Higley, was
born at Windsor, O., May 25, 1829. He resided with his parents till they both
died, not settling upon his own farm until his marriage at forty-five. Mr.
Higley owns 104 acres of well improved farming land located in Windsor. He
pays some attention to fish raising, and also to the culture of apple trees, of which
he has a fine variety. He is a man of pushing ability, a respected citizen of the
township, large-hearted, and benevolent in spirit. He married, October II, 1874,
Mrs. Saphronia Herrick (formerly Miss Simmons), a young widow, who was the
DESCENDANTS OF JON A THAN HIGLE Y, JR. 499
mother of four children. She was born February 10, 1844. The highest testimony
is given by her children and their mother's family to the kind foster-father's care
which Mr. Higley has faithfully bestowed upon them. To each of these step-
daughters he gave a liberal "setting out," at the time of her marriage.
SARAH, the sixth child of Samuel, Sr., and Maria (Miser) Higley, was born March
16, 1834, and married Walter Sisson. Three children were born to them, none of
whom survived. They reside at Hamden, Geauga County, O.
CHAPTER LXII.
HON. JONATHAN HIGLEY, 3D.
Hon. Jonathan, 3d, Jonathan, Jr., Jonathan, Samuel, M. D., ist, Captain John Higley.
" He saw that out from the darkness, out from the depths, the human race had struggled toward
the ever-glowing light. He felt that the living are indebted to the noble dead, and that it was but
his duty that he should pay it, by preserving to the extent of his power, by adding to the knowl-
edge of the world, and by giving better than he had received."
JONATHAN HIGLEY, 3d, the second son and fourth child of
Esquire Jonathan, Sr., and Rachel Negus Higley, was born in
Turkey Hills (now East Granby), Simsbury, Conn., March
17, 1781.
His father, strongly upholding popular education and being
actively interested in the town school, gave his sons a fair educa-
tion for the times. His grandmother, Mary (Thompson) Higley,
by special bequest, left him "Sixty pounds lawful money worth
of my land," * which he received on coming of age, and which he
applied in part payment for lands in the Connecticut Western
Reserve, Ohio.
He was a stalwart young man of twenty-three, endowed with
a good mind and sound health, when he removed with his
parents to "the Reserve" and began his career. They reached
their destination the aoth of October, 1804. With his parents
household he shared the experiences usual to the pioneer, the
same new scenes and conditions which all pioneers of the forest-
lands have met. These experiences are summoned up by
Charles Dudley Warner, who says :
" The want of roads, the lack of bridges, the primitive con-
ditions of the dwellings, and the domestic economy, the necessary
struggles with nature to wrest a living from the ground, the
dangers from wild beasts; and the restrictive privileges of
schools, churches, and books, the free hospitality and the
unpolished manners of society, in a thinly settled new country,
produce always a good deal the same results." *
For the first few years Jonathan Higley, Jr., labored vigorously
1 "Simsbury Probate Record Book," 1794-1800, p. 266.
8 " History of Hartford County, Connecticut," vol. i. p. 349.
500
DESCENDANTS OF JONATHAN HIGLEY, JR. 501
helping to clear and work his own and his father's lands, working
day after day with the heroism of practical common life, — for
their lives were now made up of common things, — and encounter-
ing difficulties through which there was always found some
way to safely pass. These years were not marked by partic-
ular incidents, except his marriage, but he was all the while
engendering character by his experience, and gaining in moral
courage. At the same time he was an attentive observer of the
progress of events, not narrowing his vision to know nothing
beyond the details of his present surroundings.
The cause of education early began claiming the attention of
the little group of colonists of Windsor, O. Judge Solomon
Griswold's daughter, Kesiah, a sunny maiden full of bright
intelligence, opened a primitive school the winter of 1804-5, near
to Esquire Jonathan Higley's house, and within easy walking
distance of her own home. Was it surprising that young
Jonathan, 3d, and Kesiah, both susceptible to the charms of
buoyant youth, soon found themselves in the meshes of a love
adventure ?
" Behold
The ruddy damsel singeth at her wheel
While by her side the rustic lover sits —
Perchance his thought
Is calculating what a thrify wife
The maid will make."
After several months of courtship Jonathan, Jr., came to his
father one day, who was then justice of the peace, and declared
to him that they wished the ceremony of marriage performed.
"It is high time you were married," replied "Squire" Jonathan.
Even to this day some of the aged residents of the neighbor-
hood, who were then children, recall with clearness that demon-
strative courtship. This was in the year 1806, and it was the
first marriage in the township.
The union proved a congenial and happy one. They began
life together in primitive style, in a scantily furnished home,1
but being of similar tastes and adapting themselves to their
circumstances, they used th<ir few advantages to work their way
1 The log-dwelling first occupied by Jonathan Higley, sd, and his wife Kesiah, was built on the
northeast corner of lot 8, range 7, about twenty rods north of where the public road now passes
the premises.
33
502 THE II IG LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
out into broader development, and lived in the light of hopeful
prophecy of the future.
The few old books they possessed — and both were fond of
books — had been carried over the rough roads from Connecticut,
or brought by the Rev. Joseph Badger in his saddle-bags on
horseback, when he came on his missionary tours from Hartford.
These were read over and over.
The spelling-school of evenings, into which they zealously
entered, was a source of improvement as well as a time of partial
frolic. The social gatherings of the neighborhood, in which they
took a lively part, were jolly and thoroughly informal, attended
with a great deal of fun at a cost of no money and very little
trouble. The Griswold girls had a high reputation in the early
days of the settlement for being good entertainers, and making
their visitors enjoy jolly good times. Whisky toddy, and later
on, when the young orchard began bearing, apples and cider,
served with hickory nuts from the forest trees, furnished the
evening refreshments.
Jonathan and Kesiah's door and hearts were always wide open
to welcome the stranger. Of the company of pioneer travelers
they were exceedingly fond, liking the fresh contact which they
brought to them with the outer world. These guests generally
stayed over night, and sometimes remained for one or two days.
Though the log house was small, the young host and hostess
could always find a place for them to sleep, and there was
plenty to eat. The offer of pay for entertainment would have
been considered almost an insult.
About the year 1812 Mr. Higley erected in the northeast
corner of lot 8, range 7, the first frame dwelling which was built
in Windsor. The original building was small, but still stands
(1895) in good condition. This house, to which an addition has
been built, has been for many years the property and residence
of his son, Harrison Higley.
Jonathan Higley, 3d's, first public appointment was at the first
meeting held for the organization of the township in 1811, when
he was given the office of appraiser, and early in the township
history he was made one of its trustees. This office he held for
a number of years. On the ijth of July, 1811, he received a
commission as justice of the peace from Governor Return J.
Meigs, the document being issued from Zanesville, O., which
was then the capital of the State. After this he was generally
DESCENDANTS OF JONATHAN HIGLEY, JR. 503
called "Squire Jonathan," his father being known as "Squire
Higley."
About the year 1812 he was enrolled in the Ohio Militia, but it
does not appear that he entered the second war with Great
Britain. In those days a great deal was made of the militia, which
was mustered and paraded on regular training days. These files
of soldiers gathered and trained in his father's dooryard. On
the 2(1 of October, 1818, he received his official discharge from
military duty, his time of service having expired.
The summer of 1816 was shadowed by a heavy sorrow. A
face that had gladdened his fireside departed, cutting a close tie
and leaving a great blank in his home. His wife, Kesiah Griswold
Higley, who was now the mother of five children, died August 14.
An epidemic dysentery, accompanied with fever, pervaded the
settlement, of which she, with one of her children, became the vic-
tims. During her severe illness of two weeks she was faithfully
nursed by her husband and her twin sister, Ursula Griswold. She
was yet a young woman — only thirty-two. For ten years she had
brightened the life of her husband by her quick mind, unusually
good abilities, and cheerful presence. These ten brief years of
happiness in her affectionate companionship, to which he often
referred in after years, were precious in his memory to the end
of his long life.
April 24, 1784, was the date of the birth of the twin sisters,
Kesiah and Ursula Griswold, at Simsbury, Conn. Their mother,
Abiah (Allen) Griswold, died in 1793, while they were but mere
children. They came with their father, Solomon Griswold,1 to
the Western Reserve in Ohio, arriving March 20, 1800. Kesiah
was confirmed in the Episcopal Church early in life. As has been
1 Edward Griswold, who was born in 1607, came with his brothers to Windsor, Conn., with the
Rev. Mr. Huit (Teacher) in 1639, from Warrickshire, England. This is the first appearance, as far
as is known, of the family in America. George Griswold owned a house located on the west side
of Broad Street, Windsor, in 1679, close to Captain John Higley. Thomas Griswold, descendant
of Edward, had a grant of land given him, December 29, 1687, adjoining Captain Higley.
Matthew Griswold of the same family married the daughter of Roger Wolcott, and was Governor
of Connecticut. Captain Higley afterward made purchase of the Roger Wolcott farm at Simsbury,
which-was the seat of the Higley Family. (See chapter ii, on Windsor, Conn., page 5.) Solomon
Griswold was a descendant of Thomas. He was born, 1754, at Simsbury, Conn., and married Abiah
Allen, 1780. She was born 1761, and died 1793, at Simsbury, Conn. He emigrated to the wilder-
ness of northern Ohio in the year 1800. He was a member of the Hartford bar, a man possessed of
large means for those times, and a member of the Connecticut Land Company. His emigration
to Ohio marked the beginning of an important epoch in the development of the northeastern por-
tion of that State. Soon after the formation of the State government Solomon Griswold and
Calvin Austin were appointed Associate Judges of Trumbull County. Judge Griswold held
many important offices till the close of his useful life, May 16, 1834.
504 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
already stated she was the first school-teacher of Windsor, O.,
taking charge, during the winter of 1804-5, °f a school of nine
pupils — all of the children of suitable age the settlement then
numbered. The schoolhouse was a small log building which
stood upon lot No. 8, range 4, the farm now the property
of Homer Higley, Esq. The building long afterward was used
by S. D. Sackett as a blacksmith shop.
At her death Kesiah left four children, the youngest an infant
daughter one year old, bearing her own name. On August u,
four days previous to her departure, their little Achsah, a child
of five years and six months, preceded her mother to "the
radiant shore of the better land."
The mother and child were interred in what is now designated
the old Pioneers' burial-ground, the "God's acre" set apart in
1802, upon her father's estate, for burial purposes, where lies
interred her father, Solomon Griswold, Mary (Higley) White,
and others.
The following is the epitaph upon the memorial stone erected
to her memory:
fteetab
mite of
Sonatban fjigleg JEsq*.
Dies august U«> 1816
32 sears, 3 montbs anD 21 Dags.
Reader, your glass will soon be run
Are you prepared to die ?
Not all the god's beneath the Sun
Your wants at death supply.
The following May, 1817, "Squire" Higley's father, Jonathan
Higley, Jr., departed this life. His mother and sister Laura now
took charge of his motherless children and the domestic affairs
of his home.
It was about two years after the death of his wife that a friend
one day remarked to him: "Squire, there is a pretty blue-eyed
young widow down at Kinsman, just the wife for you."
"Squire" Higley early made it convenient to make a trip to
that town, and it was not long afterward that Martha Kinny
Lewis, who had then only passed her twenty-first birthday, became
his wife. They were married September 20, 1818. Mrs. Lewis
entered the home of Jonathan Higley, 3d, undertaking the duties
DESCENDANTS OF JONATHAN HIGLEY, JR. 505
of wife, and second mother to four children, in a cheerful, hope-
ful spirit, the eldest child, Hume, being a lad of eleven, and the
youngest child now three years of age.
She became the mother of twelve children of her own, and was
foster-mother to an orphan grandchild of her husband, whom they
reared from six years of age, numbering in all seventeen children
over whom she had the care and to whom she held the place of
mother.
In his domestic life Esquire Jonathan Higley ruled his fireside
with firmness, and expected obedience from his children. What-
ever he said was law and rule in his home. He exacted deferen-
tial conduct on the part of one toward the other, and strictly
required his children, when spoken to, always to affix the conven-
tional expression of respect, " sir," to their replies.
He was not a person to look after matters of detail concerning
his numerous family, or to permit the heavy weight of his large
household to rest upon his shoulders, leaving these responsibili-
ties almost wholly upon his wife.
During a period covering several years he gradually made pur-
chases of lands, accumulating his acres till he became the owner
of about five hundred. His business capacity and management
were good, and in keeping with his practical sound sense and the
genuineness of his character.
In addition to his agricultural interests he was for many years
engaged largely in the manufacture of cheese, an industry car-
ried on in the first half of this century in the Western Reserve,
which brought to it a large share of its wealth and prosperity;
the superior quality made here finding a ready market far and
wide over some of the Eastern and in most of the Middle States.
Mr. Higley kept forty cows. He sold his cheese to the regular
buyers, whose business it was to purchase and forward it to the
markets. In his large family of surviving children, eight sons
and seven daughters, with a grandson whom they brought up, he
had a large force of helpers to work and manage the farm and
dairy, and all were expected to perform their share.
It was his custom to have the hides of his cattle tanned,
then employ a cobbler to come to the house twice a year and
make their boots and shoes for the season, boarding him the
meanwhile.
In person Jonathan Higley, 3d, was a well-built fine figure,
full six feet; he was broad, with a strong forehead, and weighed
506 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
one hundred and eighty pounds. He had an earnest nature, but
found difficulty in showing it, his speech being somewhat ob-
structed by a slight stammer. His presence was one that com-
manded respect, and, while he was full of gentleness and kindness
of manner, he preserved a dignity that kept those about him from
undue familiarity. By the mysterious and peculiar law of heredity
he caught the poetic spirit of his father, and in his after years
became rather a prolific verse writer, his rhyming generally touch-
ing upon the theme of slavery, a subject which lay close upon his
heart.
While he was of a high, impulsive temperament and not easily
provoked to excessive words, when once aroused he was not
afraid to use clear-cut English; but for kindliness of nature and
true benevolence of spirit few men have exceeded him: he was
given to big-hearted conduct on every side of his life. His noble
devotion to those who crossed his pathway, both his friends and
those in distress or in poverty, is worthy of special mention.
Rich or poor, bond or free, he responded to any appeal made by
humanity in need of practical aid or sympathy; his money and
means were at their disposal. Nothing excited his disgust and
anger sooner than an intimation by act or spirit that " all men
were not created free and equal." His highest principle was to
help the man to a point where he could help himself.
He was generally astir in the morning before anyone in the
house. In those days the corn-cribs were built of logs, leaving
on one side an aperture of two or more feet square through
which to get the corn. Higley, once observing that his corn was
disappearing faster than he himself was using it, one evening set
a bear trap just inside the opening. Rising early as usual, he
went out in the gray of the morning, and looking toward the crib
he saw a man standing very close to the open space. He
approached him at once. " Good-morning! " said Squire Higley
cheerfully. The man eyed him timorously and askant. "Won't
you come into the house and warm — this is a chilly morning?"
"I can't," said the man. "Why, what's the matter?"
"Matter! my arm is fast." Mr. Higley stepped up and loosed
him at once and insisted that he must come into the house. The
thief was too much frightened not to obey. " No one is up
yet — you don't need to feel anxious," said Squire Higley, as he
handed him a seat. "Now," he continued, as he took a chair
beside him, "why were you stealing my corn?" The man
DESCENDANTS OF JON A THAN HIGLE Y, JR. 507
responded that he "had nothing to live upon," adding: "My
wife and family are nearly starving for some meal." "Well,"
said Higley, with emphasis and somewhat sternly, "never steal
again; when you want corn come to me. For the sake of your
family I will not tell of this. You must stay and have some
breakfast with us." The guilty man, tortured with his kind-
ness, remained and sat at table with the family.
The incident made an honest man of the thief. He became
a good citizen, Squire Higley furnishing him provisions from
that time onward whenever he required them, for which the man
worked faithfully and paid up. Higley never told his family of
how the stranger happened to take breakfast with them that
morning, or that the setting of the bear-trap had proved a
success. It leaked out a few years afterward from the man him-
self, the household well remembering the mysterious stranger at
that morning meal. In relation to his profound generosity, it
was exercised in the most unostentatious manner, and was
strictly secretive on his part. His immediate family generally
learned only of his beneficence from those who might happen to
express their gratefulness in a way that reached the ears of
outsiders.
"His charity was like the snow,
Soft, white and silent in its fall ;
Not like the noisy winds that blow
From shivering trees the 'leaves — a pall
For flower and weed,
Dropping below."
A stranger appeared at his door one day, who had walked
twelve miles through the forests to seek his aid. He had left
his household — a wife and four children — in sore distress. They
were very poor. A debt had come due and their only cow, an
animal which furnished the subsistance for the family, had been
driven away to satisfy the creditor's claim, leaving them to
depend upon the wild game he chanced to catch, and corn meal,
for their only living. This man had heard of "Squire" Higley,
and determined to find him, but he had never seen him. Clad
in a hunting shirt, and gun on his shoulder, he left his home at
daylight that morning without telling what he intended to do,
but trying to comfort his wife by saying: "I'll bring you a cow
to-night." She, however, knowing the hopelessness of their
poverty, sat down and wept.
5°S THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
"You are an entire stranger to me," said "Squire" Higley,
when the man had laid his trouble before him; "yes; I will let
you have a cow to take home. If you wish to keep her, take your
own time for payment; if you find that you don't want her, bring
her back when you get out of your difficulty ; there will be no
charges."
The relieved husband and father, driving the cow before him,
made his way back through the woods to his home, redeeming
his promise that he had made that morning to his wife. He
afterward related how not only his wife, but the entire family,
wept together on his return — wept tears of gratefulness at the
touching kindness received from one to whom they were perfect
strangers. They blessed his memory as long as they lived.
A neighbor of Squire Higley, who was in straitened circum-
stances, came one day to him in the hay-field where he was
standing near a harnessed team which was hauling the hay.
"Higley," said he, "my wife is ill. I haven't any money. Can
you let me have a dollar ? I want to go to town for some
medicine — and — and," hesitatingly, "I want to borrow a horse,
too." "Certainly!" said Squire Higley cheerfully, at the same
time putting his hand into his pocket and handing him a dollar.
"Boys ! " said he, " unhitch these horses ! Neighbor, you take
that one. Boys, take the other to the barn — we will rake hay
while he is gone with the horse." A year afterward the neigh-
bor called, saying, "Squire, I owe you a dollar; I have come to
pay you." " No," said Higley, " I don't remember that you owe
me anything." The entire circumstances were carefully related
to him before he could be made to accept the money or recall
the kind favor he had done. But his neighbor never forgot it.
Esquire Jonathan Higley was never known to begin legal
action in court, nor was he ever sued at law. If he could not
collect a debt, he never compelled payment, but let it go; and as
to other business transactions that brought difficulty, he sought
some other way for an amicable adjustment. At his death he
left small promissory notes and petty sums due him, amounting
to full one thousand dollars in value, which he had loaned here
and there, and which he had never made any legal effort to
collect.
Esquire Jonathan Higley was elected Representative to the
Ohio Legislature in 1829. He went to Columbus in December
of that year. It was in the old staging days, and his journey was
DESCENDANTS OF JONATHAN HIGLEY, JR. 509
through the opening new country. He was absent from home
three months that winter, the affairs of his family being taken in
charge by his brother, Thompson Higley.
He was a Federalist by heredity. After the founding of the
Whig party in 1824, he was one of its close adherents. But dur-
ing the year 1826, the alleged killing of Morgan at Batavia,
N. Y.,1 wrought public sentiment in that section of Ohio to a
high pitch upon the subject of Masonry. This feeling in Mr.
Higley's district drifted into political and party issue and became
the contest of the day, resulting in a general political movement
against the fraternity. Spirited meetings were held in Higley's
house, as well as in other private homes, and in the district
schoolhouses. During this agitation, when he was called upon
in public, he always responded in a few well chosen words, which
were to the point, but his speeches were generally brief.
An Anti-Masonic party which Esquire Higley joined ruled the
county for seven years. He was chosen to represent it in the
Legislature for the reason that he was a man of tried integrity of
purpose, an honest supporter of the law, and one who was thor-
oughly able to hold his argument, more than because he was able
to make a great speech — his difficulty of readily giving expression
to his views, because of the slight impediment in his speech,
probably causing him to remain silent when he otherwise might
have entered forcibly into discussion.
It was in the old days when practical men, who were actuated
by a sincere desire to do justice and serve with earnestness of
conviction, were sent to our legislative assemblies. Higley had
little sympathy with men who were managing politicians and
more eager for personal success than for the promotion of their
cause.
While his career in the Ohio Legislature was a very manly one,
it was not one of any marked prominence, his chief service being
in the committee rooms, dealing with the customary interests of
the day.
1 William Morgan of Batavia, N. Y., who had announced his intention to print a pamphlet
exposing the secrets of Masonry, was arrested on a charge of larceny the summer of 1826, made
by the master of a Masonic lodge, but found not guilty ; then he was arrested for debt, and
imprisoned in jail at Canandaigua. He was taken secretly from the jail and conveyed to Fort
Niagara, where he was kept until September, when he disappeared. The Masons were charged
with his abduction, and a human body found in the Niagara River was produced as proof that he
was drowned to put him out of the way, though Weed, an editor in Rochester, N. Y., was charged
with mutilating it to make it resemble Morgan. The disappearance of Morgan became the chief
topic of partisan discussion. — Front "American Commonwealth" (New York), by Ellis H,
Roberts, p. 580.
510 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
He remained in political sympathy with the Whig party, though
a decided outspoken Abolitionist, till the year 1848, when, seeing
that his party was doing nothing toward a scheme for opposing
slavery, he broke away and supported his personal friend, Joshua
R. Giddings, who represented Higley's congressional district in
the United States Congress, and became a pronounced Free-
soiler. Higley, however, maintained a strong standard against
Mr. Gidding's Masonic connections. On the formation of the
Republican party in 1856 he became identified with it, and
remained devoted to its principles as long as he lived.
In Esquire Jonathan Higley's early married life he sometimes
attended religious services with his wife, Kesiah, which were
held by the Episcopalians in a schoolhouse — District No. 6.
Church services were also occasionally conducted in his own
house by a clergyman who was his intimate friend. But he never
became a member of any religious body, though his religious
sensibility was strong. In after years he not only completely
separated himself from church organizations, but his strong
prejudice against them was well known.
He was still in the prime of life when he made up his mind on
the question of slavery, and on this question he bore a vigorous
individuality, retaining a horror of the system to the end of his
fourscore and seven years. It was not from a religious stand-
point that he took this stand; his whole moral nature revolted
at holding in bondage a fellow-man. He hated oppression.
From his standpoint he felt from the day and time that the sub-
ject was first publicly touched upon, that the Church should be
the first great moral power to protest against it, and that it
should be a mighty warrior to crush its power. Instead of this,
the door of the little church in his immediate neighborhood was
closed to the advocates of freedom, and the clergyman, from Ken-
tucky, who had been a slaveholder previous to his settlement in
the parish at Windsor (Ohio), boldly and openly preached sermons
declaring that slavery was a divine institution. And when Esquire
Higley looked abroad he saw convulsions within the "borders of
Zion," disputes, and volleys of words wasted in unpractical dis-
cussion, a fierce state of feeling and divisions in place of united
concentration of energy upon practical measures for its overthrow.
The Higleys are a people not fond of contention. Squire
Jonathan was no exception in this respect to his ancestors or their
descendants. • The bitterness fostered in the Church, and its lack
DESCENDANTS OF JON A THAN HIGLE Y, JR. 511
of standing true to the cause of liberty, repelled him entirely
from its doors. He lost all faith in its ministers. Since old
theologies had never had a deep place in his belief, and his
religious convictions had never yet settled into the sharpness of
denominational lines, it was easy for him to sever himself forever
from its immediate atmosphere, leaving his religion mostly one
of meditation and solitude.
He took hold of the cause of the slave early in the days of the
agitation of the subject, with all the energy and force that his
strong, vigorous mind and influence commanded, and worked
faithfully, fearlessly denouncing the Church and its slave-
holding sympathizers; yet he labored on with results, laboring
disinterestedly, having no ends of his own in view. His
antipathy to the institution was so strongly grounded, that he
could not maintain patience while even holding conversation
with those who differed from him, frequently losing his temper
at the outset.
He was one of the first to open his house for anti-slavery
meetings and discussions upon the slave question. As the
subject got deeper hold in the community, Squire Higley, with
his coworkers, began getting up meetings in the district school-
houses throughout the county, for which they secured the ablest
lecturers and speakers of the day, who addressed the crowds
which came. In these meetings fugitives were often present who
told thrilling stories of their narrow escapes, and their great
sufferings and flight from tyranical masters.
Higley stood loyally by the black man in other ways than in
public demonstration and effort for his freedom from bondage.
He was always welcome to his hearthstone and helped forward,
and never did a fugitive come to his threshold but he took him
in, befriended him, and rendered him substantial assistance in
making his escape to the protecting flag that waved over Canada.
And all this while these earnest labors, which were touching
deep issues in the history of the black man in our nation, were
far-reaching, beyond the mere local boundaries of his county,
for, politically, he stood among those in the forefront of the sup-
porting constituency behind his friends, the Hon. Joshua R.
Gidding and Benjamin F. Wade, who represented their district
in the United States Congress, in their persistent and unflinch-
ing fight, at the seat of the nation, against the slave power.
Without such men as the Hon. Jonathan Higley and his coad-
512 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY,
jutors to support them, it would not have been possible for these
distinguished legislators to have accomplished, even with their
rare powers, what they did for the cause of freedom.
During all the long struggle Higley was a subscriber and close
reader of the anti-slavery papers of his day. Garrison's Liberator,
from the time it was started, in the year 1838, and Frederick
Douglass' National Anti-Slavery Standard, published by the
American Anti-Slavery Society of New York, were, among other
periodicals regularly found upon his table from the time they
were first issued.
His family never forgot how carefully and with what absorbing
interest he perused them, sitting up late of nights holding a tallow
candle in one hand and his .newspaper in the other. And when
they had been thoroughly read he saw to it that they were
circulated among friends and acquaintances far and near.
It will be forever placed to his credit, and to the honor of his
memory, that the abolition of the slave trade was ever uppermost
in his heart from the time that his gaze became fixed upon its
evils, and the ear of his inmost soul heard the
" Voice of a people suffering long !
The pathos of their mournful song,
The sorrows of their night of wrong." '
Though the progress toward the ultimate end he longed and
prayed for was of slow growth, he was never known to slack his
earnest labors, up to the time he heard the cannon echo from
shots fired on Sumter. The Emancipation Act which ransomed
the race was the signal event of his life. He lived to see the
"travail of his soul" satisfied, and the dream of years come
to pass.
As Squire Higley advanced toward age, his habit of life became
more and more devotional. He spent much time in reading, and
was often absorbed in reflection. Nature and his Bible were his
companions. Members of his family sometimes found him
searching the Scriptures far into the night, and he frequently
spoke of the comfort they gave him. As all his children came
to mature years, he presented each one with a well-bound copy
of the Testament. His advice to his children was ever whole-
some and wise. "Live in peace with all mankind," he wrote to
his son Harrison, "and always live with eternity in view."
i Whittier.
DESCENDANTS OF JON A THA N HIGLE Y, JR. 513
He died August 13, 1866, at the age of eighty-six years and five
months, in the consolation of knowing that he had not lived in
vain, breathing his last in the Christian's hope, " having cast his
anchor in the land that lies beyond death." He was interred in
the village cemetery at Windsor Corners.
Esquire Jonathan Higley divided his estate among his large
family of children while he was yet living, retaining the home
farm at Windsor, then containing about one hundred acres, for
the support of his wife and himself, together with the lots of
land given below,1 which he devised by will at his death.
His sons, Allen and Jonathan Higley, 4th, were appointed
executors of his will by a codicil made August 10, 1866, the will
having been executed June 22, 1861. The will was admitted to
probate May 17, 1867.
MARTHA (KINNEY) LEWIS, the second wife of the Hon. Jona-
than Higley, whom he married September 20, 1818, was the
daughter of Isaac and Sally Kinney, who came from Worthing-
ton, Hampshire County, Mass., arriving March 15, 1815, at Kins-
1 " To his ' well-beloved wife Martha ' in lieu of dower he gave ' all his personal property and
the use and improvement of the home farm containing about 100 acres, and the improvement of all
the land he gave to his grandchildren by the name of Graves and the privilege of cutting the wood
on 30 acres of land lying in Hartsgrove which he devised to his sons Hume and Allen during the
life of his wife.' Out of this legacy she was to pay his daughter Achsah forty dollars.
" To his sons Hume and Allen. ' in addition to what they have had, 30 acres of land lying in
Hartsgrove in Lot No. 144 ; also 25 acres lying in Windsor in Lot 9, Range 5.' Out of this
legacy they were to pay the heirs of his deceased daughter Martha Decker, $25.00 to each when
they became of age.
" To his son Harrison, ' in addition to what he had had, 36 acres or all the land in Lot No. 144
in Hartsgrove lying east of that given to Hume and Allen."
" To his son Homer, ' in addition to what he has had,' one-half of the land lying on the east
side of Lot No. 8 Range 2, in Windsor.
" To his son Lewis, ' in addition to what he has had," the remaining half of land on the east
side of Lot 8, Range 2, in Windsor.
" To his son Jonathan, ' in addition to what he has had,' 30 acres lying in Hartsgrove in Lot
No. 58, the west end, ' the land on which he now lives.'
" To his son Hector, ' in addition to what he has had,' 20 acres lying east of the land given to
Jonathan in Hartsgrove in said Lot No 58.
" To his son Aaron, ' in addition to what he has had, all the promissory notes I hold against him.'
" To his daughter Ursula, ' in addition to what she has had, a note of about $30 I hold against
her husband Henry Townsend.'
" To his daughter Jane. ' in addition to what she has had, 17 acres of land lying in the N. W.
corner of Lot 10, Range 8, in Windsor.'
"To his grandson, ' Orwin Graves, 10 acres of land lying in the S. W. corner of Lot 8, Range a,
in Windsor.'
" To the heirs of his late daughter, Mary Graves, ' 20 acres lying north of the land I gave to
Orwin Graves.'
" To his sons, ' Hume, Allen, Jonathan, Hector, Homer, Harrison, and Lewis Higley, he
devised his home farm lying in Lots No. 8, sth and 6th ranges (Windsor) containing about one
hundred acres.' "—Taken from the original will of Esquire Jonathan Higley, 3^.
514 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
man, O., where they settled. She was born December 18, 1796.
At twenty she married Jedediah Lewis. By his sudden and acci-
dental death their lives together closed the year following — 1817.
As has been stated, the responsibility of becoming the second
mother to four children fell upon her when she became the wife
of " Squire " Higley. To these were added twelve children of
her own, and a grandchild they brought up. Except one infant,
who died of whooping-cough about the year 1836, all of these
children remained at home until they were full-grown men and
women.
Right faithfully did she perform her mission as wife and mother
to this numerous family. As a second mother she was character-
ized by a close attachment, and an unvarying kindly bearing,
toward the children of the first wife, the outcome of her gentle
and indulgent heart. The children to whom she gave birth well
remember that the preference, however insignificant the matter
might be, was always given to their half brothers and sisters in
questions of differences or the settlement of childish disputes,
and that it generally fell to their lot to get the second choice.
This happened frequently to their discomfort, and naturally
sometimes kindled in their spirits a secret vexation, a state of
feeling which their mild-eyed mother overcame by showing them
the beauty of a sweet and yielding temper. The government of
her family was entirely by persuasion.
In the generous hospitality of their home Mrs. Higley was
well mated by her husband. She was at all times found ready to
receive and welcome visitors and guests, who came in season or
out of season, and she never was averse to cheerfully preparing an
extra meal for the stranger at any hour of the day, and often late
at night. Her generous instincts were evidenced in various
ways, sometimes leading her, to the amusement of the family, to
act directly in violence to her natural will. Her hatred of
domestic animals was well known. Yet if she saw a hungry dog
or cat appear in the door-yard, she would immediately lay aside
her work and go to the cupboard and get food for it. This of
course invited all of the hapless and stray cats roundabout to
repair to the premises where, perching themselves upon fences
and sheds, they awaited in expectancy her benevolence. When
once fed something like anger would fall over her face, and her
usually mild tongue would give vent with surprising volubility to
a tirade against the "pesky " intruders.
DESCENDANTS OF JON A THAN HIGLE Y, JR. 515
The routine of her daily life was the same as that which occu-
pied the women of her day. She had little time to fret or worry.
Naturally quick motioned ancft>f remarkable activity and dispatch
in what she undertook, she accomplished marvels in the amount
of labor that she performed. Nothing among the old-time
proverbs could be more fitting than the text she chose for her
daily living: " Her candle goeth not out by night." She received
the wool from the sheep's back, which she carded, and the flax in
its rough state, which she hatcheled, spinning and weaving these
into material for clothing and household uses, out of which she
cut and made all of the garments worn by her large family.
Manufactured products were seldom purchased. The cooking,
washing, ironing, and churning, together with considerable atten-
tion paid to cheese-making, were a part and parcel of her round
of employments, and it must be remembered that during most of
these years she was constantly bearing or nursing an infant. Of
evenings she sat before the fire and knitted the family supply of
socks and stockings, her nimble fingers flying with almost the
swiftness of a machine. She easily knitted a man's sock on a
winter's evening.
None of her energy was wasted. Her children cannot recollect
of ever having seen her busy hands unemployed during one wak-
ing moment, except it might have been a part of a Sunday. She
rarely employed female help, unless there was illness in the family,
but thoroughly trained her daughters in domestic duties as they
grew to womanhood. With all her manifold duties, she found
time to tenderly visit her sick neighbor, and to do much in cheer-
ing the look and lightening the step of the needy. Her life,
which was made up of detail, was entirely unostentatious and
quiet in its movement, and was mainly spent within the precincts
of her own hearthstone.
She survived her husband five years and two months, and was
administered to by her daughter, Jane (Higley) Barnard, the
last three years of her life. During the last year she lived her
mind was in process of dissolution, and was so enfeebled that
she was unable to deal with anything that required thorough
judgment.
She died October 15, 1872, in the old Higley homestead — the
same home that she entered fifty-four years before, when she
became the wife of the Hon. Jonathan Higley in the year 1818.
She was interred in the village cemetery at Windsor Corners.
THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
>.
w
The sons and daughters of Jonathan Higley, 3d., were as
follows:
Hume, born February 17, 1807.
Allen, " January 14, 1809.
Achsah, " February 5, 1811.
Mary, " February 18, 1813.
Kesiah, " August 19, 1815.
Achsah, " October 26, 1819.
Jonathan, 4th, " Thursday, June 21, 1821.
Hector, " Tuesday, September 10, 1822.
Ursula, " Tuesday, September 15, 1824.
Aaron, " Monday, May 29, 1826.
Martha, " Friday, May 24, 1828.
Homer, " Saturday, January 30, 1830.
Olive, " Wednesday, September 17, 1832.
Harrison, " Saturday, May 17, 1834.
Infant, born early in 1836, died of whooping-cough,
1836.
Lewis, born Tuesday, May 16, 1837.
^ Jane, " Monday, July 15, 1839.
PQ
CHAPTER LXIII.
HUME HIGLEY.
Hume, Jonathan, 3d, Jonathan, Jr., Jonathan, Samuel, ist, Captain John Higley.
These struggling tides of life that seem
In aimless wayward course to tend,
Are eddies of the mighty stream
That rolls to its appointed end.
— WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT.
HUME HIGLEY, the oldest child of Esquire Jonathan Higley, 3d,
and Kesiah Griswold, was born February 17, 1807, on the old
Higley farm which was a part of the original purchase of his
grandfather at Windsor, Ashtabula County, O.
Industrial labor and manual training went hand in hand in his
farm life during his childhood. He acquired his education of
winters at the country district school. When a boy of but nine
years he was deprived of his mother by death, yet she left so clear
a photograph upon his young heart that it became an enduring
impression, lasting as long as he lived. He always recalled her
as a mother who was. endowed with a strong brain, lively intel-
lect, and cheerful spirit.
By the time that> he was a well-grown lad, the forest clearings
in the "Western Reserve" showed comfortable farm?, fairly
well stocked, and a colony of growing prosperity. Fo' one year,
when he was about twenty, he taught a district school. On the
loth of December, 1829, he married Betsey Norris, who came
from Tolland, Conn. They settled upon a farm given him by his
father, a part of lot 9, 7th range, which lay in the near vicinity
of the home of his birth. This farm he held about forty years.
But his leaning was toward a business life, and later on he almost
entirely gave up plowing the ground and sowing the seed, engag-
ing in other enterprises, some of which involved the outlay of
considerable amounts of money, as well as necessitating his
absence from his home and family. In business relations, he
was known as a man of strict integrity, possessing a vigorous
and a thoroughly honest mind.
About the year 1852 he took a large contract for the construc-
34 ™
5*8 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
tion of the Lake and Trumbull County plank road, a work
attended with a vast amount of heavy labor, a part of his section
passing through the original forest. This required that the trees
should be felled and the stumps removed, which in those days,
when the aid of mechanical labor-saving machinery was yet in
rude form, required a courageous heart and persevering effort to
accomplish. He filled the contract faithfully, and to the entire
satisfaction of the contracting company.
About the year 1847 he began purchasing live stock, more
especially swine, and driving them in large numbers to Brighton,
the live stock market of Boston. This brought him into com-
mercial transactions with business men of the cities and towns,
as well as with the farmers of Northern and Central Ohio and
Indiana, which gave him a wide experience with men, and made
him an excellent judge of character. He finally acted for a
number of years as buyer for a large Boston commission house,
David Collins'; and also became the purchaser and shipper of
butter and eggs for the firm of Rockwell & Higley of Boston.
He was elected justice of the peace for Windsor, in the year
1859, and served for some years, discharging the duties of his
office with wisdom and fairness. His conciliatory temperament —
a marked characteristic of Hume Higley — gave him ample oppor-
tunity, while holding the office, to exert his noble faculty in striv-
ing to harmonize or check contentions, and it was a singular
result, though a common one applied to very many cases, that
the differences of the opposing parties, brought before Squire
Higley, were, through his influence, harmoniously compromised
and satisfactorily settled without legal action.
About the year 1855 he began prospecting for coal, having
for some time previously held the opinion that there were
valuable mineral deposits in that section of the State. Whether
it was an imaginative genius that he acted upon, with a seer's fore-
sight of the unfailing quarries of beautiful building-stone and
fountains of natural gas which were as yet hidden and undis-
covered beneath the earth's surface in Northern Ohio, or whether
he had some clew for his good dreams, no one now living can tell;
but he went energetically about his search, spending much time
and effort, with considerable outlay of means, during the follow-
ing five years. At different points he excavated to the depth of
thirty feet and over, more than once making a find of coal, but
the layers being thin, he abandoned them. In Newberry Town-
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. 519
ship, Geauga County, he dug eighteen feet, and claimed that he
had discovered a fairly good deposit, sufficient to warrant him in
taking a lease of almost five hundred acres of land where this coal
was located; here he began developing a mine, but the opera-
tions on the whole, proving unsatisfactory, he gave them up on
the expiration of the lease.
Hume Higley, like his father, Jonathan Higley, 3d, was ever
a friend to suffering humanity. He possessed unusual tender-
ness of nature. He was a young man in the prime and vigor of
life when the subject of slavery began to be discussed, and soon
began to see the need of earnest labor and active exertions in
behalf of the enslaved blacks of the South. It was in the days
when there was much odium attached to the Abolition cause, yet
the general opposition which at that time prevailed in the North
toward the unpopular controversy had little weight with him, and
he went straightforward in the "dauntless battle," fearlessly
advocating unconditional emancipation ; nor did he cease his prac-
tical friendly aid to the slave, or his outspoken word and action
in his behalf, till he saw the day when human liberty was pro-
claimed, reaching the shores of our great land from its rising
to its setting sun, and from the Gulf to its northernmost
boundary.
Hume Higley was an exceptionally fine specimen of manhood,
standing six feet two inches in height, broad in proportion, and
finely shaped, weighing two hundred and sixty pounds; with a
confident bearing and manner. He possessed immense mus-
cular strength.
During his experience as schoolmaster when a young man, it
happened one day that a "big boy," who was the size of an
ordinary man, was caught in a misdemeanor. On being reproved
the pupil began making a display of bravado, and defied the
master. Higley ordered him to come from his seat to the center
of the floor. This the young man refused to do. Higley then
starting toward him, the chap clutched to a door close at hand,
holding on with unyielding grip, when the stalwart teacher, with-
out any apparent effort, grasping him by the seat of his trousers,
lifted him to his shoulder, together with the door broken from its
hinges, and bearing both out to the road, the pupil all the while
kicking and squirming, set him on his feet and ordered him to
leave the premises; the young man left at double-quick pace.
Higley never made use of his powerful strength for combative
520 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
purposes, and used himself to declare that " he could scare more
persons than he was willing to whip." He thought nothing of
lifting from the ground, over the sideboards of a wagon, a barrel
filled with cider and placing it therein, and was known to take
a barrel of oil from a wagon which stood in front of a store-
house, carry it up four steps and to a wareroom in the rear of
the building. He never showed any apparent extra exertion in
performing such feats.
Hume Higley was not a church member. He was a thorough
believer in and practiced the spirit and essence of the true
religious sentiment contained in the precept, "As ye would that
men should do to you, do ye even so to them." With his sons
he made himself so genial and confidential that he was their
most intimate friend till long after they had gone out into the
world. The thought of fear of their father never possessed
them, for he was always considerate of their temptations and
surroundings, reasoning with them for their best good.
Mr. Higley's good qualities of courage and good fellowship
were characteristically prominent till his strong constitution and
vigorous good health gave way, about the year 1863, to a nervous
disorder, — epilepsia, — leaving him as the winter of life advanced
an almost confirmed invalid.
He died April 7, 1879, at the age of seventy-two years and
two months. The interment was in the village cemetery at
Windsor Corners.
Betsey (Norris) Higley, the wife of Hume Higley, was the
daughter of Benjamin and Betsey Norris, of Tolland, Conn.
Her birth took place May 15, 1808, on her father's home-farm,
which was located three miles north of the court house on
Tolland Street. It is said by her old friends who remember her
from her childhood, that she was a healthy lassie, with well-
rounded figure, remarkably red cheeks, and winning ways.
Her father, besides devoting his attention to his farming
operations, for many years had charge of the toll-gate on the
turnpike road, of ninety-six miles, which ran from Boston to
Hartford. These were in the old stage-coach days of traveling,
and during the times when great quantities of produce were
hauled between these cities by large two-horse teams. Stage
horses in those times trotted at a lively pace — there was no
lagging. It can well be imagined that the full rosy-cheeked little
girl may have often been seen scampering to look on as the
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY,IST. 521
great event of each day came to pass, when the stage horn was
blown and the Boston coach came rushing by with its four spirited
horses, loaded inside with passengers, and a lot of them on top;
and this sight, together with the constant coming and going of
the intelligent hardy teamsters, who used to stop and hold long
drawn out conversations with her father while their horses drank
at the public watering trough by the roadside, and rested a bit,
gave to the little maiden her first perceptions of this great
revolving world, and brought to her knowledge nearly all that
she knew of its commerce and activities.
But Betsey was yet a child when her father died of "white
swelling " in one of his legs, leaving a family of seven children *
to be brought up by their widowed mother. This heavy care
brought upon her a hard struggle with life.
In the year 1812 the brothers of Benjamin Norris, John and
Cornelius, emigrated from Tolland, Conn., to Windsor Township
in the Western Reserve, Ohio, and in 1813 their old neighbor
and friend, Elijah Grover, followed, all removing their families
with them. This emigration, with others from their town, had
acquainted Benjamin Norris and his wife with this fertile region
of increasing good fortune and prosperity, and when the Widow
Norris' daughter Deborah married Orin Grover, they too, to-
gether with her 'son Samuel, decided to make it their future
home.
It happened a few years later that the wife of Elijah Grover
died, and finding himself desolate, Mr. Grover set his heart upon
the Widow Norris, who was still living in her old Connecticut
home. In due time he returned to his native*place and married
her, — about 1824, — bringing her the same year, with her remaining
children, among whom was Betsey, to his farm at Windsor, O.
They made the journey to Albany, N. Y., by the usual route,
taking the then great waterway for travel — the Erie Canal —
they came to Buffalo, where they embarked on a sailing vessel
and sailed for Ashtabula, O. Here they landed, and coming by
ox-team twenty-eight miles southwest through the woods, they
arrived at their future home.
Young Betsey was now a girl of sixteen. Connecticut had a
fair educational system in those times, and she had acquired a
1 The names of the children of Benjamin and Betsey Norris were as follows : Deborah, Ben-
jamin, Samuel, Sally, Martin, Greenleaf, Increase, and Betsey ; all of whom were born in Tol-
land, Conn.
522 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
pretty thorough knowledge of the ordinary English branches.
From her early childhood she had showed signs of cleverness and
talent. She early developed into a finely proportioned woman,
amiable and thoughtful. She was never a person given to many
words. Her mother, Mrs. Grover, died four years after she
became the wife of Elijah Grover.
About the year 1826 Betsey began teaching a school in the
eastern district of Windsor. She afterward taught at Harts-
grove.
On the loth of December, 1829, she married Hume Higley,
and became the mother of twelve children. Her married life
was engrossed with the over-weight of domestic cares which
have always been imposed upon the farmers' wives of our country
— an endless round of unfinished toilsome duties from which
they have but little respite.
It was not many years after her marriage till the charge of
her family devolved almost wholly upon her owing to the fre-
quent absences of her husband in his business relations. In this
responsibility she managed the family and its affairs with pru-
dence and energy.
The Norrises of Connecticut were Methodists in their religious
creed, and her preference in church connections was with that
body.
Mrs. Betsey Higley was a good woman and a good mother.
She was made acquainted with a large share of the burdens of
life, which tested her equanimity and courage. As the flight of
years went by, she ennobled them in the presence of her family
with a meek and quiet spirit. Her last days upon earth were
smitten with severe pangs of physical suffering, rendering her a
helpless invalid. She died of cancer, August i, 1875, and was
laid to rest beside her husband.
Hume and Betsey (Norris) Higley were the parents of twelve
children, viz. :
Cicelia, Henry Anson, Martin TV., Addison N., Elizabeth,
Charles, Mary, Emory, Emory, ad, Greenleaf W., Lucy Exnie, and
Harriet.
CICELIA HIGLEY, the first child of Hume and Betsey (Norris)
Higley, was born at Windsor, O., October 30, 1830. She received
a fair education for the women of those times who lived in
agricultural districts. She grew up to be the companion and
main assistant of her mother in the labor and care of her large
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY t\ST. 523
family. Her entire life was spent in the home domestic circle.
She died unmarried, March 19, 1864.
HENRY ANSON HIGLEY, the second child of Hume and Betsey
(Norris) Higley, was born at Windsor, Ashtabula County, O.,
April i, 1832.
His earlier years were spent in alternate periods of practical
agricultural pursuits and in learning. He received his education
at the district school, afterward attending a local academy at
Windsor Corners with Professor Wakefield as its principal. But
he abandoned farm life at an early age to enter a different sphere.
When he reached his majority his father gave him a twenty-
dollar gold piece, with which he went to Boston, Mass. This was
his first step into commercial life. Arriving in that city an
utter stranger, save one young man whom he had seen in Ohio,
and lodging over night 'at a hotel, he set out next morning to
find his friend, who was then in the employ of A. P. Ellis & Co.,
commission merchants. Soon finding the business house and,
after some conversation with his friend, he made application
for employment. To this application he did not receive an
assuring answer; however, before night he found himself engaged
by the firm. The day following was Saturday. His employer
seeing something in the verdant young man that interested
him, invited him to be his guest over Sunday at his country
residence at West Newton, an invitation gladly accepted, espe-
cially as his traveling expenses and hotel bills had relieved his
pocketbook of all of his funds except one shining fifty-cent piece.
At Mr. Ellis' country home he 'was highly entertained with the
horses, the various riding vehicles, the gardens, conservatories,
and the beautiful appointments of a fine country seat. He seemed,
too, to find favor with his employer's family, for Mr. Ellis ex-
tended his invitation for a week. But there is no romantic account
that the young man fell in love with his employer's daughter !
When ten days were passed, young Higley was installed into
his business life. He entered with zest into his work, and served
six months, living in the meanwhile as economically as he possi-
bly could. As yet not a word had been said concerning his
salary. Mr. Ellis then one day, calling him into his private office,
asked him if he was satisfied with his position. Receiving an
honest assurance that he was, he offered him six dollars a week
for his past services and seven for the future. The offer was
524 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
abundantly satisfactory. This was in the year of 1853. His
salary was, however, gradually increased, till within his first year
his wages were raised to ten dollars weekly. This amount was
then considered a fine salary for a young man in this business.
Two years later — 1855 — Mr. Ellis retired from active business
and the firm dissolved. Mr. Higley then received a proposition
from L. W. Rockwell, whose acquaintance he had made in
Boston, to form a partnership in the same line of business, which
offer Mr. Ellis advised him to accept. Young Higley had by this
time laid up five hundred dollars. The partnership united under
the firm name of Rockwell & Higley, produce commission mer-
chants. Higley set out speedily and visited the old patrons of
A. P. Ellis & Co., securing the most of the trade which had
belonged to that house, while Rockwell, who was a Nova Scotian,
set off to his native province; the result being that a large and
lucrative trade in potatoes, eggs, wood, and plaster was built
up, the young firm shipping flour in return.
In the meanwhile the Western trade of the house in butter,
eggs, and poultry had largely increased, mainly through the
efforts of Hume Higley, the father of the subject of this sketch,
who had become a purchaser and shipper for the firm.
The business met with success for ten years, when in 1865,
Rockwell & Higley dissolved partnership; the reciprocity treaty
being repealed, a heavy duty was laid upon Canadian produce,
and that branch of the business became unprofitable. The
best of relations had always existed between the partners, but
one instance of a slight misunderstanding having ever occurred,
and it was with feelings of mutual regard and respect that their
business relations were severed.
In January, 1866, Mr. Higley removed to New York City, join-
ing in partnership with his brother Charles, in a commission
house, the firm being known as H. A. & C. Higley & Co. He
withdrew from this firm in a short time, and A. H. Hamilton
became his partner, the firm doing a good business for three
years. He then found opportunity for entering the firm of
Hicks & Hathaway, flour and grain merchants, an offer which
he accepted. In 1875 he returned to the firm of Chas. Higley
& Co., his brother Charles and Mr. Hamilton both having died,
leaving his brother, Greenleaf W. Higley, the only surviving part-
ner in that house. The two brothers continued business under
the old firm name till the year 1878 when, being caught in a finan-
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY,\ST. 525
cial flurry, the house was compelled to suspend. The following
year Mr. Higley turned his business energies to the grain and
provision brokerage business.
The following extract is taken from the New York Produce
Exchange Review, five years later :
" Among the well-established and enterprising members of the grain and provision
trade of New York is Mr. H. A. Higley of Broad Street. He became a member
of the New York Produce Exchange in 1865. Mr. Higley has continued his busi-
ness alone since 1879, and has during the intervening period met with a flattering
degree of success, and is highly spoken of by his fellow-members as a broker of
ability and strict integrity. He has direct connections with Chicago, and has
developed a large trade in the line of grain options, having every possible facility
for the prompt filling of all orders. Mr. Higley has ever given a conscientious
support to all measures best calculated to advance the permanent welfare and
prosperity of the Exchange, and it is such enterprising gentlemen as he who have
so materially built up the organization to its present high degree of usefulness.
Mr. Higley is a native of Ohio, but has been a permanent business resident of the
East thirty years, and has built up a trade and a standing for himself of a character
alike creditable to himself and to the worthy institution of which he has so long
been a member."
It was during the summer of 1884 that Mr. Higley made an
extended journey to the Pacifice coast, traveling northward to
Whatcom, Wash., and southward to California, thoroughly
acquainting himself with the resources and prospects of the
great grain fields of the West — Minnesota, Dakota, Montana, and
Oregon. These observations he put into clever articles which
appeared in the columns of some of the leading New York
financial and commercial journals, and which gained much
acceptance with his business associates "on 'Change." Mr.
Higley has traveled extensively throughout the United States
and been a sensible and close observer.
On removing from Boston to New York he took up his
residence in Brooklyn, where he has since resided. For many
years he owned a pleasant cottage seaside home at Ocean Grove,
N. J., being one of the first purchasers of lots when that well-
known resort was founded. He also held for a number of years
the title deed to the old Family farm at Windsor, O., which had
belonged to his father for a period of forty years.
In 1875 he became a member of Plymouth Church, Brooklyn —
the distinguished Plymouth pastor, the Rev. Henry Ward
Beecher, had few firmer friends or more ardent supporters
than Henry A. Higley.
526 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Mr. Higley has experienced many " ups and downs" in life,
and passed through trying ordeals; some of these perhaps aris-
ing out the stronger and nobler, as well as from his weaker,
characteristics. In a case in point, when maliciously assailed, he
met the difficulty with cool and unyielding courage, having the
nerve to hold with loyal and admirable devotion by those who
shared the stress of storm with him.
Of generous impulses and easily moved by sympathy, he
possesses a singularly marked and strong sense against injustice
and wrong done to others. Conciliatory in temperament and
moderate in tone, he is seldom willing to listen to useless
wrangle, but when his temper, which is slow to take fire, is
aroused he knows how to couch his language in strong, and
sometimes offensive, terms. He has always been known as a
man of energy and activity, having great confidence in whatever
he undertakes. With a genial merriment flowing through his
nature, he can always tell a story singularly adapted to match
any that are told in his presence. Unassuming and courteous
in manner, of commanding figure and ample proportions, — six
feet and one inch in height, and weighing two hundred and thirty-
five pounds, — his presence is easily distinguished wherever he is.
January 14, 1853, he married Sarah Nye. Of this marriage there
were born three children, two of whom died in infancy. The
only surviving child is one son, viz. :
HENRY ALLEN HIGLEY, M. D., who was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., September
13, 1866.
His boyhood was spent with his parents in their Brooklyn home and at their sea-
side residence at Ocean Grove, N. J. October i, 1873, he began his studies at
Lockwood's Academy, Brooklyn, and two years later entered the Brooklyn Poly-
technic Institute, in which collegiate school he passed the various courses of study.
On the ist of October, 1884, he entered the Sheffield Scientific School, Yale Uni-
versity. The following year he relinquished his studies there, and devoted himself
to the study of medicine at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
City, from which he received the degree of doctor of medicine, May, 1888. On the
ist of October of the same year, having been a successful candidate, he entered the
New York Charity Hospital, from which he was graduated April I, 1890. From
that time to the present he has been engaged in the practice of his profession in
Brooklyn, N. Y.
On the 1 5th of September, 1884, Dr. Higley married, in the church of St.
Chrysostom, New York, Harriet A. Welter, daughter of Isaiah and Nancy Welter,
then of Brooklyn, a bright and amiable young woman possessing freshness of char-
acter and lovable natural qualities. They are the parents of two children, viz.:
Florence J., born November 29, 1887. CJiarlotte, born December 6, 1893.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEYt\ST. 527
Continued from page 522.
MARTIN NATHAN HIGLEY, the third child of Hume and Betsey
(Norris) Higley, was born at Windsor, Ashtabula County, O.,
January 20, 1834. With the exception of one year, while in the
employ of the firm of Charles Higley & Co. of New York City,
he always resided in his native county. He followed various
pursuits, was a man possessed of good natural abilities, but not
having turned them to the best uses, he never accumulated prop-
erty. For some years he devoted considerable attention to
casual writing for different country newspapers.
He married, first, Sarah E. Rawdon of Windsor, who was
born December 22, 1841. The marriage took place December
31, 1857. His wife became a victim of consumption, bearing a
protracted period of physical suffering with remarkable patience.
Had the " Unser " Fritz's impressive words,1 " Learn to suffer and
not complain" written two days before his death, been then
inscribed and placed as a motto before her, she could not have
more fully amplified them. She was a woman well-beloved by a
large circle of friends. She died February 22, 1871.
Mr. Higley married, second, Adelia C. Jourdan, January i,
1872. She was born February 16, 1845. Martin N. Higley died
November n, 1895. He was interred in the village cemetery at
Windsor Corners.
Children by first wife: Two infants who died young; Deetta,
born January 14, 1859, who married Martin Mills, 1892. They
reside in Windsor, O.
By second marriage: Allen Edward, born September n, 1872;
Cora Betsey, born December 27, 1874; and married Irwin Sommers,
June, 1893 ; Harry Doune, born December 15, 1878.
ADDISON NATHANIEL, the fourth child of Hume and Betsey
(Norris) Higley, was born at Windsor, Ashtabula County, O.,
August 22, 1835. He resided in his native town till he was
twenty-five. May 6, 1860, he married Sarah E. Jackson, at South
Thompson, Geauga County, O. She was born November 7, 1839.
They settled in South Thompson, where Mr. Higley occupied
himself with agriculture and the purchasing and shipping of
poultry to Boston. August, 1864, he removed with his family to
that city, where he was for one year in the employ of the firm of
1 The German emperor wrote these words beneath his photograph, which he presented to a
friend, two days previous to his death from a cancerous affection : " Lerne Zu leiden ohne
klagen.''
528 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
which his brother Charles Higley was the leading partner. Later
on he formed a partnership with his younger brother, Greenleaf
W. Higley, under the firm name of A. N. Higley & Co., pro-
vision dealers. But not caring for the push and flurry of an
Eastern city life, he chose to close out the business and return to
his native town in Ohio. This was in the spring of 1868. Here
he engaged with Hillard & Hamilton as an advertising agent.
This business Mr. Higley successfully followed a number of
years, traveling in thirty States and Territories. On severing
his connection with the firm early in the seventies, he devoted
himself to the care of his invalid father, Hume Higley, who now
required the constant attention of one of his sons.
Mr. Higley was an extraordinary somnambulist. Among many
incidents in which he betrayed strange actions during a state of
sleep he, one night in 1867, while residing in Boston, owing to a
nervous condition of the system, thought the house on fire. He
was at the time occupying a chamber in the third story of his
dwelling. Promptly clambering out upon the roof, he walked on
the eaves-spouting to the corner of the building and, stepping off,
fell to the pavement below, awakening from the state he was in
to find both of his ankles broken and the bones protruding
through the flesh. He suffered for many tedious weeks
afterward.
Addison N. Higley died September 22, 1876, after having lived
a vigorous and respected life.
His widow married Ezra Rawdon, a much respected citizen of
Windsor, O. She was a Christian professor, and availed herself
of the privilege of a membership in the Universalist Church.
It was her chief joy to aid the sick and unfortunate. Her kind
and obliging ways won the affection of an abundance of friends.
The last years she lived, in the midst of her suffering, which was
lengthened to ten weary months duration from paralysis, her
Christian fortitude was made beautifully evident. She died
January 5, 1883. The Rev. Charles Shipman conducted the
funeral services.
Addison N. and Sarah E. Higley were the parents of one child,
viz. :
HENRY GARRISON HIGLEY, who was born at South Thompson, Geauga County,
O., April 24, 1861. He attended first the district school at Windsor, O., his
parents having removed there in 1868. He afterward was a student at the Austin-
burg Ohio Institute, under Professor Tuckerman, a school of considerable note for
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. S29
its excellent system and facilities for instruction. At the age of fifteen he was
deprived by death of his father's care.
January 24, 1883, he married Jennie A. Rawdon, daughter of Ezra Rawdon.
She was born June 14, 1862.
While Henry G. Higley has always been practically familiar with agriculture,
and carried it on to some extent, he has engaged from time to time, and with an
almost invariable degree of fair success, in a variety of enterprises : sometimes his
time and interests have been connected with a large stone-quarry at Windsor Mills,
again in the purchase and sale of lots of land, etc., etc. He resides in a substantial
home which he built and owns at Orwell, Ash tabula County, O., and where he is
at present (1896) engaged in the purchase and shipping to New York of farm prod-
uce, making a specialty of nuts and poultry.
He is a man of strong physique, possessing a well-balanced mind and kindly dis-
position ; thoroughly upright and honorable in his business relations, energetic,
and of untiring diligence, and has many friends. Mr. Higley has belonged to
the Order of Odd Fellows since he was twenty-one years old. He is now a " Past-
Grand," having taken three degrees. Henry G. and Jennie Rawdon Higley are
the parents of three children :
Leonard Addison, born January 30, 1884 ; Richard Ezra, born December I,
1886 ; and Amarett Helen, born August 4, 1888.
ELIZABETH HIGLEY, the fifth child of Hume and Betsey (Nor-
ris) Higley, was born at Windsor, O., December 13, 1836. She
died, unmarried, at sixteen years of age, , 1852.
" Time had set
No silvery signet on her yet,
The crown of womanhood but now
Rested upon her placid brow."
•
Continued from page 532.
CHARLES HIGLEY, the sixth child of Hume and Betsey (Norris)
Higley, was born at Windsor, Ashtabula County, O., August 18,
1838. He received a common school education, chiefly during the
winter months, working during his boyhood on his father's farm
of summers. When seventeen he began assisting his father in
buying farm products, butter, eggs, and poultry, and shipping the
same to the firm of Rockwell & Higley of Boston. In this
employment he was engaged till he was twenty, gaining all the
while habits of self-reliance and an experience which proved
invaluable to his future business career. He had a good busi-
ness head, and was gifted with great mental energy, capable of
quickly grasping and deciding upon a measure, and was a tire-
less worker. He was good-natured, yet withal, shrewd, honest,
and upright, having steady purposes and good habits.
53° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
At twenty he went to the city of Boston, engaging as salesman
with Rockwell & Higley, the firm of which his brother Henry
was then a partner. This position he held three years. He then,
in 1861, entered into a partnership with James P. Emmerson in
the produce commission business, under the firm name of Charles
Higley & Co. In about two years this firm was dissolved by
mutual consent, and a new firm was formed under the name of
Higley, Bennett & Co. This house did a large and successful
produce commission business, and was very popular with the
trade, Charles Higley winning his way to prominence by his inde-
fatigable industry and enterprise.
Finding that many of their heaviest Western shippers preferred
to forward their produce to New York City, and believing that
it would be to his best business advantage to remove there,
Higley decided to close out in Boston and open a house in the
commercial metropolis. This was early in 1865. Entering into
partnership with O. W. Paine, they opened a house in Washing-
ton Street, New York, July 4, 1865, in the same line of business
which Mr. Higley had so successfully conducted in Boston. The
enterprise was prosperous. The following year, 1866, a new
combination was formed, composed of Henry A. Higley, Charles
Higley, and A. H. Hamilton. Henry A. Higley and A. H.
Hamilton withdrew by mutual consent after continuing in the
business one year, Charles Higley and O. W. Paine continuing
under the style of Charles Higley & Co. till 1870, when Mr.
Paine withdrew, and A. H. Hamilton was again admitted. Mr.
Hamilton died in the spring of 1873, and Greenleaf W. Higley
became a member of the firm.
During these several changes, the business had continued to
increase, the house becoming one of the largest produce com-
mission houses in New York. The spring of 1874 found Charles
Higley in failing health. He had always till now enjoyed a
strong and robust constitution; handsome in personal appearance,
of magnificent physique, weighing two hundred pounds, and in
height six feet two inches, the warning could scarcely be accepted
by his family and his friends that so much vitality and power and
spirit could ever cease ; but his decline was rapid. His physicians,
who pronounced his disease enlargement of the heart, advised
change of climate, and complete rest from business cares.
Arrangements were made for him and his family to go to the
White Mountains, but on the very eve of setting off hemorrhage
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY,\ST. 531
set in; however, he soon rallied, and some two weeks were spent
in the exhilarating mountain atmosphere, from which at first he
appeared to receive benefit. Again beginning to fail, and longing
for his home, to gratify him the family started for Brooklyn,
N. Y. ; he was, however, destined never to cross his threshold
again. The railroad passengers looked on with a sort of tender-
ness, as a fit of prostration came suddenly over him, in which he
expired, about four o'clock on the afternoon of August 10, 1874,
just as the train was nearing Springfield, Mass. His age was
thirty-six years. The body was brought to Brooklyn, and the
burial took place in the family lot in Greenwood cemetery. He
left a comfortable estate to his family.
Charles Higley married Sarah Francis Taylor in Boston.
Three children were born of the marriage, viz. :
Edward, Adelaide T., and Charles.
The family reside in Brooklyn, N. Y.
MARY HIGLEY, the seventh child of Hume and Betsey (Norris)
Higley, was born at Windsor, O., May 8, 1840. She lived at
home with her parents till her marriage, July 17, 1863, to Levi
Smith of Monteville, O. During her brief married life they re-
sided on a small farm at Monteville.
She died, July 16, 1864, just one year, lacking but one day, from
the date that she became a bride.
The burial took place in the village cemetery at Windsor Cor-
ners. Her husband survived her but a few years. There were
no children.
EMORY HIGLEY (ist), the eighth child of Hume and Betsey
(Norris) Higley, was born February 24, 1842, and died the follow-
ing October, aged six months.
Continued from page 522.
EMORY HIGLEY (zd), the ninth child of Hume and Betsey
(Norris) Higley, was born at Windsor, O., June 29, 1843. Here
he spent the first nineteen years of his life. He received his
education at the District School, No. 6.
Early in 1862 he joined the forces banded together for the pres-
ervation of the Union, enlisting in Company B, 23d Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, a regiment of which ex-President Hayes was
at that time the major, and afterward the general-commanding.
Emory Higley served with the regiment one year, when he re-
S32 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ceived an honorable discharge on account of general disability.
Soon after his return from the Civil War he went to Boston and
entered the employ of H. L. Lawrence & Co., commission
merchants, remaining with the concern two years. From Boston
he removed in 1865 to Butler, Ind., having a favorable prop-
osition of a partnership with Samuel Haverstock in the sale of
general merchandise. The firm did an extensive and profitable
business under the firm name of Haverstock & Higley.
The year following, May 13, 1866, he married the daughter of
his partner, Mary Haverstock, a most estimable young woman
possessing excellent qualifications for a good wife. Her father
was a man of wealth. He died some years later, leaving her a
valuable property.
But Emory Higley's tastes inclined to journalism. He estab-
lished The Banner of Liberty, the first newspaper published in the
town of Butler, and finally giving up his excellent business oppor-
tunities, and severing his connection with the mercantile firm at
Butler, he removed to Vallisca, la., and there started a bright
and successful journal.
On the 22d of May, 1872, he married Eliza Blakesley of Mal-
com, Poweskiek County, la. He afterward removed to New
York City, where he took a position in the house of his brother,
Charles Higley & Co. This position he held a few years,
when he returned to Iowa, and settling at Red Oak, established
a weekly journal — the Red Oak Record, which he successfully
conducted for some time. Afterward he went to Le Mars, la.,
where he became the assistant editor and solicitor of the Le Mars
Daily Globe, a newspaper of considerable standing and influence
in the State. He remained in this connection till his decease.
He had great adaptability and versatility, traits which enabled
him to work in many directions. His death was untimely, for he
was a man in the very prime of his days. It came suddenly and
without any warning. On the evening of November 29, 1885,
while spending an evening with a friend, he was seized with a
fit of apoplexy, and life soon became extinct. The press, in its
editorial obituaries, speaks of him as having been "a man with
faults and errors, but possessing a big heart, generous impulses,
and a bright intellect."
He was interred in the Union Cemetery at Le Mars, the funeral
being conducted by the G. A. R., of which order he was a
member.
GREENLEAF W. HIGLEY AND FAMILY.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY,\ST. 533
By his marriage with Mary Haverstock he had children, viz. :
Luther J?., born October 30, 1867; and Lever ett Graver, born
December 31, 1870.
By second marriage: Ray IV., born April 7, 1873; Hume, born
January 22, 1877.
LUTHER H. HIGLEY, the first child, was born at Butler, Ind., October 30, 1867.
He is a man possessing admirable traits of character, and is a citizen of excellent
standing. He was chosen principal of the Butler High School, 1893, acceptably
filling the responsible position. Professor Higley is also the editor and publisher
of The Butler Record. He married, February 9, 1889, Carrie D. Palmerston, who
was born April 2, 1869. Their child, Ethel Adeline, was born November 13, 1892.
GREENLEAF W. HIGLEY, the tenth child and youngest son of
Hume and Betsey (Norris) Higley, was born at Windsor, Ashta-
bula County, O., May 10, 1845.
His early plow-boy life on his father's farm, among the various
haunts of field, stream, and woods, made him physically strong,
which, with the inheritance of brains and practical good sense, laid
an excellent foundation upon which developed natural energy
and stirring qualities of force and courage, elements which his
character conspicuously disclosed in later years. He, as well as
his brothers, was among the shrewd and honest young men who
come to our great cities from the rural districts, with their only
capital — their brains and good health, their pluck and industrious
habits, and comprehending the intricate steps of commerce,
become geniuses of trade.
Greenleaf acquired a common school education at the district
public school; from early life he wrote a good hand, and was
always bright in figures. During the years of his boyhood his
father was absent from home the larger proportion of the time,
engaged in buying provisions for Boston commission houses, and
his older brothers had gone out to make their way in the world.
This brought opportunity for him to display some of the
promising qualities of his youth, and his capacity for taking
responsibilities.
When but a lad of thirteen he was accustomed to being sent to
Painesville, O., twenty-one miles distant, to transact business
matters for the family, such as getting drafts cashed, etc. It
was the intelligence and aptness of the boy that attracted the
attention of Mr. Osborne, an elderly gentleman, cashier of the
Lake County Bank, with whom these business transactions
35
534 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
were conducted, which caused him to frequently speak words of
praise and approval to the lad, and this it was that first inspired
him to grasp a wider idea of the world, and begat an ambition to
look beyond the quiet life of the country farm.
At sixteen his father requested him to meet him at Attica, Ind.,
and accompany him in his business engagements. Greenleaf set
off with much enthusiasm on this his first traveling experience,
walking to Painesville and there taking a railway train. During
the next five years, 1861-65, ^e was away from home much of the
time, associated with his father in the purchase and shipping of
provisions, traveling in Indiana, Illinois, and Southern Ohio.
Hume Higley was finally, in 1865, forced, from failing health, to
give up business, and Greenleaf, having reached his twentieth
year, was not long in making his way to Boston. He first engaged
with the produce commission house of Rockwell & Higley, and
remained in its employ two years.
Left now to his own resources, life was far from being dull
and monotonous to the young man. Genial, social, and of a
cheery natural temperament, he was at no loss in a large city to
find plenty of entertainment. He joined a Good Templars' lodge,
where the young people enjoyed lively evenings. Here he met
Helen Simpson, his future wife, whom he married January 21,
1867.
Mr. Higley's older brother, Addison N. Higley, opening a prod-
uce commission house in Boston about this time, Greenleaf
joined him under the firm name of A. N. Higley & Co. This
firm was afterward styled Higley Brothers & Adams. The
concern was rather short-lived, though the enterprise met with
fair success, doing business in a small way; however, they wound
it up honorably. Addison Higley returned to Ohio, and Green-
leaf and his wife went to Butler, Ind., where Mr. Higley entered
the mercantile store of Haverstock & Higley, of which his brother
Emory was then one of the partners. Not liking the position,
Mr. Higley remained only a few months, and, returning to Bos-
ton, engaged again in the commission business. This time he
began in a modest way on his own responsibility.
In the meanwhile his brother, Charles Higley, having in the
year 1865 opened a house in the same line of trade in New York
City, and business increasing, he made a favorable offer to Green-
leaf, which was accepted. Surrendering his lease and winding up
his Boston concern with a fair balance in his favor, Mr. Higley
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, \ST. 535
removed to New York, November, 1868, settling his family in
Brooklyn. After the first year he received twenty-five dollars a
week and five per cent, of the profits.
In 1870 a change in the firm of Charles Higley & Co. took
place, one of the partners withdrawing, giving place to A. H.
Hamilton. The death of Mr. Hamilton occurring in 1873, Green-
leaf W. Higley became a member of the firm. On the roth of
August, 1874, his brother Charles died, leaving Greenleaf the
only surviving member of the firm. It was at a time of the firm's
greatest prosperity. He continued alone in sole charge of the
business for one year, the trade of the house all the while increas-
ing. The burden of the business falling too heavily upon him,
his brother Henry A. Higley entered the partnership, the firm
continuing its original name, Charles Higley & Co. On the i5th
of June, 1878, a sudden misfortune caused the house to suspend.
Mr. Greenleaf Higley was advised by Canadian friends to go
to Manitoba. Having young children whose future interests he
considered, he decided upon making the experiment, and during
the autumn of 1878 he set off on the long journey, taking his
family with him. He located, on their arrival, at Gladstone, 104
miles northwest of Winnipeg. This was before the days of rail-
ways in the far northwest of the United States and Dominion.
The romantic adventures and perils of this journey would make
an interesting chapter. Mr. Higley soon opened a trading-post
with the Indians and settlers. He did a good paying business.
A former shipper and patron of his New York house, who
resided in Iowa, approached him concerning returning to New
York, wishing him to take charge of the sale of his produce in
that city. Mr. Higley, realizing the deprivations to which his
family were subjected and the lack of educational facilities for
his children, decided to return, and early in the spring of 1880,
he, with his wife and flock of five young children, retraced their
long journey and found themselves again settled in the great
commercial center of trade, their home being re-established in
Brooklyn. Mr. Harry Dowie, a Scotchman, and a brisk practical
man of experience, who had been in the employ of Charles Hig-
ley & Co. for some years, made a meet person with whom Mr.
Higley should again enter into the general commission business.
The firm was styled Harry Dowie & Co.
The improved facilities for forwarding stock from the West
during all seasons of the year in refrigerator cars, which were
536 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
constantly being extended to new territory, opened a wide field
for obtaining supplies, and brought to New York market immense
quantities of provisions.
The house of which Mr. Higley was now practically the head,
making a specialty of poultry and the cold storage and freezing
process, increased to large proportions, exceeding any predic-
tions that might have been made for such a trade. It was this
firm which originated, to some extent, the method of preserva-
tion of poultry and perishable goods by refrigerating in cold air
chambers, and the house became among the large dealers in New
York City, successfully controlling the market in its particular
product.
The personal popularity of both members of the firm, coupled
with their tact in dealing with men with whom they were brought
into business relations, together with their indefatigable industry
and close attention to business, to which were added G. W.
Higley's thorough and practical experience and extended
acquaintance in the trade, were elements which contributed
largely to their success. Mr. Dowie, after having been inti-
mately associated with him in business relations for twenty
years, asserts to the writer that " My partner is a salesman with-
out an equal; possessing most remarkable traits for business,
keen in perception, an unusually well balanced mind, ready to
listen to all arguments, yet firm and decided in his convictions,
cool and discriminating, and always cheerful, he is the most
congenial man with whom to hold close relations, I candidly
state, that I ever knew." Another business friend says : " He is
spoken of everywhere by both shippers and buyers as a practical
business man of marked ability, whose judgment is to be
respected."
In person Greenleaf W. Higley is six feet one inch in height,
broad-shouldered, and has a weight of two hundred and nine
pounds. He is light complexioned, with a prominent forehead
and open brow, is of a highly sensitive nervous organization,
unpolished except by natural instincts, singularly unassuming,
and unaffectedly modest. For fame he has never cared. No man
has fewer foes than he; everybody who really knows him is his
friend : and no sentiment can more appropriately describe his
most prominent characteristic than the immortal legend, "With
MALICE toward none, with CHARITY for all." But the best test of
a man's whole life is in his own home. The writer of these pages,
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, \ST. 537
who was a member of his household at intervals covering a period
of several years, does not hesitate to frankly declare that his
noble bearing and thoroughly unselfish ways in his domestic
circle, his gentle and naturally kind disposition, are marked
phases of his character worthy of imitation and example.
Mr. Higley has never been active in politics, though he has
always been a decided Republican. His originality of character
and his subtle intellect is given to forming and asking abstruse
questions upon religious subjects. He has never identified him-
self in membership with a church, though he has been a ready
contributor to church finances when called upon; his retiring
nature has kept his many generous deeds from public knowledge.
He is a man who keeps pace with the current of the times, and
possesses a large fund of general information. Of sociable habit
when with personal friends, in his relaxation he likes his cigar,
and is fond of story-telling, always having a fitting one at his
tongue's end.
Besides owning for some years a valuable city residence in
Brooklyn, N. Y., he became the purchaser, from his brother, in
1 886, of the old homestead farm at Windsor, O. , where he was born.
Here Mr. Higley built a country residence, which his family have
occupied as a summer home a part of each year the last seven
years. It was at this country place that he and his wife enter-
tained the first general reunion of the Higley Family of this coun-
try, a memorable event which socially proved of great personal
satisfaction, the result of which was to awaken a wide-spread and
lasting interest in the past history of the Higley Family.
It was to Greenleaf W. Higley's inception that the Higley kith
and kin are indebted for this volume, a work in which he has
taken an unflagging interest, from no other motive except his
desire that the record of his progenitors should be collected and
preserved. He has encouraged the measure in every possible
way, and, independently of the families themselves, meritoriously
assumed almost the entire expense of collecting the material.
And it was the outgrowth of G. W. Higley's large natural
resource' of suggestion and origination, that in the year 1874
the New York Daily Market Report was established, Frank Barry,
publisher, the journal giving a daily review of the produce market.
There was at that time no special daily paper published which
was devoted alone to this object. Higley's firm financially sus-
tained the enterprise, beside sending out several hundred copies
538 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
each day to its patrons. The little journal prospered and met
with success, having now a wide circulation among the general
commission houses of New York, which they distribute to their
customers.
In the spring of 1890 Mr. Higley's health suffered prostration
consequent upon long over-taxation in business ; hemorrhage of
the stomach set in, and his vital forces well-nigh collapsed under
nervous prostration. It was decided by his physicians that if he
regained his health, to relieve the physical and mental strain he
must give up the active duties of commercial life and retire to his
country home to recuperate. Remaining there for a period of
more than two years, he apparently recovered, and in 1893 again
entered into active business life in New York City.
His wife, Helen Simpson, of sturdy, courageous Scotch stock,
a woman independent in thought, intense in her emotions, and
of great practical energy, was brought by her parents, with a
Scotch colony that came to America and settled at Valcartier,
twenty miles north of Quebec, Canada, when she was seven years
of age. She was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, August 18, 1844.
She has always retained a warm attachment for the people of
her nativity, and a thoroughly loyal feeling to the land of her
birth and kindred there. Strong in character and person, she
grapples difficulties with no slumbering or uncertain hand, throw-
ing herself unflinchingly into any situation in which circum-
stances are unfavorable, pressing her way through, and inspiring
all about her with hope and courage. Full of humane impulses,
she will go out of the way at any time to do a kindness ; her
hospitality is free and hearty. She has a taste for reading, and
keeps pace with the current events and popular books of the day.
When she was at her best she sang with deep pathos the old
Scotch ballads which she had been trained in and taught from
childhood ; many has been the evening when with perfect accent
and expression she has moved those around her fireside with
"My Ain Countrie," together with
" And there's a hand, my trusty frere,
And gi'e's a hand o' thine ;
And we'll talc' a richt guid-willie waught
For auld langsyne.
For auld langsyne, my dear," etc.
In the province of her home Mrs. Higley is the efficient basis
of the domestic system. She is a member of the Lewis Avenue
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY,\ST. 539
Congregational Church, Brooklyn. Her father, John Simpson, a
typical Scotchman who retained to a wonderful degree to the
end of his life the marked characteristics of his race, writes in
his native Scotch dialect of her ancestry as follows :
"VALCARTIER, Q., C., December 5, 1886.
" DEAR MISTRESS JOHNSON : I see ye wish an ootline o' the hist'ry o* my fore-
bears an' mysel', but I fear it wad tak' ower lang to tell, an' fill up too muckle
room ; forbye, I doobt it wadna be very interestin' readin' ; hooever, I'll try to
mak' the lang story short.
" My gran'feyther wis William Simpson, a sma' farmer frae the pairish o'
Beath, Fifeshire, an' my gran'mither's name was Marget Macgregor. They hed
twasons an' ae dochter — John, Davie, an' Elspeth, or ' Eppie,' as she wis aye ca'ed.
John wis my feyther. He mairrit ane Helen Reid, a dochter o' George Reid, wha
wrocht i' the agriculturist wey aboot Cooriss [Culross], near Clackmannan, an' eemi-
gratit to Delhie,1 mair than saxty-five years syne. This Cooriss, ye ken, used to be
lang famed for its girdles forbakin' bannocks on, an' is situatit on an ootlyin' little
bit o' Perthshire [recently added to Fifeshire by the Boundary Commissioners].
44 Efter their mairrage John and Helen — my feyther and mither — took a fairm
in Fife. They hed a lairge faimly — Davie, Willie, Geordie, John (mysel'), Jamie,
an' a wheen dochters, but a' the lassies deid in infancy excep' Marget, wha is still
alive. Willie becam' a shoemaker, an' Jamie a baker. As for mysel' I followed
agricultural pursoots till I wis fifteen years of age. Then I went to the ' lang
toon ' o' Kirkcaldy (Fifeshire) to learn to be a millwright an' engineer. I ser'd an
apprenticeship o' near seeven years at it. Whan my time wis oot I gae'd to Enbrugh
[Edinburgh], an" efter workin' there a while I mairret Mary Younge, a dochter o'
Jeems Younge, cairragemaker. He wis a hard-workin' airtisan an' belanged to
Dollar, Clackmannanshire, but Mary hersel' wis born in theCanongate o' Enbrugh.
My feyther-in-law hed a lairge faimly, but he's been deid for mony years noo.
" Mary (my wife) an' me, efter oor mairrage lived for quite a number o' years in
Enbrugh. There she brocht hame to me twa dochters an' ae son. The dochters
are still alive, but the son " is not " — he deid while young. Ane o' my dochters,
Mary, mairret George Todd, potter, noo an agriculturist here at Valcartier ;
an' my ither dochter, Helen, mairret Greenleaf W. Higley of New York. I left
Enbrugh for this Province on loth April, 1851, an' on l8th July landed at Port-
neuf, in the river St. Lawrence, aboot thirty-six miles abune Quebec. My lassie,
Helen, will aye min' weel aboot it, for there, durin' a squall, she fell owre the
wharf into the river and wis near droon'd.
" Whan I wis young they werena sae very partick'lar as they are noo in Scotland
aboot registerin' births et sitra, but a' weel-livin' folk there made a pint o' gettin*
their little anes bapteesed, an' the meenisters were carefu' in keepin' an' preservin'
reg'lar lists o' them ; sae there wad be nae deeficulty o' gettin,' at least, certeeficates
o' the bapteesms o' my forebears, mysel, an' faimly. I wis born at Dothan fairm,
pairish o' Auchterderran, Fifeshire, on 3lst July, 1815. My wife (wha wud be
three years aulder than me) wis bapteesed in Nicolson Street United Secession
Kirk, Enbrugh. Oor bairns were a' born in Pleasance Street, Enbrugh, and were
bapteesed in Broughton Place United Secession Kirk, there. Mary wis born on
1 State of New York.
54° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY,
26th April, 1839 ; John, on 3ist December, 1841, an" Helen, on i8th August,
1844. John died on 26th June, 1843.
" Yours truly,
"JOHN SIMPSON." '
As has already been stated, Greenleaf W. Higley and Helen
Simpson were married in Boston, Mass., January 21, 1867. They
are the parents of the following children:
John Greenleaf, born November 22, 1868; Ida Mary, born
February 27, 1870; Harriet Salome, born March 23, 1872; Charles
Windsor, born November 14, 1874; Helen Ruth, born August 31,
1876; Alice M., born February 3, 1878; died February 13, 1878;
Joseph L., born November 23, 1882, died an infant; Elizabeth
Alice, born April 9, 1886.
JOHN GREENLEAF HIGLEY, the oldest child, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y.,
November 22, 1868.
He was an apt student in the Brooklyn public schools, giving his teachers per-
fect satisfaction, graduating in 1885, after which he entered the Brooklyn High
School, from which he was graduated June, 1887. He then began his experience
in commercial life, entering his father's business house in New York City.
From March, 1891 , to January, 1893, he was with a firm in New York City, largely
engaged in the butter and egg business. Later on he connected himself with the
house of H. Dowie & Co.
Mr. Higley has from his boyhood been characterized by his excellent capa-
bilities, his thorough methodical habits, together with stirring industry and faith-
fulness to duty, traits which face his life toward a rising and successful career.
On the 3d of December, 1889, he married Belle Hamilton, daughter of the
late Elwood Hamilton and his wife, Angeline Lyons. She was born January 8,
1870, near Windsor Mills, Ashtabula County, O. Her primary education was
received at the district school. While yet at a tender age she was left motherless.
At fourteen she went to Ravenna, O., where she attended the public graded school
and then attended the high school at Marlboro', O. After the death of her father
she became a student at the New Lyme Institute, Ohio, a collegiate preparatory
school. Here she remained two years. She is a member of the " Christian"
Church.
Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Higley established a tasteful home in
Brooklyn, N. Y. Their children :
Alice Isabel Higley (adopted babe), born December 21, 1892 ; died August i,
1893. El-wood John, born March 8, 1894.
IDA MARY HIGLEY, the second child of Greenleaf W. and Helen Simpson
Higley, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 27, 1870. From childhood she was
practical and earnest, and was early distinguished for her pure and quiet spirit and
high moral purpose, as well as the " Martha-like" care that she took upon herself
in the things of the home and over the younger members of the family.
1 John Simpson died June 2, 1888. His wife, Mary Younge Simpson, died April 16, 1888. They
were interred side by side in the Presbyterian churchyard at Valcartier, St. Gabriel District, Quebec.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY,\ST. 541
Endowed with a philosophic and comprehensive mind, she was always inclined
to intellectual pursuits, which led her during her schooldays not only to diligent and
close application to her studies, keeping abreast with her class, but to snatch hours
whenever she could for reading and the further cultivation of her mind. She has
never been a person to pore over books without absorbing and thinking for herself,
taking pleasure in thoroughly digesting what she reads.
Miss Higley frequented Plymouth Church and listened with ardent interest to
the eloquence of the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, by whom she was baptized. She
was admitted to membership at the age of seventeen.
After she was graduated from Brooklyn Public School, No. 3, in 1886, and when
she became mistress of her own time, she went through the full course of the
Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, receiving a diploma. She has faith-
fully pursued the study of music, in which she has made excellent progress, and
possesses exceptional ability as a music teacher. In 1891 she spent ten weeks
at the Normal School at Fremont, Neb., passing an examination in August of
that year, at Stanton, in nineteen branches, obtaining a Normal diploma, also a
first grade teacher's certificate. She afterward took up the second course of the
Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle.
Eminently qualified for the work, her services now became valuable as a teacher,
and the same year — 1891 — found herteaching in Curtis, Neb. On the close of the
school year she accepted a favorable offer in the town of Medical Lake, Wash.,
where she took charge of the intermediate department. There she played the
organ in the Congregational Church, and on Sunday afternoons for two years
conducted the music in the State Insane Asylum.
She singularly delights in her chosen work of instructing the young, and to this
calling she is now (1895), devoting herself, filling most acceptably a place of rare
usefulness at Mannington, W. Va.
HARRIET SALOME HIGLEY, the third child of Greenleaf W. and Helen Simp-
son Higley, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 23, 1872. She was a vigorous,
high-spirited, generous-hearted child, and is now a diligent, practical, and active
woman, well acquainted with, and efficient in, all of the various phases of the house-
hold domestic interests, and capable in business qualifications. She was graduated
from Brooklyn Public School, No. 3, in the year 1889. She is a member of the
Lewis Avenue Congregational Church and of the Christian Endeavor Society.
She married Floyd Traver Loucks of Brooklyn, N. Y., October 24, 1894, who
was born in Potsdam, N. Y., September 28, 1872. They reside in Brooklyn.
They have one child, Howard Simpson Loucks, born July 9, 1895.
CHARLES WINDSOR HIGLEY, the fourth child of Greenleaf W. and Helen
Simpson Higley, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., November 14, 1874. He attended
the public schools in that city and was graduated June, 1889. He is engaged in
business with a leading commission house of New York City, and resides with his
parents in Brooklyn.
HELEN RUTH HIGLEY, the fifth child of Greenleaf W. and Helen Simpson Hig-
ley, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 31, 1876, and was graduated from Public
School, No. 43, New York City, June 20, 1893. She is a diligent and dutiful
daughter, exercising at all times within the sphere of her home generous and amiable
qualities of heart worthy of remark. Possessing a natural disposition for books
and their contents she turns her spare hours to profit by a constant course of read-
542 THE NIG LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ing. To this practice may be attributed her familiar acquaintance with the works
of many authors. She is a member of Lewis Avenue Congregational Church, and
resides with her parents.
ELIZABETH ALICE HIGLEY, — called " Bessie," — the youngest surviving child of
Greenleaf W. and Helen Simpson Higley, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 9,
1886, and is now attending Public School No. 35, Brooklyn.
Continued from page 523.
LUCY EXNIE HIGLEY, the eleventh child of Hume and Betsey
(Norris) Higley, was born at Windsor, O., September 10, 1848.
She was a brunette, with charming brown eyes. For some years
she was in a delicate state of physical health, which resulted in
the weakening of her mental faculties. She died, unmarried,
May 26, 1872, and was interred in the cemetery at Windsor
Corners.
HARRIET HIGLEY, the twelfth and youngest child of Hume and
Betsey (Norris) Higley, was born at Windsor, Ashtabula County,
O., September 2, 1851. She has spent, with little exception,
her entire life upon the farm where she was born and reared.
During the last years of the lives of both of her parents, through
a protracted period when they were bowed with ill health, she
was dutifully at hand devoting herself incessantly in administer-
ing to their comfort, and faithfully .managing the housewife
affairs.
In substantial acknowledgment of this faithful attention to
their parents, her brothers voluntarily released their right and
inheritance to the old homestead where most of them had been
born, together with sixteen acres of land, presenting her with a
clear title-deed to the property. On this property she now
resides with her husband.
November 10, 1880, she married Andrew M. Cruse, who was
born in Svaneke, Island of Bornholm, Denmark, December 3,
1851. He was the son of Anders and Margrethe Kruse.1 His
father died in 1858, leaving his widow with three children, the
eldest being Andrew, who was but just turned of seven years of
age. The boy attended the national schools in his native town
until he was fourteen, and was confirmed, according to the custom
of the country, in the Lutheran Church.
The mother seeming naturally to lean much upon this son,
1 In the Danish language the name is spelled with a " K " — Kruse.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY,\ST. 543
Andrew grew to manhood in intimacy with her, and under a
sense of the responsibility of the home and its household.
Attracted, when about the age of twenty, by the golden oppor-
tunities and advantages he heard of in America for business
prosperity, he sailed for New York from Copenhagen, August,
1870, and landed on the zoth of September the same year. In
less than twelve months after his arrival in the United States he
went to Windsor, O., where he made an engagement in connec-
tion with a quarry of fine building stone, in which business he has
continued since. He is a man of substantial character and excel-
lent business abilities, well respected in the community.
Their children:
Henry A., born August 14, 1881, died October 2, 1881; Alma
Pearl, born April 21, 1883; Lawrence A., born , 1889.
CHAPTER LXIV.
ALLEN HIGLEY.
Family of the Hon. Jonathan Higley ^ •$<!, continued from page 516.
Allen, Jonathan, 3d, Jonathan, Jr., Jonathan, Samuel, ist, Captain John Higley.
" The present is the vassal of the past."
ALLEN HIGLEY, the second child of Jonathan Higley, 3d, and
Kesiah (Griswold) Higley, was born at Windsor, O., January 14,
1809. He resided in his native township during his whole life.
As a farmer and an extensive dealer in blooded stock, together
with manufacturing to considerable extent the once famous
" Western Reserve cheese," he accumulated property and became
one of the wealthy men of the township.
Mr. Higley was a true type of an American business farmer.
He was an excellent financier, straightforward, and unquestion-
ably a man of force. In making investments of his means he
was conservative and cautious of running risks, but was always
ready to cheerfully entertain propositions for loans to safe busi-
ness men, or to become their security.
He was elected justice of the peace and held the office for some
years.
Like his older brother, Hume Higley, he was a man of noble
stature, measuring six feet in height, and weighing nearly two
hundred pounds; genial in temperament, and of agreeable ways, no
man in the community was better liked or more highly respected.
He married, in 1836, Lois Norris, a cousin of his sister-in-law,
Betsey (Norris) Higley, and daughter of Cornelius Norris, who
came from Tolland, Conn., to Windsor, O., in 1812. She was born
in 1808. Her family were strict members of the Methodist
denomination, and Lois was faithful to her Church. Her hus-
band, Allen Higley, was not a church communicant, but attended
Sunday services with his wife, and gave generously to the regular
support of the church, as well as liberally contributing to a new
church building. After their marriage they took up their resi-
dence in the northwest part of Windsor, where Mr. Higley
owned a considerable tract of land. Later on he built a com-
544
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, \ST. 545
modious dwelling in the southwest part of the town on Phelps
Creek, to which they removed and where they spent their
remaining years.
Mr. and Mrs. Higley had no children. By the decease of their
brother-in-law and sister, Joseph and Mary (Higley) Graves, a
family of nine children were left orphans. Mr. and Mrs. Higley
opened their hearts and home to these children, receiving three,
Allen, Wilbur, and Harriet, to whom they extended faithful and
affectionate paternal care, manifesting an interest in them
scarcely less than they would have bestowed upon children of
their own.
Allen Higley died April i, 1872. His wife, Lois Higley, died
March 27, 1886. Their burials took place in the village cemetery
at Windsor Corners.
Continued from page 516.
ACHSAH HIGLEY, the third child of Jonathan Higley, 3d, and
Kesiah (Griswold) Higley, was born February 5, 1811. She died
of dysentery, August ii, 1816, twodaysafter her mother departed
this life from the same disease.
MARY HIGLEY, the fourth child of Jonathan, Jr., and Kesiah
(Griswold) Higley, was born February 18, 1813. An aged pioneer
who remembers her distinctly remarked to the writer: "Mary
Higley was the finest girl I ever knew." She married Joseph
Graves, of Windsor, O., son of Joseph and Anna Graves. He
was born January 28, 1809. She received as a marriage gift from
her father four hundred dollars in money.
Joseph Graves died of pulmonary consumption, January 23,
1849. His wife died of the same disease, May 13, 1851. They
were interred in the cemetery at Windsor Corners. They were
the parents of nine children, viz. :
Alice and Harriet, twins, born June, 1836; Allen, born August
27, 1838; Ashley, born March, 1840; Lucy, born February, 1842;
Wilbur; Wallace; Edgar and Mary, twins, born June 30, 1849.
The parents and seven of their children died while yet in the
vigor and brightness of man and womanhood. The dates of their
deaths are given below. The three surviving children are Wilbur,
Wallace, and Edgar.
WILBUR GRAVES, the eldest of the three, married Norris, and resides in
Windsor, O. He is an agriculturist, owning a well cultivated farm. Their chil-
dren ; Ernest, Ashley, Benjamin, Augusta.
WALLACE GRAVES, the second surviving son, lived for some time after the death
546 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
of his parents with his grandfather. When soldiers were required for the preserva-
tion of the Union, he was among the first to enter the stirring scenes of the Civil
War. He enlisted, June n, 1861, in the 230! Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel
Rutherford B. Hayes (afterward President of the United States) commanding, " for
three years, or during the War." The regiment was known as " the Hayes Regi-
ment." Wallace Graves served during the entire period of the war, and was with
his regiment in all of its engagements. He more than once suffered severe wounds.
In one battle he was struck by a ball, which entering near the stomach, passed al-
most through his body, making a frightful wound; his life was saved by a success-
ful surgical operation. Again, during the roar of cannon and musketry, he received
a gunshot wound in the knee. Falling upon the field of battle, he was captured a
prisoner. Seeing the Confederates coming upon him, and knowing that he was
forced to surrender, he took his watch from its hiding-place in his clothing, and
dashed it upon a stone close by, shouting, "You shall not get this." He now
resides at Eureka, Humboldt County, Cal.
EDGAR GRAVES, the youngest child of Joseph and Mary Graves, was born at
Windsor, Ashtabula County, O., June 30, 1849. Though left an orphan at an
early period of his life, he acquired a comprehensive education. He resided for a
number of years at Hartsgrove, an adjoining town to that of his birth, bearing a
well-deserved character as an honorable citizen.
Mr. Graves took an active part in the official and educational affairs of the town,
and was honored with different public trusts ; he received the appointment and served
as postmaster, was elected and served in the office of County Clerk, and at the present
time holds the office of Treasurer of Ashtabula County, residing at Jefferson, the
county seat. He married Lucy Jarvis, a woman whose talents, especially in music,
and many attractive qualities win the esteem of all who know her. They have no
children.
Continued from page 516.
KESIAH HIGLEY, the fifth child of Jonathan and Kesiah (Gris-
wold) Higley, was born August 19, 1815. She was an infant but
one year old when her mother died. She married Cyrus Graves,
a brother to Joseph Graves, whom her sister Mary married. At
her marriage she received from her father an equal amount as
that presented to her sister — four hundred dollars. But she was
destined to reach only the bloom of mature womanhood, she
too dying of pulmonary consumption, passing from earth, May 16,
1849. They had two children, Adeline and Orwin. Her husband,
Cyrus Graves, survived her; he removed to Niagara, on the
Canada side, and was for some years the proprietor of the
Niagara House. He died in Canada.
Adeline, their eldest child, born January, 1837, died four years
after her mother. Orwin Graves, the only survivor of the
family, now resides in the Province.
A long row of plain white marble slabs in the cemetery at
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. 547
Windsor Corners, Ashtabula County, O., recording the deaths of
the members of the two families of the Higley sisters sketched
above, who married the Graves brothers, presents the remarkable
and touching spectacle of almost two entire households passing
away with that insiduous disease, consumption of the lungs.
The inscriptions are as follows:
Joseph Graves, died January 23, 1849, aged 40 years.
Kesiah (Higley) Graves, wife of Cyrus Graves, died May 16, 1849, aged 33 years.
Mary (Higley) Graves, wife of Joseph Graves, died May 13, 1851, aged 38 years.
Harriet, daughter of Joseph and Mary Graves, died June 13, 1852, aged 16 years.
Adeline, daughter of Cyrus and Kesiah Graves, died June 19, 1853, aged 16 years,
5 months.
Alice, daughter of Joseph and Mary Graves, died November 17, 1857, in the 22d
year of her age.
Allen, son of Joseph and Mary Graves, died September 28, 1859, aged 2I years, I
month, I day.
Ashley, son of Joseph and Mary Graves, died June 17, 1863, aged 22 years, 10
months, 7 days.
Lucy, daughter of Joseph and Mary Graves, died January II, 1865, aged 22 years,
II months.
Mary K., daughter of Joseph and Mary Graves, died August 2, 1867, aged 18 years,
I month.
Continued front page 516.
ACHSAH HIGLEY (ad), the sixth child of Jonathan Higley, 3d,
and the first by his second wife, Martha (Kinney) Lewis, was
born at Windsor, O., October 26, 1819. At theage of nine years
she went to reside with her grandparents, Isaac and Sally Kinney,
at Kinsman, Trumbull County, O., and at eighteen she united
with the Methodist Church of that place. Here she married
March 31, 1841, Ira Kinney of Kinsman. Mrs. Kinney was born
March 17, 1818. Her father having given her a marriage gift of
two hundred dollars, the newly married pair, uniting their means
as well as their future lives together, secured a small parcel of
land at Newberry, Geauga County, O., upon which they estab-
lished their home. Possessing active energy, good health, and
indomitable spirits, they went to work with a will, and two years
after their marriage purchased additional land; finally increasing
their estate to two hundred acres, for which they have long held a
clear title-deed. On this farm they resided together more than fifty
years. They were among the earliest settlers of Newberry, pass-
ing through all the experiences and vicissitudes of the pioneer life.
548 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Mrs. Kinney passed through life making many friends, but
never enemies. To her family she gave her best attention, being
her husband's helpful companion, and always a faithful counselor
to her children. Many will remember her generous hospitality
with gratitude, her richness in good common sense, and her
affectionate desire Jo serve her God and promote the welfare of
all whose pathway in life lay alongside of her own. Her heart was
in touch with humanity wherever it was in distress or suffering.
It was a usual thing among the many kind acts of her life, to see
her busily engaged in knitting stockings and mittens for the
needy. She became the mother of nine children, two dying soon
after their birth. During the last eight years she lived, she was in
an enfeebled state of health. In the spring of 1892 she began to
perceptibly fail from an affection of the bowels, and on the 20th
of May (1892), she departed at God's "home call," which she
knew, for her listening ear had heard its bidding. The funeral
services took place at her home, and she was laid to rest beside
her children in the cemetery at Newberry Centre. Her husband
survives her. Ira and Achsah (Higley) Kinney were the parents
of the following named children:
Albert Reed, Jonathan Higley, Martha Arvilla, Ira Allen,
Frank IV., Lucy Addie ("Dollie"), and Emma Jane.
ALBERT REED KINNEY, the oldest child, was born May 25, 1844. He remained
at home with his parents, assisting in the farm work and pursuing his studies, till
the spring of 1861, when, on the breaking out of the Civil War, he was among the
first who volunteered in the service of his country. In August of that year he en-
listed in Company B, 4ist Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Though young and
strong, and seeming sure of long life, his constitution did not stand the strain of
hardship and exposure ; the following summer — 1862 — found him much broken
down with a disease incident to camp life, chronic dysentery. He finally became
the occupant of military hospital beds, and at last was transferred to Nashville,
Tenn., where, still continuing to fail in strength, he received, on account of his dis-
ability, an honorable discharge. He was afterward transferred to Louisville, Ky.,
from which point he was with much difficulty brought home by his father — but only
to die. His decease took place soon after his arrival — February 12, 1863. He was
a promising young man, tall in stature, enjoyed fine physical health, and was finely
built ; possessing a sunny disposition, he was always in good spirits. He proved
himself a brave and true soldier.
" He gave up his life his country to save,
And claimed for the sacrifice only a grave."
JONATHAN HIGLEY KINNEY, the second child of Achsah Higley and Ira Kinney,
was born November 25, 1846, and has since lived in Newberry, Geauga County, O.,
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, \ST. 549
with the exception of a few years' residence in the State of Michigan. He
received his elementary education in the neighboring district school, afterward
attending the Chester Cross Road Seminary and the Orwell High School. Later on
he pursued his studies at Geneva, O. He has had some experience as an educator,
having successfully taught several school terms. Owning a well improved farm ad-
joining his parents' estate, he is at present engaged in the culture of small fruits and
bees. He married, January 22, 1872, . He is a vigorous man in the prime
of life, quiet and unassuming, worthy of the high respect of all who know him.
There are no children.
MARTHA ARVILLA KINNEY, the third child of Achsah Higley and Ira Kinney,
was born February i, 1849. She married Stephen Dunwell, September 2, 1876.
They reside in Newberry, O. Mr. Dunwell is a farmer. They have no children.
IRA ALLEN KINNEY, the fourth child of Achsah Higley and Ira Kinney, was
born August 4, 1855. He died of diphtheria, January 6, 1863.
FRANK W. KINNEY, the fifth child of Achsah Higley and Ira Kinney, was born
July 13, 1858. He was a particularly bright and intelligent child, bearing promise
of development into a noble man. But his young life was suddenly cut short.
During a sharp thunderstorm, May 23, 1870, while hastily running from the house
into the door-yard, he was struck by lightning and killed. His bereaved parents
laid him in the cemetery at Newberry Centre beside his two brothers.
LUCY ADDIE KINNEY, the sixth child, who has from infancy been known by the
familiar household name of " Dollie," was born January 25, 1861. She attended
the district school while pursuing the elementary branches. She was afterward a
student at the Ge^y^a Seminary, Chester Cross Roads, a superior institution of
learning, which was honored by the late President Garfield, he having here gained
the rudiments of his classical education. Miss "Dollie" resides at home with
her father, taking the responsibility of the domestic concerns of the home, and
nobly caring for the motherless babe of her deceased sister Emma.
EMMA JANE KINNEY, the youngest child of Achsah and Ira Kinney, was born
October 27, 1865. She took the common school course at the district schoolhouse
near her father's home, and then attended the high school at Chardon, the county
seat of Geauga County, Ohio.
In due course of time she became a successful teacher. She married, October 15,
1890, Robert A. Moore of Chagrin Falls, O., who was a farmer by occupation.
Her thread of life was untimely snapped in little more than one brief year after-
ward. She departed this life on the 22d of February, 1892, after a brief illness
of pneumonia, having made her days fragrant by her influence.
She left an infant child, born October 30, 1891, who bears the name of Gladys S.
Moore,
" There is no death ! The stars go down
To rise upon some fairer shore ;
And bright in Heaven's jeweled crown
They shine forever more.
And even near us, though unseen,
The dear immortal spirits tread ;
For all the boundless universe
Is life— there are no dead."
55° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Continued from page 516.
JONATHAN HIGLEY, 4th, the seventh child of Jonathan Higley,
3d, and the second child of his wife Martha (Kinney) Lewis, was
born at Windsor, O., June 21, 1821.
He was among the eldest of his father's sons, and consequently
was made acquainted during his earlier years with the heavy
labor incident to farm life in a wooded country not long settled.
He was educated in the district schools of the township and 'tis
said:
" He was quick metal when he went to school." l
When he had passed his twenty-first birthday he married,
December 5, 1843, Jane, daughter of Charles and Miriam Clark
of Kinsman, Trumbull County, O., who was born April 26, 1822.
The land set apart to him by his father when he reached his
majority laid in Hartsgrove, an adjoining township, and was yet
uncleared of its heavy timber. To begin in the original forest
and carve out a farm required a repetition of much of the hard
labor that had attended the efforts of the early settlers, although
a period of forty years had now elapsed since his father's ax was
heard among those that broke the stillness of the dense forests
of Windsor. A house and barns were to be erected, the timber
felled, fields made, and orchards planted. Time came when
young Jonathan had made for himself a name and a place among
the well managed farms of the township, the happy results of
honest, well directed toil. Here for a number of years he resided
and was prosperous.
But he was destined to a day of misfortune. Entering into a
partnership in the dry goods and country merchandise trade,
which met with no reasonable success, together with an unfor-
tunate suretyship, his circumstances became greatly reduced.
A long and wearying illness of his wife about the same time,
which finally resulted in her death, added to his trials and dis-
appointments.
Jane Clark, his wife, whom pulmonary consumption claimed
for its victim, was a woman of unusual ability, earnest hearted,
and of broad sympathy. From the age of fourteen till her
marriage at twenty she was a teacher. The certificates given her
by the school examiners show her to have been thoroughly well
qualified for her position, and sustaining a "very fine character."
She left behind her a noble record of much usefulness.
1 Julius Caesar.
JONATHAN HIGLEY,
OF WINDSOR, OHIO.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. 551
At Jonathan Higley's home a broad hospitality was ever prac-
ticed. His wife was given to keeping open door to all in need,
receiving every class of persons underneath their roof. She was
known to more than once bid an unfortunate neighbor to come
in just at nightfall, invite him to partake of a comfortable warm
meal, and, seeing him in need of clean linen, loan him one of her
husband's shirts while his own was laundried, then sit up late to
neatly repair it, and by midnight send him away in good condi-
tion and good cheer.
She died August i, 1858, leaving a memory which lingered
fondly in the hearts of those who knew her.
On the evening of the same day her husband's sister, Olive
Higley, died of the same disease. Their bodies were taken to the
village Universalist Church, where the funeral services were held
at the same hour, the Rev. Charles Shipman, who was an old
schoolmate of Mrs. Jane Higley, preaching the funeral sermon
by her request.
The last five years of his father's life Jonathan, 4th, with his
two daughters, lived in the old homestead with his parents,
administering to them in their then declining years, his daughter
Ellen being the special attendant of her grandmother. On the
decease of his father he, with his brother Allen Higley, was
appointed an administrator to the estate.
After remaining a widower eleven years he married Elizabeth
Clark, a widow with four young children, who possessed some
property. Mrs. Clark was a woman of more than average
intellectual attainments, was gentle in her demeanor, and good
and true at heart. They resided upon a small farm in Windsor,
which Mr. Higley managed. After a married life extending
about twenty-three years; his second wife died of pneumonia,
March, 1892.
Jonathan Higley, 4th, inherited largely of his father's (Esquire
Jonathan Higley) temperament. In intellectual strength he is a
"young old man," and, as was recently remarked concerning
another personage, "the kind of brains he got is the kind that
lasts." He is a man of good attainments: in his reading, lean-
ing to the current of modern thought, he is somewhat skeptical,
and likes argumentation on Christian beliefs. To look into his
face it betrays much wisdom smoldering there, which, with his
counsel and good judgment, is sought by all the near kindred
concerning their various affairs, and much valued. He possesses
552 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
a social, generous nature, his hand always being freely opened
to any who require assistance — perhaps too freely for his own
material interests. His habits in life are of "rugged simplicity,"
and in personal appearance he is pronounced, by all who meet
him as strikingly resembling the ideals pictured by artists repre-
senting "Uncle Sam." Whatever of human infirmities he may
possess are covered by his eminent impartiality, and his thorough,
loyal fidelity in his friendships. Appreciating humor and given
to a good joke, a ready welcome always awaits him as a visitor.
He is to-day the patriarch Higley of the Ashtabula County, Ohio,
branch of the Higley Family, having reached life's afternoon —
the glamour of its setting sun already rests upon his brow.
Jonathan, 4th, and Jane (Clark) Higley were the parents of two
children, viz. :
Pluma and Ellen. They adopted a motherless babe the first
year after their marriage, named Ruth Turtle, born December 5,
1843, to whom they extended the same affectionate care and
advantages of education as they did their own children. She in
turn devoted herself to her foster-parents with filial attachment
and obedience, fully rewarding them for their expenditure of
parental care. She married Marvin Grover of Windsor, O. Mr.
and Mrs. Higley also took to their home, Ashley Graves, one of
the nine orphaned children of Jonathan Higley's half sister,
Mary Higley Graves. Ashley Graves died June, 1863.
PLUMA HIGLEY, their eldest daughter, was born March 16, 1848. She married
Horace Atkins, February 19, 1867. They reside in Windsor, O. They have no
children, but adopted a daughter who was nearly related by blood ties — Jennie IV.
Atkins. She was born May 17, 1868. She married Emory Clark, and resides in
Cleveland, O.
ELLEN HIGLEY, the second child of Jonathan, 4th, and Jane (Clark) Higley, was
born March 22, 1851. She married Lewis Young, July 4, 1869. They had one
child, James Young, born April 13, 1873. James Young died, 1894. Her second
marriage was with Ward of Painesville, O.
Continued frontpage 516.
HECTOR HIGLEY, the eighth child of Jonathan Higley, 3d,
and the third by his second wife, Martha (Kinney) Lewis, was
born at the old Windsor homestead, September 10, 1822.
Reared on his father's farm he was early trained in the hard
school of agricultural industry, attending the common school in
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HKLEY, 1ST. 553
the winters. From boyhood it was recognized that he possessed
a genuine talent for music, and he early began a musical edu-
cation.
By his twenty-first birthday he was engaged in traveling from
point to point in northern Ohio and Pennsylvania, accompanied
by his brother, Aaron Higley, conducting dancing classes, for
which they furnished their own music, using the clarionet and
violin. In this profession he was successfully engaged seven
years. As a violinist he became proficient and popular, and for
a great many years was before the public, in request far and near
for furnishing the music at gatherings of every sort, public and
patriotic, as well as those of a select and social character.
In the autumn of 1851 he purchased a farm in Hartsgrove
Township, to which he afterward added lands, making in all 196
acres. This quantity was further increased by portions he
received from his father.
The same year — 1851 — he married Elvira Mullen, daughter of
William and Matilda Mullen, who was born in Crawford County,
Pennsylvania. They settled on his Hartsgrove farm. Their
married life lasted but ten years, during which period two chil-
dren were born to them. Mrs. Elvira Higley died of pulmonary
consumption, March 25, 1861, at the age of twenty-nine years
and six months, and was interred in the cemetery at Windsor
Corners.
In the year 1862 Mr. Higley's second marriage took place with
Martha Farnsworth, daughter of Oliver and Fannie P. Farns-
worth of Hartsgrove. She was born December 16, 1836.
Mr. Higley's is a musical household, music being a part of the
family life. His home has always been the well-known resort of
a large circle of music-loving people since his hearthstone was
founded. His daughter Luella possessed musical genius, and
received considerable local reputation. The picturesque scene
of the family group, together with the harmony with which
they practiced concerted music, always furnished a pleasing
social entertainment. Luella's decease in the bloom of young
womanhood brought grief to a wide circle.
Hector Higley is a generous-spirited man. His faithful friend-
ship and true brotherly kindness, shown by his many good acts
toward his kindred, as well as to others, are the outgrowth of a
nature and education inherited and grown in the atmosphere of
his father's life and enduring example. This has led him to act
554 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
upon his love of mankind, furnishing a home to the unfortunate,
and looking especially after those in depressed circumstances.
During the late Civil War he possessed the lively interest and
enthusiasm that was becoming a patriotic citizen. His contribu-
tions to the various calls in aid of military service were liberal
and frequent. For the purpose of raising a volunteer corps he
gave three hundred dollars at one subscription.
Outside of his agricultural interests and the supervision of his
large, well improved farm, he is well known as an owner and lover
of high-blooded stock, especially horses and sheep. He is a fine
judge of horses, and owns the finest thoroughbreds in the
county.
Children of the first marriage were Frances and Dexter.
By second marriage : Zorada, who died December 30, 1863,
aged one year ; Luella A., Rhomey, Lucia, and Gordon.
FRANCES, the oldest daughter, born January 4, 1852 ; married Frank Nye, 1870.
DEXTER, the oldest son, born January 6, 1856 ; married, October 20, 1881,
Gertie Haskins, who was born September 20, 1858. They reside in Hartsgrove,
O. They have no children.
LUELLA A., the eldest surviving daughter of the second marriage, born Feb-
ruary 9, 1865 ; married, November 9, 1889, Charles N. Cloes. She died April
4, 1890.
RHOMEY, the eldest son of Hector and Martha (Farnsworth) Higley, born
September 22, 1867; married, November 15, 1888, Effe Decker of Hartsgrove, O.
They reside in Hartsgrove.
LUCIA, born October 29, 1870, and GORDON, born April ir, 1872, the youngest
son and daughter, reside with their parents.
Continued from page 516.
URSULA HIGLEY, the ninth child of Jonathan, 3d, and the fourth
by his second wife, Martha (Kinney) Higley, was born at the
Higley home-farm, September 15, 1824. While yet a young girl,
in the midst of the industrious life they lived in those times, she
was her mother's main assistant in the domestic cares and labors
of the home, her elder sister, Achsah, spending the most of her
time with her grandparents — the Kinneys of Kinsman, O.
Ursula was an active-minded girl, possessing readiness and
quick perceptive mind.
She married, in 1847, Henry Townsend, who was born March
16, 1824. On her marriage Mrs. Townsend received thirty acres
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, \ST. 555
of farming land, in Windsor, as a gift from her father, to which
was afterward added, by bequest, an additional ten acres, and
thirty dollars. Her husband also became the owner of an excel-
lent farm, their united ownership of lands making an estate of
about three hundred acres, on which they reside. Mr. Townsend
has always been a well-to-do agriculturist ; he is a man of sound
principles, discharging with fidelity every trust reposed in him,
and is a highly respected citizen. He served in the late Civil
War, and receives a pension.
Of late years, as Mrs. Townsend advanced in life, a disease of
the brain manifested itself, and became so serious that she was
finally unfitted for the cares of her family.
Henry and Ursula (Higley) Townsend are the parents of the
following children, viz. :
Perry A., Freeland, and Henry, Jr. A daughter died in infancy.
PERRY A. TOWNSEND, the oldest child, was born in Windsor, O., April 10,
1848. For many years he did not enjoy a strong state of health, nevertheless his
ambition, together with his excellent natural abilities, led him to application and
useful study, and he acquired two professions. He is both a practicing dentist
and a druggist, owning a drug store at Windsor Corners. But he also attained
an education not scholastic alone, having early developed an extraordinary genius
for fine and delicate mechanism. He has manufactured a superior violin, and
is a workman of skill on musical and other fine instruments, together with clocks
and watches.
He married, October 26, 1891, Ida H. Bell, daughter of Reuben and Lovina
Bell, who was born March 10, 1860. They have two children : Nora Grace, born
September 22, 1892, and a son, born 1894.
FREELAND TOWNSEND, the second son of Henry and Ursula (Higley) Townsend,
was born September 22, 1849. He married Kate Moody of Windsor. They
removed from Windsor to Orwell, O., in 1891. He is a builder. They have
children, viz.:
Clara, Alma, Cora, Mary.
HENRY TOWNSEND, Jr., the third child of Henry, Sr., and Ursula (Higley) Town-
send, was born at Windsor, O., March n, 1867. He is a young man of clever
abilities and manly aspirations ; he obtained an excellent education preparatory to
entering college, and is now taking the course at Oberlin.
Like his elder brother Mr. Townsend is an ingenious workman, as well as a
violinist recognized as possessing more than ordinary attainment.
AARON HIGLEY, the tenth child of Jonathan Higley, 3d, and
the fifth by his second wife, Martha (Kinney) Lewis, was born at
Windsor, O., May 29, 1826. His early years were spent upon his
father's farm and in acquiring a common-school education.
While yet in his teens he began his first venture in business
556 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
away from home, associating himself with his brother Hector in
teaching dancing classes in Northern Ohio and Pennsylvania
towns, and gaining a favorable reputation by the music they
furnished for festive occasions. Genial and thoroughly apprecia-
tive of a good joke, with an agreeable personality, he was popu-
lar, and retained his popularity till the close of his life.
At his majority he became the owner of farming lands in Harts-
grove, an adjoining township, toward the payment of which his
father gave him four hundred dollars. But the busy hive of city
life had its strong attractions for Mr. Higley, and early in the
year 1868 he removed with his family to Cleveland, O. Endowed
with an unusually clever ingenuity, he became the originator and
constructor of several patented inventions, some of which proved
valuable enterprises, accruing him a fortune, while others did not
meet with financial success.
He married Charlotte Fenney of Bristolville, Trumbull County,
O. He died Monday, May 10, 1886.
From a Cleveland daily journal the following obituary notice is
taken.
" Aaron Higley, one of the old and respected citizens of this city, died on Monday
last at his home, 164 Huron Street, after a painful illness of two weeks' duration.
Mr. Higley is widely and favorably known throughout Cleveland, having been con-
nected with important business enterprises. He was the inventor of a valuable
patent on street-car gearing, and was the president of the Higley Car Journal Co.,
which manufactured the improvement extensively. He was also the founder of the
Silver Metal Co.
" During a course of twenty years of an active business life it can be said that he
made no enemies and many friends. Having devoted himself closely to his busi-
ness, and having passed through singular vicissitudes of life and fortune, in his last
illness he became indifferent to these, not thinking of himself as he was passing
away, but dwelling with loving solicitude upon the best interests of those to whom
he was bound by family ties."
He was interred Wednesday, May 12, 1886.
Aaron and Charlotte (Fenney) Higley were the parents of two
sons, Frank and Charles.
FRANK HIGLEY, the eldest child, was born . He received his education
and grew to manhood in Cleveland, O., where he now resides, devoting his time and
talents to his chosen profession — that of law, having built up and sustained a
successful practice. He is married, and is an honorable citizen.1
1 It is to be regretted that no material for a biographical sketch of this very worthy citizen has
been furnished for these pages. — THE EDITOR.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, \ST. 557
CHARLES HIGLEY, the youngest son of Aaron and Charlotte (Fenney) Higley,
was born October n, 1866, in South Bend, Ind., at which place his parents then
resided. He was taken to Cleveland, O. , on their removal to that city when he
was an infant eighteen months old. He attended the grammar schools and after-
ward the high school of Cleveland, from which he was graduated in 1885. He
then entered the Case School of Applied Sciences, passing through the entire
course of instruction. The following three years he was engaged as chemist in the
chemical department of the Standard Oil Company in Cleveland, at the same time
teaching in the public night schools.
In the year 1889 he entered the law department of the University of Michigan,
class "90, from which he was graduated. He was admitted to the Ohio bar, June,
1890. A few weeks after he entered the law office of Judge Rufus P. Ranney,
one of the most distinguished jurists of the State, and here he was associated with
Henry C. Ranney, the nephew of the judge.
Later on he formed a partnership with the Hon. E. P. Hatfield, a lawyer of
high ability, having a wide reputation, under the firm name of Hatfield & Higley.
Mr. Hatfield receiving a public appointment which engrossed his entire time, the
firm dissolved in 1892, Mr. Higley continuing the business and retaining the office
of the firm.
Charles Higley has entered somewhat into political affairs, casting his influence
with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Cleveland Athletic Club.
Possessing a genial temperament and an affable manner, with a good brain and
energetic heart, he is an industrious, painstaking young lawyer, with a wide field
and a successful career before him.
He resides in Cleveland with his mother.
Continued front page 516.
MARTHA HIGLEY, the eleventh child of Jonathan, 3d, and the
sixth by his second wife, Martha (Kinney) Higley, was born at
Windsor, O., May 24, 1828.
She shared the same broken 'schooldays and home experiences
in her girl life as the other daughters of this numerous house-
hold, passing through a like maternal drill in the details of house-
hold employments.
She married William Decker, February 20, 1849. On her mar-
riage her father presented her with a home lot in Hartsgrove,
afterward making further provision for her. But her life was
divested of joy : many shadows fell across her intricate pathway,
in which a strain of pathos was mingled, till the end of her days.
Both husband and wife were the victims of chronic disease, Mrs.
Decker early falling a prey to pulmonary consumption, which
closed her life at thirty. In the difficult circumstances in which
she was placed, she enlisted the sympathy and love of all who
knew her, her patience and goodly disposition being conspic-
558 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
uously manifested. She one day wrote in the album of a
friend :
" Forget me not when death shall close
My eyelids in their soft repose
And evening's breezes gently wave
The grass upon my lonely grave."
Her decease took place July 12, 1858. She was laid to rest in
the village cemetery at Windsor Corners. An infant child soon
took to itself spirit wings and followed the mother heavenward.
Her husband, William Decker, died in Cleveland, O. , about the
year 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Decker left but one child that sur-
vived— a son named Almeron.
ALMERON DECKER was born in Hartsgrove, Ashtabula County, O., December,
1852. He had not yet completed his sixth year when he was deprived of maternal
care ;. his baby brother was given to a friend, and soon died, and his father, though
suffering from an enfeebled state of health, assumed the entire care of the boy ; the
attentions his situation required were often wanting. The two remained in the cot-
tage-home very much alone, and when the father was called away, as he sometimes
was, the child frequently remained the whole long day entirely by himself. Thus
the environments of his early years were full of sadness, and he had to learn some
hard things about living. However, his happy temperament and genial good nature
always cast a halo of sunshine about his face, which he retained and bore through
the responsibilities of manhood's years. After a time he was boarded with neigh-
bors, and attended the district school till he was fourteen. His father then secured
him a position with an elderly couple in Cleveland, O., where he was given a fine
opportunity for school instruction. With his natural disposition for self-improve-
ment, he made the most of his opportunity.
At an early age Almeron Decker showed striking inventive ingenuity ; his boy
ideas and experiments were original and practical. With some hints and some help
he learned in Cleveland the trade of gold and silver plating, at which, by working
during spare hours, he acquired means for obtaining a liberal education. As he
grew older his superior natural talent and genius developed more and more.
Electricity and its application became his special study, and in time he found him-
self identified with the leading electrical works and manufacturers of Ohio and the
Eastern cities. He became a successful inventor of electrical machines and appli-
ances, upon which he secured two valuable patents. These he sold, realizing hand-
some sums. His upward career was now fully established and his future was full
of bright promise.
In the year 1878 Mr. Decker married Delia Case of Orwell, O. After four
years of lingering consumption, his wife died. Three years later he married Kate
Lockhart of Cleveland. Southern California opening a point for enterprise in elec-
trical engineering, and Mr. Decker's health showing some signs that the same fatal
desease that made him a motherless child was preying upon his system, he deemed
it expedient to make an entire change of climate, and in the year 1891 removed
with his family to the Golden State, and settled in the charming Sierra Madre
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEYt\ST. 559
country. He was here soon found introducing to the various companies many and
important electrical features, embracing all the latest improvements in the " science,"
and endeavoring to induce those on the Western coast to take an advanced stand in
electrical application, as fuel was high priced, and fine water power easily obtained.
He it was who furnished plans for the San Antonio Canyon Electric Light &
Power Co., a plant utilizing a waterfall of four hundred feet head, then the longest
distance transmission plant (twenty-eight miles) in the United States. He early
became identified with Professor T. S. C. Lowe, in his remarkable undertaking and
grand enterprise of constructing a cable and electric railroad to Mount Wilson and
other neighboring peaks of the Sierra Madres — at this time the most extensive un-
dertaking in the way of an electric mountain railway in the world. Of this " Lowe
Mountain Railroad," Mr. Decker was the consulting and supervising electrical
engineer. He lived long enough to see the construction car of the cable division
reach the level on the summit of Mount Echo, thirty-five hundred feet above the sea
level.
The introduction of a new electrical plant at Redlands, Cal. , was another triumph
for Mr. Decker. This plant is operated by a waterfall having a head of 520 feet,
and the methods by which it is operated were considered by the most practical
electrical engineers in the country as a long way in advance of any then in use, in
points of simplicity, range of application, and economy in cost of operation.
But all human calculations concerning Mr. Decker's combat with disease were
baffled. Neither the salubrity of the air of his adopted romantic country, nor the
pure and delightful water that abounded on the spot where he established his new
home, nor yet the unremitting and tender care of wife, physicians, and hospitable
friends, could stay the inroad of the destroyer upon his vitals — he sank under
that dread disease, pulmonary consumption, passing to the " sleep of death"
August 4, 1893.
The Pasadena Crown Vista contained the following obituary notice :
" Every resident of Sierra Madre learned with deep sorrow of the death of Mr.
Almeron W. Decker, which occurred at Altadena, August 4. It was not entirely
unexpected, as he had been reported very low for several days, but when the final
announcement came it caused a general expression of deep regret that a life so
promising, and a friend and neighbor so generous-hearted and beloved, should be
called hence before the usual time allotted to man. In addition to those qualities
of mind and heart that command the respect of all, Mr. Decker was endowed with
marked ability in the lines of his chosen work, electricity, and its application to the
business wants of man. While in the East his work as an electrical engineer was
recognized and accepted by the best electrical companies, and he was in advance
with electrical science. Had he given up all thoughts except of his restoration to
health, he would no doubt be with us to-day. But he saw work to do here that
would give him scope for his advanced ideas, and he took it up, and remained in
service to the last. His electric plant at San Antonio Canyon, Redlands, and
work for the Lowe Mountain Railway, speak for the wonderful genius of our
deceased friend, who deserved to live and wear the laurel of fame he so truly earned.
Mr. Decker was forty years of age, and leaves a wife and child. The funeral ser-
vices were held at the family residence in Sierra Madre on Sunday, the 6th, at 4.30
P. M., Rev. E. E. P. Abbott officiating. There was a large attendance of friends,
560 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
including the Pasadena Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of which order deceased was an
honored member. The ceremony at the grave was the funeral service of the
Knights of Pythias, and a closing prayer by Rev. Abbott."
Continued from page 516.
HOMER HIGLEY, the twelfth child of Jonathan Higley, 3d., and
the seventh by his second wife, Martha Kinney, was born at the
old Higley homestead, Windsor, Ashtabula County, O., January
30, 1830. His birth took place during the winter that his father
was absent at Columbus, O., a member of the State Legislature,
1829-30. The winter was one of unusual severity, and the infant
boy had been made acquainted but a few days with this "cold
world " till he had his ears frozen.
His early life was uneventful. He remained at home, as did
all of Esquire Jonathan Higley's sons, tilling his father's farm
till he was near twenty-one.
He married, March 12, 1851, Lydia Clemens, and on coming of
age the young couple had a good start given them by Squire
Higley presenting to his son twenty acres of farming land, to
which he afterward added an additional fifty acres.
Here in May, 1851, they began life together, and resided on this
farm twenty-three years.
In the year 1873 Mr. Higley sold this property and purchased
187 acres lying in Windsor, adjoining the old homestead farm
where he was born. On this they still reside (1896).
It was on this land that the small log building stood in
1806 which was the first schoolhouse in the town of Windsor,
the teacher being Kesiah Griswold, the first wife of Homer
Higley's father.
Homer Higley's life has been an even, quiet one. He has
accumulated property and is " sitting under his own vine and fig
tree " in thoroughly comfortable circumstances, having no mort-
gages and "owing no man anything." In politics he is a sup-
porter of the Republican party. During the late Civil War he
evidenced his patriotism by contributing about nine hundred
dollars in funds toward defraying the expenses, besides lending
personal effort in various ways for the preservation of the Stars
and Stripes. He is a man who keeps pace with the progress of the
day, and is a practical agriculturist from the economic standpoint.
Careful in fulfilling his obligations, of few words, possessing a
marked proportion of the agreeable side of human nature, with a
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, \ST. 561
good sense of humor, he bears the respect of the community, and
is an excellent type of the American farmer.
Lydia (demons) Higley was born January 6, 1833. She was
the daughter of Adrastus W. and Mariva (Rawdon) demons of
Windsor, who were among the courageous band of the early
pioneers who came to the Western Reserve, Ohio, in the year 1818
from Geneseo, Livingston County, N. Y. Her mother was
brought when a young child to the State of New York from Tol-
land, Conn., where she was born in 1810.
Mrs. Higley is a member of the Universalist Church, which
her husband also attends, and to which they give their liberal
support. They are also prominent members of the Farmers'
Grange. Her amiable nature and excellent spirit gives daily
lessons of that beautiful charity which wins the love and good
esteem of all who are privileged to be its witnesses. Surrounded
by her flowers, for which she has a passionate fondness, — and
which enhance the attractiveness of her home, — as well as gratify-
ing her liking for reading, as far as the constant domestic duties
of a farmer's wife will permit the time, she lives a useful, calm, and
blameless life, loved for her qualities of mind and heart. Homer
and Lydia demons Higley are the parents of two children, viz. :
Newton H. and Will G.
NEWTON H. HIGLEY, the eldest son, was born January 4, 1855, at Windsor, O.
He married, July 3, 1875, Jessie Bugbee ; she was born July 10, 1857. After
seven years of happy married life, and well beloved, she died of disease of the
heart, August 21, 1882, leaving no children.
On the 4th of March, 1884, Mr. Higley married Maud L. Wharfield of Aurora,
O. She was born April 15, 1866. Mr. Higley owns a small farm adjoining his
father's in Windsor, where they reside. They have two children, namely :
Pearl Mabel, born June 2, 1885, and Ned Har land, born August 21, 1889.
WILL G. HIGLEY, the youngest son of Homer and Lydia (Clemons) Higley, was
born at Windsor, O., February 6, 1861. He married, October 16, 1882, Freelove
Adeline Hamblin, and resides near his father, upon a small farm in Windsor, O.,
which he owns. His wife, Freelove Adeline, was the daughter of Andrew M. and
Freelove M. (Clemons) Hamblin. She was born November 23, 1861, at Plymouth,
Jeneau County, Wis. Her father, Andrew M. Hamblin, served in the Civil War,
entering the army, Company I, 2d Wisconsin Regiment Volunteer Cavalry, Novem-
ber 25, 1 86 1, two days after the birth of his babe. He died in the service at
Vicksburg, Miss., July 6, 1864, aged twenty-two years.
Will G. and Freelove A. Higley are the parents of one child, Clyde Higley, born
September 9, 1884.
OLIVE HIGLEY, the thirteenth child of Jonathan Higley, 3d,
and the eighth by his second wife, Martha Kinney, was born Sep-
562 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
tember 17, 1832, at Windsor, O. She was a lovable girl of
pleasing ways, and won the personal attachment of all who knew
her. The newspapers in announcing her death said that " she
was one of the most promising young ladies in Windsor." Her
young life showed a good deal of enterprise. Ambitious to learn
a business, she pursued her purpose with self-denying zeal, par-
tially attaining her object, but her physical constitution, which
was never robust, gave way near the holidays of 1856, and very
early in the following year there were unmistakable signs that
pulmonary consumption had laid its grasp upon her vitals. For
more than a year and a half she dwelt in the shade of physical
weakness and suffering, on account of which a marriage engage-
.ment to a worthy young man ended in unrealized hope.
She died at the age of twenty-five years and ten months,
August i, 1858, at nine o'clock in the evening, surviving her
sister Martha, whose decease had occurred in July, only nineteen
days. The morning of the same day, at eleven o'clock, her sister-
in-law, Mrs. Jane Higley, the wife of her brother Jonathan Hig-
ley (4th), passed away with the same disease.
The funeral services of the two were held at the Universalist
Church in Windsor Corners, on the same day and the same hour,
the Rev. Charles Shipman preaching the funeral sermon.
" Sweet they sleep !
We bid no angels round them keep
Their solemn watch, for safely He
Will keep them to eternity ;
And never weariness or pain
Will break their quiet rest again ;
There lurks no strife, no toil, no loss,
In that calm shadow of the Cross."
Continued front page 516.
HARRISON HIGLEY, the fourteenth child of Jonathan Higley,
3d, and the ninth by his second wife, Martha Kinney, was born
May 7, 1834, on the original homestead estate, lot 8, range 7,
secured by his grandfather on coming from Granby, Conn., to
Windsor, O., in 1804. Here he has spent almost his entire life.
The farm came into Harrison Higley's possession on the death
of his mother, partly by legacy and partly by his purchase of
the shares belonging to the other heirs. Like other descendants
of original settlers, he is as proud of the land which belonged to
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY,\ST. 563
his forefathers from the beginning of Windsor, as the "oldest
families " are of their very ancient and reputable stock.
The old-fashioned original dwelling-house,1 which is well pre-
served from decay, and which was the first frame dwelling built in
the township, is now his residence. The nails in the original
building were all wrought by the hand of a blacksmith, and its
timbers were hewn and split from logs in the forest which then
surrounded it. These old beams have borne the tension and
sustained the burden of more than fourscore sturdy years.
It was here that the seventeen children of Squire Jonathan
Higley, 3d, were born and reared, and where he and his two wives
and four of his children died.
Harrison Higley received the elements of a common school
education at the local district school in the near vicinity, attending
it during the winter months. As a young man he liked young
company, was a "good fellow," and fond of jolly good times,
attending all sorts of evening gatherings — apple parings, husking
bees, sugar-camp parties, and spelling schools, at which the
object was to have fun with the girls, more than educational
progress or improvement in spelling. Thus the winter evenings
brought to him occasions for plenty of unrestrained and uncon-
ventional fun. When the snow was in good condition, he, with
other young companions, would hitch a pair of oxen to a big
sledge, covered with straw and having plenty of "coverlets,"
drive to the next house and get a girl friend or two, then to
another and another, collecting young people till the sled was
packed more than full of beaux and sweethearts. They would then
drive seven or eight miles away to another settlement, running
over stumps and roots, upsetting the buxom farmer lassies pell-
mell into the snow, who, with shrieks and peals of laughter, would
pick themselves up and all get onward as if nothing had hap-
pened. Reaching the home of some jovial farmer, they stayed
till midnight and after, playing "kissing plays," and enjoying the
country dance, with plenty of apples, nuts, and hard cider; in-
deed, they thought they did well if they reached home at daylight.
At the age of twenty-three, July 23, 1857, Mr. Higley married
Juliette Babcock of Orwell, an adjoining township, the daughter
of John8 and Lydia Babcock. She was born April 16, 1834.
1 This house was built by Esquire Jonathan Higley, 3d, in 1812.
'John Babcock, the father of Juliette (Babcock) Higley, came with his father, Benjamin Bab-
cock, from Massachusetts to the Western Reserve, Ohio, in 1822. He was known, when a young
man, far and wide for his athletic feats and great activity, as well as for being a famous hunter.
564 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Attracted by the fields of the great West, the young married
pair set out for the Territory of Minnesota, and finding a home
in a healthy rich country, though unimproved, in a rude new
settlement on Sand Creek, Scott County, they remained two
years; but not being content in the unsettled new regions, they
returned to Windsor, O., and settled down.
Harrison Higley has always followed agricultural pursuits, and
manages a farm with excellent ability. He is an arduous worker,
a liberal provider, and a good liver. He is a plain-looking
farmer, unassuming in his manner of life, pursuing the "even
tenor of his ways " in peace, industry, and content. He has a
good mind and a clear head, possesses good judgment, and is
well versed in general information. Free from all narrowness or
prudish ways, he does not bind himself to social formalities and
usages. He is as fond of wit, and as appreciative of mirthful
times as he was in his younger days, but is a lover of his home
and clings closely to his own fireside. Perhaps it is the jovial
element in his nature which has led him sometimes to bear from
cynics some criticism.
Naturally sympathetic, both Mr. Higley and his wife are un-
affectedly generous-spirited, and are helpers to all around them.
The open-hearted hospitality of their home has well kept up the
reputation of the old hearthstone of his father in this respect.
His wife, with her large family, has known the constant heavy
weight of duties of the farmer's wife, but withal, her energetic
spirit and active temperament dispels the stamp she might other-
wise carry of her years of labor. She has grasped the truths of
the Christian faith since reaching middle life.
Harrison and Juliette (Babcock) Higley are the parents of
nine children, viz. :
Coloma E., born April n, 1858; Adeline A., 'born April 26, 1860;
Gustie Ella, born Novembers, 1862; Jasper P., born May 28, 1865;
Lucy J., born October 31, 1869; Harrison E., born August 27,
1871; LydiaC., born August i, 1873; Fred, born January 6, 1876;
died February 9, 1879; Achsah, born April 31, 1880.
His private account-book shows that he killed in twenty-three years, 83 elk, n bears, 508 deer, 18
wolves, 18 otter, 1^4 muskrats, and numberless small game.
Mr. and Mrs. Babcock's family numbered fourteen children; Squire Jonathan Higley's num-
bered seventeen, making thirty-one children belonging to the two respective families, the parents
of Harrison and Juliette Higley.
Mr. Babcock died in . His widow, Mrs Lydia Babcock, married a second husband, a
widower, who had twelve children. When these brought their families together, the united num-
ber of children in the household was twenty-six.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL I1IGLE Y, 1ST. 565
COLOMA HIGLEY, the eldest child, married first, Samuel Miles; and second,
Cyrus Chauncey Stetson, on July 27, 1878. Children :
Livia Lydia, born December 2, 1879; Spencer Clyde, born March 21, 1881 ;
Lettie Grace, born October, 1882 ; Harrison, born September 15, 1887.
ADELINE HIGLEY, the second child, married Richard Williams, December 13,
1878.
GUSTIE E. HIGLEY, the third child, married, June 16, 1881, Deloss Ritter.
They have one child, May Martha, born March 6, 1887.
JASPER P. HIGLEY, the fourth child, married, January 29, 1889, Eva Chaffee,
and they have one child
LUCY HIGLEY, the fifth child, married, December 28, 1887, John Tanner.
They reside in Windsor, O.
HARRISON E. STETSON, the sixth child, is unmarried.
LYDIA HIGLEY, the seventh child, married, April 16, 1892, William Henry
Comes.
ACHSAH HIGLEY, the ninth child, resides with her parents.
AN INFANT, to whom a name had not yet been given, the fif-
teenth child of Jonathan Higley, 3d, died of whooping cough in
the year 1836, aged about five months.
Continued from page 516.
LEWIS HIGLEY, the sixteenth child of Jonathan Higley, 3d,
and the eleventh by his second wife, Martha (Kinney) Lewis, was
born at the Windsor farm, Ashtabula County, O., May 16, 1837.
He resided at home with his parents till he was nineteen, attend-
ing the district school, — No. 6, — and working on his father's farm.
The year 1856 he attended a select school, or academy, in
Hartsgrove, O. The following year, 1857, he went to Minne-
sota, which was then a Territory, with his brother Harrison
Higley and his young wife. Here he remained two years in a
place which was then called "Sand Creek Settlement," Scott
County. He then returned to his parents' home in Ashtabula
County, Ohio, and on the i5th of July, 1860, married Letice Ste-
phens of Monteville, Geauga County, O., where her parents, Seth
and Emeline Stephens, resided, and where she was brought up.
She was born July 13, 1840. Her ancestry was of the old Con-
necticut pioneers who emigrated to the Western Reserve, Ohio,
among the first who came to the then forest covered country.
After their marriage Lewis Higley and his wife began life to-
gether in the township of Hartsgrove on lands belonging to his
father, where they resided three years. This was during the
early part of the Civil War.
37
566 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
The i77th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment was organized
at Cleveland, October 9, 1864, General Thomas commanding.
In this regiment Lewis Higley volunteered his services to his
country, August 23, 1864. The regiment reported at Nashville,
Tenn., and was assigned to the 24th Army Corps. It was then
transported to Tullahoma, Tenn., for garrison duty. Higley
was with his regiment in its engagements in Tennessee; at one
time reaching Murfreesboro after a hard march of three days,
where he was in the hottest of an engagement which ended with
the retreat of General Hood. After serving on garrison duty,
and in several sharp, small battles, his regiment was transferred
with its corps to Washington, D. C. ; thence from Alexandria, Va.,
the troops were conveyed by sea to Fort Fisher, N. C., to join
General Sherman's forces on his arrival at the Atlantic coast,
meeting Sherman at Kingston, N. C. Lewis Higley graphically
describes the unusually severe ocean storm which will never be
erased from the memory of the suffering soldiers, which occurred
during the passage to the North Carolina coast, early in Feb-
ruary, 1865.
From Fort Fisher the march was begun to meet Sherman's
troops. While on this march Mr. Higley, with a number of other
soldiers, was seized with sudden and almost fatal illness.1
Higley was conveyed back to Fort Fisher. The first night after
his arrival he was placed with two other soldiers, who were ill
with the measles, in a hospital tent on the beach. During the
night a severe coast storm came up. The fury of the wind col-
lapsed their frail shelter and the beating rain deluged its occu-
pants. The lights were put out and not a ray came from the
heavens. Then the tent pole fell across his comrades. Higley
was too weak to utter a sound except an occasional groan, but the
two soldiers called and halloed for help full two hours — then they
became silent. The loud roar of the waves, thundering against
the shore, and the high sweeping winds stifled all sounds. No one
came to their relief. At early daybreak a surgeon with a nurse
arrived, and pulling off the drenched tent canvas, they lifted
Higley out of the pool of water that stood in his soaked cot. He
was clearly conscious — his comrades were both dead. Higley
was placed on a boat and carried to Smithville, where he was put
1 While inarching through the streets of a small hostile town in North Carolina, the hungry
soldiers found bits and chunks of raw salt pork lying in the streets, which they gathered up and ate
greedily. Whether this meat was impregnated with a poisonous substance or not cannot be stated ;
but many of the soldiers after eating it were taken violently ill with symptoms resembling poisoning.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, \ST. 567
over night in a church which was used by the Union Army as a
hospital. His cot here stood in a corner. Next morning seven
men in the same ward were found dead,1 some of them belonging
to his company and regiment. Their groans during the night
had been something hideous. That day he was forwarded to
Wilmington, N. C., where he lay in an army hospital, at the lowest
ebb of life, for several weeks.
Meanwhile Sherman was progressing with his "dash and dar-
ing " army toward the heart of the Carolinas. The country was
in the wildest confusion. The sick in the temporary hospitals
were subjected to constant changes.
Lewis Higley found himself returned to Smithville and placed
in the same church hospital and the same ward in which he had
spent such a distressing night once before. Upon the wall he
read the surgeon's report :
" Lewis Higley, Co. C. iffth Rgt. O. V. I. died Feb. 17 th."
From here he was again transported to Wilmington, N. C.
Meanwhile his family had no tidings of him for two months.
Finally, on learning of his serious illness they sent a special mes-
senger from Ohio to find him and, if possible, bring him home.
After this messenger had gone they learned that he was dead. But
the messenger tracing him about for some time through the vari-
ous hospital transfers, at last discovered him alive in theSatterline
hospital, Philadelphia, from which he was brought to Cleveland,
O., where he was honorably mustered out after the close of the
War — July 7, 1865. When he entered the service he was a man
of exceptionally fine physique, tall, broad-shouldered, and of fine
proportions, weighing two hundred pounds; when he received his
discharge he was a mere skeleton, never again to enjoy sound
health, weighing one hundred and nineteen pounds, including his
overcoat and heavy clothing. He has received a pension since
August 22, 1882.
Lewis Higley has never recovered the effects of his war service.
For more than thirty years he has suffered more or less with a
chronic ailment, induced by his rough experiences. After receiv-
ing his discharge he returned to Windsor, O., and resided a year
with his mother, during which time he was a partial invalid. In
time, however, his health recruited. His father gave him forty-
five acres of farming land in the east part of Windsor, which he
1 These noble soldiers died of the measles and exposure.
568 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
sold, and made purchase of a tract containing ninety-two acres, a
farm upon which he has built a good dwelling and other improve-
ments, and upon which he now resides. He is a man of agree-
able bearing, intelligent, and well respected in the community.
Lewis and Letice (Stephens) Higley are the parents of three
children, viz.:
Elmer, Seth D., and Amy.
ELMER HIGLEY, the eldest, was born at Windsor, Ash tabula County, O., June
I, 1861. He is an enterprising young man who was made familiar in early life
with farming, but is now pursuing his trade, that of a builder.
He married Hattie Avery, date not given, who was born January 30, 1 868.
They reside at Rome, O.
SETH DUANE HIGLEY, the second child of Lewis and Letice (Stephens) Higley,
was born at Windsor, O., July 16, 1869. His first schooldays were spent at the
district school. When about fifteen years of age he entered the New Lyme
Institute, at New Lyme, O., attending several terms. His principal reported him
" an unusually bright pupil, earnest and industrious." During an interval in pur-
suing his course of study at New Lyme — 1886-87 — he engaged in teaching, return-
ing to the New Lyme Institute the spring of 1887. April, 1888, he entered the
Ithaca, N. Y. , schools, pursuing a special course of study preparatory for Cornell
University, and passing through the high school. While his standing was good in
all branches of the college course, his natural partiality was in favor of mathe-
matics. In this science he took an extra special course under Professor George W.
Jones, securing, in the spring of '90, a State scholarship valued at five hundred dol-
lars. The following autumn he entered Cornell, taking the course of electrical
engineering. Early in the spring of 1890, through his fine physical development
and excellent qualifications, he was unanimously chosen captain of Cornell's Fresh-
man eight-oared crew. The following June his crew was challenged by a corre-
sponding crew of Columbia College. The two-mile race was rowed over the
Thames River at New London, Conn., from Winthrop Point to the Navy Yard,
June 22, in which "Captain" Higley and his crew gained high laurels, proving
easy winners by three and one-half lengths. His personnel in his competing crew
was : " Position, Bow ; Weight, 153 ; Height 5 ft. 10 ; Age 21."
A tumultuous college cheer ascended from the crowds of witnesses at the end of
the race, and high encomiums were heralded by the leading New York daily
journals, together with the honor of " Captain" Higley's picture, with those of his
crew, appearing in Frank Leslie's Weekly.
Seth D. Higley is a member of the Phi Gamma Delta of Cornell University.
He has from boyhood shown much natural aptitude for music and, though
modestly making no profession, he plays the violin with very creditable skill.
During his senior year he married, January n, 1894, Julia Francis Casey of
Ithaca, N. Y. They reside in Brooklyn, N. Y.
AMY HIGLEY, the third and youngest child of Lewis and Letice (Stephens) Hig-
ley, was born at Windsor, O., September 26, 1875. She is now pursuing her
studies, and resides at home with her parents.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, \ST. 569
Continued from page 516.
JANE HIGLEY, the seventeenth and youngest child of Jonathan
Higley, 3d, and the twelfth by his second wife, Martha (Kinney)
Lewis, was born at Windsor, O., July 15, 1839.
She became a girl-wife at seventeen by marriage with Francis
Barnard, December, 1856. They resided in northwest Windsor
on thirty-three acres of land presented to her by her father.
The last three years that her mother lived, Mrs. Barnard
administered faithfully to her in her declining strength. In the
simplicity and unostentation of the surroundings in which she
lived she exemplified the beautiful quality of a cheerful, happy
temperament, by action and look, seeing the bright side of this
careworn world.
For some years her life was made unrestful by dark and per-
plexing trials ; through them all, her happy, vivacious disposition
endured for the sake of her loved ones, constantly setting a
shining example of a priceless spirit.
She died in childbirth, March 9, 1873, and was interred in the
village cemetery at Windsor Corners.
Frances and Jane Higley Barnard were the parents of six
children, viz. :
Elva, born March 27, 1859; Elverton Allen, born March 4, 1861 ;
Carlton Henry, born December 18, 1863; Margaret _£"., born
April 25, 1865; Fayette B., born August 9, 1867; Emma Z., born
July 15, 1869.
ELVA, the eldest child, was educated by her uncle, Aaron Higley, and became a
teacher. While teaching in Texas she married J. D. Jones, a ranchman. They
are the parents of three children, and reside in California.
ELVERTON, the second child, married Lula McBride of Finley, O. He is an
engineer, and resides in Dayton, O. They have two children.
CARLTON H., the third child, married December 19, 1887, Ida A. Heath of
Cherry Valley, Ashtabula County, O. He is the proprietor of the Slate Roofing
Co. of Butler, Pa., where they now reside, owning a tasteful home. They have
one child.
MARGARET E. , the fourth child, married William Adams, a farmer of Windsor,
O., where they now live in prosperous circumstances. They have one child,
Howard Dean Adams.
FAYETTE B., the fifth child, resides with his brother Elverton in Dayton, O.,
where he is engaged in business. He is unmarried.
EMMA L., the sixth child, resides in Ravenna, O., unmarried.
CHAPTER LXV.
Continued from Jonathan Higley, id, chapter Ix. p. 491.
MARY HIGLEY WHITE.
Mary, Jonathan, 2d, Jonathan, Samuel, ist, Captain John Higley.
" Inasmuch as the past is chiefly made up of men and women who have handed down to us so
rich an inheritance, it can hardly be questioned that we owe to them a debt of gratitude, which
is dishonored by scorn or neglect."
WE now return to the family of Jonathan, Jr. (or ad), and
Rachel Negus Higley, p. 478.
MARY HIGLEY, their fifth child, was born at Turkey Hills
parish, Simsbury, Conn., September 13, 1783.
On the removal of her father's family to the Connecticut West-
ern Reserve in 1804, she remained behind with a relative of
the family. On the i8th of February following — 1805 — she mar-
ried John White of Granby, who was born February 18, 1784.
They soon afterward emigrated to Windsor, O., where they took
up their residence on twenty-five acres of land, range 5, lot 9,
which her father had purchased and given to her. Their life
together in the West was but for a few brief years.
Mary Higley White died September 14, 1816, after giving birth
to a babe, September 6.
She was interred in the Pioneers' burial ground,1 and was
among the first placed there. John White lived to old age. He
died August 18, 1876.
They were the parents of five children, viz. :
John J7., born July 25, 1806, who died an infant; Mary
Corinthia, born February 28, 1808; Henrietta, born September
20, 1810, died September 22, 1811; Wesley, born September 9,
1812, and John H.y zd, who was born after his father's death,
and died November 4, 1816.
MARY CORINTHIA, the eldest surviving child of John and Mary (Higley) White,
was born at Windsor, O., February 23, 1808. She resided during the entire
period of her long life on the same farm which her mother had received as a gift
at the time of her marriage, and on which she herself was born.
, She married, March 15, 1822, Bacchus Grant, who was born in East Windsor,
1 See page 490.
570
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY,\ST. 5?I
Conn., May 6, 1800, and emigrated to Ashtabula County, Ohio. He died May
8, 1875. She died June 21, 1890.
They had the following children :
Mabel E., born February 12, 1823. Hiram and Wareham, twins, born October
9, 1824 ; Wareham died October 27, 1824, Hiram died November 3, 1824.
Wareham, 2d, born March 25, 1825, died December 5, 1825. Mary J., born
February 3, 1840, and Wesley J., born September 30, 1844.
MABEL E., the eldest child, married Eli Knapp, April 16, 1841. They had
seven children, five of whom are living.
MARY}., the youngest surviving child, married James Alexander, and resides
in Windsor, O.
WESLEY J., the only son who lived to manhood, married Millie Payne. They
had two children. Wesley J. Grant died 1876.
WESLEY WHITE, the second surviving child of John and Mary (Higley) White,
was born September 9, 1812. He was taken into the home of his uncle upon the
death of his mother in 1816, and remained with the family till he reached his
twenty-first birthday. He then removed to Indiana. In this State he married and
had two children. He was a man possessing ability, force of character, and integ-
rity. His knowledge of law was thorough. He was elected and served for some
time as judge of the county court.
Judge White met his death, July I, 1844, by accidental drowning, when, during a
flood, following heavy rains, he was endeavoring to clear the debris from the abut-
ment of a bridge to save it from being washed away, missing his footing he fell into
the river.
THOMPSON HIGLEY, SR.
Thompson, Jonathan, 2d, Jonathan, Samuel, ist, Captain John Higley.
THOMPSON HIGLEY, Sr., the sixth child of Jonathan, Jr. (or 2d),
and Rachel (Negus) Higley, was born at Turkey Hills parish,
Simsbury, Conn., June 2, 1786. At the time of his birth his grand-
mother, Mrs. Mary (Thompson) Higley, was spending the last
years of her life in his father's family, and it was probably she who
gave the boy her maiden name. He was one of the legatees
named in her will, by which he received a portion of her landed
estate.
From a child he was especially characterized by careful thrift,
a natural trait that in his after life, together with his thorough in-
tegrity in his dealings, brought him success and the implicit confi-
dence of the entire community in which he lived. One day
having lost his little pocketbook he was seen going about search-
ing for it, when his brother Samuel passed by. "What are you
doing, Thompson?" said Samuel. "Hunting my pocketbook,"
was the reply. "I saw it," said Sam, "lying on the ground out
57 2 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
yonder " — pointing toward the spot. " Why in the d 1 didn't
you pick it up, Sam ?" The incident is an expressive type of the
ways of the two men in later years. "Sam" never picked up or
saved anything, and possessed but a moderate competency, while
Thompson "picked up" all his life and gained a considerable
fortune.
Thompson Higley was but little past eighteen years of age
when he emigrated in 1804 with his parents and the family to the
Connecticut Western Reserve. His Connecticut land was ex-
changed for land in this Western wild forest at Windsor, O. He
was occupied the next few years in clearing the farm, meeting
stern hardships in unfolding a better civilization. At the organ-
ization of the township in 1811, he was appointed supervisor.
The War of 1812 was declared June 18. In less than two
months, when the demand came for new recruits, Thompson
Higley found himself drafted for service. He was now twenty-
six. These raw soldiers were marched to Cleveland, where they
went into camp and remained several weeks. This wave of war
brought unmistakable anxiety to his parents. Hull had surren-
dered, and another military disaster was apprehended. There was
a tincture of discouragement in the minds of the Connecticut
emigrants, who never cordially endorsed the steps then taken by
our government, believing that our nation was in no wise pre-
pared to enter another war, and that further negotiations might
possibly have brought a satisfactory adjustment of difficulties
with Great Britain.
The affectionate heart of his father, " Squire " Higley, was
deeply solicitous at having his son standing exposed to the dread-
ful peril of starvation on the British prison-ships, or of the Indian's
scalping knife; and he finally thought to procure a substitute.
He one day wrote, after Thompson had gone into camp:
" DEAR CHILD, in a great hurry I write : we want you to write us for what you
want, for we cannot hear with any certainty from you. Perhaps a man might be
hired. Some think that James Alderman might be hired. . . Do write particu-
larly requesting all that you want to have done, and how your health is.
" I am your Afflicted Parent,
"JONA. HIGLEY.
" August 27, 1812.
" We have sent a thin rug by Mr. Cook."
Young Thompson wrote home as follows:
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, \ST. 573
" CLEVELAND, August 29, 1812.
"One company of men has been formed out of Col. Edwards' Regiment to
march to Huron, under Capt. Dull. All present who were drafted when Sam was
had to go. We shall remain here till further orders ; perhaps be dismissed imme-
diately. I have been tolerable healthy since I left home. Ben Cook brought me
the blanket. I shall come home as soon as I can. . . I sent Jonathan ten
dollars by Russel Loomis. . . The last half of the militia are dismissed. I will
write what to have done with my affairs at home if I cannot come myself. Some
of you will write to me every opportunity.
" THOMPSON HIGLEY."
Again he writes under the following date:
" CLEVELAND, 6th of September, A. 1). 1812.
" I remain yet in this place, and am in as good health as can be expected. I be-
gin to think that we shall not be dismissed, and am very much afraid that we shall
have orders to march to Huron before long. About four hundred have already
gone to Huron. We have provisions enough ; 'tis bread and fresh beef principally,
which is not very agreeable to live upon all of the time. Brooks, Garvy Sackett,
Elias Spring, and Alfred Hill, volunteered to go to Huron ; Andrews and young
Shubeul went by draft ; 'tis a very disagreeable life to me as well as to many
others. I wish you to write every opportunity. I believe the head Officers don't
know yet themselves what they shall do, but are waiting for an Express from the
City of Washington.
" I am in a hurry and hardly know what to write.
" THOMPSON HIGLEY."
Just how long his regiment remained in camp, or whether it
was ordered forward, we cannot state. On its final discharge
Thompson Higley returned home, and was no doubt hailed with
great joy. For his soldiering services he received a land
warrant and a pension from the United States Government.
After his return from military duty, he resided with his
parents until his father's decease in 1817, and remained with his
widowed mother till his marriage at thirty-four. He married
Betsey Hulbert of Austinburg, O., April n, 1821. They
removed to his own farm, which lay adjoining his father's — a
part of the original tract secured before the Higleys left their
native State. A frame house and barn was built in 1817.
Cheese-making, and later on sheep-raising, claimed Thomp-
son Higley's especial interests, as well as the pursuit of the
usual agricultural industries. For a number of years he kept a
herd of twenty-five cows. The manufacture of cheese was, in
those days, brought to a high state of perfection in "the
Reserve," and dairying was its principal factor for a quarter of a
574 THE HIGLEY S AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
century or more, yielding to the farmers a most profitable in-
come. For a few years in the thirties Mr. Higley, in partner-
ship with his brother Jonathan, whose residence was just across
the road, engaged in the sale of dry goods and general country
merchandise, using a part of Thompson Higley's residence as a
salesroom. His wife, Mrs. Betsey Higley, frequently attended
the store and kept the books.
On the 8th of July, 1826, Thompson Higley was elected to the
office of justice of the peace for the township of Windsor, and
commissioned for the term of three years by Governor Jeremiah
Morrow. To this office he was repeatedly re-elected, serving
year after year, until he positively refused to serve longer. He
was elected township trustee, serving successive years, till he
wearied of this office also. Notwithstanding his refusal to be a
candidate, he was again nominated and induced to serve from
185010 1852, because of a strong political contention, which threat-
ened unhappy consequences in the town, concerning the laying
of the "Lake and Trumbull County plank road," as he could
command more votes than any other citizen, and thereby settle
the difficulty.
Thompson Higley lived during the times when to be an Aboli-
tionist or in outspoken sympathy with the slave required a bold
heart, and one true to its convictions and principles. He was a
radical anti-slavery man. Though he strongly supported the Hon.
Joshua R. Giddings in his championship, in the United States
Congress, of the rights of the negro, he clung to the old
Whig party, owing to his belief that there was no prospect of
success through the Abolition party, and that he could serve the
cause to better purpose by remaining with the Whigs. He
adhered to his party till the formation of the Republican party
in 1856, when he joined heart and hand in its measures. His
interest in politics did not flag till the day of his death, keeping
full pace with the newspaper records of the times, and making
public questions his thorough study. It is stated that he could
name all of the United States Senators, with the State which each
one had represented, for a period reaching back a great many
years.
Mr. Higley accumulated property. His acres of land increased
until he finally owned 640, being one of the largest land owners in
the township. In addition to his landed estate, he held govern-
ment bonds, and also realized a considerable amount annually
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY,\ST. 575
from the loan of moneys. In this latter business he uttered a
practical protest against the acceptance of more than the legal
rate of interest, six per cent., though the demand for money
easily commanded ten per cent. He used to say that he did not
think that any agriculturist borrower could really afford to bear
the burden of more than six per cent., and that he could not per-
mit himself to be governed by an avarice that would cause him to
exact more than the lawful amount.
The marked characteristics of his life were his unvarying and
inflexible integrity, his thorough everyday uprightness, con-
scientiously practiced, and his burning hatred to all that was dis-
honest, false, and mean. He bore a strong dislike for sharp or
underhanded practices : the transactions into which he entered
had to be squarely performed, with the glare of daylight shining
through them; there was no " hiding a candle under a bushel "
in his dealings.
He was a man who evidenced the spirit of benevolence in his
own way. When misfortune overtook a neighbor, or illness and
trouble came to an acquaintance, he aided them, as well as other
deserving people, cordially and liberally; but he was not given
to lending assistance to every applicant who might approach him.
He contributed freely to the expenses of the late Civil War, mak-
ing frequent liberal donations to his town. At one time he gave
five hundred dollars to free it from the necessity of a draft.
In person Thompson Higley was five feet ten inches in height,
weighing two hundred pounds, and was light complexioned. He
was a man almost void of pride or haughtiness, and caring little
for his personal appearance or manner, he studied his comfort
only, though he was neat in his habits.
He was of rather quiet bearing and conversation, but sometimes
liked a dry joke.
When his mettle was aroused, which could not be said to fre-
quently occur, he did not lack the power of wrath, and in giving
it vent he couched his language in terms that made it hot and
heavy for his hearers.
The arena of the religious world he did not enter — he was
never a church-goer. Not liking creeds or sectarian exclusive-
ness, he was rarely ever seen inside of a place of worship, and he
was quite as indifferent concerning his Bible. Yet his high
moral standard and strict upright dealings with his fellow-men
made him a model and pattern in these respects for many a pro-
576 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
fessor of religion; for his conduct and action in life were gov-
erned by the eternal principles of the Golden Rule, and he was
essentially a noble man.
While his was the plain and eminently practical life of the
country "squire" and a leading agriculturist, busied with politi-
cal matters, planning the means for the local improvement and
welfare of his town, and carrying them out, which brought strik-
ing change to the wooded new country, his was one of those lives
which are a suggestive study. To go back to the beginning of
this century and consider the important foundations that such
men laid, think over what they put into operation as the years
ripened under their exercise of brain and the labor of their hands,
their fair dealing and purity of principles, stamping themselves
" instruments of God to bring a higher civilization," we hold them
as noble contributors to the high destiny of our prosperous land.
Betsey Hurlburt, who united in marriage with Thompson
Higley on the nth of April, 1821, resided in Austinburg, O.
Goshen, Conn., was her native place. From here she emigrated
to the Western Reserve, joining a married sister, and making the
journey of six hundred miles on horseback. Soon after her
arrival she opened a school in a neighboring township, which was
the first school taught in that town.
She was a sincere Christian woman, following with true fidelity
the dictates of a conscience which was guided by her humble
reliance on the goodness of God and the teaching she drew from
her Bible, which she read a great deal alone, and sometimes with
her children. She was a member of the Congregational Church.
Her married life, busy in active household work, was no excep-
tion to that of the pioneer women of her day. There was not one
moment to " eat the bread of idleness." No hired help could be
obtained; and her years were filled with the toilsome daily
routine of an almost limitless industry: spinning, churning, bak-
ing, making cheese, — for the quality of which she excelled, gaining
a very considerable reputation, — attending to the family sewing
and the ordinary cooking, washing, and ironing. But on Saturday
evening, according to the old Puritan New England custom, she
ceased all the domestic duties that could possibly be laid aside
preparatory for the Sabbath, and faithfully attended her church
at the village when Sunday came.
From their infancy she taught her children the cradle rhyme:
" Now I lay me down to sleep," and " Our Father in heaven ";
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. 577
and as they grew up she faithfully trained them in the precepts
of the gospel, holding up before them by her own example a
calm and quiet manner devoid of fretfulness or complaint, and
clothed with the beautiful garb of a gentle spirit. Her family
government was guided by firmness and decision, teaching her
children obedience and reverence. She believed that to "spare
the rod was to spoil the child," and while her husband avoided
its use for punishment, she herself took in hand this good old
housewife remedy for misbehavior, and used it with unflinching
vigor when she felt that discipline and good order essentially
required it. To her church she was strongly attached, devoting
both zeal and labor to its interests. When a movement was
made in 1853 for a new building, she donated fifty dollars, an
amount in those days considered munificent for a woman to give.
The illness which closed her earthly life was a long wearying
combat with consumption, for which there was no healing balm.
Her departure was worthy of the practical Christian life she had
lived. When the hours immediately preceding her death came,
she knew that "the enduring substance is beyond the grave."
"Prepare to meet my God," was her counsel to her family; "he
has been," said she, " my comfort and support through all the
trying scenes of life, and is with me now in the hour of death,"
and she passed from the life that now is, into the life eternal. It
was on the zath of September, 1854. The funeral service was
held in the church to which she had been so closely bound; a
sermon was preached by the Rev. Benjamin Arnold. It was the
first funeral service held in the new church.1 She was interred in
the cemetery at Windsor Corners.
In the year 1860 Thompson Higley, Sr., married Margaret
Worthington, who survived him.
His decease took place February 27, 1874, in his eighty-eighth
year. He was laid beside his first wife in the village cemetery.
While he yet lived he gave to his three daughters 340 acres of
land which lay in the township of Hartsgrove, which was equally
divided between them. To this he added three hundred dollars
each in money.
To his only surviving son, Thompson Higley, Jr., he bequeathed
at his death all of the remainder of his estate, which included the
original home farm in Windsor.
1 This church was some years afterward sold to the Universalists, and is now held by that body
and the Farmers' Grange.
578 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Thompson Higley, Sr., and his wife Betsey (Hurlburt) had
five children, viz. :
Rachel, Betsey, Eunice, Thomas, and Thompson, Jr.
RACHEL HIGLEY, the eldest child, was born at Windsor, O., January 29, 1822,
and married, September 19, 1850, Ebenezer Nye of Windsor, O. On the occasion
of her marriage she received a gift from her father of 113 acres of fine farming land
in Hartsgrove, an adjoining township. Mr. and Mrs. Nye afterward removed
to Maryland. They have one child, Alice, who married Theron Ludington, and
resides at Goshen, Conn., with whom her parents now live. Mrs. Nye is a faith-
ful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Goshen.
BETSEY HIGLEY, the second child of Thompson, Sr., and Betsey (Hurlburt)
Higley, was born at Windsor, O., May, 1825. She was a bright, thrifty girl,
exceedingly clever in business matters, and always ready to take hold of a measure
that would increase the contents of her purse. She married, November 12, 1846,
DeWitt C. Gridley, and received a wedding portion from her father of 113 acres of
land in Hartsgrove. Mr. Gridley was one of the largest dealers in live cattle in
Ashtabula County. He followed the business forty years, was prosperous, and ac-
cumulated a comfortable fortune. His life was marked with a generous liberality.
He died June 22, 1885, aged sixty-four years. His wife died of consumption
three months after, September 27, 1885, closing a life which had in a quiet way
shed a luster by its gentleness of temperament and kindly disposition.
They were the parents of four children, viz. :
Florence, who married Elisha Stafford, and resides in Cleveland, O. ; Elva, who
married Herman Stafford ; Etta, and Armena, both of whom are deceased.
EUNICE HIGLEY, the third child of Thompson Higley, Sr., and Betsey (Hurlburt),
his wife, was born at the old homestead of her father at Windsor, O., September
19, 1827. Her earlier life was quiet and uneventful, mainly spent devoting her
time to the domestic concerns of the household.
She married, May I, 1850, Albert Bell, who was a native of Vermont, born
January 18, 1828, in the town of Georgia, Franklin County. When two years of
age he was brought to the Western Reserve, Ohio, by his parents, when they
emigrated from Vermont.
Mr. and Mrs. Bell resided in the township of Hartsgrove, Ashtabula County,
O., on a farm of 165 acres ; of this 113 acres were given to Mrs. Eunice Bell by
her father, Thompson Higley, Sr., on the occasion of her marriage. The remainder
was purchased by Mr. Bell. It is a fine, well-improved estate, and bespeaks an
intelligent estimate of the importance of the practical study which agriculture and
kindred industrial pursuits require in these days. The Bells have always been
substantial, much respected citizens of Hartsgrove Township. Mr. Bell was
elected to the office of, and served several successive terms as, township trustee.
He died at his home, September 3, 1895. Albert and Eunice (Higley) Bell were
the parents of six children, viz. :
Rollin, born May 21, 1851, died December 1 8, iS66 ; Thompson Higley, Fred-
erick A., Ernestine, Ella, and Mabel.
THOMPSON HIGLEY BELL, the oldest surviving child, was born at Hartsgrove, O.,
May 6, 1854. He married Deette Lampson, December 4, 1879. They have one
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, 1ST. 579
child, named Howard F., born June I, 1884. Mrs. Deette L. Bell died Octo-
ber, 1895. Mr. Bell resides in Mesopotamia, Trumbull County, O.
FREDERICK A., the third child of Albert and Eunice (Higley) Bell, was born
April 22,. 1857. He married Florence Marsh, June 30, 1887. They are the
parents of two children :
Marian £., born May 17, 1888 ; and Remson, born November 2, 1889.
They live in Superior, Wis.
ERNESTINE, the fourth child of Albert and Eunice (Higley) Bell, was born in
Hartsgrove, O., June 10, 1859. She has been a successful teacher for a number
of years. Beginning in the district public school, she gradually advanced to the
higher grades, and has filled responsible positions in Fargo and Lisbon, N. Dak.,
Nevada, Missouri, and for two years was principal of the high school at Duluth,
Minn.
ELLA, the fifth child of Albert and Eunice (Higley) Bell, was born at Harts-
grove, O., April 24, 1864. She married June 9, 1885, Clayton L. Lampson.
They are the parents of two children, viz. :
Vena B., born March 25, 1886 ; and Mabel, born February 29, 1890.
They reside in Windsor, O.
REUBEN R., the sixth child of Albert and Eunice (Higley) Bell, was born May
II, 1866. He married, June 15, 1887, Emma Fowler. They have three chil-
dren, viz. :
Harry E., born April 9, 1888; Garland A., born February 7, 1890; Lynn,
born October 26, 1891.
They reside in Hartsgrove, O.
THOMAS HIGLEY, the fourth child of Thompson, Sr., and Betsey (Hurlburt)
Higley, was born at Windsor, O., September 25, 1829. At the early age of three
years he was one day at play underneath the trees, when, though apparently in
sound health, he was suddenly seized with paralysis, and ever after, as long as he
lived, was powerless to use his right side. This affliction stunted his growth, leaving
him an unfortunate cripple ; nevertheless, having an energetic heart, full of hope,
together with increased strength in his left side, he accomplished a considerable
amount of physical labor. He died of typhoid fever, March 25, 1853.
THOMPSON HIGLEY, Jr., the fifth child and only surviving son
of Thompson, Sr., and Betsey (Hurlburt) Higley, was born at the
home-farm of his father at Windsor, O., November 12, 1831.
His advantages for learning were received in the schools of the
neighboring districts; he has, however, since those days, by virtue
of his excellent natural abilities and reading, continued the dis-
cipline of his faculties, and is able to make the most of his acquire-
ments. Mr. Higley is a man of thorough principle and sterling
integrity, thoughtful, and possessed of quiet strength. Under his
quiet demeanor he conceals a sympathetic heart, which leads him
to much charitable action; this he practices in an extremely
unostentatious way — few men excel him in small unseen acts of
kindness. He is one of those true and steadfast friends born for
the time of need, whose opportunity answers to the old prov-
erb, "A friend loveth at all times and a brother is born for
adversity."
580 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
February 17, 1854, he married Laura McEwen, who entered the
home of her husband on the farm on which he was born, and
where he has spent all of his life, and which came into his full
ownership at the decease of his father.
Thompson Higley, Jr., is the owner of three hundred acres of
good farming land lying in the townships of Windsor and Harts-
grove, Ashtabula County, O. He received by legacy the larger
proportion of his father's estate, the entire balance after paying
his stepmother and sisters certain stipulated amounts which were
devised in Thompson, Sr.'s, will. He was appointed executor of
the estate.
Personally unobtrusive, Mr. Higley has never sought public
position, yet his townsmen, who elected him trustee in 1884, have
each successive year continued to keep him in the office. He is
also one of the trustees of the well-kept rural cemetery which is
located at Windsor Corners. Here, among other citizens who
bear an honorable record for studying the improvement and gen-
eral interests of the town, his name was fittingly inscribed on the
face of a substantially built stone vault in recognition of his
valuable public services.
Mr. Higley is not a church communicant; he lt puts his creeds
into deeds," but attends the Universalist Church with his wife,
to which he is a liberal donor.
Laura McEwen, the wife Thompson Higley, Jr., was born in
Kemp, Conn., October 10, 1832. She was brought by her
parents, Charles and Aurelia McEwen, to Ohio when they emi-
grated from their native State in 1838, settling first in Con-
cord, and afterward in Hamden, Geauga County. In 1850 they
removed to Windsor, Ashtabula County.1 In February, 1854, she
married Mr. Higley.
Thompson, Jr., and Laura (McEwen) Higley, are the parents of
three surviving children, their daughter Betsey, born November
17, 1860, dying of diphtheria January 6, 1869, at the age of eight
years. The children are as follows:
REED HIGLEY, born at Windsor, O., July 29, 1855, who is unmarried and
resides at home with his parents, and is a farmer.
ERLIN HIGLEY, born April 6, 1858, who is also unmarried, and lives with his
parents. He is a farmer.
1 Charles McEwen died at Windsor, O., April 25, 1876, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife,
Aurelia McEwen, was known as a woman of most agreeable temperament, viewing the world from
its bright side, and making life happy to those about her. She died November 16, 1886, aged seventy-
nine years.
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL HIGLEY, \ST. 581
AUGUSTA, born August 17, 1863, who married, November 23, 1881, Maurice
Warren, and resides in a pretty farm home in the close vicinity of her parents.
They have two children, viz. :
Leon Thompson, born March 26, 1883 ; Vern Casper, born June 27, 1889.
Continued from page 491.
LYDIA HIGLEY, the seventh child of Jonathan, 2d, and Rachel
(Negus) Higley, was born in Turkey Hills parish, Simsbury,
Conn., April 18, 1789. She was a girl of fifteen when she emi-
grated with her parents to Ohio. She married, July 4, 1816,
Elijah Crandall. He was born December i, 1792. They had
two children, viz.:
Franklin and Amariah.
FRANKLIN CRANDALL, the eldest child, born May 8, 1817, married Salria
. She was born 1821.
AMARIAH CRANDALL, the second child, born October 13, 1821, married, July
4, 1853, Mary E. Hale. She was born May 26, 1826. Amariah Crandall died
February 18, 1896. They were the parents of four children, all daughters, viz.:
Frances T., born April 4, 1854; Gertrude G., born December 27, 1856; Flora E.,
born September 28, 1859 ; Amerett S., born September 8, 1863.
FRANCES T., married Andrew Zinger, July 30, 1880, and has two children,
J?oss and Bessie.
GERTRUDE G., married, July 3, 1884, Roscoe White. They have one child —
Grace. They reside in Middlefield, Geauga County, O.
FLORA E., married, January 22, 1879, Clarence C. Lampson. They have one
child, called Lynn. They reside in Mesopotamia, Trumbull County, O., and
are farmers.
LAURA HIGLEY, the eighth child of Jonathan, 2d, and Rachel
(Negus) Higley, was born in Turkey Hills parish, Simsbury, Conn.,
September 7, 1792. She was a child of twelve years when she left
her native State and came with her parents to Ashtabula County,
Ohio. She married Enoch Hale, June, 1830. He was born
September 12, 1786. He died May, 1864. She died October 8,
1856. They had two children, both daughters: Lucy and Emily.
LUCY, born September 3, 1831, married, November 12, 1849, Thomas Perry.
They were the parents of four sons, viz. :
David, born August 7, 1852, died 1856 ; Edward G., born September 17, 1856 ;
William H., born February, 1858 ; Ernest, born December, 1860.
EMILY HALE, born March 15, 1833, became the second wife of Edward Wiswell,
November 12, 1856. He was born May 14, 1813. They had one son and two
daughters, viz.:
Bert, Laura A., and Anna.
38
582 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
BERT WISWELL was born April 16, 1858 ; married, October 31, 1882, Nettie
Hoskins.
LAURA A., born November 27, 1859, and married, July 3, 1881, Luther M. Pres-
ton. He was born December 20, 1856. Luther Preston died 1895. They had
two children, the eldest of whom was named Ruby, born August 30, 1886. They
resided in Windsor, O.
ANNA, the third child of Emily Hale and Edward Wiswell, married John Good-
ing. She died June 2, 1889.
Continued from page 491.
FANNY HIGLEY, the ninth and youngest child of Jonathan, 2d,
and Rachel (Negus) Higley, was born in Simsbury, Conn., in
the year 1795. She died in 1873 in Ashtabula County, Ohio,
unmarried.
CHAPTER LXVI.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY.
Continued from chapter xxiv, p. 139.
I
Abigail, Nathaniel, Captain John Higley.
he does not feel himself a mere individual link in creation, responsible only for his own brief
term of being. He carries back his existence in proud recollection, and he extends it forward in
honorable anticipation. He lives with his ancestry, and he lives with his posterity. — WASHINGTON
IRVING.
ABIGAIL HIGLEY, the oldest child of Nathaniel and Abigail (Filer)
Higley whose date of birth is found upon record, was born at
Simsbury, Conn., November i, 1723. She married, November 8,
1842, Joseph Holcombe, who was also of Simsbury. He was
born 1721. They always resided in their native town. She died
June 8, 1803. Their descendants are spread into the numerous
Holcombe and other families.
MARY HIGLEY, the second child of Nathaniel and Abigail (Filer)
Higley, was born at Simsbury, Conn., early in the year 1725.
Her life was prolonged to such a great age that descendants of
her brothers who were living since this book was begun (1888)
recollected her distinctly. She outlived more than three genera-
tions. She never married. An old Salmon Brook rate book for
the year 1774 shows that she, together with her brother Daniel,
were put on the list for that year, for rates of one penny on the
pound for ;£6o i6s. At the distribution of her father's estate
lands were " set out" to Mary, August 13, 1778.
The date of her mother's death is not known; but it is probable
that Mary remained with her at Simsbury as long as she lived,
removing early in this century to Marlboro, Windham County,
Vt., to which place her brother Daniel had emigrated in 1781.
Here she spent the last years of her life.
In the year 1810 she conveyed to her brother Daniel fifteen
acres of land, for which she received " one hundred dollars current
money." After her father's decease she appears to have re-
mained in the home of this brother till his death, which took place
583
584 THE H 1C LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
in 1812, and was afterward cared for by her two nephews, Judah
and Pliny Higley, in accordance with the following clause in her
brother Daniel's will:
" And further my Will is that my sister Mary Higley shall be supported out of
the estate that I have herein bequeathed to my sons Judah and Pliny, and that
they, the said Judah and Pliny, shall support the said Mary with good and sufficient
meat, drink, washing, lodging, nursing and physic, and every way maintain her
decently during her natural life, and likewise pay her funeral charges if she has
not estate of her own to do it."
Mary Higley died in the year 1828, aged one hundred and four
years.
THEOPOLIS HIGLEY, "y* sone of Nat1 and Abigail (Filer) Hig-
ley," was born at Simsbury, Conn., " March ye 27th 1726."
He grew to manhood on his father's estate, and united with the
old church of the Northwest Society, now the North Granby
Congregational Church, of which his father was then a prominent
and active supporter.
June 7, 1757, he purchased land "on the east side of Manatuck,"
a mountain on the north edge of Simsbury. This was probably
the site of his home farm. He married Rhoda .
On the i8th of March, 1762, he enlisted in a Connecticut militia
regiment commanded by Captain Noah Humphrey. He was
made corporal. This company, which "was raised chiefly in
Simsbury, belonged to corps sent out to Havana the same year,
1762, under General Lyman. The unfortunate expedition was
signalized by great loss of life, resulting from sickness. Less
than one-third of the troops returned home." '
Theopolis Higley was among those whose lives were sacrificed.
He died while on the expedition, August 26, i762,aaged thirty-six
years and five months. He left no children. By his will he
bequeaths to his "beloved wife Rhoda, all my Estate, both land
and moveable estate, and dwelling house," and appoints her sole
executor.
The inventory, which was taken December 31, 1762, amounts
tO;£n8, and includes, among other articles, "broadcloth" cloth-
ing, a ring, a "chest of drawers," and the first "cotton" shirt
found in the old Family inventories.
1 Phelps' " History of Simsbury," p. 93.
* Taken from original muster rolls, State Library, Hartford, Conn.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 585
Continued from chapter xxiv. p. 142.
Solomon, Nathaniel, Captain John Higley.
SOLOMON HIGLEY, " ye sonne of Nathaniel and Abigail (Filer)
Higley," was born in Simsbury, Conn., "ye 8th of January 1728." '
About the year 1749 he married Lydia, the daughter of Lieu-
tenant David Holcombe and his wife Mehitable Bottolph of
Simsbury. a Lydia was born in the year 1730.
On the 27th of February, 1751, Solomon Higley purchased land
in Salmon Brook parish, within a few miles of his father's farm.
This, no doubt, was where they resided. Here six of their ten
children were born, and probably the seventh. Two years later,
February 18, 1753, both Solomon Higley and his wife were
admitted on profession of their faith to the old North Granby
First Church, signing the church covenant. In March, 1761, he
made an additional purchase of land at Salmon Brook and in 1763
he made further purchase of land in Simsbury. The year follow-
ing— 1764 — he was baptised in the English Church of St. Andrew
in the parish of Scotland (now Bloomfield). This ancient church
was situated but a few miles from his dwelling.
But notwithstanding he was imbued with a decidedly religious
bent of mind, and was an honest truth-seeker, he seems to have
found little churchly comfort in his Christian connections. He
had a craving for a self-revealing God of peace and good will, the
churches in the neighboring parishes having long been deeply
tinctured with dissatisfaction and discord, and evidently had
ceased for the time to fulfill their useful mission.
Soon after his last purchase of land in the year 1763, he sold
all of his possessions, and, as far as can be discovered, was the
first of the Higleys who swarmed from the old hive at Higley-
town and emigrated. No trace of him or his family can be
found upon record at Simsbury or Granby later than the year 1765.
Between that year and the year 1780 there is some obscurity
as to just where he and his family were located, though there is
good reason to believe that it was in or near the Berkshire Hill
country of Western Massachusetts, at Stockbridge, or at Lebanon,
on the eastern boundary of the State of New York. During this
period four other children were born to them. About the year
1779 a remarkable revival of religion took place in Lebanon, N. Y.,
and the towns adjacent, which spread to the neighboring towns
1 Book in., "Simsbury Town Records."
a The Buttolphs were one of the old families of Granby, Hartford County, Conn.
586 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and Western Connecticut.
Many souls were vivified, and, moved by this Pentecostal wave,
there were some who, anxiously grasping for a higher spiritual
life and walk, settled into new beliefs and sects.
On the i6th of August, 1774, "Mother" Ann Lee landed with
seven of her followers in New York City. Part of her company
went to Albany, and in the year 1776 a tract of land was leased
or purchased by them in the forests of Niskenna, afterward
called Watervleit, seven miles northwest of the city of Albany.
Here the little colony, with a few friends, settled, and till 1780
were scarcely known outside of the woods that hemmed them in.
They builded houses, cleared lands, raised grains, and stored pro-
visions. In the spring of that year, — 1780, — and during the period
that the great revival of religion was sweeping over that section
of country, two men, who had started from Lebanon to emigrate
westward, on reaching Albany heard of the new doctrines which
were then being preached by " Mother Ann" at Watervleit, and
visiting the colony, embraced the teachings, the central idea of
which is the duality of God in "his highest, clearest, complete,
and perfect manifestation, as when his character is produced
in man and in woman." Abandoning their westward journey,
they returned to Lebanon and spread the faith abroad. The
inhabitants of the town appointed a committee of three sub-
stantial citizens to visit the newly arisen sect and make inquiry
into their origin and religious tenets. These came back inspired
with the belief that they had found "a reasonable religion that
appealed to the understanding, and that its fruits were the works
of practical righteousness." They agreed to the example ex-
hibited by the little colony in its social system of government,
which was "that of a family life of religious communism" in
imitation of the primitive founders of the Christian Church.
They also assented to the leading doctrine taught, that those
mutually sustaining its relationship were called to a high plane
of spiritual life, holding absolute purity of mind and body in dis-
tinctive prominence by hating all unclean desires, entirely sub-
duing all lust and physical propensities to the loftier nature of
man, and " living a continent and virgin life."
Though the Order of Shakers, then founded, does not censure
the marriage compact, and regards it good in its place, it con-
siders it wholly belonging to the inferior organization of mankind,
and sought only by those walking the commonplace and beaten
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 587
track of life, holding that it is a state not to be entered by mortals
of this world of clay who are privileged to discover and rise to
the beauties and fragrance of the ever progressive spiritual
realm.
Manual industry, thrift, plain and simple living, uprightness of
dealing, and fraternity were and always have been essential
requisites to membership in the community. That " Godliness
doth not lead to idleness " is a part of its creed.
From that time onward the people came in numbers to Water-
vleit from many townships in eastern New York and New
England. A great public service was held May 19, 1780, at
which the doctrines were publicly preached, and one year later
" Mother " Ann and the elders journeyed through various places,
going as far east as Boston, promulgating their beliefs.
In the year 1787 the people gathered into communal order,
and the church at Mount Lebanon, N. Y., was organized between
Christmas of the same year and 1792.
It is known that Solomon and Lydia Higley were among those
who embraced this faith very early, previous to 1780, and they
were consequently among the number who founded this thrifty,
social, and highly moral sect.
Why they took up with the customs of this singular people
cannot be fully understood, unless it was because they found a
religion of love practiced — the hearty affection and sympathy of a
happy family. They were possessed of a good property, and
were both in the vigor of middle life, — he fifty-one and his wife
forty-nine, — with a large family of sensible and dutiful children.
Some of their older children, however, did not enter the com-
munity, and of the seven whom they caused to enter with them,
all except three finally left the Shaker community.
The step taken by Solomon and Lydia Higley caused great
trial and dissatisfaction to Solomon's brother Daniel, who made
a journey from Marlboro, Vt., to Mount Lebanon Village, in the
hope to dissuade them from their new theology and practices.
His coming made quite a rumpus among the "gentle ascetics,"
but it was all to no purpose; Solomon and Lydia were not to be
moved, and faithfully adhered to the sect to the end of their long
lives, and were placed upon the records as having been "loyal
members, beloved, useful, and respected." '
Their three children, Dan, Theopolis, and Lydia, who embraced
1 From the Records of the Shakers of Mount Lebanon Village, N. Y.
588 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
the religious faith of the Shakers with their parents, and remained
at Mount Lebanon, lived to the ages respectively of eighty-nine,
seventy-two, and fifty-one years.
It is said that Solomon Higley prepared half an acre of ground
and planted it in corn after he had reached the nineties, and,
when he was within six years of his one hundredth mile-stone, he
hoed, and finally harvested and husked it, entirely unassisted,
making it ready for the granary.
He died June 2, 1821, aged ninety-five. His wife, Lydia
(Holcombe) Higley, died February 27, 1822, aged ninety-two.
Their children were as follows:
Sarah, Nathaniel, Seth, Roswell, Dan, Seba, Theopolis, David,
Dudley, and Lydia, born 1773, who lived from childhood, and
died, in the Shaker Community at Mount Lebanon, N. Y.
SARAH HIGLEY, the first-born child of Solomon and Lydia
(Holcombe) Higley, was born at Simsbury, Conn., September 8,
1750. As there is no allusion to her to be found after the record
of her birth, it is probable that she died in childhood.
NATHANIEL HIGLEY, the second child of Solomon and Lydia
(Holcombe) Higley, was born at Simsbury, Conn., October 2,
I752-
Tradition has it that at the time Solomon Higley emigrated
from Simbury, when the boy was about thirteen years of age, he
accompanied his parents, and on reaching manhood went to
Cayuga County, New York, in the early history of its settlement.
Here he married and had a family. It is stated that one of his
sons resided at Sand Lake, N. Y. However, we have so little
information concerning him, or his descendants, if he had any,
that we cannot give a satisfactory account of them.
SETH HIGLEY, the third child of Soloman and Lydia (Holcombe)
Higley, was born at Simsbury, Conn., September 27, 1754.' He
was a child of eleven years when his parents removed from Sims-
bury and settled in the country contiguous to the Berkshire Hills.
He married Lucy Herod, an English girl, when about twenty-
one.
It was probably very soon after their marriage that Seth
Higley and his wife went to Saratoga County, New York, and
located in the vicinity of Ballston and Half-Moon, towns which
were founded some ten years later. The country was then a
primeval forest. Possessed of quick intelligence and a sturdy
1 " Simsbury Records."
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. $89
character, he went to work on the unimproved lands and made
himself a home.
Soon after this he is found among the gallant and active
volunteers who threw themselves into the battles of the Revolu-
tion. It was an epoch when just such blood was needed. Seth
Higley was not of the metal to be cowed by dark times or to sit
down and groan when the struggling colonies required true
patriots.
At the time of the invasion of Burgoyne's army from the north,
in 1777, Seth was residing with his family within hearing of the
battle fought on the heights and plain of Saratoga. One day,
when he and a neighbor were on a furlough at their homes, and
had mounted their plow horses, and were taking some bags of
grain to a neighboring mill, they heard the roar of cannon.
They turned, and, hurrying back, quickly secreted their families
in the woods nearby, not daring to leave them in the settlement
for fear of the Indians and Tories, then shouldering their guns,
rushed to the field of battle, and entered the combat. The battle
raged furiously from three in the afternoon till darkness put an
end to the bloody day. That night nearly one thousand men lay
on the field dead and wounded.
In the autumn of 1798 one Philip King, who owned a tract of sev-
eral hundred acres of land in Cayuga County, New York, made a
favorable offer to Seth Higley of fifty acres if he would assist him
in removing there. Cayuga County had at that time been lately
" set off " from Onondaga County, and was yet an unsettled
wilderness. In spite of the toilsome hardships involved, he
accepted the proposition, with the end in view of the removal of
his own family to the central part of the State; no doubt for the
reason that the Dutch titles to the vast tracts of lands in eastern
New York, which were vested in the holders of patents, hampered
the independence and enterprise of the lesser landholders. That
winter he drove a team and wagon-load of household goods, as ar-
ranged for, with King, to the- point chosen for the new settlement,
and again went to work in a rich forest country, almost outside
the circle of civilization, cutting away the rough wild growths,
and thus again becoming one of the foremost in making way for
a new population and the existence of a prosperous community.
Building a log cabin in the clearing, he killed a supply of veni-
son, hewed out a trough from the log of a tree, into which he
put his meat, and then made a journey to Syracuse to obtain salt
59° THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
to preserve it. Having thus provided and put in a safe spot a
store of food, he returned to Saratoga County for his wife and
children, bringing them in the month of February, 1799, and set-
tling on his new-made farm. This farm was located in the town
once known as Mentz, one mile west of the present village of
Port Byron, a part of which is now situated on his original estate.
Here they resided till the close of his life.
The history of Seth Higley's connection with the early settle-
ment of this county is but too imperfectly known. From the
earliest period of which we can gather particulars of his life, he
was a plain, substantial man, always a man of action, one who
did not forget his highest obligations, and one who was much
respected.
He died at Port Byron, N. Y., the autumn of 1829, aged
seventy-five years.
His wife survived him a number of years, receiving in her old
age the kind and thoughtful care of her youngest daughter, Mrs.
Minerva Durham. On the removal of Mr. and Mrs. Durham to
Waterloo, N. Y., the mother accompanied them, and there she
died.
The children of Seth and Lucy Herod Higley, all of whom,
except probably the youngest, were born near Ballston, Saratoga
County, N. Y., were as follows :
Desire, David, Seba, Sylvia, Puella, Aseneth, Samuel H., Enos
Jonas, and Minerva.
DESIRE HIGLEY, the oldest child of Seth and Lucy (Herod) Higley, was born
near Ballston, Saratoga County, N. Y., July 27, 1777. Her birth took place
scarcely a month previous to the encampment of the British Army at Ticonderoga.
She was three months old at the time of Burgoyne's surrender, her life beginning
amidst some of the most stirring scenes of the Revolution ; and till she reached old
age she was entertaining in her conversations relating to the excitement and hap-
penings which tpok place in the neighborhood of her father's dwelling during that
period, as she had heard them talked about from her infantile years.
On the 3ist of December, 1797, she married Peter Husted. He was born March
26, 1776. They settled at Ballston, and here they lived till after the birth of their
first child, when they removed to the center of the State of New York, finally tak-
ing up their permanent residence at Lee, Oneida County, N. Y., where they
brought up a family of seven children. Mrs. Husted also became the foster-
mother to four of her brother's (Samuel H. Higley) motherless children, devoting
herself for many years to their care and training. It is declared by those who
knew her best, that she abundantly merited, for the excellencies that she manifested
in her life, and her kindly acts, the old-time beautiful commendation, "She hath
done what she could." Her worthy husband, Peter Husted, to whom she was
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 591
knitted in the bonds of true affection, was a man of quiet, unpretentious life, noted
for his meek and gentle spirit. He died October 26, 1850. Desire (Higley)
Husted died December 17, 1859. Their children :
Silas; Lewis, born August 14, 1800, died March 22, 1812 ; Louisa (called Lois),
born September 16, 1802 ; Lucy Herod; Eliza Ann; Mary, born August 2, 1807,
died August 6, 1808 ; David H.; Milton and Millicent, twins ; Mary Ann, born
October 7, 1816, of whom no further mention is made.
SILAS HUSTED, the eldest child of Desire Higley and Peter Husted, was born
at Lee, N. Y., February 3, 1799. He married Fanny Dutton, April 13, 1834.
She was born October 14, 1801. They resided at Lee, N. Y. He died October
17, 1877. She died January 12, 1879. Their children :
Sarah A.; Lewis M.; and Lois D., who died November 27, 1844, aged one
year and four months.
*
SARAH A. HUSTED was born December 3, 1835, and married Byron M. Powell, July 3, 1861, in
Portage, Wyoming County, N. Y. x
LEWIS M., born May 16, 1837; married Destimony F. Crane December 24, i86a, at Arcade, Wyo-
ming County, N. Y. She was born December 13, 1840, in Freedom, N. Y. They reside in Eagle
Village, Wyoming County, N. Y. Their only child was Dwight L., born July 21, 1864. Desti-
mony F. Husted died May 20, 1867. Lewis M. Husted married, second, Louisa J. Fox, October
20, 1869, in Johnsburg, N. Y. She was born June 26, 1847. Children by second marriage :
Frank W., born December 13, 1871 ; died July 16, 1874. George C., born September 2, 1873 ;
died September 4, 1873. Frank S., born October 2, 1875.
DWIGHT L. HUSTED married, November 25, 1885, Lillie E. Piper of Freedom, N. Y.
LUCY HEROD, daughter of Desire Higley and Peter Husted, was born January
16, 1804. She married Wessel B. Van Wagenen, December 22, 1824. He was
born July 9, 1 802. They resided at Lee, Oneida County, N. Y. Their children :
Lois C., born March 4, 1826; married, April 18, 1849, Jeptha Brainard. She died April 7, 1852.
SARAH ANN was the second daughter of Lucy Herod Husted and Wessel Van Wagenen.
LEWIS B., the eldest son of Lucy Herod Husted and Wessel Van Wagenen, born November 3,
1829; married, 1859, Ann S. McMullen in Rome, N. Y. They had children, viz.:
Leonora, born November 4, 1859; Edwin P., born February 3, 1864; Julia D., born November
16, 1865; Lewis G., born October 10, 1868; Herbert J., born February 20, 1873 ; Edith, born
August 4, 1879.
JULIA DESIRE, the fourth child, born June 19, 1835; married, November 8, 1860, Monroe E.
Hartson. Their children:
Nellie R., born June 4, 1863; married Leonard A. Fox, March 26, 1884; they have one child
named Marion. Jessie A ., born November 4, 1867. Lewis M., born December 4, 1869, Le Roy C.,
born March 14, 1873. An infant daughter, who died August 25, 1875.
MARY JANE, the fifth child, born July 29, 1839; died September 15, 1852.
LUCY ELIZABETH, the sixth child, born July 16, 1841; married Ebenezer Gould Stevens, March 8,
1860. He was born February 10, 1839. Their children:
Ebenezer, Lewis, Julia Elizabeth, Charles Elton, Clarence Emory, Nettie Elvira, Belle, and
Robert.
ELIZA ANN, daughter of Desire Higley and Peter Husted, was born August 14,
1805. She married Francis L. Fairbank. She died February 27, 1881. Their
children :
Silas Husted, born November 12, 1821; married Lydia A. Davenport. He died
October 14, 1879. Lucy Ann, born February I, 1834. Sophronia, born April 2,
1836; died April 29, 1841. Lois L. A., born .February 2, 1838; married Edmund
Small, August 12, 1857. Francis L., Jr., born February 2, 1840. Peter Palmer,
592 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
born September 24, 1841; died April 17, 1861. JV. Stacey,born March 2, 1843.
Rhoda K., born August 29, 1845; married Nelson J. Meacham, October 25, 1865.
Ros-wtll Lee, born July 31, 1848; married Emma J. Young, December 2, 1874.
They are the parents of one child, Stuart J. Fairbank, born December 10, 1875.
DAVID H. HUSTEU, the seventh child of Desire Higley and Peter Husted, was
born May 6, 1809. He married, September 24, 1835, Julia Ann Young, who was
born in 1815. David H. Husted died June 24, 1886. Their children :
Jane Ann, born December 6, 1836; married Ira Finster, September 27, 1859.
Margarette, born October 15, 1838; married George Bentley, March 8, 1859. De-
sire, born October 30, 1840; married John S. Howe, January 2, 1860. He \vas
born June II, 1835. Had one child, Julia A., who died, 1864. Julia A., born
September 19, 1842; married Newel S. Miller, August 15, 1861. Lois M., born
January 10, 1846; married Arther G. Newey, September 12, 1865. David H.,
born November 9, 1844; died May, 1845. Clarissa, born August 15, 1848; mar-
ried Horace M. Barber, March 14, 1872. Cynthia, born August 15, 1848; married
Livingstone Pruyn, July 15, 1866. Mary, born May 25, 1851; died January 9,
1864.* Emily, born January 4, 1853 ; married Delus Finster, November, 1802.
Silas S., born October 17, 1854; married Mary Miller. Millicent, born January
28, 1858; died September, 1866.
MILLICENT HUSTED, the eighth child of Desire Higley and Peter Husted, with
his twin brother MILTON, was born July 17, 1811. Milton died May 12, 1813.
Millicent married William Driggs. Their children were : Charles, Milton, Henry,
John, Mona, and Mary. Mona married Hough. Mary married
Williamson, and resides in Wautauga, Knox County, 111.
Continued from page 590.
DAVID HlGLEY, the second child of Seth and Lucy (Herod) Higley, was born
near Ballston, Saratoga County, N. Y. He was accidently crushed to death in
childhood by falling rocks. The dates of his birth and death are not given.
SEBA HIGLEY, 2d, the third child of Seth and Lucy (Herod) Higley, was born
on his father's estate, January 14, 1781, near the present location of the town of
Port Byron, N. Y. He married, September 6, 1801, Elizabeth Mott, in the town
of Aurelius, Cayuga County. She was born March 23, 1782.
Seba Higley died April 13, 1835. His wife died March 31, 1853. Their
children :
An infant, born January 18, 1803; died January 20, 1803. Amanda, born
December 18, 1803; died August 3, 1804. David H., born May n, 1805; died
April 18, 1838. Aseneth, born July 12, 1807; died June 19, 1816. Squire M.,
born April 18, 1810. Seth H., born September 14, 1812. Chauncey K., born
May 27, 1815. Frederick W., born March 6, 1819. Elphonzo and Elmira, twins,
born July 29, 1821.
SQUIRE M. HIGLEY, the fifth child of Seba and Elizabeth Mott Higley, was
born at Port Byron, N. Y., April 18, 1810. He married Ruth Anna Christian of
Mentz, Cayuga County, N. Y., October 27, 1831. They had one child, John M.
Higley. Ruth Anna Higley died , and on the 4th of February, 1851, Mr.
Higley married Emeline Morgan. Of this second marriage one daughter was
born, Adeline Higley. They resided at Port Byron, N. Y. Squire M. Higley died
March 25, 1891.
JOHN M. HIGLBY, son of Squire M. Higley and his first wife, Ruth Anna, was born February
9, 1833. He married Helen Lumsden, November 26, 1857. They reside at Medina, N. Y., and have
children, viz.:
Alfred M., born September 4, 1867. Marion B., born April 27, 1861, who married Alvin Freece,
December 25, 1879.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 593
ADELINE HIGLEY, daughter of Squire M. and his second wife, Emeline (Morgan) Higley, was
born March 29, 1860. She married L. Hathaway McLoud, her second cousin, December 20,
1882.1 They have three children, Lewis Edward, Frank Higley, and Charles Emmons.
SETH HOKUM HIGLEY, the sixth child of Seba and Elizabeth Mott Higley, was
born September 14, 1812, at Port Byron, N. Y., on the old farm which his father
entered February, 1799. Seth always lived in the home of his birth. He married
Maria Polly Finch of Waterbury, Conn., in 1836. She was born October 16, 1818,
in Hartford, Conn., and died November 18, 1894. Seth Hokum Higley died March
2, 1895. Their children were, viz.:
Elodine Eugene, born January 17, 1840; Gilbert Adolphus, born April 20, 1844;
Orlando Elroy, born May 14, 1853, died February, 1895; and Levander, born June
27, 1856.
ELODINE E., the eldest son, resides in Dayton, O.
GILBERT ADOLPHUS, the second child, married Nettie E. Williams, May 18, 1868. They reside
at Warners, N. Y.
ORLANDO E., the third son, resided at Weedsport, N. Y.
LEVANDER, the fourth son, married Emma L. Cooper at Port Byron, N. Y., December i, 1875.
They reside in Syracuse, N. Y., and have children as follows :
William Franklin, born March 17, 1877, at Shelly Centre, Orleans County, N. Y.; Lee Owen,
born at Port Byron, N. Y., February 19, 1879; Elodine V., born at Port Byron, December 6, 1881.
CHAUNCEY KING HIGLEY, the seventh child of Seba and Elizabeth Mott Higley,
was born May 27, 1815. He married Salina Christian, March 10, 1836, at Owasco,
Cayuga County, N. Y. She died . His second marriage was to Mary A.
Mintline. No children.
FREDERICK W., the eighth child of Seba and Elizabeth Mott Higley, was
born March 6, 1819. No further account of him has been furnished.
ELPHONZO and ELMIRA, twin children of Seba and Elizabeth Mott Higley,
were born July 29, 1821. Elphonzo married, in 1843, Electa R. Ogden. He
died April 4, 1892. Their children : •
Frances, born September 26, 1848, who married Alfred Humphrey, and Myra,
born December 19, 1857.
MVRA HIGLEY was graduated from the State Normal College of New York, and was principal for
some time of the high school at Holland Patent. She married George P. Durham, August 24,
1881. The family reside at New Haven, Conn.
ELMIRA, the twin sister of Elphonzo, and daughter of Seba and Elizabeth (Mott)
Higley, married, March 26, 1836, Harrison Scott of the town of Mentz, N. Y.
Continued from page 590.
SYLVIA HIGLEY, the fourth child of Seth and Lucy (Herod) Higley, was born in
Saratoga County, New York, about the year 1784. She married Benjamin Collins
of Cayuga County in her native State. She died, leaving two daughters, Nancy
and Sylvia Collins.
PUELLA HIGLEY, the fifth child of Seth and Lucy (Herod) Higley, was born in
Saratoga County, New York, in the vicinity of the village of Half-Moon, Septem-
ber 5, 1786. Her first marriage took place in the town of Mentz, Cayuga County,
N. Y., to Partridge. Mr. Partridge died leaving one child. Her second
marriage was to James Harker, and five children were the result of this union.
The Harker family emigrated to Peoria County, Illinois, leaving Port Byron,
N. Y., on the 23d of September, 1829, traveling the entire distance in a wagon
1 See pag« 597.
594 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
with horses. They were seven weeks and three days on the journey. Seba, Mrs.
Puella Harker's youngest child, was an infant but three weeks old when they set out.
Puella (Higley) Harker lived to the eightieth year of her age, and died at Peoria,
111., March 17, 1866. Her children :
By first marriage, Hiram W. Partridge, born February 19, 1805.
By second marriage, James Harker, Jr., born September 8, 1808 ; Daniel, born
July 22, 1814; Henry S., born July 10, 1820 ; Jeremiah, born April II, 1824;
Seba, born September 2, 1829.
HIRAM W. PARTRIDGE, the first child of Puella Higley and • Partridge,
was born in the town of Mentz, Cayuga County, N. Y., February 19, 1805.
Here he married, and had three sons, the eldest two born in Cayuga County,
New York, and the youngest at Peoria, 111. Their names are as follows :
James S., born December 12, 1833; Quail H., born October 30, 1835 ; and
Josiah, born September 12, 1837.
Hiram Partridge resides at Smithville, Peoria Co., 111.
(The descendants of Puella Higley Harker by her second husband, James
Harker, have not been furnished for these pages.)
ASENETH HIGLEY, the sixth child of Seth and Lucy (Herod) Higley, was born
in Saratoga County, New York, March 15, 179-. She married Hornden
in Cayuga County, New York, and was the mother of five children. She died in
Port Byron in 1826.
Continued front page 590.
SAMUEL H. HIGLEY, the seventh child of Seth and Lucy (Herod)
Higley, was born near the village of Half-Moon, Saratoga County,
N. Y., October 25, 1795. He was a child of scarcely three and a
half years when his father removed with his family, in the year
1799, to Cayuga County, New York. Here he grew strong among
the surrounding forests, becoming familiar from an early age with
the struggles of pioneer life, and knowing the use of the ax and
old-time plow. Never " destined to wither in the hot air of the
towns," his life was devoted to agriculture.
He was yet in his teens when he became a soldier in the War
of 1812-14. His children recall having often heard him relate
his interesting experience during his soldiery while on the fron-
tier at Lewiston and Queenstown Heights.
He married before his twenty-first birthday, January 2, 1816,
Aseneth Divine of Sterling, Cayuga County, N. Y., the marriage
ceremony being performed by Benjamin Clark, Esq. Aseneth
Divine was born March 15, 1797. The young couple established
their home on land near the spot where the village of Port Byron,
N. Y., is now located, and with little exception always resided
there.
CURTIS DIVINE HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 595
Samuel H. Higley died February 28, 1826. His wife died
April 5, 1834. Their children, all of whom were born at Port
Byron, N. Y., were as follows :
Curtis Divine, Seth William, Mary Elvira, Sylvia Jane, Martin
Ephraim.
CURTIS DIVINE HIGLEY, the eldest child of Samuel H. and
Aseneth Divine Higley, was born January i, 1817. His son,
Irving Buell Higley, writes:
" When my father was eleven years of age, and one year after
his father's death, he went to reside with his guardian, Peter
Husted, at Lee, Oneida County, N. Y. Mrs. Husted was my
father's aunt. He remained with them till the year 1844, when
he removed to Metomen, Fond du Lac County, Wis., purchasing
there directly from the United States Government the land
which has since become the beautiful estate — Oakwood Planta-
tion. He was also the purchaser of the first lot sold in the town.
Returning to the State of New York in the spring of 1846 he
married Sarah Catherine Buell, the eldest daughter of Oliver
Buell, Esq., of Lee, Oneida County. Miss Buell was possessed
of a nobleness of mind and heart which well became her noted
ancestry, dating far back through a long line to the days of
William the Conqueror. She was a lady of high cultivation and
literary attainments of no small degree, with a charm of manner
and conversation that those who met her to have once enjoyed
could never forget.
"She was born at Lee, Oneida County, N. Y., May 17, 1824,
and was married to Curtis Divine Higley at the same place by
the Rev. Mr. Woodruff, April 15, 1846.
"She died at the family residence, Oakland, Metomen, Wis.,
June 23, 1869, and was laid in the family tomb on the estate.
My father is yet living."
The children of Curtis D. and Sarah C. Buell Higley were as
follows:
Oliver Samuel, born August 24, 1847, died May 4, 1865. Melvyn
Clarence, born December 20, 1851, died December 16, 1862.
Irwin Buell, born February 14, 1853. The two eldest children
were interred beside their mother.
IRVING BUELL HIGLEY, the only surviving child of Curtis Divine and Sarah C.
Buell Higley, and the last living male descendant of Samuel H. Higley, was born
at Oakland Plantation, Metomen, Fond du Lac County, Wis., February 14, 1853.
596 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
His infancy and boyhood were spent in the home of his birth. He was educated
at Ripon College, Wis. , from which he was graduated. Upon leaving college in
1871 he went to the Southern States, taking up his residence in New Orleans, La.
Mr. Higley inherited refined tastes and intellectual ability, and is a man of
culture. He shares the musical faculty which has been common to the Higley
Family from its remote ancestry, and is himself a musician of rare talent. For a
number of years he has been connected with the New England Conservatory of
Music at Boston. He has also entered to some extent the literary arena, and
won some reputation as a writer of sketches and " literary portraits," among many
of which are those written in the dialect of the black population of the southern
United States. Of the latter were his " Darkey Sketch," "Aunt Nancy's Dinner
for Presiding Elders," etc., followed by a " Vermont Yankee Sketch," and other
papers. Mr. Higley now resides at Birmingham, Ala.
Continued from page 594.
SETH WILLIAM HIGLEY, the second child of Samuel H. and Aseneth Divine
Higley, was born at Port Byron, N. Y., August 5, 1818. He grew to manhood
in his native town, and developed in character to a citizen of good reputation.
About the year 1839 he went to St. Louis and there married. After residing
there for some time, he removed to Council Bluffs, la., in the early history of that
town. Here all trace of him was lost. The last that was known of him he was in-
tending to start to California by the overland route, and his family believe him
to have been a victim of the Mountain Meadow massacre, which occurred about
the time he would have reached there.
MARY ELVIRA HIGLEY, the third child and eldest daughter of Samuel H. and
Aseneth Divine Higley, was born at Port Byron, N. Y., April 17, 1820. She
married Orin Paddock of Lee, Oneida County, N. Y., February 22, 1842. Two
years later her husband, accompanied by his brother-in-law, Curtis D. Higley, was
attracted to the Territory of Wisconsin by the cheap and rich farming lands which
a wave of recent land speculation had disclosed in the Northwest. It was then on
the frontier. Soon after his return from the then difficult journey, Mr. Paddock
died, August 26, 1844, leaving his wife with an infant son — Warren O. Paddock.
Mary Elvira Paddock's second marriage took place, October 26, 1847, with
Lewis McLoud of her native town. In Mr. McLoud, " who is one of those men
who are good to think of," she has found a congenial companion of solid character,
with whom she has happily spent the years since her youth has passed. They
reside upon the original McLoud estate at Port Byron, N. Y., that has been in the
family since the country was first settled. They are consistent members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and are citizens valued for their excellent worth.
Mrs. McLoud is a person bearing the qualities of womanliness ; she has an
original and clever mind, endowed with a genial mood and spicy vein of humor.
Children by first marriage : Warren O. Paddock. By second marriage, Lewis
Hathaway McLoud.
WARREN ORIN PADDOCK, the eldest child of Mary Elvira Higley and her first
husband, Orin Paddock, was born at Port Byron, N. Y., January 22, 1844. He
was a bright scholar and received a good common school education. After which
he entered a commercial college at Rome, N. Y., from which he received a diploma
and was offered a position as teacher.
SARAH C. BUELL HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 597
In his eighteenth year he entered the Civil War, doing steady and highly
creditable service in the ranks for a period of four years. He enlisted September
16, 1861, in Company B, 75th New York Volunteers. The November following
his regiment was ordered on the steamer Baltic in New York Harbor, which
landed it on the Island of Santa Rosa, Fla. Mr. Paddock took part in the bom-
bardment at Fort Pickens, January, 1862, and in May of the same year the troops
crossed the bay and occupied Pensacola. In September, 1862, they were ordered to
New Orleans, and later on assigned to General Weitzel's brigade at Donaldson,
La., marching to Bayou La Forche and taking part in the battle of Labadieville,
afterward wintering at Thibodeaux. In the spring of 1863 his brigade was
assigned to the igth Army Corps, and marched to Bayou Leche, where it fought a
two days' engagement at Camp Bisland. At Port Hudson, May 27, 1863, while
gallantly fighting, Mr. Paddock was wounded, but not being entirely disabled he
stood firm with his regiment in the siege at that point till the 7th of June. On
the latter date he was struck in his left arm by a bullet while engaged in sharp-
shooting in the trenches. He was now confined in an army hospital till the
autumn, when he again plunged into the conflict, joining his regiment and fighting
several skirmishes.
On the ist of January, 1864, his term of enlistment having expired, he re-enlisted
as a veteran volunteer. Later on he was prostrated by typhoid fever, and lay for
many weeks in a hospital at Washington, D. C. Having in time gained physical
strength to again enter the ranks, he was detached from his regiment, and detailed
to special service on Bedloe's Island, New York Harbor, where he served as
quartermaster's sergeant till July, 1865, when he resumed his place in his regiment,
which was then doing duty at Savannah, Ga. The war being ended, he was hon-
orably mustered out by general order, August 30, 1865.
On his return home Mr. Paddock manifesting a strong inclination toward the
trade of machinist, devoted his energies to making his ingenuity take practical
shape, and became a proficient workman. He also taught school for a short period.
He married Jennie Williams, and is now the owner of a fine farm containing 320
acres at Riverside, Clay County, S. Dak., where they reside. Warren O. and
Jennie Williams Paddock are the parents of five children, viz.:
Alerrit, Cora, Emma, Orin, and Lewis.
LEWIS HATHAWAY McLouo, the son of Mary Elvira Higley by her second
husband, Lewis McLoud, was born April 30, 1852. He married, December
20, i88», Adeline, daughter of Squire M. and Emeline Morgan Higley of Port
Byron, N. Y. He resides with his parents on the home farm near the village of
Port Byron, occupying himself mainly in agricultural and kindred industrial pursuits,
making wire fencing, etc. Their children :
Lewis Edward, born December 13, 1883 ; Frank Higley, born March 2, 1888 ;
Charles Emmons, born March 27, 1893.
Continued from page 594.
SYLVIA JANE HIGI.EY, the fourth child of Samuel H. and Aseneth Divine
Higley, was born at Port Byron, N. Y., April 9, 1822. She married, June 26, 1848,
Daniel Ufford of Lee, Oneida County, N. Y. Seventeen years of an agreeable
union followed, when Mrs. Ufford experienced, in the year 1882, one of the sever-
est trials that could fall to her lot — that of her husband being suddenly "taken
away with a stroke." His death was caused by lightning.
After a widowhood of seventeen years, during which she devoted herself to the
discharge of her duty to her fatherless children, and after they were all married
and settled in homes of their own, she married, May 2, 1882, Edward Darling,
of Lee Centre, N. Y., at which place they resided. This marriage bond was
one of unusual congeniality, contributing much happiness to their later years.
They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The decease of
39
598 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Mr. Darling took place June 29, 1893. Mrs. Darling has since resided with her
married daughter, Mrs. Oscar F. Hobart, at Kinsman, O.
The fine rendering of the closing words of the ancient Hebrew poet in praise of
the "excellent woman " is applicable to both the subject of this sketch and to her
estimable older sister, Mrs. McLoud.
" Her sons arose and congratulated her ;
Her husband [arose] and praised her :
' Many are the daughters that have done worthily,
And thou thyself hast gone up above them all.
A woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.
Give to her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her deeds praise her in the gates.' "
By her first marriage Sylvia Jane Higley became the mother of the following
children, viz.:
Willard Elphonzo, Abby Elvira, and Benjamin Franklin.
WILLARD ELPHONZO UFFORD, the oldest child of Sylvia J. Higley and Daniel
Ufford, was born at Lee Centre, Oneida County, N. Y., December 3, 1848.
In the spring of 1874 he joined a colony that emigrated from his native town to
Kansas, settling at the point where the flourishing county seat of Oberlin, Decatur
County, is now located. After a weary journey of four hundred miles by wagon-
trains over the prairies, they reached their destination and began building their
homes in the virgin soil of the vast prairie, founding a settlement in a hitherto un-
peopled country. Although the experiences of these pioneers were unlike th ose
who emigrated to the wild, wooded sections of our land, yet there were serious
deprivations and vicissitudes to be met of a kind incident to a new prairie country,
and no less full of vexations and dangers, which sorely tested their courage and
endurance.
Mr. Ufford secured a desirable " timber claim" of 160 acres from the United
State Government, situated on a lively creek, and began farming operations.
Among other trials incident to the lives of the newcomers, was a plague of grass-
hoppers, which destroyed the crops and well-nigh stripped the colonists of their liv-
ing, and which lasted two successive years. The raids of roving bands of Indians
and repeated skirmishes with them often filled the settlers with apprehension and
distress. These wild redskins burned the standing timber which belted the little
stream, set fire to the inclosures for their cattle, which they drove away, besides in-
flicting all sorts of damages on property. In one of these skirmishes thirty-three
men were killed, and a large amount of property destroyed. Oberlin, the town
founded by the colony, is now one of the large and growing towns of that prosper-
ous State.
Willard E. Ufford married, March 5, 1876, Myra E. Love, of Decatur County,
Kan. They are the parents of the following children, viz.:
Daniel W., Viola J., Martha Elizabeth, not living ; Amanda, Sarah, who died;
John, Franklin E., and Richard.
ABBY E. UFFORD, the second child of Daniel and Sylvia Higley Ufford, was
born May 9, 1851. She married, March 7, 1872, Oscar F. Hobart of Kinsman, O.,
where they now reside. Their children :
Idelma, born June 27, 1875, and Sylvia J., born August 4, 1877.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN UFFORD, the third child of Daniel and Sylvia Jane Higley
Ufford, was born December 26, 1857. He married Eudora J. Robertson, Decem-
ber 14, 1881. They reside at Zearing, Story County, la. They have one child,
Curtis Benjamin Ufford.
IRVIN BUELL HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 599
MARTIN EPHRAIM HIGLEY, the fifth child of Samuel H. and Aseheth Divine
Higley, was born at Port Byron, N. Y., June 24, 1824. He married Betsey Gould
of Cleveland, O., in which city they took up their residence, and where their
children were born. Martin E. Higley died in Cleveland, March, 1885. Their
children :
Armina Jane, Mary Elizabeth, z.K&John Martin, who died in 1874, aged seven
years.
ARMINA JANE, the eldest, married Snow, and resides in Cleveland, O.
MARY ELIZABETH, married Ellis of Pena Colorado, Tex., where they
reside upon an extensive ranch.
Continued from page 590.
ENDS JONES HIGLEY, the eighth and youngest child of Seth and Lucy (Herod)
Higley, was born near Half-Moon, Saratoga County, N. Y., October 15, 1796,
and was taken with his parents to Cayuga County, N. Y., on their removal there
when he was a young child. He married Aseneth Wilson, whose birth took place
May 9, 1801. They resided at Port Byron, N. Y.
The family tradition is that he served in the latter part of the War of 1812-14,
but no particulars are known. Enos J. Higley died June 13, 1868. His wife died
June 18, 1881.
The children of Enos J. and Aseneth (Wilson) Higley were as follows :
Alonzo; Margaret, born September 28, 1822, who died aged three months; Elsie,
born November 15, 1824, died December 7, 1824 ; Charles; Elizabeth, born June
3, 1828, died September 2, 1838 ; Elmer, born August 13, 1837, died October 19,
1838 ; Albino.
ALONZO HIGLEY, M. D., the eldest child of Enos J. and Aseneth (Wilson)
Higley, was born at Port Byron, Cayuga County, N. Y., July 23, 1820.
He pursued the study of medicine and pharmacy, taking degrees. The outbreak
of the Civil War found him in Salem, O., the owner of a drug establishment and
with a lucrative practice as a physician. His patriotism prompted him to enlist
in the Union Army. He was mustered into service October, 1862, and detailed to
recruit for the loth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, afterward acting as quartermaster to his
regiment. Later on in the progress of the war, while his regiment was encamped
at Mansfield, O., he was seized with a serious illness, which finally resulted in him
being forced to accept a discharge. With broken constitution he returned to his
home, never recovering from the effects of the disease he had contracted, and from
this time to the close of his life endured an impaired state of health. During the
first administration of President Cleveland Dr. Higley was granted a pension of
seventy-five dollars a month by special act of the United States Congress.
His first wife, whom he married when young in years, scarcely nineteen, was
Honor Demming, by whom he had one daughter, Fausta, born December 24, 1841.
By his union with Emily J. Boynton two children were born :
Jennie B., born September 19, 1858 ; and Willis Alonzo, born October, 1860.
Emily Boynton died in 1865.
In the year 1866 Dr. Higley married Emma H. White, daughter of Andrew
White of Philadelphia. Seeking change of climate and with a hope of benefiting
his health, they removed, in 1888. to Benton Harbor, Mich., where Dr. Higley
owned a fruit farm on the shore of Lake Michigan. Here they resided till his
death took place, March 31, 1891.
JBNNIK B. HIGI.EY, the eldest child of Dr. Alonzo Higley and Emily J. Boynton, was born at
Sharpsburgh, Allegheny County, Pa., September 19, 1858. She was educated at Seminary,
600 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Vermont. She is possessed of a bright, active temperament and an attractive manner. After
finishing her schooldays she went, in 1880, to reside in St. Louis, Mo. She married in that city,
April 20, 1881, Orion F. Thomas, the assistant editor of the St. Louis Democrat, In the spring
of 1886 they removed to Los Angeles, Cal., where they now reside.
WILLIS ALONZO HIGLEY, the second child of Dr. Alonzo Higley, was born October, 1860. He
is engaged as a fruit culturist, managing the fruit farm which belonged to his father at Benton
Harbor, Mich.
CHARLES HIGLEY, the fourth child of Enos J. and Aseneth (Wilson) Higley, was
born at Port Byron, N. Y., September 28, 1825. He married Eliza North, who
was born 1829. Children : Lottie, born October 27, 1855; Lora Lena, born April
21, 1865, died 1871 ; and May, who died in infancy.
Lottie Higley, the eldest, married William Munson. She died in April, 1881,
leaving a daughter named Nettie.
ALBINA HIGLEY, the seventh and youngest child of Enos J. and Aseneth (Wilson)
Higley, was born May 13, 1841. She married James M. Treat. They reside at
Port Byron, N. Y., and are farmers. Their children :
Charles Elmer, born March 10, 1863, died April 15, 1865 ; Mary Elizabeth,
born December 6, 1864 ; Irene Adel, born November 10, 1867 ; Wallace Enos and
Willard Philo, twins, born March 18, 1870; Alice Etta, born May 10, 1872, died
January 27, 1885.
Continued from page 590.
MINERVA HIGLEY, the ninth and youngest child of Seth and
Lucy (Herod) Higley, was born . She married Joseph
Durham. They removed from Port Byron, N. Y., to the town
of Waterloo, in the same State. Here she died.
Her husband married the second time, and removed to a West-
ern State where he died.
CHAPTER LXVII.
ROSWELL HIGLEY.
Continued from page 588.
Roswell, Solomon, Nathaniel, ist, Captain John Higley.
Old and new make the warp and woof of every moment. There is no thread that is not a
twist of these two strands. — E.MEKSON.
ROSWELL HIGLEY, the fourth child of Solomon and Lydia
(Holcombe) Higley, was born at Simsbury, Conn., December 19,
1756. He could not have been more than eight or nine years of
age when his parents sold their possessions in his native town
and migrated to the hill-country of western Massachusetts. There
is every reason to believe that from childhood he was brought up
near the eastern boundary of the State of New York, though the
precise place where his father established their home is not yet
made clear ; it was probably at Stockbridge, Mass.
He reached his twenty-first year during a period of religious
agitation when, as has already been stated, the atmosphere in all
that part of the country was stirred with enthusiasm over the
new doctrines preached by some strange religionists who landed
from England in the year 1774, and who appeared later on at
Watervliet, N. Y. The spirit of the sect which they formed
brought pure principle in the inner life into prominence, exalting
things spiritual. This was what the hearts of the people were
craving for; they had "desired a something which they had
found not." The religionists gathered disciples. Among these
were Roswell's parents, who cast their lot in with them, found-
ing the community of Shakers at Mount Lebanon, N. Y., Roswell
and some of his brothers and sisters joining with them.
But if Roswell Higley ever was a true convert, there was still
lingering about him much of the world and worldly desires. He
appears to have remained with the community but a brief period —
we have no exact knowledge of how long. Into the outside world
he went without a guide, renouncing the constrained and limited
life of the ascetics, and entering into broader social methods.
On quitting Mount Lebanon he went to the mountainous hills
602 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
and picturesque scenes of the Susquehanna country of southern
New York. It was then a dark wilderness. The part in which
he settled is now Broome County, though the county was not
organized till the year 1806, many years after he came there.
In the year 1780 he married Sarah Garnsey of Dutchess County,
New York, who was born early in the year 1759. The Garnseys
were an influential family who had obtained a grant of land on
the east side of the Susquehanna River at an early period, but not
being pleased with the country, returned to the Hudson River
valley about the year 1786. Roswell Higley, acting as the agent
for his brothers-in-law, sold their lands and executed deeds,
which are still extant.
The land upon which he himself settled for a permanent home
lay one mile west of the spot where Windsor village is now located,
on the road to Binghamton. The vicinity was subsequently
known as "the Higley settlement."
After a time he built a sawmill on Ocanum Creek, which ran
through the farm he had opened, and manufactured lumber.
Here he and his wife passed through the rugged school of
experience and self-dependence, which was the lot of the poverty-
stricken young nation after the close of the War of the Revolu-
tion, and here they spent the remainder of their lives. The
time-honored homestead, in which they resided in the enjoyment
of peace and happiness for a period of upward of fifty years, is
still standing (1893), and is preserved pretty much what it was
early in this century. The house is without pretension outside,
a story and a half high, red-framed, with cornices painted white
as they have always been ; inside 'tis simple, old-fashioned, and
comfortable. Just away from the door is the old well with its
primitive well sweep, now gray with the marks of time.
Except in the military, Roswell Higley never made himself con-
spicuous for activities in town affairs. Yet he did his full part in
its founding and organization, and was always actively interested
in the growth and welfare of the community.
He and his good wife were plain country people. They had
good intellects, good understanding, and sound judgment. They
were good neighbors, generally beloved and esteemed for their
own sake. Roswell's personality left its impress upon following
generations.
Possessing the spirit of his ancestors, he was a thorough mili-
tary man. Of splendid physique, tall and erect, he was in person
MARY E. H1GLEY McLOUD.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 603
commanding in appearance and manner, and, having a magnifi-
cent voice of unusual clearness and depth, he seemed born for
the military vocation. He was recognized as far the finest train-
ing officer in all that region; on training days he never failed to
stir the admiration of the lookers-on. These fine physical powers
he retained to old age, thinking nothing of taking a ten-mile
walk after he had entered his seventies.
The voice with which he was blessed was equally rich and fine
in song. To his latest day his musical strain was an outstanding
feature of his life. He was a devout Christian, true and sincere.
His children's children have heard their parents recall his devo-
tion to his Bible, and that he read it aloud to his family twice
through in regular course, morning and evening, always ending
the reading by singing one of Watt's old hymns with ardent feel-
ing, one of his favorites being:
" Lord ! in the morning thou shall hear
My voice ascending high ;
To thee will I direct my prayer,
To thee lift up mine eye.
" Oh ! may thy spirit guide my feet
In ways of righteousness ;
Make every path of duty straight,
And plain before my face."
Among the organizers of the Presbyterian Church, August 15,
1799, which was the first church established in the town, Roswell
Higley's name appears as one of its early founders. But to the
end of his life he never discarded the peculiar garb of the
Shakers, the long-tailed coat and the broad-brimmed hat, nor
turned aside from using the " yea " and " nay " and the " thee "
and " thou " in conversation, and saying " farewell " when biding
adieu to his friends.
He naturally demonstrated his belief in the brotherhood of
humanity by going about doing good. He was an unusually
skillful nurse; there was nothing that his large and sympathetic
heart liked better than visiting the sick, not even sparing him-
self in contagious diseases, and with softest hand and tenderest
touch administering to the relief of the invalid. It was no un-
usual thing for the people to send, for him to come in extreme
cases, putting as much confidence in his judgment and treatment
as they would in the physician.
604 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
It was by the act of " the merciful man who is merciful to his
beast" that his life was brought to a sudden close. He died of
blood-poisoning, contracted while he was treating a diseased
horse. His closing days were a fitting ending to the life that he
had lived, his mind dwelling upon the sacred hymns which gave
expression to his faith in a joyous immortality. In his delirium
he made the walls of his bed-chamber ring, and thrilled his
hearers with the ministry of song, singing with unbroken- voice.
He died November 10, 1834.
" Sweet singer, thou may'st never know on earth
Thy song has sped along the work of God ;
But after earth, in the eternal choir
Thou yet shalt hear its echo sweet and long."
Roswell Higley and his wife died the same year. She died,
February 14, 1834, in the seventy-fifth year of her age. Their
graves are found, suitably marked, among the bushes in a green
inclosure on his estate. It was once a custom prevalently prac-
ticed, to make a private resting-place for the dead in the near
vicinity of the family residence.
At his death the old farm was divided between his two sons,
Isaac G. and Daniel R. Higley.
Roswell and Sarah (Garnsey) Higley had the following named
children:
Azubah, Elizabeth, Sally, Isaac Garnsey, Daniel R., Caleb, who
died in infancy; Roswell, Jr., Orin, Peter,1 and Olivia, born .
AZUBAH HIGLEY, the eldest child of Roswell and Sarah (Garn-
sey) Higley, was born at Windsor, Broome County, N. Y., April
2, 1781. She married Miles Smith, October 31, 1799. He was
born September u, 1775. They resided in Windsor, Mrs.
Smith's native town; here they brought up their family.
Miles Smith died June 16, 1851. Azubah Higley Smith died
August 18, 1856. Their children:
David Garnsey, Eliza Higley, Polly Amanda, and Norman Buell.
DAVID GARNSEY SMITH, the first child of Azubah Higley and Miles Smith, was
born August 6, 1800. He married Esther Darrah. The date of his death not
given.
ELIZA HIGLEY SMITH, the second child, born June 28, 1802, married August
15, 1822, William Watrous. He was born December 29, 1798. They settled in
1 The name of this son was probably Peter Rowe Higley. p. 619.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 605
Windsor Village, where they lived a few years, afterward removing to Colesville,
N. Y. Here Mr. Watrous purchased a farm which lay on the Susquehanna River,
and entered largely into the lumber business. Later on, the lumber having become
well-nigh exhausted, he purchased a tract of land, including mill property, on Pine
Creek, continuing in the lumber trade there. In their after years he and his wife
spent considerable of time in travel. William Watrous died March 19, 1883, at
Marshfield, Tioga County, Pa., where they then resided. His widow survives him.
Children of William Watrous and Eliza Higley Smith :
Eliza Maria, born October 28, 1823, died July 28, 1824; Amanda Melvina,
born February 10, 1825 ; James Smith, born May 4, 1826 ; Eliza Maria (fid), born
March 5, 1829; William Miles, born January 22, 1831; Sarah Caroline, born
October 31, 1832; Charles Bouton, born October 13, 1835 ; Eugene, born March
18, 1838, died, aged six days; Emma, born May 22, 1839— died March 17, 1863;
Marion Adflia, born May 27, 1841.
Of this family, Amanda M. married, March I, 1843, Franklin Doolittle. They
reside in Lincoln, Kan. James S. married first, March i, 1847, Aneliza Badger;
second, Kate Hill. They live in Woodstock, 111. Eliza M. (2cl) married, 1848,
D. C. Doolittle, M. D., and resides in Woodstock, 111. William M. married,
1851, Jane Wilbur, and resides in Virginia ; place not given. Sarah Caroline
married, June 30, 1851, D. K. Marsh, and is living in Marshfield, Tioga County,
Pa. Charles B. married, first, Harriet Hurd ; second, Isabella Brown. He is a
lumber merchant of Marshfield, Pa. Marion A. married, June 2O, 1859, Walter
E. Marsh. They reside in Kansas.
POLLY AMANDA, the third child of Miles and Azubah Higley Smith, was born
September 5, 1805. She married Peter Pine, who was born December 30, 1803.
He died September 29, 1884. She died July i, 1871. They were the parents of
eight children, viz.:
Sarah Azubah, born October 29, 1829, died July II, 1863. Eliza Jane, born
September 29, 1831, married Marcus Freeman and had four children. They reside
in Jolly, Calhoun County, la. Nero Pine, born June II, 1833, married Samantha
Crofoot, March 8, 1857, and has one child — a daughter. He practices law in Bing-
hamton, N. Y. Mary Amanda, born February 4, 1836, married W. Smith ; died
January 24, 1868. Emma, born August 9, 1837, married, June II, 1856, Theo-
dore L. Smith. He died November 28, 1864. Caroline Cecilia, born May 15,
1839; died, aged seventeen. David Miles, born December 23, 1840; diedini86i.
He was among the early volunteer soldiers of the Civil War, and met his death by
drowning while serving his country. Andrew Jackson, born September 21, 1842,
married L. A. Round, June 16, 1864.
NORMAN BUELL SMITH, the fourth child of Miles and Azubah (Higley) Smith,
was born at Windsor, Broome County, N. Y., June 30, 1808. He married, first,
Eliza Rexford ; second, Anna McCaffery. Mr. Smith resided in the city of Wash-
ington, D. C., where he held a responsible position in the United States Patent
Office for more than thirty years. No further data furnished.
SALLY HIGLEY, the third child of Roswell and Sarah (Garn-
sey) Higley, was born at Windsor, Broome County, N. Y. She
married the Rev. Gaylord Judd, and died about 1820.' They
had children, viz. :
Harry, George, Vesta, Julius, Hiram, and Althea.
1 The record of this family is very incomplete.
606 THE HIGLEY S AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
HARRY, GEORGE, and HIRAM settled in Colesburg, Potter County, Pa. Higley
Judd, the son of George Judd, now resides in the same town.
VESTA JUDD married Bailey.
JULIUS JUDD married Emily B/rownson. He died April 3, 1864. They had six
children, viz.: H. B.Judd; Huburt, who resides in Pittston, Pa.; Charles, who
was killed in a railway accident ; Anverne and Anvernetl, twins, one of whom died
in infancy, the other resides in Binghamton, N. Y.; and Fred Judd, the youngest,
who resides in Binghamton, N. Y.
ALTHEA JUDD, born 1817, on the death of her mother was adopted by her uncle,
Isaac G. Higley. She married Willis Stringham, who died August 4, 1879; she
died May 14, 1880, aged sixty-two years and ten months. They had one son, named
Charles IV. Stringham.
Continued from page 604.
ISAAC GARNSEY HIGLEY, the fourth child of Roswell and Sarah
(Garnsey) Higley, was born at Windsor, Broome County, N. Y.,
December 29, 1788. He married Aurelia Smith. She was born
1795. They always resided in their native township. They had
no children. Isaac G. Higley was an active member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, a generous, pious, and friendly
man, "of whom," says his pastor, "much might be written."
He presented to his church the parsonage and town lot on which
it stands. He died August 24, 1869. His wife died May 27,
1864.
DANIEL ROSWELL HIGLEY, the fifth child of Roswell and
Sarah (Garnsey) Higley, was born at Windsor, Broome County,
N. Y., September 27, 1794. About the year 1819 he married
Polly Widger, who was born at Hartford, Conn., May 12, 1795.
He died about the year 1855. Their children were as follows :
George W., Isaac M.t Miles, Elias W.y Minerva G., Benjamin
S., Lucy G. and Lura, twins, Lewis S.
This family has a most remarkable war record, sending to the
front in the late Civil War no fewer than seven noble heroes, who
joined the great reserve force for the preservation of the Union,
four out of the seven sacrificing their lives.
GEORGE W. HIGLEY, the eldest child of Daniel and Polly (Widger) Higley, was
born at Windsor, Broome County, N. Y., January 2, 1820. He married, first,
Nancy Smith (date not known). His second wife was Esther Barnettson. Early
in the year 1844 he removed with his young family from his native town to East
Hebron, Potter County, Pa., while that county was yet sparsely settled. Here
nine other children were born.
In the gloomy days which came to this nation in 1861, George W. Higley
promptly responded to the call for soldiers, making no hesitation about entering
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 607
the conflict of arms. He enlisted in the 8sth New York Volunteer Infantry,
Company F, and faithfully served till he was captured and made prisoner at the
battle of Plymouth Rock, N. C., November 26, 1863. He was confined in Ander-
sonville Prison, South Carolina, where he died April, 1864, after enduring five
months of untold suffering.
Children by first marriage: John Rowe, Ransom F., Daniel, Sarah Minerva,
Alfred V., Cordelia S., who died 1863 ; Senaca F.
By second marriage: Miles 0., George W., died 1863; Esther M., died 1863,
and Nancy.
JOHN ROWE, the eldest child of George W. and Nancy (Smith) Higley, was
born in Broome County, New York, . He enlisted, on the breaking out
of the Civil War in 1861, in the 72d New York Volunteer Infantry, doing noble
and continuous service till the conflict was ended in 1865. He resides in East
Hebron, Pa., having a family of twelve children whose names are not given.
RANSON F., the second child of the above parents, was born at Windsor,
Broome County, N. Y. He early entered the Civil War — 1861 — joining the
46th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. After three years in the ranks, during
which time he saw hard service, which he bravely performed, he died in an army
hospital at Alexandria, Va., 1864.
DANIEL was the third child of George W. and Nancy (Smith) Higley ; no
further account of him furnished.
SARAH MINERVA married in 1864 Robert H. Smith. They have two children —
Huburl and George R.
ALFRED V. HIGLEY, the fifth child of George W. and Nancy (Smith) Higley,
was born in East Hebron, Potter County, Pa., January 30, 1849. He enlisted in
the Civil War in the spring of 1864, when a beardless boy but turned of fifteen ;
he was, however, tall and muscular, and appeared older than he was. He belonged
to Company G, 46th Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was severely wounded on the
1 5th of June, 1864, at Dallas, Ga. After lying for some weeks in an army hos-
pital, he recovered, and went with Sherman's army on its march to the sea, con-
tinuing in the ranks till he received an honorable discharge when the war ended.
At eighteen he married Eliza C. Campbell, December 25, 1866. She was born
April 14, 1837. They emigrated to Kansas, settling at Ness City. Here young
Higley, with a courage that could not be questioned, bent his energies to make a
beginning in life, and prospering in his efforts he was able in time to become the
proprietor of the Ness City Flour, Grain, and Feed Mills. His wife, Eliza Camp-
bell Higley, died September 10, 1888. Their children :
Edz O., born June 9, 1868, died March 24, 1869 ; Orte L., born September 28,
1870 ; Susie C., born April 17, 1878, died April 24, 1888.
Of SENACA F. HIGLEY, the seventh child of George W. and Nancy Smith Higley,
and MILES O., the first child of his second marriage, no information has been
furnished for these pages.
ISAAC M. HIGLEY, the second child of Daniel and Polly (Widger) Higley, was
born August 30, 1821. No further information has been furnished.
MILES HIGLEY, the third child of Daniel and Polly (Widger) Higley, was born
about the year 1823. He married Polly Felt. He married a second time; name
not given. He removed to Minnesota, and from that State enlisted for the Civil
War in 1861, in a Minnesota cavalry regiment, serving the term of his enlistment
and receiving an honorable discharge.
Miles and Polly (Felt) Higley were the parents of three children, viz.:
Frank, Anson, and Tell Higley.
FRANK HIGLEY, the oldest son. was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in the
same Minnesota cavalry regiment with his father.
608 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Of ELIAS W. HIGLEY, born April 28, 1825, and MINERVA G., born January 21,
1828, the fourth and fifth children of Daniel and Polly (Widger) Higley, no account
has been furnished.
BENJAMIN S. HIGLEY, the sixth child of Daniel and Polly (Widger) Higley, was
born March 13, 1831. He removed and settled in East Hebron, Potter County,
Pa. He married Milly Franklin.
When the trumpet sound of civil war echoed through the land in 1861, he was
among the first to enlist. In the terrible two days' battle of the Wilderness, Vir-
ginia, while the troops were persisting in a gallant effort to hold the ground on the
6th of May, 1864, he fell dangerously wounded. As the Federal troops were forced
to fall back, and while his comrades were trying their best to get him to the rear,
the advance Confederate soldiers set fire to the woods and thickets, the flames
sweeping the ground where he lay, obliging his companions to leave him to his
fate. Higley without doubt perished, as no trace of him was ever found.
His widow resides at Oswayo, Pa. They had three children, viz.:
Lorenzo, Daniel, and Roxy.
LUCY G. and LURA HIGLEY, twin children of Daniel and Polly (Widger) Higley,
were born September 9, 1836. Lucy married Norman Buck.
LEWIS S. HIGLEY, the youngest child of Daniel and Polly (Widger) Higley, was
born July 31, 1838. He resided at East Hebron, Potter County, Pa., and never
married. He enlisted in the Civil War in 1861, and belonged to the same com-
pany and regiment with his brother George, — the 8 5th New York Volunteer
Infantry, Company F. He was color-sergeant of his regiment. In the fight at
Plymouth Rock, N. C., he was severely wounded, but persisted with heroic
bravery in holding on to the flag, and when ordered by the Confederates to give it
up, with sublime courage he drew his revolver and refused to surrender it. He
fell dead on the spot with seven balls in the breast.
" And some in storm and battle passed
And as the failing life ebbed fast.
Found peace at last."
CALEB HIGLEY, the sixth child of Roswell and Sarah Garn-
sey Higley, died in infancy.
ROSWELL HIGLEY, Jr., the seventh child of Roswell and
Sarah Garnsey Higley, was born at Windsor, Brown County,
N. Y., June i, 1798. He married Ann McNamar in 1821. She
died November 24, 1824, at the age of twenty-two, leaving a young
child. His second marriage was with Eliza L. Brownson, May
20, 1827. He was a man of solid worth, and a useful member of
society. He died April 2, 1864. There were no children by the
second marriage.
ISAAC G. HIGLEY, the only child of Roswell Higley, Jr., and his first wife, Ann
McNamar, was born July 19, 1823. He married, December 30, 1847, Louisa
Hoadly. She was born August 8, 1826. He resided at Windsor, N. Y., his native
town, and was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 609
respected citizen. He died May, 1891. Isaac G. and Louisa (Hoadly) Higley were
the parents of one child, [V. B. Higley, born February 23, 1849, vvao died Febru-
ary 29, 1857.
ORIN HIGLEY.
Continued from page 604.
Orin, Roswell, Solomon, Nathaniel, Captain John Higley.
ORIN HIGLEY, the eighth child of Roswell Higley and his
wife, Sarah Garnsey, was born at Windsor, Broome County,
N. Y., January 23, 1800. He loved country pursuits, and was
always an agriculturist. Gifted with a strong brain, he was one
whose courage seemed never to fail amidst difficulties. It is said
that few outward lives are continually prosperous. This is true
of Orin Higley. Passing through a business misfortune which
hampered his worldly affairs, the burden which it entailed was
nobly met with a spirit which did not droop.
He was one of those men described by George Eliot, "whose
lives have no discernible echo beyond the neighborhood where
they dwelt, but you are almost sure to find there some good piece
ofj road, some building, some improvement in farming practice,
some reform of parish abuses, with which their names are
associated by one or two generations after them."
His friends and neighbors held him in personal attachment and
esteem; an acquaintance of years set its seal upon his soundness
of character and high integrity; he was a man to be trusted.
His life produced in effect upon the lives of the children born to
him the direct fruit of a cheerful industry, courageous hearts,
and practical energy, which their succeeding years illustrated.
He married Pleiades Badger, September 12, 1823. She was
born August 31, 1805. They settled on a farm at Osborne Hol-
low,1 a few miles from the place of his birth. Their married
life was closed by the death of his wife, which took place June
10, 1833. His second marriage was with Elvira Frost, September
*3» J835. She was born, March 15, 1810. She died September
10, 1863. Orin Higley died March 29, 1863.
By his first marriage there were four children, viz. :
Sarah, Henry, Emily JB. , Roxanna. By second marriage : Eliz-
abeth J., Philo, born April i, 1839, died October i, 1843; Ade-
laide E., born August 29, 1840, died November 6, 1844; Ellen
A., Julia £., Louisa.
1 The name of this village was changed in 1893 to Sanitaria Springs.
6 to THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
SARAH HIGLEY, the first child of Orin and Pleiades (Badger)
Higley, was born February 13, 1825. In her early life, which
moved on in an uneventful channel, the resources for education
were slender ; the people had not, as in this day, developed that
desire for education which has flung open a schoolhouse door in
every district. Little opportunity was given for intellectual
culture. Yet Sarah made the most of her opportunities, and fit-
ting herself for teaching, she for some time assumed the respon-
sibilities of this position previous to her marriage.
In her leading characteristics it has always been said that she
is very like her father ; self-reliant and strong in moral courage,
of indomitable determination to conquer obstacles, with an active
and enlightened intelligence, and a kind heart — these are among
her marked traits.
She married John P. Dye, January 30, 1845. Clinging with
warm attachment to the old farm home of her childhood, in
which she grew up from six years of age, she early cherished the
hope that time might some day bring her the good fortune to
become its owner, and after the death of her father, her husband
made the purchase, the estate having for a time passed out of
the family. Mr. Dye, having been in failing health the last years
that he lived, died February 9, 1876, before the purchase price
was closed, leaving the estate encumbered with a mortgage.
However, possessed of the faith which ruled her determined soul,
and rising up with renewed strength and confidence, Mrs. Dye
undertook the clearing of the remaining indebtedness. By her
excellent management of farm affairs, and her exceptional busi-
ness ability, which challenged the admiration of all of her friends
and neighbors, she put the odious encumbrance out of existence.
It is on this estate, located at Osborne Hollow (now Sanitaria
Springs), Broome County, N. Y., that she now lives.
Mrs. Dye has known nothing of fritting away her energies ;
her life has been full of habits of action, and her life-labor has
not been easy. An observer would find that she is not a woman
to esteem busy occupation and the round of domestic duties a
degrading condition. Her comprehensive mind has combined
with her daily activities her love of reading, and she has kept
apace with the current topics of the day as well as with the
progress of the times. She is a woman "whose head is as good
as her heart," one who diffuses "blessings of goodness," — for
no feebler folk, imploring human strength, can vainly apply to
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 6n
her and not find succor ; her name will ever live in the esteem
of those who have been privileged to know her.
John P. and Sarah Higley Dye became the parents of two
children, viz. : Electa P. and Emma.
ELECTA P. DYE, the eldest child, was born May 12, 1849, while her parents
were residing near Owego, N. Y. Born of a mother gifted with unusual force of
character, who was her first and best teacher, she has filled no ordinary position in
life. She was early disposed to intellectual pursuits and delighted in books. After
the studies of her earlier years, her education was continued at the academy in Bing-
hamton, N. Y. She afterward taught school. She then for some time paid special
attention to the culture of her voice, and fitted herself for teaching vocal music.
On becoming a professing Christian she embraced the spirit of genuine Christian
charity, and consecrated herself to a new life. Inspired with the needs of humanity,
she set her mind at once that when opportunity should offer she would take upon
herself the right to which woman is peculiarly adapted — the right to comfort and
help it. However, she had not yet found an opening for labor away from the
limited circle of her country surroundings, when, a few months after the death of
her father, one day in 1876, while on a brief stay in the city of New York, she
called at the rooms of the New York City mission, and here made known her
wishes to enter the field. The result of the interview was that she began labor
with the society in January, 1877, pursuing her mission with untiring effort, in
relieving the sorrows of the multitudes immersed in physical and moral distress,
for a period of seven years.
In company with her cousin, Alice Freeman (Palmer), she passed the summer
months of 1884 in England, Scotland, and Wales. On their return to America
Miss Dye made a notable departure from the ordinary track of woman's life,
entering a sphere not usually in this day accorded to woman — that of accepting by
regular appointment the position of "pastor's assistant" to a large and influential
church, the Strong Place Baptist Church of Brooklyn, N. Y. She was the first
woman known to occupy such a position in that city. Here she did a noble work
for another seven years. Into the work she threw herself with thorough earnest-
ness and devotion, laboring with faith and perseverance, conducting Bible classes,
mothers' meetings, and personal visitation, bringing to bear an elevating spiritual
power upon the parishioners, and imbuing them with a spirit of religious faith which
met with great acceptance and yielded excellent fruits. It was she who organized
the first Junior Christian Endeavor Society that was sta'rted in Brooklyn, and to
her belongs the credit of the first organized body of King's Daughters in that city.
If any had ever doubted that women of modern times possess capabilities for
public usefulness. Miss Dye has proved to the world that she possesses not only the
ability, but the natural qualities and adaptation for the loftiest of life's service.
In the year 1891 Miss Dye resigned her position in Brooklyn to accept a like
position in Brookline, Mass., having received a regular call to become the assistant
pastor to the Rev. Nathan E. Wood, D. D. Her friends in the Brooklyn church
field strongly questioned whether to yield their claim upon her, and reluctantly
submitted to the severing of her connection from a service which she had pursued
with unselfish interest and with singular purity of Christian purpose, leaving a
fragrant incense behind it.
6 12 THE HIGLEY S AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
She now entered a conservative New England town, in which many of the good
people were of the old-school tinge, and were scarcely ready to accept the peculiar
aspect which the church in its work was assuming by the " perversion of female
talent," as they looked upon the new departure. But being willing to suppress
their feelings, their prejudices were gradually overcome, till as co-laborers and asso-
ciates they now stand her cheerful and substantial supporters. She is at present
(1896) earnestly engaged in aiding the pastor in the work of the various organiza-
tions within the church.
Miss Dye is essentially woman-like, gentle in voice and manner. She has a
vigorous and bright discerning mind, possessing wisdom and depth of originality,
and a ready, sympathetic nature.
" A gifted woman, nobly planned,
To warn, to comfort and command ;
A creature not too bright or good
For human nature's daily food,
And yet a spirit, pure and bright,
With something of an angel's light."
EMMA HIGLEY DYE, the second child of John P. and Sarah Higley Dye, was
born near Owego, Tioga County, N. Y., December 8, 1851. From the time she
reached the years of young womanhood, especially after the death of her father,
she was her mother's efficient assistant and counselor in the management of the
household and farming affairs. Her life and its influences have deserved and
received the esteem of all who know her. She married, at the old homestead of her
grandfather Orin Higley, August 27, 1890, John A. Vaughn of Chester, Pa.
They reside in Pittsburg, Pa.
HENRY HIGLEY, the second child of Orin and Pleiades
(Badger) Higley, was born January 27, 1827. He is the owner
of a farm in the township of Coleville, Broome County, N. Y., in
which he has spent the greater part of his life. He has made
his citizenship profitable to the community, and is highly
respected for his excellent characteristics. He never married.
EMILY B. HIGLEY, the third child of Orin and Pleiades (Badger)
Higley, was born July 26, 1829. She married, November 17,
1848, Charles Webster, and gave birth to two children, who
died in childhood. She was a woman of marked personal beauty,
clothed with a charm of feminine grace which few women pos-
sess ; she was a member of the Baptist denomination. She died
May 26, 1852. Mr. Webster died May, 1886.
ROXANNA HIGLEY, the fourth child of Orin and Pleiades
(Badger) Higley, was born September 17, 1831. She devoted
herself to study and achieved a good measure of success as a
teacher, pursuing her chosen avocation for many years. She
married, February 15, 1866, D. C. Wilbur, a farmer of Tioga
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 613
County, N. Y. He died May 24, 1887, aged seventy. Mrs.
Wilbur has since resided at the old farm homestead with her
sister, Mrs. Sarah Dye. She is a devoted Christian, and a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church.
Continued from page 609.
ELIZABETH J. HIGLEY, the fifth child of Orin Higley, and the
first by his second wife, Elvira Frost, was born at the farm home-
stead, near Osborne Hollow (now Sanitaria Springs), Broome
County, N. Y., June 16, 1837. She was a capable girl, possess-
ing fine administrative ability and a good mind, interesting her-
self in intellectual pursuits as far as in her rural life surroundings
she could gratify them.
On the 22d of March, 1854, before she had reached her seven-
teenth birthday, she married James W. Freeman, the son of a
farmer, "a descendant of the original Scotch owners of large
landed interests" in the beautiful Susquehanna country of Broome
County, N. Y. They settled upon a farm in the vicinity of
Windsor Village in their native county.
Young Freeman's youthful ambition had been to enter the
medical profession, but his father, thinking that he should con-
tinue the pursuit of agriculture, an avocation not altogether to
James' taste, had not permitted him to gratify his desire.
Young in years at the time of his marriage, he and his girl-wife
set about to accomplish the end that he should become an M. D.
He began the study of medicine, preparing under an able pre-
ceptor in intervals of life on his farm, afterward entering the
College of Medicine at Albany, N. Y., from which he was grad-
uated, and received his degree, in 1867.
In the meanwhile the young wife maintained her capacity for
going on with household work, as well as mentally and phys-
ically developing her powers. She was her husband's counselor
and assistant. In his absence from his home during the period
of his medical study, upon her devolved the management and
direction of the farming operations and home affairs, as well as
the oversight of the primary studies of her children.
In the year 1865 the family quit the farm, removing into the
village of Windsor. Here Dr. Freeman, on his return from
Albany, began the practice of his profession. About the year
1878 they removed to East Saginaw, Mich., where Dr. Freeman
40
6 14 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
again established a successful practice, and where they now
reside (1894). Both he and his wife are members of the Presby-
teriau Church, Dr. Freeman occupying the station of an elder.
James W. and Elizabeth Higley Freeman are the parents of
four children, viz. :
Alice E.t Fred W., Ella Louisa, Roxy Estella.
ALICE E. FREEMAN, the first child of James W. Freeman, M. D.,
and Elizabeth Higley, was born near Windsor, Broome County,
N. Y., February 21, 1855.
With an excellent inheritance of brain, and a good constitution,
together with the practice and example of her parents in mental
application during her younger and impressible years, her mind,
no doubt, was led upward and inspired with the passion for study.
From her very early childhood she and her mother stood in
closest relations — they lived and studied together. " I grew up
with my mother," she was accustomed to say at a later period,
and someone hearing the remark, replied, "There is a useful
suggestion in the intimacy implied." Her mother was scarcely
eighteen years her senior.
Alice was ten years of age when her parents left the farm and
took up their residence in the village of Windsor, N. Y. Here
she spent seven years in study in the academy. This was her
first stepping stone to her later development. During this period
she united with the Presbyterian Church of the village. It is
said of her that *' she was an eager and ambitious student, deter-
mined by the forces of her nature toward the acquirement of
knowledge and the building up of a symmetrical character."1
At the Windsor Academy she was prepared to enter Vassar
College. The same narrator says : "A boy in her class who was
preparing for Amherst was accustomed to disparaging the admis-
sion requirements of the -woman's college. He was obliged to
know more of Greek, Latin, and mathematics, in order to become
a freshman, than his classmate's chosen college demanded for her,
and used to say, ' Of course you couldn't expect anything else
when it comes to educating women like men.' All this was a spur
to the studious maiden who had come out from among her girl-
friends with the unusual and startling announcement that she
1 From a paper by Minne Caroline Smith.
ALICE FREEMAN PALMER, PH.D.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 615
meant to have a college education; at that time, and in that
quiet corner of the world an almost unheard-of thing.
"About this time she learned that the Michigan University had
opened its doors to women, and she also learned from its circular,
with delight, that here just as much of Greek and Latin and
mathematics were required of women students as of the men, and
that she would even have to be somewhat advanced of her boy-
friend, the Amherst candidate, in order to become a freshman in
the vigorous Western University.
" Her parents consented that she should enter the university,
and, accompanied by her father in 1872, when seventeen years
old, she went to Ann Arbor. Quite a new world was now opened
to her. The idea of any opposition to her single-hearted desire
of acquiring knowledge was most surprising to her. Some
of the younger professors in the university — Eastern college
men — were decidedly against co-education, but the president and
most of the elder men of the faculty were of the progressive
future, and made the college life of those difficult days as pleasant
as possible for the twelve young women who were the pioneer
college-women of the class."
Miss Freeman was graduated in 1876. During her junior year,
from January to June, she taught Latin and Greek in the high
school in Ottawa, 111., keeping her college course of study unin-
terrupted. For a time she engaged in teaching in Geneva Lake,
Wis. From 1877 to 1879 she was principal of the high school
at East Saginaw, Mich. During this period her parents removed
to that town. She received about this time a call to the chair
of mathematics at Wellesley College. In the year 1879 she
accepted the chair of history in that popular institution of learn-
ing. This appointment took her to Boston. At Wellesley she
held the position of professor of history till the year 1881. In
the latter part of that year she became the acting president of
the college, and in 1882 she accepted the presidency. She was
then twenty-six years of age. The college had been six years
established.
" Her work," says Miss Smith, " has been strong and success-
ful; she has shown the rare quality of executive force, and has
proved what a woman can do as a college president." One who
knew her well, writes :
"As in the days when she was a student at Ann Arbor, her popularity was
unbounded in her new field of labor. Possessing infinite tact, a masterly executive
616 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ability, a clear and keen intelligence, and above all a nobility of nature which is
supplemented by deep religious inspiration, it was not strange that her corps of
teachers and professors cherished in common with her pupils as profound a love
and respect for the young college president as has ever perhaps been vouchsafed to
one in such a position. For six years she enjoyed the honors and discharged the
arduous duties of her office, seeing in the meantime the college of her love waxing
constantly in popularity and usefulness."
The Rev. Lyman Abbott relates that he observed, as he was
one day walking in the corridors with Miss Freeman, at a time
when she had five hundred students under her charge, that
she not only smilingly saluted one after another as she met
them, but promptly called each one by her name; and could tell
who she was, the names of her parents, and just what station in
life they occupied. She knew personally every student in the
college, "/couldn't do that," remarked Dr. Abbott; "I never
could individualize each one as you do." "Yes, you could,"
replied Miss Freeman. "What is right to do, that one can do."
" Miss Freeman's work, however, was not confined to her
duties as President of Wellesley. She has always been a close
student of history and of political science, and her reading in
these is wide and continued. She also reads Italian regularly;
her knowledge of the modern languages is as good as that of the
classics. 'And I used to think I should spend my life teaching
Latin and Greek,' she said one day after the announcement of
her engagement to Professor Palmer." :
The degree of Ph. D. was conferred upon Alice Freeman by
the University of Michigan in 1882, and that of Doctor of Letters
by Columbia College at its centennial celebration in 1887. The
same year, 1887, she resigned from the presidency of Wellesley
to marry Professor George Herbert Palmer of Harvard Uni-
versity. During the year following her marriage she traveled
with her husband in Europe. On their return Professor and
Mrs. Palmer established their home in Cambridge, Mass., where
they now reside (1896).
Mrs. Alice Freeman Palmer lays special emphasis on, and is an
earnest advocate of, co-education. She has proved a notable
factor in breaking down the old conservative notion imposed upon
the past generations, that the intellectual standard and achieve-
ment of woman is unequal to that of man, and must remain on a
lower plane. Her devotion as a wife, or her duties in presiding
1 From a paper by Minne Caroline Smith.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 617
over her pleasant home, have not diminished her appetite for
work in the educational field, nor contracted the scope of her
occupation. She carries off honors by her addresses before the
Chautauqua assemblies, and is obliged to decline many invita-
tions before different influential public gatherings.
In the year 1889 she accepted a position on the Massachusetts
State Board of Education, and is the youngest member of the
Board, but is one whose experience and rare ability are universally
acknowledged as commanding fullest confidence in the measures
she proposes. She is one of the trustees of Wellesley College,
President of the Massachusetts Home Missionary Association,
President of the Association of Intercollegiate Alumnae, President
of the Woman's Education Association, and a member of several
important benevolent committees. Her latest, and perhaps one
of the most distinguished appointments she has received, is the
position of Advisory Dean of the Woman's Department in the
University, College, and Graduate Schools of Chicago, which
brings her to that city for the fulfilment of her duties at frequent
intervals during each year.
The reader who has thus far followed the career of Alice Free-
man Palmer finds in it a striking contrast with the imperfect
means open to the education of woman a century ago. Woman
has gradually and surely extricated herself from the limitations
that restricted her educational boundary, and has stepped out
upon a wider and richer plain, which is ennobling her life and
inspiring her to fulfil a higher destiny.
The recent remarks of President Timothy Dwight of Yale
University — "an honored vehicle of sound judgment" — are
especially applicable:
" Education is for the purpose of developing and cultivating the thinking power.
It is to the end of making a knowing, thinking mind. The higher education is for
the realization of broad knowledge and wide thinking. When we know this, we
know that the sister in a household should be educated as her brother is educated ;
that the mother should have the power, by reason of her own serious thought on
literature, history, art, the varied good things of life, to guide and train the thought
power of her children ; that the wife should be in intellectual oneness with her
husband. It is too late in the world's history to think that a woman's mind is not
of as much consequence as a man's mind, or that, whatever may be her peculiar
sphere, she is not to be richly, broadly, and, if we may use the word, thoughtfully
educated, as well as he." '
1 From " The Forum," May, 1893.
6i8 THE If 1C LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
FRED W. FREEMAN, M. D., the second child of Dr. James W. and Elizabeth
Higley Freeman, was born at Windsor, Broome County, N. Y., November 22,
1857-
He chose the medical profession, and is at present a successful physician and
surgeon, associated with his father in practice in the town of East Saginaw, Mich.
He is unmarried.
ELLA LOUISA FREEMAN, the third child of James W. Freeman, M. D., and
Elizabeth Higley, was born at Windsor, Broome County, N. Y., December II,
1859-
She is a practical woman of combined mental ability and unusual talents. She
married, August 9, 1878, the Rev. Charles H. Talmadge, a clergyman of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Talmadge continued his studies after their mar-
riage, and was graduated from a college in one of the Eastern States.
Endowed with peculiarly fitting gifts for a clergyman's wife, Mrs. Talmadge is in
her true sphere. She is the inspiration and support of her husband in whatever
concerns the work of the Church, and is of the greatest service and consequence to
its success. Thoroughly sincere, energetic, and possessed of invincible courage,
she permits nothing to turn her aside from her earnest purpose.
" Calm in the depth of one desire
And strong in one design."
Such a woman commands much influence and engraves her name on many
hearts.
They reside in Leominster, Mass., in which town the Rev. Mr. Talmadge is pastor
of a church. They were the parents of two children, Roy and Ralph, who died in
childhood.
ROXY ESTELLE, the fourth and youngest child of James W. Freeman, M. D.,
and Elizabeth Higley, was born December 28, 1861. Soon after the removal of
the family to East Saginaw, Mich., pulmonary consumption began its fatal inroads
upon her vitals, and, after a few months of languishing, she died, June 20, 1879,
closing her young and promising life at eighteen.
Her parents do not hesitate to declare that intellectually she was their brightest
child ; her qualities of mind and heart being superior. She was also graced with
striking personal beauty — her large dark eyes, finely cut features, and exquisite
complexion, with a face expressive of rare intelligence, rendered her countenance
a mirror of loveliness, and caused her to be so much admired that even in the
midst of her last long illness it was no unusual thing to happen, for friends and
strangers to come to the house and beg the privilege of only looking upon the fair
and living picture. It was fitting that her departure from earth took place in the
month of roses.
Continued from p»ge 609.
PHILO HIGLEY, the sixth child of Orin Higley, and the second by his second mar-
riage with Elvira Frost, was born April I, 1839, and died October i, 1843.
ADELAIDE E., the seventh child, born August 29, 1840, died November 6, 1844.
ELLEN A. HIGLEY, the eighth child of Orin Higley, and the fourth child by his
second wife, Elvira Frost, was born near Osborne Hollow (now Sanitaria Springs),
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 619
Broome County, N. Y., June 26, 1844. She was faithful to study, acquiring the
contents of her books with great ease, and having many qualifications she would
no doubt have taken a leading place in scholarship or in the literary field had she
had opportunity, but the current of her existence and her obligations to humanity
were confined within the environments of a country life. She had a strong
instinctive love for teaching, and was a successful instructor for several years.
She married, April 4, 1865, Simon A. Parsons. They were members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. She had one child, a son, who died young. She
died December 13, 1870.
JULIA E. HIGLEY, the ninth child of Orin Higley and the fifth by his second
wife, Elvira Frost, was born at Osborne Hollow, Broome County, N. Y., March
II, 1846. Like her next older sister she engaged in teaching several school terms
previous to her marriage. She married Victor Gillet, March 14, 1868. They are
the parents of five children, viz.:
Francis F., born March 2, 1869; Allie Lenna, born November 3, 1870, died
December 5, 1870; Henry L., born May 8, 1872 ; Genevieve Estelle, born Septem-
ber 5, 1875; Ida Louisa, born April 18, 1878.
LOUISA HIGLEY, the tenth and youngest child of Orin Higley, and the sixth by
his second wife, Elvira Frost, was born in the old homestead at Osborne Hollow,
Broome County, N. Y., March 10, 1855. She was the companion and schoolmate
of her niece, Alice Freeman (Palmer), at the Windsor Academy, there being but
two weeks difference in the age of the two giris. She attended the State Normal
School at Cortland, N. Y., from which she was graduated, after which she became
a successful teacher, holding a responsible position in a training school for teachers
in East Saginaw, Mich. Her power for government, and yet retain the high
respect and love of her pupils, was extraordinary. This applied as well to country
schools which were attended by half-grown men and rude lads known to the com-
munity to be most difficult to manage.
She married, August 12, 1886, Charles Oliver Dewey, who was graduated from
the Cortland State Normal School and from the Syracuse, N. Y., University.
They resided for some time in Englewood, N. J., where Mr. Dewey held the
position of principal of the high school. During his residence at Englewood Prof.
Dewey took the degree of Ph. D. from the University of the City of New York.
Prof, and Mrs. Dewey now reside (1894) in Rochester, N. Y., where Mr. Dewey
is successfully engaged in business.
Of PETER, the ninth child of Roswell and Sarah Garnsey
Higley, we have no further account, but among the few Higley
families in America whose lineage cannot be clearly given, the
editor not having been able to reach its record, is that to which
PETER ROWE HIGLEY * belongs, together with his brother PHILAN-
DER CASE HIGLEY, born about 1816, sheriff of Belleville, Ontario,
Canada.
While there is no actual trace in line of descent, there is well
grounded belief that the family descended from Nathaniel, the
1 See children of Roswell Higley, p. 604, chapter IrvIL
620 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
eldest son of Captain John Higley and his second wife, Sarah
Strong-Bissell — founded principally on the fact that the youngest
son of Roswell Higley was named Peter, whose descendants
as stated above, have not been accounted for. Also that Roswell
had grandsons who bare the name of " Rowe."
The children of Peter Rowe Higley, all of whom were born in
Canada, are as follows :
Charles Edivin, born 1844 ; Mary Maud, born 1848 ; Georgianna
Maria, born 1854 ; John Albert, born 1856.
CHARLES EDWIN HIGLEY, the eldest son, resides in Rochester,
N. Y., where he owns an attractive home. He is a commercial
traveler ; a man of hearty genial ways, versatile, energetic in
character, and held in high esteem.
OLIVIA HIGLEY, the tenth and last child born to Roswell and
Sarah Garnsey Higley, was born at Windsor, Broome County,
N. Y. She was twice married; her first husband was Edward
Hazard. By this union there was born one son, Roswell Hazard,
who married Julia Peters.
She married, second, Lewis Hutchinson. Mr. and Mrs.
Hutchinson had two sons, Isaac and Lewis Hutchinson. The
family reside at Milerton, Conn.
CHAPTER LXVIII.
FAMILY OF SOLOMON HIGLEY.
Continued from page 588.
Seba, Solomon, Nathaniel, Captain John Higley.
The actual experience of even the most ordinary life is full of events that never explain them-
selves, either as regards their origin or their tendency. — HAWTHORNE.
DAN HIGLEY, the fifth child of Solomon and Lydia Holcombe
Higley, was born in the year 1759. He had early reached ma-
turity when his parents joined the Shaker community at Mount
Lebanon, N. Y. Embracing the faith, he here spent his life amid
the charming and picturesque scenery of that region which lies
contiguous to the foothills of the Housatonic and Hoosac River
country, living in simplicity of habit and in religious communism
with the well-conducted set whom he took for his people.
According to the religious tenet of the Shakers, he remained in
celibacy. He died, June 20, 1848, aged eighty-nine years.
SEBA HIGLEY (ist), the sixth child of Solomon and Lydia
(Holcombe) Higley, was born at Simsbury, Conn., October 20,
1762, and was but a youth when his parents joined the Shaker
community at Mount Lebanon, N. Y. There is, however, no
authentic evidence that he was associated with that people.
He joined the army of the Revolution, probably as soon as his
years would admit, and was with the patriot troops when they
were compelled to abandon Ticonderoga, July 5, 1777. Three
years later, when the American troops were at Tappan, N. Y.,
and the British spy, Major Andre", was discovered by a scouting
party, court-martialed and sentenced to suffer death, Seba
witnessed the scene, standing close at hand in the door of his tent
when the execution took place.
At New Lebanon, N. Y., February 22, 1782, when not yet.
twenty, he married Sylvia Dickinson, who was born May 12, 1762,
and was five months his senior. They lived at New Lebanon,
N. Y., till 1783 or 1784, and then went to Stockbridge, Mass. It
is stated that Seba Higley was noted as a weaver, no doubt having
been taught the trade by the Shakers. He was very skillful in
6*1
622 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
manufacturing the home-made cloth then in use, into the popular
patterns — " huck-a-buck " and "barley-corn."
Very early in this century, but later than the year 1801, for
he was then living at Hebron, N. Y., he secured a fine tract of
land in the valley of the beautiful Schroon Lake on the Totten
and Crossfield's Purchase, Chestertown, Warren County, N. Y.
Until this time he had not been able to own land of his own: his
parents no doubt had put their property into the common lot with
the Shakers, as they do not appear to have aided their children in
setting out in life.
In 1810 all of Chester township was a dark wooded wilderness,
thinly populated. Seba Higley made a clearing in a charming
location among the mountainous hills overlooking a grand sweep
of forest, lakes, and ponds, a part of the great Adirondack range,
put up a log house, and did some planting the first year. The
following winter he brought his family from Hebron, and here
they settled. It was his home about fifty years, and until his
decease.
He united with the Presbyterian Church at Chester, when it was
organized, of which he was always afterward a faithful member.
He was elected supervisor of the township in 1813, and again in
1814, and filled the same office in 1829. It is probable that he
held a number of official relations to his town, but the facts can-
not now be correctly stated.1
Seba Higley was a firm, honest man, possessing more than
ordinary abilities. He was methodical and precise in his habits;
it was a rule, rigidly enforced, that there must be " a place for
everything and everything in its place." He was strong in his
opinions of people and measures, and full of set notions; nor
could he be induced to swerve from a position that he considered
right and proper to assume; oftentimes his manner seemed
abrupt and brusque. He abhorred hypocrisy.
At what date he entered the profession of law, and when he
became judge of the county court, is not certainly known.
When he took his seat upon the bench at his first court, he
appeared in his usual garb, a red flannel shirt and a white linen
collar. Judge Buell remarked to him, " Higley, you should
wear a 'dicky' — it won't do to come to the bench in a flannel
1 The early town records having been destroyed in a burning building, we find it impossible to
procure many historical facts and dates concerning Seba Higley which would interest the reader. —
THE EDITOR.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 623
shirt bosom." This irritated him exceedingly. To his way of
thinking, a "dicky" was something akin to false pretentions, and
he abhorred the article; however, upon reflection he yielded his
prejudice, and afterward appeared clad as was considered becom-
ing the dignity of the position.
On the pth of August, 1824, he met with a severe shock and
bereavement by the instantaneous death of his wife, who was
killed by lightning.
The lowering sky and an approaching thunderstorm caused
her husband, who was in the field, to take shelter in the house,
and he was in the room when the bolt entered the apartment
from the chimney, shattering the walls and furniture, doing great
damage, and creating much confusion and consternation in the
family. Judge Higley received little injury.
Judge Seba Higley married the second time, when in advanced
years. He died April 14, 1849, aged eighty-six years and six
months, and was interred in the old original cemetery on Landon
Hill in the vicinity of his home. Pottersville, N. Y., is the village
now nearest the site where stood the homestead he founded.
Seba and Sylvia Dickinson Higley were the parents of two
children, viz. :
Clarinda and Charles.
CLARINDA HIGLEY, the eldest, was born at New Lebanon, N. Y., February 5,
1783. She married, September, 1801, at Hebron, N. Y., Richard Duel. They
resided at Chestertown, N. Y. Their children :
Jonathan, born May 9, 1802 ; Martin, born August 22, 1804 ; Liva, born
January 25, 1807 ; Hersila Minerva, born July 5, 1812 ; Jacob, born December
7, 1808; Warren Higley, born August 9, 1810 ; Sylvia, born September 26,
1814 ; Patty Alenia, born August 15, 1817 ; Seba Charles, born August 15, 1820;
Lydia, born April 10, 1823.
CHARLES HIGLEY, the second child of Seba and Sylvia Dickinson Higley, was
born at Stockbridge, Mass., October 23, 1784. He came with his father to
Chestertown, N. Y., and aided in making the family farm and homestead in the
wild forest, hewing with his own hands the logs from which the house was built.
The farm was divided about the year 1826, and a new residence was built on the
opposite side of the road, into which his parents removed.
He married Patty Knapp, June 30, 1813, who became the mistress of the orig-
inal Higley homestead. She was born November 26, 1789, at Canaan, N. Y.
Charles Higley was a soldier in the War of 1812. His regiment was ordered to
Plattsburg, but did not reach the scene of action till just after the battle was over.
He was a man of strict integrity, based on principle, a lover of truth, and scrupu-
lously honest. He was often urged to secure a pension, his comrades in the war
having obtained them, but thinking the length of time he served his country did
not justify making a demand upon our government, he persistently refused.
624 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Charles Higley became a professor of religion when quite a young man, and
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, but, probably through the influence
of his Baptist wife, he always sympathized with the religious tenets of the Baptist
denomination so far as to entertain a full belief in baptism by immersion as the only
true method. He was a class-leader in his church for many years, as well as hold-
ing the office of steward.
His wife Patty Knapp died October 28, 1821, leaving a young daughter, Maria
Louisa. Charles Higley married, April 14, 1822, Pamelia Knapp, cousin to his first
wife. She was born February II, 1800. This union was also soon broken by
death, his wife dying and leaving a motherless infant, called Susan Amanda. He
married, third, Margaret Weddle, August 20, 1824.
He died July 29, 1873, aged eighty-nine years ; his wife Margaret died October
17, 1878, aged eighty. Their graves are to be found by neatly marked tombstones
in the cemetery on Landon Hill, Pottersville, N. Y. By his wife Margaret, Charles
Higley had six children, viz.: Charles Wesley, Mary Jane, Hugh" W., Helen
Kathleen, Margaret Matilda and Martha Minerva, twins.
The first-born child by his wife Patty Knapp, named SARAH MINERVA, born
April 15, 1815, died May, 1817 ; MARY JANE, the second child by his wife Margaret
Weddle, born June 21, 1829, died in childhood: and HUGH WEDDLE, his sixth
child, born March 8, 1831, died unmarried, aged thirty. MARGARET and MARTHA,
twins, born May 17, 1834, died August of the same year.
M. LOUISA, the oldest surviving child by his first wife, Patty Knapp, was born
in the old homestead near Pottersville, N. Y., November 9, 1818. She never
married, and resided with her father. She was educated in the district school and
began teaching at eighteen years of age, continuing till the year 1859, a period of
twenty-three years. A number of these school terms were taught near her own
home. She was a teacher whose heart was in her work ; she did honor to her
calling, living with a profound purpose, possessed of excellent faculties, sensible
and practical, she enjoyed the love and esteem of her patrons and friends. At the
age of thirteen she united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pottersville.
SUSAN AMANDA, the second daughter of Charles Higley, of whom his second
wife, Pamelia Knapp, was the mother, was born June 25, 1825. She married,
November 26, 1855, Martin Wendell. They reside in Chestertown, N. Y. Their
children :
Jane Pamelia, born September 15, 1856; Sabrina Agard, born September II,
1857 ; Charles Higley, born July 4, 1859.
CHARLES WESLEY HIGLEY, the third child of Charles Higley, and the first by
his wife Margaret Weddle, was born near Pottersville, N. Y., September 6, 1827.
He married, February 28, 1856, Gertrude C. Mead.
He volunteered for three years' service in the late Civil War, and was mustered
into the ranks August 30, 1862, Company D, n8th Regiment, New York Infantry.
This regiment was called the " Adirondack Regiment." It left Plattsburg, N. Y.,
for the scene of contest September I, 1862. "The regiment immediately began
a series of active and incessant duties. It formed a part of Peck's force in the
memorable defense of Suffolk, Va., and was employed in many arduous raids," as
well as in warm action under heavy fire of shot and shell. " Its military glory is
attested by the inscription upon its regimental flag : ''Suffolk — South Anna — Cold
Harbor — Fort Harrison — Bermuda — Swift Creek — Petersburg — Fair Oaks —
Drury's Bluff— Crater — Richmond.' "'
" This was the rainbow of hope to the nations,
Torn from the storm-cloud and flung to the breeze ! "
1 " History of Essex County," by H. P. Smith.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 625
Owing to illness contracted in camp, Sergeant Higley was sometimes laid aside
from active duty and could not participate in all of the engagements. On the 27th
of March, 1863, he was appointed fifth sergeant, and on December I, 1863, he
was promoted for merit to fourth sergeant. Early in May, 1864, his regiment
marched upon the expedition which was terminated by the fatal results at Drury's
Bluff. " The march from its commencement was a constant scene of fighting and
skirmishes. The coolness and bearing of Company D was conspicuous." On the
morning of the i6th the battle of Drury's Bluff was fought. While exposed to a
crushing fire, Sergeant Higley was struck in the knee by a ball. Not abandoned \,y
his comrades, he was borne to the rear, and later on was carried from the field and
sent to the military hospital at Hampton Roads. His wound proved mortal. He
languished in great suffering till June 22, 1864, when death came to his relief. He
was interred at Hampton Roads, Va.
His wife, Mrs. Gertrude Mead Higley, is still living. Their children :
Lydia Adeline. Gertrude Mead, born May 14, 1857 I married Eugene H.
Smith, and resides at Glens Falls, N. Y. George Franklin Higley, born September
29, 1859, married, October 17, 1885, Annie Andrews, and resides at Pottersville,
N. Y. They have a family of bright children. Julia Elizabeth, born April 9,
1862, married William D. West, November 27, 1888 ; resides at Caldwell, N. Y.
HELEN KATHLEEN, the fourth surviving child of Charles Higley and his third
wife, Margaret Weddle, was born near Pottersville, N. Y., September 3, 1833.
She attended the district school, and was unusually clever in her studies. She
taught her first school in her native town, afterward teaching in other localities.
At Starbuckville, while teaching, she became acquainted with Franklin Burge,
whom she married . They resided one year in Starbuckville, and removed
to Shoreham, Vt., where Mr. Burge purchased a beautiful farm lying in the close
vicinity and amid the attractive views of Lake Champlain. Here they have since
resided, in due process of time becoming prosperous in circumstances, making a
bright and hospitable home. The main feature of the farm is the dairy. Mr.
Burge is the owner of valuable herds of fine stock ; his career as an agriculturist is
marked with success, and he possesses many of the very best qualities of the New
England citizen. They have three children, viz.:
ADELAIDE HELEN, born October 24, 1855, at Chestertown, N. Y., married Francis E. Douglass.
They are the parents of two children : Bernice Neva, born February 22, 1883, and Malcolm
Burge, born March 5, 1871. They reside at Shoreham, Vt.
HOWARD HIGLEY, born September 9, 1859, at Shoreham, and married September 12, 1889, Ger-
trude Ellen Fowler, daughter of John Fowler of Plainfield, Vt. They reside at Shoreham, Vt. •
MARGARET GERTRUDE, born October 12, 1867, married, September 12, 1893, Bernard B. Pearson
of Charlestown, Mass., at which place they now reside. They have one son, Everett L, Pear-
son, born August 23, 1894.
Continued from page 588.
THEOPOLIS HIGLEY, 2d, the seventh child of Solomon and Lydia
Holcombe Higley, was born in Simsbury, Conn., September i,
1765, and was baptized the same day at the parish church of St.
Andrew (now in Bloomfield, Conn.). He was evidently named in
honor of his Simsbury uncle, Theopolis Higley, ist, who died in
the year 1762, on the war expedition to Havana.
It was about the time of his birth that his parents removed from
Simsbury to the vicinity of the eastern State line of New York in
the hill country of Berkshire. Theopolis was but a half-grown
boy when his parents became members of the social organization
at Mount Lebanon, N. Y., known as Shakers. On reaching
maturity he chose for his future life the high spiritual profession
626 THE HI G LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
in common with this people, and the practice of celibacy, remain-
ing with the community as long as he lived. He was a member
in good standing. He died at Mount Lebanon, N. Y., February
2, 1838, aged seventy-three years.
DAVID HIGLEY, the eighth child of Solomon and Lydia Hoi-
combe Higley, was born in the year 1769, and met his death by
accident in childhood.
Continued from page 588.
DUDLEY HIGLEY, 2d, the ninth child of Solomon and Lydia Hoi-
combe Higley, was born May 17, 1770, after his parents had taken
up their residence in the Housatonic and Hoosac River coun-
try, bordering the east line of the State of New York. When he
was about ten years of age he was taken with the family to reside
with the Shaker community at Mount Lebanon, N. Y., and there
he lived till he was seventeen. He then severed himself from
membership in the community, leaving the neat village of Mount
Lebanon, and going to Quemons, N. Y., where about the year
1792 he married Esther Davis. Becket, Mass., was her native
place. She was born in 1777. They resided for a time at Middle-
town, also at Granville, Washington County, N. Y., and from the
latter place removed in 1808 to Richmond, Vt. In the year 1817
they settled at Jay, Essex County, N. Y., in the Adirondack
region. Dudley Higley was a soldier in the War of 1812-14.
He, with his eldest son, fought in the battle of Plattsburg, N. Y.,
which occurred the summer of 1814.
His wife, Esther Davis, died during their residence in Chester-
field, Essex County, N. Y., April, 1843, aged sixty-six years, leav-
ing eleven children — eight sons and three daughters. She had
been a professing Christian for fifty years, having been baptized
by Elder Mudge, and uniting with the Baptist Church at the age
of sixteen, one year after her marriage.
Dudley Higley's second marriage was with Eunice Presson, a
widow, whom he survived a number of years.
The unusual longevity for which this branch of the Higleys has
been noted belonged essentially to this particular family. The
subject of this sketch lived to the age of ninety-three years, five
months, and seven days. He was a hale old man, retaining his
vital forces remarkably during his later years, the infirmities of
age bringing little rust upon his faculties. At the age of ninety
he refused to believe that "the sands of life" were almost run,
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 627
and wanted to contract a third marriage. Persisting in the desire
to carry out his wishes, his children were forced to rise up and
sternly oppose him. At the time of his decease he still retained
not only his faculties but little impaired, but had a full set of
perfect teeth, and could read without glasses.
In the year 1840 he went to reside with his son, Jerry, in Chit-
tendon County, Vermont. During the last years of his life he
was administered to by his daughter Esther Estes, at whose home
at Port Kent, Essex County, N. Y., he died, October 23, 1863.
The children of Dudley and Esther Davis Higley were :
Joel, Jerry, Esther, Anson, Annis, Almon, Charles D.t Harry,
Ranson, Clarissa, Erastus.
JOEL HIGLEY, the first child of Dudley and Esther (Davis) Higley, was born
February 14, 1792. He joined the American forces in the War of 1812-14, ar>d
served in the engagement at Plattsburg, N. Y. He married, about 1816, Sally
Esterbrook, in Jay, Essex County, N. Y. They emigrated to Fredonia, Licking
County, O., in the year 1840, where they brought up their family. Joel Higley was
a tanner by trade. He died at Fredonia, O., in 1848, aged fifty-six. The date of
the decease of his wife has not been ascertained. Their children were :
Elvira^ Eton, Edwin, Artnini, Darwin, Julian, Oswin, Perley.
ELVIRA, the eldest child, born January 7, 1817, married J. F. Rich of Potsdam,
N. Y. They reside in Barnum, Minn. Mr. Rich is a farmer.
ELON, the second child, married Mary Tipton. He is a farmer.
EDWIN, the third child, married Catherine Lown. He was a shoemaker by trade.
He died 1891. They resided in Iowa.
ARMINI, the fourth child, died at the age of sixteen.
DARWIN, the fifth child, married, first, Susan Reed, and, second, Sheldon.
He was a farmer. He died at Highgate, Vt., February 14, 1893.
JULIAN, the sixth child of Joel and Sally Esterbrook Higley, was born April 27,
1828, in the Adirondack region of eastern New York. In 1851 he emigrated to
Fredonia, Licking County, O., joining his father who had gone thither about ten
years previous. Early in the year 1853, at Fredonia, he married Selvina M. Cur-
rier, daughter of Samuel and Mehitable (Stevens) Currier. She was born May 9,
1826. After removing from Fredonia, O., to Springfield, 111., Julian Higley re-
turned with his family, in March, 1861, to his native State, New York, and for two
years lived near Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, where he engaged in the manu-
facture of pearlash and saleratus. In 1863 they removed to Plain City, Union
County, O., and from there, in October, 1864, to Monroe, Wis. March, 1872, found
him again settled near Potsdam, N. Y., where he has since resided near Crary's
Mills, following agricultural pursuits.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Higley with all of their family are members of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church. Their children will always recall the fact of their parents
having ever been careful to instil high moral principles into their minds, teaching
them that " the main riches after which to seek, is the priceless wealth that enriches
and purifies the heart."
As a citizen Julian Higley stands with those who hold the respect of the commu-
nity, and who "though unknown to fame, nevertheless possess the sturdy virtues
that go to make up the completest character."
Their children :
Eva M., Lellie C., George 0., Frank J., Charles A.
628 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
EVA M. the eldest child of Julian and Selvina M. Higley, was born in Potsdam, St. Law-
rence County, N. Y., November 8, 1853. She married, December 31, 1878, at Potsdam, Leslie P.
Severance, who is a successful farmer. They reside at Crary's Mills, N. Y. They have three
children, viz. : Herbert J., Frederick H., and Wilmer F.
LELLIE C., the second child of Julian and Selvina M. Higley, born at Springfield, 111., February
25. '855, died April 5, 1856.
GEORGE O., the third child of Julian and Selvina M. Higley, was born at Jersey, O., August
19, 1858. He applied himself to his studies, following which he was elected principal of
the Gibbon High School at Gibbon, Neb., resigning his position to take a college course at Ann
Arbor, Mich. He was graduated from the University Class, '91, and is .at present professor of
chemistry in Ann Arbor University. He married, December 28, 1880, Alice L. Wood of Potsdam,
N. Y. They reside at Ann Arbor, Mich. They are the parents of three children, viz. : Irvin J.,
Frank C., who died in childhood, and Bertha L.
FRANK J., the fourth child of Julian and Selvina M. Higley, was born at Potsdam, St.
Lawrence County, N. Y., June 16, 1861. He married, August 25, 1886, Hattie E. Bailey of Pots-
dam. They have no children. Mr. Higley is the general agent of, as well as a director in, the Na-
tional Deposit Safe Company of the United States of America, and has traveled extensively in the
business interests of his firm since the year 1881. He is enterprising and is pursuing a successful
career, sustaining an excellent reputation in business circles. Cordial and genial in all of his
associations with men, he is popular because of his good qualities. His residence is Canton, N. Y.
CHARLES A., the fifth child of Julian and SeWina M. Higley, was born at Monroe, Green
County, Wis., July 29, 1865. After graduation he engaged in teaching in the public schools of Ilion,
Herkimer County, N. Y. He married Ethel Wendell. They had one child, who is not living.
OSWIN, the seventh child of Joel and Sally (Esterbrook) Higley, was born about
the year 1830 in Potsdam, N. Y. He was a manufacturer of wagons. He married
Mary Holler. Resides in Iowa.
PERI.EY, the eighth child of Joel and Sally (Esterbook) Higley, was born .
He married N. W. Parker. The date of his death not given.
Continued from page 627.
JERRY HIGLEY, the second child of Dudley and Esther (Davis) Higley, was born
March 3, 1794. He married Hannah Austin, September 4, 1819. She was born
March 22, 1799. They resided at Richmond, Chittendon County, Vt. Jerry Hig-
ley lived to the ripe age of eighty-one, and died April 14, 1875. His wife, Hannah
Higley, died August 31, 1888. They had eight children, viz. :
Austin, born May 28, 1820, who died in childhood ; Nathan ; Lucy ; Hannah
M., born June 18, 1826, died young; Elvira; Caroline, born June 21, 1832 ;
Austin, 2d, born July 24, 1834, died in childhood ; Carlos.
NATHAN HIGLEY, the eldest surviving child of Jerry and Hannah Austin Higley,
was born at Richmond, Chittendon County, Vt., February 23, 1822, where he has
always resided, following agricultural pursuits. He married Ellen Obrien, October
4, 1852. They were the parents of one child — Albert, who was born March 22,
1855. He died November 28, 1874.
LUCY, the second surviving child of Jerry and Hannah Austin Higley, born
April 19, 1824, married Cyrus Allen.
ELVIRA, the fourth surviving child, born June 29, 1830, remained unmarried.
CARLOS, the eighth and youngest child of Jerry and Hannah Austin Higley, was
born April 21, 1838. He married, December 13, 1857, Betsey Jane Sherman.
Carlos Higley died December 19, 1882. They had children as follows :
Fred ; Frank, born September 13, 1862 ; Jerry, born February 16, 1864 ; Carrie,
born November 7, 1866; Lida, born October 10, 1868 ; Royace, born October 26,
1870 ; Lulu, born July 4, 1872 ; Varney, born January 13, 1874.
FRED HIGLKY, the oldest child of Carlos and Betsey Jane Sherman Higley, born January 6, 1859,
married, November 8, 1876, Nancy Wright. They have three children.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 629
Continued from page 627.
ESTHER HIGLEY, the third child of Dudley and Esther (Davis) Higley, was born
at Richmond, Vt., June 29, 1796. On the I7th of November, 1817, she married
Benjamin Hall Estes, who was born January i, 1796. They resided the greater
part of their married life in Chittenden County, Vermont.
Benjamin Hall Estes was a soldier of the War of 1812, belonging to Captain
Beman's Company, nth Regiment, United States New York Infantry, and fought
in the conflict at Plattsburg in 1814. Mrs. Esther Higley Estes was possessed of
good intellectual faculties and an active mind. She was a woman observant, taking
a lively interest in the passing affairs of life, both public and private, and during
the protracted period of her lengthened career, which reached to upward of ninety-
four years, she was the witness of many varied and important events of which she
took note. Possessing a remarkable memory for historical dates, she could give
them to her latest day with the utmost readiness and precision. After she had
passed her four score and ten, her recollections of prominent people and happen-
ings, covering a period of more than seventy-five years, were both striking and
valuable. Her eyesight at ninety-two was clear, and she enjoyed rare good
health. She never lost pleasure in reading, and at this advanced age she would
write an occasional letter. It was her habit to rise early in the morning and spend
some time in reading her Bible before the breakfast was served.
The later years of her life were spent in the home of her son, Elihu B. Estes, in
Brooklyn, N. Y. She died January, 1892, aged ninety-four years and six months.
Benjamin Hall Estes, her husband, died December n, 1866. He was a pensioner
of the War of 1812. Their children :
Koxie, Annin Elizabeth, Emeline, Benjamin Whiteman, Ranson Henry, Elihu
B., Norman F., Esther Louisa, Cyrus H.
ROXIE, the eldest, born November 9, 1818, married Lorenzo Dow Winter. ANNIS,
E., born March 16, 1820, died an infant, May n, 1820. EMELINE, born February
13, 1822, was burned to death by accident, March 31, 1826. BENJAMIN W., born
November 8, 1823, married Hester Jane Johnson ; he died March 10, 1883. RAN-
SON HENRY, born February 28, 1826, married Huldah M. Prindle ; died, leaving
no children.
ELIHU B., the sixth child, born January 23. 1828, married, first, Hannah Smith
Meeker, and second, Louisa Hulbert. He conducts a successful business at 45
John Street, New York City, and resides in Brooklyn, N. Y. He has a family,
names not given.
NORMAN F., the seventh child, born December 31, 1833 ; married Lurena Dickin-
son. ESTHER LOUISA, born December 23, 1831 ; married Charles D. Frampton.
CYRUS H., born May 13, 1836, married Jennette E. Carl ; he died December 28,
1886.
ANSON HIGLEY, the fourth child of Dudley and Esther (Davis) Higley, was born
April 18, 1799. He died at Williston, Vt., in the year 1813.
ANNIS HIGLEY, the fifth child of Dudley and Esther (Davis) Higley, was born
January 20, 1802. She married the Rev. Cyrus W. Hodges, a Baptist minister,
October, 1824, in Chester, N. Y. She died January, 1889, aged eighty-eight.
The date of his death not given.
ALMON HIGLEY, the sixth child of Dudley and Esther (Davis) Higley, was born
April 19, 1804. He married in 1825, in Chester, N. Y., Nellie Robinson. He
died in Fairfax, Vt., 1830.
41
630 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
CHARLES D. HIGLEY, the seventh child of Dudley and Esther (Davis) Higley, was
born in Williston, Vt., April n, 1806. He married, first, in Chester, N. Y.,
Eudocia Doud, July i, 1826. His wife died May 12, 1832, leaving two children.
His second marriage was to Eliza E. Denio. She died August, 1862, leaving six
children. His third wife was Susan Reynolds Brundage. There were no children
of this marriage. For many years Charles D. Higley resided at Pottersville, N. Y.
He was hale, hearty, and cheerful in old age, with his powers of mind and body
well preserved, after a life of varied activities. He was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church sixty-nine years. He died September 3, 1892, and was interred
with Masonic orders.
Children by first wife : Charles Wesley, Rosaline E. By second wife : Emily E.,
Roxy Adelia, Julius, Albert E., Esther Maria, Lorenzo S. H.
C. WESLEY HIGLEY, the first child of Charles D. and Eudocia Doud Higley,
was born December 17, 1828. He married, first, February 18, 1849, Harriet V.
Waller of Hartford, N. Y. She had four children, George H., who died in infancy,
Georgianna, Rosaline E., and Charles A. She died January 26, 1862. The same
week the three remaining children all died of diphtheria.
Mr. Higley married, second, Calesta B. Avery. She was born June 17, 1840.
Their children are as follows :
Lucy P., born April 15, 1863, who married James McDowell March n, 1883,
has two children, Rosaline and James W. William Henry, born February
7, 1876, died February 13, 1878. Eudocia J., born October 8, 1878. James R.t
born August 23, 1880. The family resides in Pottersville, N. Y.
ROSALINE E., the second child of Charles D. and Eudocia (Doud) Higley,
born April 25, 1831, died May 21, 1843, at Hartford, N. Y., aged twelve years.
EMILY E., daughter of Charles D. and his second wife, Eliza (Denio) Higley,
was born March 3, 1834. She married Sidney R. Brown, March 16, 1854. She
died, January 17, 1855.
ROXY ADELIA, daughter of Charles D. and Eliza (Denio) Higley, was born Feb-
ruary 18, 1836. She married Otis J. Martin. They reside in Skyborough, Wash-
ington County, N. Y. Their children :
Charles, Levi, Emma, and William.
Captain JULIUS HENRY HIGLEY, son of Charles D. and Eliza (Denio) Higley, was
born March 19, 1838 ; married in 1866, Lydia Duell, in Granville, N. Y. His
occupation is that of farmer and dairyman. True to his country, he enlisted in the
Civil War, August 12, 1862, Company E, I23d Regiment New York Volunteer In-
fantry. He was promoted to first lieutenant, July, 1864. His gallantry gained
him the rank of captain, June, 1865. He was transferred to the logth Regiment,
United States Colored Infantry, and served in Texas from June I, 1865, to March,
1866, and was honorably mustered out of service with his regiment at Louisville,
Ky., March 15, 1866. He now resides in Hartford, Washington County, N. Y.
ALBERT E., the second son of Charles D. and Eliza (Denio) Higley, was born
August 8, 1841. He enlisted for two years in the Civil War, on the first call for
soldiers, April, 1861, Company H, 22d Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry.
Not yet having reached his twentieth birthday, his health suffered from the
hardships and exposure, and he was discharged for physical disability just as his
term of service closed — May, 1863. The following November he re-enlisted " for
the war " in the i6th Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery. He fought in the
second battle of Bull Run, the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, and Chan-
cellorsville, and continued in active, faithful service till just as the war closed, when
he was seized with typhoid fever at Fort Fisher, and died in a military hospital at
Wilmington, N. C., April 29, 1865. He was not married.
ESTHER MARIA, daughter of Charles D. Higley and his wife Eliza Denio, was
born December 14, 1846. She married, September 9, 1876, Marcus U. Mitchel.
They reside in Pottersville, N. Y. Their two children are Thomas and Emily.
LORENZO S. HERBERT, the youngest son of Charles D. Higley and his second
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 631
wife, Eliza Denio, was born March 14, 1848. He enlisted in the Civil War
when a mere stripling as to age, not having reached his sixteenth year, but being
a strong, tough, overgrown boy, and well proportioned, he easily passed for
eighteen. He joined Company G, l6th Regiment New York Heavy Artillery.
The regiment of which his company became a part engaged in numerous conflicts,
among which were Dutch Gap Canal, Deep Bottom, Signal Hill, and other battles.
Though he fought till the close of the war, and was honorably mustered out of
service with his regiment, August 21, 1865, his youthful constitution had not been
equal to the endurance of the fatigue and exposure — his health was shattered by
disease that he contracted, which doomed him beyond succor. He never recov-
ered. After many years of suffering he died May 15, 1888, and was buried with
Masonic honors in the cemetery on Landon Hill, near Pottersville, N. Y. He
received a United States pension of twenty-four dollars a month. He married
Harriet M. Jenks. Their children :
Lilly, Sara, Eunice, Hannah, Rosaline, Herbert, and Emory.
Continued from page 627.
HARRY, the eighth child of Dudley and Esther (Davis) Higley, was born July u>
1811. He died in Williston, Vt., 1813, aged two years.
RANSOM, the ninth child of Dudley and Esther (Davis) Higley, was born April 13,
18 — . He was accidently killed at Chester, N. Y., by a falling tree.
CLARISSA, the tenth child of Dudley and Esther (Davis) Higley, was born at
Williston, Vt., April 10, 1814. She married in Keesville, N. Y., April 19, 1832,
Whitehead K. Morris. He was born December 4, 1804. He died . She
is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Morris resides at
Saratoga Springs, N. Y. Their children:
Henry D., Mary J., John A., Alfred W., Charles W., Watson Dudley.
HENRY DECATUR, the eldest son, born in Peru, Clinton County, N. Y., August
23. 1833, married Sophia Armstrong, October 25, 1861. She died 1863. His
second wife was Annie Lawrence of Westday, N. Y. She died March 27, 1878.
He married, third, Grace Beatty of Salem, N. Y. He had one child — a daughter.
Mr. Morris is a local Methodist preacher.
MARY J., the second child, was born Junes, 1835, and married W. J. Morehouse,
May 13, 1858.
JOHN ALMON, the third child of Whitehead K. and Clarissa Higley Morris, was
born September 7, 1836, at Peru, N. Y. He married, May 10, 1858, Agnes P.
Winter, at Keesville, N. Y. John A. Morris died September 27, 1893, aged fifty-
six. They have six children — all sons.
ALFRED WALLACE, the fourth child of Whitehead K. and Clarissa Higley Mor-
ris, was born in Newark, N. J., December 3, 1840 ; married May 26, 1875,
Lee. He resides at Saratoga Springs, N. Y. Of this marriage there was one
child born, June 16, 1878, named Robert L. Morris.
CHARLES WESLEY, the fifth child of Whitehead K. and Clarissa Higley Morris,
was born in Newark, N. J., November 12, 1843. He enlisted as a volunteer on
the 4th of July, 1862, in the late Civil War, joining the I23d New York State
troops of Washington County. He did valiant service in a number of battles and
numerous skirmishes, fighting among other battles at Chancellorsville, the bat-
tle of Peach Tree Creek, under General Joseph Hooker at Lookout Mountain, at
the siege of Atlanta, Gettysburg, and finally marching with General Sherman to
the sea. At Goldsboro, N. C., he found himself without hat or shoes. He nobly
continued in the ranks till the last bugle sounded at the close of the conflict, 1865,
when he returned with an honorable discharge to the home of his parents.
Mr. Morris is a printer, and now resides at Pittsfield, Mass. His wife, Kate
M. Prentiss, died December 23, 1874. He married, second, Fannie W. Bradford
of Dalton, Mass. She died March 21, 1878. He has one child.
632 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
WATSON D., the sixth child of Whitehead K: and Clarissa Higley Morris,
was born at Peru, N. Y., August 27, 1848. He married, May 16, 1872, Adeline
Budlong of Utica, N. Y., in which city they now reside.
Continued front page 627.
ERASTUS D., the eleventh and youngest child of Dudley and Esther (Davis)
Higley, was born in Williston, Vt., March 14, 1816. He married at Westport,
N. Y., and went to Poultney, Vt., to reside ; but being of a restless temperament he
made several changes in residence, finally settling at Galesburg, 111. It was here
that his wife, and the children born to them, all died.
At the breaking out of the Civil War he was living in Galesburg, and was a
practicing physician, in prosperous circumstances. He received from Governor
Yates authority to raise a company of volunteers for the war. When the regiment
was mustered in Dr. Higley accepted a commission as assistant surgeon, and served
in that capacity until the close of the war. He was four years and four months in
the service. He was taken prisoner by General Sterling Price at Lexington, Mo.,
and now has a carefully preserved parole signed by General Price, which permitted
him to go home.
He was actively engaged in practicing medicine until a few years ago, and was
well preserved physically and mentally, to an age far beyond his three score years
and ten. He resided at Troy, Pa.
DUDLEY HIGLEY, 1ST.
Continued from chapter xxiv. p. 142.
Dudley, ist, Nathaniel, Captain John Higley.
DUDLEY HIGLEY, ist, son of Nathaniel and Abigail Filer Higley,
was born about 1730. He married Eunice in the latter
part of the year 1754.
Early in the year 1756 the names of Dudley and his wife appear
on the old First Congregational Church records of North Granby,
Conn., as having "owned ye covenant" and been received into
full membership.
Some years later Dudley Higley passed through a protracted
period of physical disability. It cannot be explained why the
selectmen of the town, in the month of December, 1768, took
action in behalf of his personal needs, appointing an investigat-
ing committee, unless it was an act of neighborly kindness and
attention. He was then the owner of a farm, and possessed as
full a supply of household goods as was customary for household
furnishings in those times. Besides this, his parents and brothers
lived in the vicinity of his home, all of whom were well-to-do;
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 633
however, the good town fathers, at one of their regularly held
meetings, enacted the following :
"Voted, that Dudley Higley being reduced by long lameness and sickness, his
situation be investigated and he be assisted if the Committee find it necessary to give
relief and judgement is wanted ; not to exceed Ten pounds." l
There is no report of the committee upon record.
He died in 1771. His "Relict," Eunice Higley, was ap-
pointed " Administratrix " to his estate, August 5, 1771. The
inventory ' of the estate included a full list of household effects,
amounting to forty-three pounds. At the court of probate held
at Simsbury November n, 1779, his administratrix exhibited some
additions to the inventory "as follows — A Quarter of a part of
a Grist Mill and 14 acres of land lying on Salmon Brook."
His heirs had moneys paid to them April 2, 1776, by Daniel
Higley, the administrator to Nathaniel Higley's estate. Dudley
Higley's widow, Eunice Higley, afterward married Nathaniel
Messenger.
Dudley and Eunice Higley were the parents of two children,
viz. :
Lois and Hannah.
Lois, the eldest, born January 28, 1756, married, July 16, 1772, David Gris-
wold. They were members of the old First Church at Turkey Hills. Their
children were :
David, born March 22, 1773; Lois, born May 4, 1775: Ira, born May 31, 1777;
Olive, born January 3, 1780; Huldah, born January 8, 1782; Pliny, born Decem-
ber 27, 1785; Chauncey, born February II, 1797.
HANNAH, the second daughter, born April 27, 1758, married in 1780 or 1781,
David Messenger. They resided at Turkey Hills, now Granby.
\
Continued from page 142.
SAMUEL HIGLEY, son of Nathaniel and Abigail Higley, was born
about the year 1734.
He enlisted in Captain Nathaniel Holcombe's company, to-
gether with his cousin John Higley, April 15, 1758, in the
French and Indian War, serving with the Connecticut State
troops till the i4th of the following November. In the settle-
ment of his father's estate in 1776 he is mentioned as "one of
the heirs." He was then a man of fifty-two years. This is all
that is known of him, there being no trace of him upon record
after the War of the Revolution. If he was ever married no
descendants are living.
» Book i. " Simibury Probate Record*," p. 107.
634 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION.
The record of the children of Nathaniel and Abigail Higley,
after the year 1730, is broken and fragmentary. There is no
question in the mind of the writer but that Nehemiah Higley and
Noah Higley, who were soldiers in the War of the Revolution,
were the sons of Nathaniel and Abigail Filer Higley, and were
probably born in the seventeen-thirties, though there is no au-
thentic evidence to establish' the fact. They enlisted from Con-
necticut towns in which some of their Higley cousins had taken
up their residence, and where they may have resided.
NEHEMIAH HIGLEY joined the 4th Continental Regiment,
Colonel Hinman, ''a regiment which was raised on the first call
for troops in April and May, 1775." One company was made up
at Salisbury, Conn.
"Upon the surprise of Fort Ticonderoga, May 10, 1775,
Governor Trumbull ordered this Regiment to march as soon as
possible to secure that post and Crown Point against recapture.
The regiment reached Ticonderoga in June. It took part in the
operations of the North Department until the expiration of its
term of service, December, 1775,"' at which time Nehemiah
Higley received his discharge. This is the last that is known
of him.
NOAH HIGLEY enlisted July 10, 1780, in the 7th Connecticut
Regiment, State troops, Colonel Heman Swift. " This regiment
served during the remainder of the summer with the main army
on the Hudson, and wintered that year at ' Camp Connecticut
Village,' near the Robinson House, upper Hudson." ' Noah
Higley received his discharge December 7, 1780. There is no
further account of him.
1 " Record of Connecticut Men in War of the Revolution."
CHAPTER LXIX.
Continued from chapter xxiv. p. 142.
LIEUTENANT DANIEL HIGLEY.
Daniel, Nathaniel, Captain John Higley.
It is a noble faculty of our nature which enables us to connect our thoughts, our sympathies,
and our happiness with what is distant in place or time ; and looking before and after, to hold
communion at once with our ancestors and our posterity. There is also a moral and philosophical
respect for our ancestors, which elevates the character and improves the heart. Next to the sense
of religious duty and moral feeling, I hardly know what should bear with stronger obligation on a
liberal and enlightened mind, than a consciousness of an alliance with excellence which is
departed.— DANIEL WEBSTER.
DANIEL HIGLEY, son of Nathaniel and Abigail Filer Higley, was
born at Simsbury, Hartford County, Conn., about the year 1738.
Very little is known of his boyhood life, except that he was
brought up in the strictly religious atmosphere of his father's
home.
An old history, printed in 1827, states that he was a soldier in
the French and Indian War of 1755-56, which is no doubt cor-
rect, for he belonged to loyal and valorous military stock. Dur-
ing this war a company was raised in his town — Simsbury — " for
the protection of Crown Point " and for other service on Lake
Champlain. It is very probable that Daniel Higley joined this
company, and it is also probable that it was his observations of
the country while on this war expedition that indirectly turned
his eyes in later years toward Vermont for his future home.
His name is honorably mentioned upon record, after he came to
the years of manhood, in connection with town and church affairs
of Simsbury.
About the year 1767 he married Ruth . After much
research it has been impossible to discover her family name.
The newly married pair soon after united with the church of the
Northwest Society of Simsbury (now the First Congregational
Church of North Granby), "owning ye Covenant " on May i, 1767.
On the gth of April, 1770, he was admitted as freeman. His
father's decease taking place in 1773, Daniel was appointed his
executor, the business concerning the estate covering a period of
some years. He rendered an account to the Court of Probate
635
636 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
of the receipts and debts paid, April 2, 1776. The final distribu-
tion of the property was made August 13, 1778.' This court
"set out" lands on that date to Daniel and to his sister Mary.
On the Salmon Brook Parish Rate Book for 1774 he and his
sister Mary were placed on the list as paying rates on £60 i6s.
His business qualifications were undoubtedly good. He is
found appointed administrator of the estate of Joel Loomis,
April 2, 1776, and gave bond "in the sum of ^"200."
On the 8th of July, 1775, he enlisted in the War of the Revolu-
tion, joining the 8th Continental Regiment, 4th Company,
Captain Elihu Humphrey. This company was made up at Sims-
bury and consisted of seventy-five men. Higley went out as
sergeant. The troops marched from Simsbury for camp on
a Sunday. "On that day the soldiers were assembled in the
Meeting House, where a sermon peculiarly adapted to the times
was preached to them by the Rev. Mr. Pitkin of Farmington,
Conn." "Their Regiment was stationed on the Sound until
Sept. i4th, when on requisition from Washington it was ordered
to the Boston camps and took part at Roxbury, where it remained
until the expiration of term of service in December '75." a
The following year — 1776 — Sergeant Higley re-enlisted in
Lieutenant Joel Higley's company, i8th Regiment of Connecticut
Militia. These troops joined the army in New York on the 22d
of August. Sergeant Higley was promoted to lieutenant and
remained with his regiment till his time expired, the 25th of
September, 1776.
He possessed decided musical ability, and his old comrades
used to recall, long since the day of persons now living, the cheer
and delight he gave while seated around the camp-fires with his
old-time war-songs. Under this inspiration they took heart
when despondent, and when wavering screwed up their courage
for renewed combat.
From his great-grandson we have the following interesting nar-
rative concerning the life of Lieutenant Daniel Higley :
By George T. Higley, Esq., of Ashland, Mass.
Lieutenant Daniel Higley had now completed his honorable
service in the Revolutionary War, and was striking out in search
of a new home for himself and family.
1 " Simsbury Probate Records," book i. p. 500.
* " Records of Connecticut Men in War of the Revolution."
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 637
It was about the year 1781 when, joining in a somewhat
general tide of movement northward, he went from Simsbury,
Conn., to Marlborough, in the southern part of Vermont, a town
adjoining Brattleborough upon the west. According to the best
information obtainable he was then about forty-three years of
age. His rough experiences during the Revolutionary War, and
the full strength of mind and body belonging to middle life,
fitted him well for the work of a pioneer settler.
Marlborough was at that time a wilderness. In 1761 a few
individuals, wholly non-resident, had obtained a town charter
from the Province of New Hampshire, and four years later the
first two families moved into town. Settlers afterward began to
come in slowly from Massachusetts and Connecticut. Later
a dispute arose between the States of New York and New Hamp-
shire as to which had the better claim upon the territory lying
west of the Connecticut River and east of Lake Champlain. The
settlers were involved in this quarrel, but for the most part
opposed the claims of both States, and sought to set up a State
government for themselves. Congress was finally prevailed upon
to set off the new State of Vermont, and thus was ended a bitter
controversy, in which some lives of the settlers had been lost.
Before Lieutenant Higley came to Marlborough the town had
been organized, meetings held, and officers chosen. A small
beginning had been made in providing roads through the forests.
In 1776 a Congregational church had been established, and it. was
about this time the first meeting-house was built, which was
occupied for town-meetings as well as for Sunday services. The
year before the arrival of the subject of this sketch there had been
new raids from the French and Indians, so that the whole country
had been stirred up. The inhabitants of Marlborough voted in
town-meeting that " every able-bodied man should arm and hold
himself in readiness to defend the settlement." Though in this
section no Indian massacres subsequently occurred, and none of
the inhabitants were afterward carried away captive by the
Indians, yet there was ever present an apprehension of danger
from that source. A small sprinkling of the population were
Tories, who united with the Indians in causing annoyance. The
great majority, however, of the early settlers were patriots. At
an early meeting of the town a very strong resolution was passed
and put upon record, condemning the course of the British par-
liament toward the colonies, and an equally strong resolution is
638 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
recorded in favor of the proposed new State of Vermont — action
which was locally regarded as an exhibition of the highest
patriotism. After the questions of the war had been settled, and
the new State established, so that the town felt sure of its stand-
ing, the patriotic citizens did not fail to pay off the score against
their enemies by expelling them from the town. The records
show the issuing of not a few writs by the selectmen, by which
the constable was commanded to convey such and such persons,
with their families, beyond the limits of the town, and the returns
of the officers show that they did not fail to do their duty, though
compelled at times to call in aid to overcome a not unnatural
resistance. There had been some confusion caused at first by
the issuing of different town charters from the contesting State
jurisdictions to different individuals, purporting to grant land
titles. But the early inhabitants appear to have been reasonable
men, and to have compromised, dividing the townships among
themselves equitably. The town, which was six miles square,
was divided into sixty equal parts, or, as they were called,
" rights," and these were properly assigned. Each right con-
tained 384 acres.
It was "in the year 1781 that we first come upon doings in
which Lieutenant Higley was directly interested. On the 4th
day of September in this year he took the freeman's oath in
Marlborough, which appears to have been an oath of allegiance
to the State of Vermont.
Later in the same year, on the a6th day of November, he
received a deed of land, described as right No. 49. This deed
was from Seth Smith, Esq., of Brattleborough, and purports to
be given in consideration of the sum of nine shillings " aerc to
me in hand paid," a low price surely for 384 acres of good land,
though it be covered with wood; it being a rule in those days
that three acres of cleared land were worth fifty in wood. It
may be that the small consideration expressed does not truly rep-
resent the price paid, or that in recording the deed an error may
have crept in. The deed also recites that Daniel Higley, the
grantee, is "of Simsbury in ye county of Hartford and State of
Connecticut," thus identifying his lineage beyond all possibility
of dispute.
The land granted by this deed lay in the northwesterly part of
the town, from four to five miles distant from Marlborough vil-
lage, and was decidedly elevated in its physical character, being
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 639
in the nature of a broad range of hills with surfaces gently slop-
ing to the east and west, and affording a convenient location for
a series of farms. This range became afterward known to this
day as the " Higley Hill." A part of the land obtained under
this purchase the grantee retained, and was still in possession
of Warren Higley, a grandson, who resided at the homestead, and
was able at the age seventy-seven to attend personally to the con-
ducting of the farm.1 One half of right No. 49 was sold the next
year, 1782, by the grantee to one Dibble, of Simsbury, evidently
an old neighbor, for the sum of sixty pounds, which, considering
the price paid, was certainly a good trade. The grantee in this
deed is still described as of Simsbury.
The lands of the town of Marlborough at its settlement were
covered with a dense growth of timber ; upon the highlands,
maple, beach, and birch, with a sprinkling of ash; on other lands
in addition to these, spruce and hemlock. The hills, though
high, were broadened often into plains upon their summits, and
covered with a rich soil. There were some valley lands, through
vrhich flowed clear streams of water abounding in trout, while
numerous small brooks, also abounding in the same fish, came
down from the hills. It was the custom to build the first log
houses on the hills, and those lands were considered more health-
ful and were quickly cleared. This early custom of building ex-
plains why it is that the roads in Marlborough go over the hill
tops, when they might as well have gone along the valleys at easy
grades. The dwellings were located first, and the roads crooked
about among and over the hills to reach them. A spot upon the
crown of the hill was chosen by our pioneer for the site of his house.
A little way to the north the land was a few feet higher, and at some
distance to the south there was an abrupt elevation, as of a hill
upon hills, but to the east and west, if only the trees could have
been cut away, there were fine clear views: in the former direc-
tion far away over the New Hampshire hills, in the latter, unin-
terruptedly, to the Green Mountain range. In later years, when
the land had been opened up, the Haystack peak of this range,
fully in view at a distance of ten miles, served as an indicator of
weather to guide in farming operations, according as its summit
stood in clear, fair-weather outline, or was veiled in its cap of
clouds, foreboding rain. A log house, following no doubt the
simple architecture of the day, was erected upon this spot, the
1 Warren Higley of Vermont died May 22, 1892.
640 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
cellar as originally built remaining to the present time and being
still in use. This solid, warm structure, of dimensions sufficient,
according to the ideas of the time, to contain a large family,
served the purpose of a dwelling house till 1823, when it was
taken down by Judah Higley, a son of Daniel, and replaced by
the present convenient house and additions.
Daniel Higley must have built his house before June 13, 1786,
as there is a reference to it in the record of the town meeting
held upon that day. It was then voted " that the road from
Wilmington line by Lieutenant Higley's new house be excepted."
If his house was built in 1784 or 1785, he probably had the help
of his oldest son Daniel, who would have been sixteen or seven-
teen years of age. His next son, Jourdan, was only twelve years
old, and would have been of but little assistance in the heavy
work of clearing the land and building a log house. The help of
the daughters, Orpha and Ruth, who were older than Jourdan,
may have counted for something, however, and the same may
perhaps be said of their mother, about whose physical powers,
however, tradition is silent.
It is known that there were pioneer women, young and old,
who could swing the ax with effect, but of Ruth Higley and her
daughters there is no one living who can give the coveted
information. This much at least is more than probable, having
few of the cares entailed by modern housekeeping, the women,
besides weaving cloth and making garments for family use, would
find time, if they chose so to employ themselves, to assist in car-
ing for the horses, cattle, and sheep raised by the settler, as well
as to help in tilling his fields and gathering his crops of hay and
corn. Some shelter for cattle must have been provided in the
beginning, as the winters were cold and the fall of snow con-
siderable. It is believed that during the life of the first settler
a barn was built of sawed lumber, and that the original structure
forms a part of the convenient barn now standing on the place.
The present owner of the property remembers when the old barn
was altered and enlarged, and that he, as a boy, enjoyed the fun
(and danger) of running about upon the frame when the car-
penters were at work. It is fair to conclude, in clearing the
woodland, Daniel must have literally hewed out his way alone,
with only the aid of the members of his family. It is also clear
that he must have gotten ahead slowly in subduing the great
forest. The maples and beeches which he was compelled to
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 641
wage war upon were great trees, and many must have been the
heavy blows of the ax required to lay them low. Grand old
trees of the forest, as in another day and place they would be
called, to him they were the enemy to be extirpated with steel
and fire. But the work of subduing was slow, and his grand-
children remember the time when the woods were still near the
house, and how they were required to help in widening the clear-
ings. It was not till their day, of the third generation, that the
farm could boast of sixty acres of clear, smooth mowing lands
and a hardly less number of acres of fine pasture.
To build a home in such a new land had not only its draw-
backs, but must have afforded at times some pleasant experiences.
True, from the time the settler plunged his ax into the first
great maple to the end of his labors which never came — in
widening his farm it was a continual round of hard blows, of
heavy, laborious work; yet there must have been a pleasure in
seeing the clearing enlarge, in beholding the fire as it consumed
the dry logs and stumps, and left a smooth field with deep, rich
soil made fertile by nature for increasing crops. The heavy out-
door work built up bone and muscle, and strengthened the mind
no less, which was called upon to plan the work and keep the
machine of the body sharply at its task. The early apprehension
of an attack by the Indians, as the Indians always failed to come,
would daily grow weaker. The wild animals were not to be
feared. The chief of them, the black bear, would withdraw at
the approach of human footsteps, and would only display his
valor upon some sheepfold in the night. In the woods there
were abounding pleasures for the boys. Foxes, raccoons, rabbits,
and partridges were plenty. Without going off the farm a fine
string of trout could be taken. There would be the periodical
hunt organized from the neighborhood for the pursuit of bears
and wolves, the hunters going back upon the mountains and
lighting a rousing fire for the night. With the girls and young
women it must be conceded that attractions were limited, as
when a chance visitor came, or a neighbor dropped in for the day
with the latest news. But if tradition is to be trusted, the "girl
of the period " did not hesitate to join her brothers in their
sports, and when the neighborhood party was organized for the
mountain hunt, she was to be counted in, and at the brush fire
in the night she cooked the fish and game which she had helped
her brothers catch and shoot.
642 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
To Lieutenant Higley and his family it must have been a happy
moment when the last trees had been felled which obstructed the
sunrise, and they could look away thirty miles east to the beauti-
ful blue hills. They were restored again to their lost companion-
ship of the wide world.
Daniel Higley appears to have been a man of strong, well-
developed character. The fact that he won his title is a proof
of this. One of his grandchildren who lived with him to seven
years of age has told the writer, that as remembered, he was
a tall, well-proportioned, fine-looking man, having a somewhat
sober and reserved manner. In particular it was recalled that he
sometimes sang for their amusement, showing that the voice
which history relates was employed to cheer his Revolutionary
comrades on the march and in camp, was fresh and vigorous to
the last. Another grandchild, who was twelve years old at his
grandfather's death, remembered him as taking pleasure in the
company of children, and as being kind and affectionate toward
herself.
The records of the town of Marlborough show that from the
first he was interested in town affairs, and was considered worthy
of public trust and honor. He was placed upon an important
town committee as early as September, 1785, probably not more
than a year or two after he became a full resident of the town.
After that date till near the close of his life, his name appears on
the records almost every year, showing his election to some im-
portant office. Particularly he appears to have been connected
with the management of the schools, and was elected year after
year as a school trustee, indicating that he was a man of scholarly
habits. His frequent election as a highway surveyor proves his
reputation for sound, practical judgment. On September 7,
1790, he was chosen one of a committee of seven to " seat the
new meeting-house." The early church records, if there are any
in existence, the writer has been unable to find ; but there is
nothing in the town records to indicate that he held other than
the prevailing views in religion. So far as appears he paid his
church rates with becoming equanimity, and did not, like some
of his townsmen, seek to escape from the performance of religious
duties by certifying upon the town records that he held in re-
ligion other views than the majority.
There were born to Lieutenant Daniel Higley, by his wife Ruth,
eleven children, seven sons and five daughters. The period of
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 643
births extends through twenty years, beginning with 1768. All but
three or four were born before the family moved to Marlborough.
Most of these children lived to a good old age and have left
descendants who are widely scattered. His wife Ruth died June
8, 1803, after a companionship in pioneer life of full twenty years.
Two years later he married Bathsheba Lincoln, a widow familiarly
called "Bashie Lincoln," with whom he spent the remaining
years of his life. At his decease he left a sister, Mary, known to
several generations as "Aunt Molly," who attained to an age of
over one hundred years. A brother, Solomon, also outlived him.
Solomon was a member of the Shaker community at Lebanon,
N. Y., and used to visit his brother.
Lieutenant Daniel Higley died on the i5th of March, 1812,
about the age of seventy-four. He left a long and detailed will
in which all his heirs are carefully remembered. To each is ap-
portioned his due according to some recognized scale of justice
present in the mind of the testator, even to fractions of a dollar.
This will, if all else were blotted out, would show his considerate
and methodical cast of mind, that he was guided by principle,
and that he intended to see that all the members of his family
should have their just rights. His body is supposed to have
been buried in the old disused graveyard on the main road lead-
ing from Marlborough village to Wilmington, but the precise spot
is unmarked and unknown.
This sketch may properly be closed by giving one or two ex-
tracts from his will, thus affording a glimpse of life as it then
was. His will, as before stated, mentions all his heirs by name,
giving to each some portion of his property, or explaining any
absence of a gift. The legacies are, with one exception, which
provides for an alternative in money, to be paid in or from some
specific portion of his property, as in a heifer or from neat stock,
or household furniture. There is no provision for a sale of the
property. The extracts selected to be given are the clauses re-
lating to his wife and sister. With his second wife, who had
brought with her a minor child, he spent the last seven years of
his life. After the formal beginning the will goes on :
" I give to my beloved wife, Bathsheba Higley, after my decease, and so long
as she shall remain my widow, the absolute use of so much of one of the largest
rooms in my dwelling house as shall be necessary for her comfort (but it is to be
understood that she, the said Bathsheba, is not to have the privilege of taking a
family into said room), and also one good cow and four sheep, said cow and sheep
644 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
to be her own forever, and said cow and sheep to be well kept by my sons, Judah
Higley and Pliny Higley, on my farm which I shall hereafter bequeath to them,
the said Judah and Pliny, during her said widowhood, and during her residence on
said farm, and likewise the said Judah and Pliny are to keep the increase of said
cow and sheep until the fall after they come, when she, the said Bathsheba, is to
take and dispose of them for her own benefit, and also the said Judah and Pliny
are to provide for her, the said Bathsheba, during her widowhood and residence on
said farm as aforesaid, with provisions sufficient for her comfortable support in
sickness and health, excepting the articles of butter and cheese, which I think she
can make a supply from said cow, but if not, then to be supplied by the said Judah
and Pliny by those articles likewise : and also with a sufficient supply of firewood
cut fit for the fire at the door to keep one fire ; and likewise with twenty pounds
of good flax yearly during her widowhood and residence as aforesaid ; and likewise
it is my will that if she, the said Bathsheba, shall choose to move from there, she
shall have a right to carry off what clothing she shall then have, and likewise her
household goods which she fetched with her when I married her, and if anything
shall be damaged or broken, to have them made good ; and also one-half of the
linen and other cloth she has or shall make while she lives with me (excepting what
shall be worn out at the time of my decease)."
At the time of his decease he left a whole houseful of descend-
ants. It is therefore not surprising that as a matter of fact the
widow found family affairs too complicated, and after a few years
withdrew, no doubt taking along with her all her belongings.
In 1810, two years before his death, Daniel Higley received
from his sister Mary a deed of fifteen acres of land in Simsbury,
Conn., the consideration named therein being, "one hundred
dollars current money received to my full satisfaction of my
brother." It may be that it was from this money he was think-
ing his sister Mary might have enough left to bury her, when in
his will he made the very kind provision in her behalf, the quo-
tation of which may serve to set forth in a closing word the intel-
ligent, thoughtful, and humane spirit of the man. He says :
"And further my will is that my sister, Mary Higley, shall be
supported out of the estate that I have herein bequeathed to my
sons, Judah and Pliny, and that they, the said Judah and Pliny,
shall support the said Mary with good and sufficient meat, drink,
washing, lodging, nursing and physic, and every way maintain
her decently during her natural life, and likewise pay her funeral
charges if she has not estate of her own to do it."
The children of Lieutenant Daniel Higley and his first wife,
Ruth, are as follows :
Daniel, Jr., Orpha, Ruth, Jordan, Orange, Judah, Silvia, Lucretia,
Theodore, Pliny, Sterling.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 645
DANIEL HIGLEY, Jr., the first child of Lieutenant Daniel and
Ruth Higley, was born at Simsbury, Conn., February 28, 1768.
He was a boy of thirteen when his parents emigrated to Marl-
boro, Vt. He married Lucy Warren of Marlboro. They had
two children, Warren and Dwight.
ORPHA HIGLEY, the second child of Lieutenant Daniel and Ruth
Higley, was born in Simsbury, Conn., June 9, 1776. She married
Slade at Marlboro, Vt. Died May i, 1791, in Marlboro,
leaving no children.
RUTH HIGLEY, the third child, was born February 26, 1772, at
Simsbury, Conn. She married Jeremiah Coles at Marlboro, Vt.
JORDAN HIGLEY, ist, the fourth child of Lieutenant Daniel and
Ruth Higley, was born at Simsbury, Conn., April 23, 1773. He
was a child of two years when his father went into the War of
the Revolution, and eight years of age when his parents removed
with their family to Marlboro, Vt. He married "Peggy" (or
Margaret) Miller, daughter of David Miller of Marlboro. She
was born March 26, 1775. They always lived in the town, of
Marlboro.
Jordan Higley died April 16, 1812, aged thirty-nine years. His
grave is yet to be found in the old cemetery at Marlboro, marked
by a headstone bearing his name, age, etc. Peggy, his wife, died
May 16, 1838. Their eight children were :
Lucinda, born April 2, 1794; married October 15, 1815; died
November 5, 1844. Orpha, born March 8, 1796; married Decem-
ber i, 1813; died May 21, 1883. Levi, born January 16, 1799;
married August 20, 1818; died April 18, 1884. Silvia, born March
30, 1800; married March 8, 1818; died September 26, 1840. Sally,
born May 17, 1803; married April 4, 1827; died July 22, 1863.
Betsey, born April 21, 1805; died July 31, 1812. Edson, born Sep-
tember 26, 1807 ; married October 22, 1833 ; died February 9, 1848.
Lovisa, born December 14, 1810; married June 30, 1828; and still
living.
Of the above family the descendants of Levi only, as follows,
have been furnished for these pages:
LEVI HIGLEY, the third child of Jordan and Peggy (Miller) Higley, was born in
Brattleboro, Vt., January 16, 1799. His father died when he was but a few
months past his twelfth birthday. He married, first, Charlotte Phillips, August
20, 1818. He was a clothier by trade. In the year 1821 he removed with his
young family to Saratoga County, New York, settling at St. Johns, and building a
mercantile house. Here he carried on his business till the year 1834, when he
42
646 THE HIGLEY S AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
removed to Vesper, Onondaga County, N. Y., continuing his clothing business
there. In 1844 he purchased a farm in Orleans County, New York, and followed
agricultural pursuits till his decease. His wife, Charlotte Phillips, died December
30, 1858. His second marriage was to Rachel Smith, May 26, 1860. She died
March 14, 1880.
Levi Higley died at his residence at East Carlton, Orleans County, N. Y., April
18, 1884. Children of Levi Higley:
Betsey Ann, Levi N., George O., Charlotte, Jordan, William F.
BETSEY ANN HIGLEY, the oldest child, was born September i, 1819. She
married, in 1841, Timothy Carr of Onondaga County, New York. They resided
in Clarendon, Orleans County, N. Y., where she died, leaving a son, Adelbert, and
a daughter, Caroline.
LEVI N., the second child of Levi and Charlotte (Phillips) Higley, was
born September 9, 1821. He married, May 20, 1847, Laurina Monk, who was
born June I, 1821. They resided first in Otisco, Onondaga County, N. Y., but
removed to Orleans County and settled on a farm. They are the parents of one
son, named Edson J. Higley, and a daughter named Elvira. Their home is in the
vicinity of East Carlton.
GEORGE, the third child of Levi and Charlotte (Phillips) Higley, was born
October 6, 1823. Before reaching his majority he learned the trade of a tanner
at Canandaigua, N. Y. He married, first, April 27, 1847, Laura Penoyer, and
settled on a farm in Ontario County. His wife died January 17, 1869. On the
3Oth of November, 1871, he married Sarah Gregory. There are five children, viz.:
William C., who is a farmer in Ontario County, New York ; Henry G., who is
also a farmer ; Alvin L., a merchant ; Mary E., and Grace.
CHARLOTTE, the fourth child of Levi and Charlotte (Phillips) Higley, was born
May I, 1827. She married John O. Brown, October 7, 1847, and resided on their
farm in Orleans County, New York, where she died, leaving three sons, John,
George, and Frank, all of whom now reside in their native county.
JORDAN, 2d, the fifth child of Levi and Charlotte (Phillips) Higley, was born
December 21, 1831 ; married Mary Martin, July 21, 1853. He is an agriculturist,
owning a farm in Orleans County, New York. They have three daughters, Ella,
Carrie, and Jennie.
WILLIAM F., the sixth child of Levi and Charlotte (Phillips) Higley, was born
August 4, 1835 ; married Caroline Flynn, May 25, 1856.
ORANGE HIGLEY, the fifth child of Lieutenant Daniel and Ruth
Higley, was born in Simsbury, Conn., August 8, 1775, one month
after his father enlisted in the Revolutionary Army. He was yet
a young child when the family removed to Vermont. He married,
first, Polly Miller of Marlboro, Vt." His second wife was Hannah
Howard. They resided on a farm that he owned in the south
part of the town of Marlboro. They had three children, viz. :
Elliot, George, and Philura, of whom no data is given.
Elliot Higley, ad, a grandson of Orange Higley, now resides at
Marlboro, Vt.
Continued .from page 644.
JUDAH HIGLEY, the sixth child of Lieutenant Daniel and Ruth
Higley, was born at Simsbury, Conn., July 6, 1777. He was one
of the seven children who made up the household when their
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 647
parents removed to Windham County, Vermont, in 1781. He
married, February n, 1800, Relief Stearns. She was born Jan-
uary 29, 1777. On the death of his father, March, 1812, he,
together with his brother Pliny, received by bequest the original
home estate in Marlboro as their portion of his property. Here
Judah Higley and his wife spent the remainder of their lives,
genuine citizens and well respected. Relief Higley died November
16, 1849, aged seventy-two years and seven months. Judah Higley
died April 12, 1851. Their graves are to be found in the old ceme-
tery at Marlboro. The children born to them were as follows:
Relief, Lovina, Selah, Daniel ', Elijah, Polly, Warren; Betsey, born
November 20, 1815, died August 29, 1817; Henry E. , born January
7, 1822, died November 21, 1846, aged twenty-five.
RELIEF HIGLEY, the oldest child of Judah and Relief (Stearns) Higley, was born
at the old homestead on " Higley Hill " in the southern part of the town of Marl-
boro, Vt., June 21, 1801.
She possessed an unusually well-balanced mind and keen perception. Diligent
and courageous, she devoted her life, which was a quiet and unassuming one, to
the truest and best interests of her family, measuring her acts by the Golden Rule.
Her son, Henry J. Knapp of Dover, Vt., writes :
" My father, Asaph Knapp, was born in Dover, Vt., on the 27th of February,
1796. My mother was a native of Marlboro. They were married March 8, 1825,
and began life together on a farm in Marlboro, one mile north of the old Higley
homestead, where she was born. Here they lived until the death of my father in
1867, and here their children were born. My mother remained on the farm till
1875, — a period of fifty years, — when our old- home was sold, and she went to live
with her son, Fayette W. Knapp, in a hamlet called Brookville, in Newfane, Vt.,
where she remained to the time of her death.
' ' My mother's life was that of a good Christian, though she and my father were
never members of church. They were beloved by a large circle of friends and
acquaintances, and were true and honest people. At her death, no mother was
ever more truly and sincerely mourned. "
Mrs. Relief Higley Knapp lived to be the senior of the Vermont mountaineer
branch of the Higley Family, dying at the age of eighty-eight years, three months,
and eight days. Her faculties, and a clear memory, were preserved almost to the
very last, her personal recollections and traditions proving a most interesting and
valuable link with the long past. All of her children, though beyond the meridian
of life, attended her last hours upon earth, and her four eldest sons were the bearers
of her body to its last resting-place. She died October 29, 1889. Asaph Knapp,
her husband, died June 6, 1867. They had seven children, as follows :
LUCINDA RELIEF, the eldest, was born August 20, 1826 ; married Alfred W.
Titus, and had four children, two of whom — daughters — are living and are married
The family resides at Wilmington, Vt., owning a farm.
648 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
HORACE STEARNS, the second child, was born July 10, 1828 ; married Sarah A.
Taskett. His occupation is th it of a builder. He owns a pleasant home in
Winchendon, Mass. They have one child — a son.
DANIEL STEWARD, the third child, was born June 19, 1830, and died August
26, 1833.
FRANKLIN DWIGHT, the fourth child, born April 18, 1835, married Helen A.
Crosley ; he is a carpenter by trade ; resides in Keen, N. H. They are the
parents of four children, all daughters.
FAYETTE WARREN, the fifth child, born March 28, 1839. married Fannie M.
Lamb. He is a manufacturer of boots and shoes and harness, and is also a farmer.
They reside in Brookside, Newfane, Vt. They have two sons and two daughters,
all married. Two grown daughters and one son died in the year 1892.
ASAPH CLARK, the sixth child, born May 23, 1840, married Susan A. Nutting.
His trade is that of a carpenter. They reside in Keen, N. H. They have four
daughters and one son.
' HENRY JOHN, the seventh and youngest son of Asaph and Relief Higley Knapp,
was born June 6, 1844. In early manhood he learned the trade of jeweler and
watchmaker, to which he at one time devoted his attention. He married, in the
year 1869, Lizzie M. French, a widow, with a son six years of age. To this son
he assumed a father's responsibility. The faithful discharge of his duty has been
rewarded by relations of the most cordial and affectionate character existing
between them.
Mr. Knapp has been a constant sufferer since very young childhood from
asthma, which implies at once the exercise of self-resignation and rare patient
endurance, virtues which he possesses. Seeking health, he has from time to time
changed his place of residence, finally settling at Dover, Vt., two miles from the
place of his birth, of which town he is now the postmaster. His affliction has
caused him in his career to sink his personality, and the world about him has been
deprived of the benefit that it might have reaped from the natural energy and
the active intellectual powers with which he is endowed.
In contending with the difficulties he has had to encounter, resulting from his
impaired constitution, he has, in his efforts, been ably assisted and seconded by his
devoted wife, who has proved a true and noble helpmeet.
Continued from page 647.
LoviNA HIGLEY, the second child of Judah and Relief (Stearns) Higley, was
born May 6, 1803. She died, unmarried, March 26, 1883.
SELAH HIGLEY, the third child of Judah and Relief (Stearns) Higley, was born
May 4, 1805, at the old homestead at Marlboro, Vt.
When he reached his majority he abandoned his native hills for a time, and went
to the fertile Genessee country, Western New York, where he remained two years,
then returned to his mountainous home in Vermont.
He married, January 30, 1833, Eliza Wenzell of Framingham, Mass. She was
born February 24, 1807. From the year of his marriage Mr. Higley resided in
that part of Framingham which was afterward set off to Ashland, Mass., and here
he lived to see more than a half a century of the changes and development that the
flight of time wrought. His occupation was that of an agriculturist ; and he
was a faithful member of the Congregational Church. His life, not one marked
by special events, has left a good record for character that will abide. He lived to
a green old age, retaining his lively faculties and an excellent memory to the end
of his pilgrimage. He died March 20, 1889, aged eighty-four years. His wife
died December 30, 1872. The children of Selah and Eliza Wenzell Higley
were, viz. :
Lucy Wenzell, born April 9, 1835, died February I, 1836 ; George Trask, born
GEORGE T. HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 649
March 9, 1837 ; Wakefidd Leitner, born June 6, 1840 ; John Henry, born Feb-
ruary 23, 1844, died the day following ; Eliza Delia, born June 22, 1845.
GEORGE TRASK HIGLEY was the second child born to Selah
and Eliza (Wenzell) Higley. His birth took place at the farm
homestead of his father at Ashland, Mass., May 9, 1837. His
early years, until he was sixteen, were passed upon the farm.
In the year 1853, after having passed through the prescribed
routine of study, he entered Amherst College, from which he
was graduated in 1857, at twenty years of age. With the excep-
tion of a few years spent in the West, and one year in the army
during hostilities in the Civil War, he has always resided in his
native town. On the breaking out of the Civil War he showed
that he stood firm for his country, holding himself ready to
respond to a call for volunteers to enter the service. He enlisted
in the i3th New York Cavalry, October 8, 1864, remaining in the
service until honorably mustered out, October, 1865, after the
conflict had ended. Mr. Higley entered the field as a private.
For meritorious action he was appointed company clerk, and
later on he was promoted to acting quartermaster-sergeant.
Possessing a judicial temperament, his predeliction for the
legal profession came uppermost and fixed the purpose of his life.
He became a student in the Boston University Law School, tak-
ing the degree of LL. B. in 1873, and was admitted to the bar.
On the 2d of October of the same year — 1873 — ne married
Rosine Smith Wenzell. Since that year he has practiced his pro-
fession in Ashland. Aside from his law practice he has devoted
much active service and influence for the benefit of his native
town, serving its interests with practical ability and fidelity. He
has held different town offices, and has served for many years as
a member of the school committee, as well as trustee of the
public library. Mr. Higley's services in connection with the
town library have been important. It is largely to his labors
that the town of Ashland is indebted for the establishment of
this library, as well as to his literary taste for the excellent selec-
tion of books it contains.
His wife, Rosine Smith, was born at Medfield, Mass, July
13, 1841, and was graduated from the State Normal School, 55th
•class, at Bridgewater, Mass., in July, 1861. In the spring of
1862 she was elected principal of a grammar school in Grant-
ville, and, after remaining there two years, she accepted a posi-
650 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
tion at Medway, continuing here till her marriage, March 22,
1865, to A. H. Wenzel, who was at that time principal of the high
school in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. She acted as assistant
in the Edgartown school during the following year. In October,
1869, she gave birth to a son, who is still living — John Wenzel.
Professor Wenzel died April, 1871. In 1873, after acting as
assistant in the Medfield High School a part of the year,
she became the wife of George T. Higley in the month of
October.
Mrs. Higley possesses a vigorous mind, which is marked by
her exceptional attainments. She is a woman of agreeable
character and womanly strength.
She retains a lively interest in the cause of education, and is
a prominent member and the secretary of the Bridgeport Alumni
Association of the Massachusetts State Normal School, 55th
Class.
WAKEFIELD L., the third child of Selah and Eliza (Wenzel) Higley, was born
at Ashland, Mass., June 6, 1840. He devoted his time to farming till his enlist-
ment for the Civil War, October 8, 1864, in the same regiment with his elder
brother — the I3th New York Cavalry. He served as a private soldier, though dur-
ing the most of the time that he was in the service he was in the regimental com-
missary department.
He died of fever in the regimental hospital in Washington, D. C., September
25, 1865. His remains were taken to the home of the family, at Ashland, Mass.,
and interred in the family burial-ground.
ELIZA D., the fifth child of Selah and Eliza (Wenzel) Higley, was born June 22,
1845, at Ashland, Mass. She married, first, Preston W. Forbush, on the 23d of
October, 1866, and became the mother of a daughter, called Hattie Mabel, born
November 7, 1867; and of a son, named Harvey Wright, who was born May 23,
1869, both of whom are living.
Her second husband is Eben F. Hart, whom she married February 9, 1873.
Mrs. Hart is a bright, energetic woman, whose earnest and lovable character is an
inspiration to those about her.
Continued from page 647.
DANIEL, 3d, the fourth child of Judah and Relief (Stearns) Higley, was born at
Marlboro, Vt., April 6, 1807.
He married Minerva Hills and settled, first, at Pittston, N. Y., afterward
removing to Hoosac Falls, Mass. He was a farmer, and an exemplary member of
the church. He died, January 27, 1839, when but thirty-two years of age, leaving
three children, viz.:
George £., Susan, and Augusta. Augusta died, aged about twenty-three ;
unmarried.
GEORGE E., the eldest, married Elizabeth Peters. They had two children,
Charles and George. Charles, the eldest, died at Brattleboro, Vt., where his parents
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 651
then resided, aged about fifteen years, and George died aged twelve. Mr. Higley
is now a resident of Hamilton, la.
SUSAN, the second child of Daniel and Minerva (Hills) Higley, married George
Rising. They reside at Hoosac Falls, Mass. Their children are : Daniel, Sarah,
Minne, Estella, Frank, and Emma.
Of the above family, Daniel married •. Hayden. They have four children,
all daughters. They reside at North Adams, Mass. Sarah married George H.
Boynton on July n, 1877. They reside in Waukegan, 111. Mr. Boynton is
engaged in business in Chicago. They have one child, a son, named Vincent
Russell. Minne, the third child of George and Susan Higley Rising, married
James H. Glenn. They have two children. They reside in Hoosac Falls, Mass.
Estella, the fourth child, married Allen, and resides in Bennington, Vt.
Frank, the fifth child, married Nora Buck ; resides at Hoosac Falls, Mass. Emma
married, first, Edwin Leiffer. Her second marriage was to Hewey. They
reside in Kane, Kane County, 111.
Continued from page 647.
ELIJAH, the fifth child of Judah and Relief (Stearns) Higley, was born at Marl-
boro, Vt., April i, 1809. He married Roxana Adams, December 20, 1833, and
purchasing a farm two miles northwest of the village of Wilmington, Vt., near
the base of old Haystack Mountain, settled upon it, and resided there till about
the year 1809 or 1870, when he made purchase of a farm near Brattleboro, Vt., to
which he removed with his family, and spent the remainder of his life.
At Wilmington, Vt., Elijah and Roxana Higley became members of the Baptist
Church, in the work of which Mr. Higley made his influence and practical use-
fulness felt, pursuing a career of consecrated activity. His life portrayed the
beauty of the walk of a consistent Christian. Loyal to his faith, he was a devoted
church-goer ; but, though full of the spirit and very sincere, it was always difficult,
because of his modest reserve and easily overcome feelings at whatever touched the
secret springs of his heart, for him to take part publicly in the social meetings.
At Brattleboro he became a member of the church by " letter," and here also
continued his zeal and interest in church affairs.
His wife, whose walk beside him was in full sympathy and unison of purpose
with her husband for a period of little less than fourteen years, died of typhus
fever, April 25, 1847, leaving three motherless sons, the eldest of whom, a boy of
twelve, seemingly inquiring of her angel spirit,
" Mother, oh, where is that radiant shore ?
Shall we not seek it and weep no more ? "
followed her shortly after — on the 28th of May.
In the year 1849 Mr. Higley married Eliza Seaver of Manchester, Vt., a widow.
By her he had one child. During the last twenty-seven years that he lived, Elijah
Higley was a sufferer from sciatic rheumatism, and was confined the greater part of
the time to his couch. In this bodily affliction he was constantly attended by his
faithful wife, whose devotion and love were the stimulus to her exertions. He died
at his residence near Brattleboro, Vt., September 15, 1886. His widow still sur-
vives. The children of Elijah and Roxana Higley were :
Elijah Franklin, born September I, 1835 ; Daniel Chauncey, born August 31,
1839, and William Perley, born October 3, 1843. By second wife, Francis Henry.
DANIEL C. HIGLEY, the eldest surviving child of Elijah and
Roxana (Adams) Higley, was born at Wilmington, Vt, on the
65 2 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
"Green Mountain " farm on which his parents then resided,
August 31, 1839. His first seventeen years were spent on his
father's estate, and his student days were mostly at the district
school, attending it of winters.
Brought up under the best of home Christian influences, in the
moral atmosphere of a plain agricultural community, and the pure
exhilarating air and verdure of his native mountain State, his
youthful life had favorable beginnings that fitted him both physi-
cally and mentally for succeeding years of important business
responsibilities, as well as for sacred service in the Christian
world.
He began his career in the year 1846, as a clerk in an adjoin-
ing town. Here he remained three years — till he was twenty.
He then went to the frontier in the then far Northwest, re-
maining on the border two years; in the meantime becoming
thoroughly acquainted with the lives and customs of the Indians,
particularly with the Sioux tribe. At twenty-two, after spending
three months in his native town in Vermont, he turned his face
again westward, to take up his permanent residence, settling in
Chicago. In this city he became the head of a grocery house in
1861.
In the year 1863 Mr. Higley married Annie J. Richards of
Vienna, Ontario, Canada, who was of English parentage. The
year 1871 found him removed to Kalamazoo, now a thriving com-
mercial manufacturing center in the State of Michigan, and since
incorporated as a city, where he became the proprietor of "The
Chicago Store," and where he has since conducted a prosperous
business, engaging extensively as dealer in dry goods, millinery,
and general merchandise, drawing a large patronage from all the
surrounding towns. The house also has two branches, one in
Barry County, and the other in Van Buren County, Michigan.
Daniel C. Higley from his youthful days remained loyal in
heart to the denominational preferences of his parents under
which he was brought up — the Baptist Church. In the year 1878
he was baptized by the Rev. Dr. Hodge, and became a church
member. It was scarcely four years till he was made the superin-
tendent of the Bethel Baptist Mission, a position for which he
displayed special ability and aptitude. Mr. Higley was the main
mover in establishing this flourishing Sunday School, and not least
of all, has from its beginning been its chief financial supporter.
Well organized arid managed, the work stirred the popular heart
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 653
of the people for whose benefit it was founded, who responded by
increasing attendance, till the year 1888 found the growing mis-
sion strong and sufficient in numbers to become an organized
church. It is now known as the Bethel Baptist Church, in the
work of which Mr. Higley continues his Christian activities,
entering into every detail of its labor and its support.
Mr. Higley's genial temperament and fine social qualities
attract all who make his acquaintance. Few men walking in the
bustle and high pressure of secular life stop to personally com-
pass the needs of humanity and make so devoted an application
of their time, and energy, and means, to what is called Christian
work.
Mr. and Mrs. Higley have no children; they have opened their
hospitable home and hearts and cared for several who were so
circumstanced that they needed foster-parents.
WILLIAM PERLEY HIGLEY, the third child of Elijah and Roxana
Adams Higley, was born at the homestead of his father, Wilming-
ton, Vt, October 6, 1843. He was not yet four years of age
when death deprived him of his mother's care. But the family
were not scattered, and from their farm home he attended the
district school. Naturally endowed with a good intellect, and
fond of his books, he kept his place among the foremost of his
class.
Time came when his ideas of life stretched out for a sphere
beyond the farm that lay amid the beauty and grandeur of his
native hills and mountains.
He was not quite contented with his lot : and at twenty, like
many another young man, he decided to launch out into the
world for himself.
" This is the hour of your trial, the turning point of existence,
Seed for the coming days."
It was the winter of 1863. In the possession of good princi-
ples and force of character, with the higher equipment of moral
purpose and a Christian heart, he set off for Chicago, where he
secured a position in the business house of his older brother, as
clerk. Here he remained till April, 1869, when, having saved
some capital, he went to Waukegan, 111., an enterprising place,
which has since become a city, and opened a store of general
654 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
merchandise, in which his brother, Daniel C. Higley, had an in-
terest. The new firm was styled W. P. Higley & Co. Four years
later William P. Higley purchased the company's interest and
became the sole proprietor, the house since being known as "The
Higley Department Store." The enterprise has grown to be one
of those important business houses which contribute to the gen-
eral demands of the community, involving in its annual transac-
tions many thousands of dollars, and giving employment in its
various departments to a large number of persons. The house is
now the most prominent establishment of the city of Waukegan,
carrying a complete stock of foreign and domestic dry goods,
cloaks, millinery, men's wear, groceries, and notions, and its
many patrons embrace residents of both city and country.
At thirty-three years of age, on the loth of February, 1876,
Mr. Higley married Eva V. Jilson of Waukegan, 111., a most
estimable Christian character. She died April 12, 1878, four
months after giving birth to a fair-haired daughter — Minnie
Pearl.
On the 8th of February, 1882, he married Mrs. Elizabeth
T. P. Maguire of Racine, Wis., a noble-hearted woman, walk-
ing in oneness and in singleness of purpose with her worthy
husband.
William P. Higley has not only attained a prominence in busi-
ness and social life, which is both gratifying and well-merited,
but the family hold a much respected position as church members.
Owing much to the faithful Christian example and training by his
father, and the influences of a Christian home in his early boy-
hood, when about nine years of age, he became consciously a
Christian. A few years later he was baptised in a branch of the
Deerfield River at Wilmington, Vt., and united with the Baptist
Church of which his father and stepmother were members.
From that day this has been his chosen denominational prefer-
ence.
In Waukegan his commodious home is pleasantly situated near
the high bluff overlooking the blue waters of Lake Michigan.
Here the genial host and hostess are " given to hospitality" and
to "entertaining strangers." They are the parents of three
children, viz. :
Minnie Pearl, born 1878 (by first wife); Violet Elizabeth,
born November 12, 1882 ; and Edith Theresa, born October n,
1889.
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 655
Continued from page 647.
POLLY HIGLEY, the sixth child of Judah and Relief (Stearns) Higley, was born at
Marlboro, Vt., April 17, iSn. She now resides [1894] in Wardsboro, Vt., at the
age of eighty-three years, with her only child, Maryetta, who married Henry Kid-
der, an extensive farmer. They have an interesting family.
WARREN HIGLEY, the seventh child of Judah and Relief (Stearns) Higley, was
born at the old farm homestead on " Higley Hill," at Marlboro, Vt., June 6, 1813.
This estate, having passed successively from father to son till it came into the
hands of Warren Higley, was, with little exception, his home from his birth to his
death. For one hundred and twelve years — from the year 1781, when Lieutenant
Daniel Higley carved the farm out of the wilderness — many tender and interesting
historical associations were closely connected with it in the minds of the generations
that were born and reared there.
" Fine old farm for a hundred years
Kept in the family name ;
Cornfields rich with golden ears
Oft as the harvest came ;
Crowded barn and crowded bin,
And still the loads kept coming in.
Rolling in for a hundred years ;
And the fourth in the family line appears."
Warren Higley's life was not marked by stirring events, though it was not incon-
spicuous. From time to time he held different town offices and was well known.
It was always his purpose through life to make usefulness, rather than greatness,
his ideal. Of the sturdy and thrifty race of Vermont agriculturists who have pur-
sued an even course of strict integrity, simplicity, and honesty, his plain and straight-
forward walk was fraught with peace and contentment.
At twenty-two he married Roxellana Yearn, who was one year his junior. She
died April 2, 1845.
On the 3d of November, 1850, he married Lydia Hakes, who proved a true help-
meet. She was born December 23, 1822.-
After a bright and unusually active old age spent in the quiet repose of his home,
Warren Higley died of pneumonia, May 22, 1892. His widow survives him.
The children of Warren Higley were as follows :
By first wife : Mary Ann, born December 29, 1836 ; Olive Marilla, born
November 3, 1839 ; Otis Warren, born November 3, 1841. By second wife :
Flora Ella, born October 8, 1853 ', Eva Adell, born July 17, 1858 ; Lillian Deetta,
born June 14, 1862 ; Ida L., born April 15, 1864.
Of the above family, but two are living (1894).
Mary Ann, the first child, married M. V. B. Powers in 1858, died May 20, 1877 ;
Olive M. died unmarried, May 22, 1861 ; Otis W. died February 5, 1843 ; Eva
Adell married J. L. Bayard, December 20, 1875, and died on the I2th of the fol-
lowing May ; Ida L., a young woman of rare gifts, died April 20, 1886,
unmarried.
FLORA ELLA HIGLKY, the eldest surviving child of Wapen and Lydia Hakes
Higley, was born at Marlboro, Vt., October 8, 1853. She has chosen the honor-
656 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
able calling of the trained nurse for her avocation, entering the training school for
nurses at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, in 1886, from which she
was graduated, after taking a full course of instruction. She is now in the success-
ful practice of her profession.
LILLIAN DEETTA HIGLEY, the youngest surviving child of Warren and Lydia
Hakes Higley, was born at Marlboro, Vt., June 14, 1862. She was early full of
promising qualities, and grew to womanhood brave and strong, possessing a lively
intellect and a cheerful temperament. She was graduated in 1885, having taken
the full business course of Glenwood Seminary, West Brattleboro, Vt. Since then
she has had some experience in teaching.
Continued from page 644.
SILVIA HIGLEY, the seventh child of Lieutenant Daniel and Ruth
Higley, was the last child of her parents born in Simsbury before
their removal to Marlboro, Vt. Her birth took place June 7,
1779. She married Abner Harris.
No further facts concerning her life have been furnished.
LUCRETIA HIGLEY, the eighth child of Lieutenant Daniel and
Ruth Higley, was born at Marlboro, Vt., November 13, 1781.
She married, June 20, 1801, Oliver Higley, her second cousin, the
son of Elijah Higley, who emigrated from Connecticut the same
year that her father went to Marlboro, Vt., and may have accom-
panied him. After living in their native town for a few years,
Oliver and Lucretia Higley removed to the State of New York,
making changes from Port Kent to Edinburg, and from thence to
Jamestown, Chautauqua County, where they settled some time
between the years 1820 and 1830. It was here that Lucretia
Higley, with her husband, joined the "Church of the Latter- Day
Saints," about 1830, and from this time to the close of her event-
ful life, she was a zealous Mormon. She resided in her old age,
after the death of her husband, with her son, Clark Higley, at
Tooele, Tooele County, Utah, where she died July 25, 1865, in
her eighty-fourth year. Her husband died May 6, 1846, in Iowa,
where they then lived. Their children were, viz. :
Dan, born July 27, 1804 ; Anna, born November 29, 1806 ;
Lovina, December 31, 1808 ; Clark, born November 26, 1813 ;
Truman, born July 20, 1817 ; Harvey, born November 20, 1819 ;
Harriet, born April 12, 1822.
(Sketches of this family are to be found following the sketch
of Oliver Higley, page 690.)
THEODORE HIGLEY, the ninth child of Lieutenant Daniel and
Ruth Higley, was born at Marlboro, Vt., April 30, 1784. He
married Mercy Haskell of Wilmington, Vt. They resided for
DESCENDANTS OF NATHANIEL HIGLEY. 657
many years upon a farm in the south part of his native town,
afterward removing to the State of Illinois, and settling at Polo,
where they brought up a family, and where some of his descend-
ants now live. Their children were:
Divight, Minerva, Harriet, Theodore, Jr., Moses, Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
No further account of this family has been furnished for these
pages.
PLINY HIGLEY, the tenth child of Lieutenant Daniel and Ruth
Higley, was born at Marlboro, Vt., April 22, 1786. He married,
first, Polly Willard of Lancaster, Mass. She was born 1788, and
died June 17, 1848. His second wife was Mary Nickerson, a
widow, of Marlboro. He owned and resided upon a part of the
original farm in the south part of the town of Marlboro, which he
received as a legacy from his father, Lieutenant Daniel Higley.
This farm afterward became a part of the estate owned by his
nephew, Warren Higley of Marlboro, and was occupied by Lieuten-
ant Higley and his descendants for a period covering one hun-
dred and twelve years.
Pliny Higley died February 14, 1857. Their children were :
Sarah, called Sally ; Luke, Mary Ann, Robert, Ursula, and
William.
URSULA HIGLEY, married Ballow, and resides at Wilmington, Vt. Several
families of Pliny Higley's descendants are living in the town of Marlboro, Wind-
ham County, Vt. Among whom is Dan Higley, a well known and respected citi-
zen, who is the owner of the farm upon which he resides.
No further account of Pliny Higley and his descendants has
been furnished.
STERLING HIGLEY, the eleventh and last child of Lieutenant
Daniel and Ruth Higley, was born at Marlboro, Vt, July 18,
1788. He died in childhood, March 12, 1793.
CHAPTER LXX.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST.
Continued front chapter xxv.p. 145.
Josiah, ad, Josiah, ist, Captain John Higley.
None are so apt to build and plant for future centuries as those noble-spirited men who have
received their heritages from fargone ages. — IRVING.
JOSIAH HIGLEY, ad, the first child of Josiah, ist, and Dinah
(Gillett) Higley, was born in the parish of Turkey Hills, Sims-
bury, Conn., "November ye 6th, 1725." He was a young man
of twenty-six at the time of his father's decease. He received,
as a special legacy by his father's will, two and a half acres of
land more than was devised to the other heirs. He served with
his mother as an executor to the estate. It is not known when
or to whom he was married. Soon after his father's death he
purchased of his cousin, Jonathan Higley, land in Turkey Hills
" which formerly belonged to grandfather, Captain John." When
he purchased land in Westfield, Mass., the 8th of February, 1753,
he was described in the deed as "a husbandman of Simsbury."
Before the i2th of April, 1756, he had become a resident of
Salisbury, Litchfield County, Conn., selling his Westfield land.
How long he remained a resident of Salisbury cannot be stated,
but he appears to have returned with his family to Turkey Hills
by the year 1769 or 1770, as he had young children baptized the
beginning of the latter year in the old parish church of St. Andrew,
which was but a few miles away. It is probable that on the death
of his mother he took possession of the old home farm " on the
highway that goes from Hatchet Hill to Windsor."
The entire family, about this time, appear to have turned to
the English Church, or Episcopal faith. The difficulties and con-
tentions in the old Simsbury churches which were established by
the early founders had a weaning effect upon the next generation,
and many of the third generation severed their connection and
drifted away. During Josiah, zd's, time the Rev. Gideon Mills,
658
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 659
who married Josiah's cousin, Elizabeth Higley, was for a number
of years the pastor of the Simsbury Church, also the Rev. Ben-
ajah Roots, his successor, whose son afterward married one of
the Higley girls. The tide of disunity ran high through the
last years of both of their pastorates. Difficulties and disputes
arose on different points ; among other chief bones of contention
came up the subject of singing, when, in 1773, it was settled,
for a time, by a "vote to sing new tunes half the time and
old ones the other half." While this state of things existed,
although this was not the society to which Josiah Higley, ist, had
lent his active aid in founding, the troubles had a perceptible
influence in alienating the younger Higleys in both societies.
The Rev. Roger Viets, however, who was a native of the town
and lived in the vicinity of Josiah Higley, zd, and was a graduate
of Yale College, went to London, in 1763, for ordination as an
Episcopal clergyman, and soon after returned to Simsbury, where
he became the rector of St. Andrew's parish. He was "a man
of more than medium talents, and his ministry was greatly
blessed," his labor meeting with acceptance and success. In
this church Josiah, ad's, children and some of his cousins were
confirmed.
Josiah Higley, 2d, like his progenitors, had patriot blood in his
veins. He enlisted in the Revolutionary Army " for the war,
May 5th, 1778," joining the 3d Connecticut Regiment, Captain
William Judd's Company. He was then a little past middle life.
It is altogether probable that he was in the engagement at Mon-
mouth, N. J., as he was with Washington's main army that sum-
mer, and went into camp at White Plains. He was reported
"missing" the following November. The tradition in his
family and descendants has always been that he was drowned
while crossing a river when his regiment was transferred, late in
the autumn, to winter quarters at Reading. He was never heard
of afterward.
" Who of you all shall say
That from this bright array
Which glorifies to-day,
Where blended lights of past and present play,
Comrades beloved are banished,
Miscalled the vanished ?
It is not given to our clouded eyes
To see these heroes in celestial guise
660 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Come thronging back down heaven's starry arch,
Each old commander urging on the march
From rapturous Paradise.
While stars, which in their courses helped them fight
To save our goodly heritage from blight,
Attend their steps with soft supernal light —
Back through death's ebon portal
Behold them come, bright, radiant, immortal ! " '
Children of Josiah Higley, 2<3 :
Charity, Anna, Josiah, 3d, Jesse, ist, Philander, Sylvester, and
Theodocia.
CHARITY HIGLEY, the oldest child of Josiah Higley, 2d, was born at Salisbury,
Conn., September 13, 1756. She was baptized and confirmed by the Rev. Roger
Viets in the Church of St. Andrew (Bloomfield, Conn.), May 14, 1775. Nothing
further is known of her.
ANNA HIGLEY, the second child of Josiah Higley, 2d, was born October, 1760.
She was baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal faith on the same day with her
sister, Charity. She was married in the same church, in 1794, to John Smith.
There is no further record of her.
JOSIAH HIGLEY, 3d, the first son of Josiah Higley, 2d, was
born at Salisbury, Conn., September 4, 1762. The following
public announcement is taken from the original town records at
Becket, Mass. :9
"Intentions of marriage between Josiah Higley and Deliverance Carpenter, both of
Becket, was entered April ist, 1786."
The couple were duly united in marriage and settled in Becket.
On the 2oth of June, 1800, Josiah sold land to Moses Hall, Jr.,
of Syringham, Mass. From the earliest record of him he
appears to* have possessed property. About the year 1811 a large
colony banded together in Berkshire County, Massachusetts,
mostly residents of Becket, and migrated to Nelson Township,
Portage County, O. Among the number was Hezekiah, the
oldest son of Josiah and Deliverance Higley. This emigration
of their son appears to have animated the parents to remove to
Ohio at a later date.
On the i6th of April, 1815, Josiah Higley, 3d, purchased of
Ephraim Root of Hartford County, Connecticut, 418 acres of
1 From William H. McElroy's " None Missing.''
a " Becket Records," book ii. p. too.
DESCENDANTS OF JO SI AH HIGLEY, 1ST. 66 1
land, located in the "Massachusetts settlement" in Portage
County, Ohio, for which he paid $1032.' To this unsettled
and forest-covered township, which civilization had scarcely
reached, he emigrated with his wife and a large family of
children, all of whom were born at Becket, Mass. The jour-
ney was made in the teeth of formidable difficulties. Josiah
Higley was at the time an invalid, suffering with a lingering-
consumption, and was carried the long, rough route upon a bed
placed in the wagon. To accumulate landed property for his
children before his death was evidently his ambition.
Early in the year 1817 he conveyed to each child a portion of
land, and on the i3th of March, 1820, he conveyed a perpetual
lease to his wife, Deliverance Higley, of Lot 50, Nelson Town-
ship, "for her own proper use." This lot lay adjoining lands
owned by different members of his family in their own rights.
His pulmonary difficulties continued, though his life appears to
have been prolonged more than five years after his removal to
Ohio. The exact date of his death, which took place in the year
1821, is not known. His wife lived to a good old age, dying at
the home of her son Hector Higley, about the year 1852.
Josiah Higley, 3d, and his wife, Deliverance, were the parents
of the following children :
Polly, Hezekiah, Josiah, 4th, Sevilla, Adelia, Sophia, Philander,
Charity, Betsey, Hector, and Vashti,
POLLY, the eldest child, lived to womanhood and died unmarried.
HF.ZEKIAH HIGLEY, the second child of Josiah, 3d, and Deliverance Higley,
was born in Becket, Mass., probably in the year 1789 or 1790. He was one of the
earliest settlers of Nelson Township, Portage County, Ohio, coming when a young
man, having, previous to the declaration of War in 1812, passed his majority. He
made extensive purchases of land, in time becoming a large land holder and a promi-
nent and worthy citizen. He was a man always well-to-do in, the world, of ener-
getic character, and exerted considerable influence in the community.
The military spirit of his forefathers was his inheritance by blood, and the
motive power to quick action when the second war with Great Britain threatened
the young republic. He was among the first to enter the Ohio State Militia, Cap-
tain John Campbell's company of riflemen Volunteers, the 2d Company, ist Bat-
talion, 2d Regiment, 4th Brigade. Soon after the organization of this regiment
war was declared, June 18, 1812. His company received orders to meet at the
house of Captain Campbell on July I. On that date " the men pitched their tents,
which were made of homespun linen sheets. The command had no uniforms, but
each man was ' armed to the teeth ' with a rifle, a tomahawk, and a large knife.
1 " Records Portage County, O.," vol. ii. p. 510.
43
662 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
His company soon after started for the frontier." How long he was at the front
is not known. He is again found in the ranks, July 14, with the 1st Company,
ist Battalion, serving as a substitute for Seth Cole, who had been drafted. He was
again among the soldiers who were suddenly called to arms to defend the frontier,
on the 24th of August, remaining at the front till the ist of September.
After the close of the war he married Jerusha ; the maiden name of his
wife and the date of their marriage is unknown.
On the 28th of November, 1816, he purchased of his father one hundred acres
of land in Nelson, for which he paid three dollars an acre. He also was the owner
of lands in Fredonia Township, and for a time he lived on a farm in the township
of Hiram.
Later in life he removed to Clyde, Sandusky County, O., where he resided till
he reached the advanced age of ninety-three. It was with one of his sons, Orsen
Higley, that he spent the last years of his life.
Hezekiah and Jerusha Higley had a family, of which no particulars have been
furnished for these pages.
JOSIAH HIGLEY, 4th, the third child of Josiah, 3d, and Deliverance Higley, was
born at Becket, Mass., removing with his parents to Nelson Township, Portage
County, Ohio, about the year 1815. From his father he received, November 20,
1816, a conveyance of " lots Nos. 51 and 52, in Township 5. This was probably
about the time of his marriage with Huldah Lamb. He sold this farm, December
19, 1825, and removed to Newburg, Cuyahoga County, O. His wife afterward
became insane. They had children, viz.:
Josiah Higley, 5th, Elisha, Philetus, Sarah, and Jane. Sarah married
Vincent.
SEVILLA, the fourth child of Josiah, 3d, and Deliverance Higley, married
Sweet. In the years 1817-18 she and her sister Charity purchased and sold con-
siderable land in the township, apparently on speculation. Sevilla and her husband
resided in Hiram, Portage County, O. She died, leaving a daughter, Eveline.
ADELIA, the fifth child of Josiah, 3d, and Deliverance Higley, married Grant
Redding. They had one son, Jack, who went to Nauvoo, 111. The family all
removed West.
SOPHIA, the sixth child, married, first, Ward Smith, who died while yet a young
man. Her second marriage was to Seth Jefferson. Her children, all of whom
were born of her first marriage, were :
Porter, Lucy, Sylvester, Wallace, and Mary.
PHILANDER HIGLEY, the seventh child, married, May 7, 1818, Charlotte Adams
of Hiram Township, where they afterward resided. No further information of
them is received.
CHARITY HIGLEY, the eighth child, was born in Becket, Mass., about the year
1801. Some time after emigrating to Ohio with her parents, she, together with her
sister Sevilla, entered pretty extensively into the purchase and exchange of lands
which lay in Portage County. She married William Knowlton of Nelson, Portage
County, and settled in the same township, where they resided much respected
citizens till the close of their lives. They had children, viz. :
Cyrus, Sidney, Elmina, and Porter. The two brothers, Sidney and Porter
Knowlton, are now residents of the township.
BETSEY, the ninth child of Josiah, 3d, and Deliverance Higley, was born in
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 663
Becket, Mass., about the year 1803, and emigrated with her parents on their
removal to Nelson Township, Ohio, in the year 1815. She is recollected by the
old residents of the town as an active, vigorous, and clever girl. She married
Dexter Merritt of Nelson. They resided till the close of their lives in the same
town, the owners of a good farm. She died April 18, 1882. Their children
were :
Lorain, Cornelius D., Harriet M., Emily, and Eveline.
LORAIN, the eldest, married Omer Mills, December 23, 1855. They reside in
Farmington Township, Portage County, Ohio. They are the parents of three chil-
dren, viz.:
Lucius Car-win, Ernest Cornelius, and Emily B.
CORNELIUS D., the second child, died in 1861, aged twenty-six ; unmarried.
HARRIET M., the third child, married, in 1866, P. H. Tisdale.
EMILY, the fourth child, married Allen Johnson.
EVELINE, the youngest, married Walter Bester. She died March, 1883, leaving
four sons.
HECTOR A. HIGLEY, the tenth child of Josiah Higley, 3d, and Deliverance,
his wife, was born in Becket, Mass., about 1805, and removed with the family to
Portage County, Ohio, when ten years of age.
He received, together with his brothers and sisters, a conveyance of land from
his father on the Qth of January, 1817, when he was but twelve years old. He
learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, which occupation he practiced for many
years in the townships of Nelson and Hiram, Portage County.
Who his first wife was cannot be ascertained. She died after a brief period of
married life, leaving no children. His second wife was Harriet Hutchinson of
Hiram. About the year 1859 ^e removed with his family to Michigan, and after-
ward to Iowa Centre, Story County, la., where his second wife died, leaving a
family of six children, five of whom are living.
Mr. Higley in due course of time returned to his old home in Nelson, O., and
married Mrs. Sheldon, a widow, who survives him.
Hector A. Higley, says an old friend, " was one of the most companionable of
men ; frank, clever, generous, and a great mimic, he was universally liked. He
was a consistent Christian professor, and very much respected in his church
relations."
He died at his home, Iowa Centre, la., May, 1892, aged eighty-seven. By his
second wife, Harriet Hutchinson, he had two sons, Rodney and Otis, one of
whom served in the late Civil War. The names of his other children by this wife
are not ascertained. His third wife, Mrs. Sheldon, became the mother of two
children, viz.:
Josiah Higley, 6th, and Lucy.
VASHTI HIGLEY, the eleventh and youngest child of Josiah, 3d, and Deliverance
Higley, was born in Becket, Mass., and was brought, when a little child, by her
parents to Portage County, Ohio. She grew to womanhood, married, and resided
in Hiram, Portage County. She had a family. Some of her descendants still
reside at Hiram.
664 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
JESSE HIGLEY, 1ST.
Continued from page 660.
Jesse, ist, Josiah, ad, Josiah, ist, Captain John Higley.
JESSE HIGLEY, ist, the fourth child of Josiah Higley, 2d, was
born at Salisbury, Conn., March 21, 1765.
There is only fragmentary information of the environments of
his youth. He was united in marriage, by the Rev. Zadoc Hunn,
with Elizabeth Watson at Becket, Mass., January 6, 1788. A
little more than a month later the following announcement was
placed upon the Becket town records:
"February i2th 1788. Bonds of matrimony between Jesse Higley and Betty
Watson, both of Becket, were made public as the law directs." '
The young married pair settled in Becket, which was " Betty "
Watson's native place. She was "born July 17, 1767.
About the year 1794 they removed with a family of three
young children to Shoreham, Vt., where they resided till the
year 1807, when the family took up its residence for a few years
at Addison in the same State.
During the period that Jesse Higley resided in Vermont he
acquired a competency and established a well-improved home
with pleasant surroundings. Some time previous to the year 1812
he purchased a tract of land in Canada containing several
hundred acres, lying on the River Thames, to which he removed.
Included in this purchase was a part of the land that is now
within the corporation limits of London, Ontario. This property,
in time, became very valuable. When the second war with Great
Britain was declared, the English Government offered to secure
to Jesse Higley permanent possession of his property on condi-
that he should take the oath of allegiance to the British Crown.
With hereditary instinct and loyal devotion to the cause of
liberty, to these conditions he nobly refused to comply, and
in consequence he sacrificed all of his property, which was
confiscated.
His destiny was now changed. Disappointed and despoiled of
his fortunes, he was forced to begin battle against adverse cir-
cumstances. About the year 1820, when beyond his fiftieth year,
he entered the unbroken wilds of the magnificent forests of St.
1 Book ii. p. 121, " Becket Records."
DESCENDANTS OF JO SI AH HIGLEY, 1ST. 665
Lawrence County, New York, where he purchased a tract of
land and erected a saw-mill, on the Racquet River. Here he
labored with heroism and endurance to retrieve his lost estate,
but fate gave him no adequate success. The whole country was
in large arrears, occasioned by the late war, commerce having
been greatly injured, and the people were burdened. As he drew
near the evening of life he was obliged to give up the unequal
conquest.
About the year 1834, having reached his three score and ten,
he and his wife emigrated with married children to Lapeer,
Mich. This was in the early history of that prosperous State,
and four years before it was admitted to the Union.
Jesse Higley was throughout his life an exemplary character;
he was a man of integrity, industrious, temperate, and frugal, as
all who knew him bore witness. In addition to these good
qualities he possessed excellent abilities and good judgment, as
the record of his life fully proves.
He died at Lapeer, Mich., October 22, 1838. His wife died at
the same place February 15, 1842.
Jesse and Elizabeth (Watson) Higley had the following
children, viz. :
William Simpson, born August 16, 1788; Loring, born June 6,
1790, died August 2, 1792; Jesse Colton, born January i, 1793;
Charity, born April 17, 1795; Anna, born October 5, 1797, died
July 25, 1798; Amy, born November 22, 1799, died at Cottage
Grove, 111., March, 1852; Estes Howe, born March 15, 1802, died
July 17, 1866, at Lapeer, Mich.; Eliza, born April 26, 1806;
Almira, born November 16, 1809; Amanda, born June 14, 1811.
WILLIAM SIMPSON HIGLEY, Sr., the eldest child of Jesse, ist,
and Elizabeth (Watson) Higley, was born at Becket, Mass.,
August 16, 1788. When he was six years of age the family re-
moved to Shoreham, Vt. At Bridgeport, Vt, December 13,
1813, he married Lois Turrell. They settled in Shoreham, resid-
ing on Smith Street, north of Larrabee's Point Lake (Lake Cham-
plain). In the year 1825 he was elected constable of the town.
The same year there was a small storage-house built at Watch
Point, which he occupied for his business till 1828. In 1832, ac-
companied by his brother, Estes H. Higley, who then lived in
St. Lawrence County, New York, he went to Michigan on a pros-
pecting tour. Being favorably impressed with the lumbering
666 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
prospects in that then trackless, heavily-wooded country, they
took up large tracts of government land within three miles of
where Lapeer is now located. The town at that time consisted of
but six log houses. Returning to their homes they made prep-
aration to emigrate. In the year 1833 William S. Higley and his
family packed their household goods in pioneer wagons, expressly
manufactured for the purpose, crossed the St. Lawrence River at
Ogdensburg, N. Y., and made their way through the dense
wilderness of Canada to Detroit, Territory of Michigan ; from
there they journeyed to their new home at Lapeer, arriving in
July of the same year.
William built a large sawmill on Flint River, where he trans-
acted a flourishing business for many years. Besides his lumber
and milling interests, he owned a half-section of rich farming
land. The later years of his life were spent in attending to his
agricultural interests. He died April i, 1867 ; his wife, Lois
Turrell, died November 18, 1855. They were the parents of
eleven children, viz. :
William Simpson, Jr., Daniel Turrell, born February 27, 1817,
died at Addison, Vt., April 5, 1819; Ann Louisa, Emma Cordelia,
York Turrell, Mary Elizabeth, George Watson, Ellen Maria, Marion
Alanthe, Alice Amelia, Jesse Wilbur, born October 15, 1842, died
April 2, 1843.
WILLIAM SIMPSON HIGLEY, Jr., the first child of William S. and Lois Turrell
Higley, was born in Shoreham, Vt., September 15, 1814. He removed with his
father's family, in the year 1833, to Lapeer, Mich. Here he married, January 15,
1838, Calista Murlin. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and also had
interests in the manufacture of brick. He removed with his family to Illinois,
where he resided for some years, but the later years of his life were spent at his
home in Monroe, Wis. After the death of his wife he lived with his son, Henry
Higley, at Sharon, Wis., where he died April 28, 1895. Children, all of whom
were born at Lapeer, Mich., were as follows :
Henry, Seward, Walter, and Marietta.
ANN LOUISA, the third child of William S. and Lois Turrell Higley, was born
at Shoreham, Vt., October 15, i8ig. An aged man now living at Shoreham recol-
lects her well as noted for her remarkable beauty. She married at Lapeer, Mich.,
July 4, 1839, Harry Waldorph. She died September 26, 1855. Their children
were : Emma Louisa^ George Delmour.
EMMA LOUISA, born October 12, 1843, who married Charles Newton of Lapeer,
Mich., November 2, 1862, and had children as follows :
Herbert Newton, born August 17, 1863; Nellie Belle, born July 31, 1864; Elmer
and Ella — twins — born July 24, 1866; Ward, born December I, 1868; Clair, born
September I, 1870; Alma, born July 14, 1872. The family reside at Lapeer,
Mich.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 667
GEORGE DELMOUR WALDORPH, the second child of Harry and Ann Louisa
Higley Waldorph, was horn July 5, 1850. He married Jennie Higley, April 17,
1878. Their children are :
Harry Delmour, born March 4, 1879; Blanche Maude, born April 8, 1881;
Carrie, born May 12, 1883; Edward Kay and Grace May — twins — born June 10,
1886 ; and two others, whose names are not given. They reside at St. Clair, Mich.
EMMA CORDELIA, the fourth child of William S. and Lois Ttirrell Higley,
was born at Orwell. Vt., January 27, 1822. She married , 1844, Francis
Goodale, of Lapeer, Mich. She died March i, 1852. Their children were :
Francis Wilbur, born October 7, 1845; William Herbert, born February 19,
1848; and Arthur C., born November 22, 1851, died October, 1855.
FRANCIS W., the eldest child, married, March 13, 1871, Sarah Comstock, at
Fanner's Creek, Mich. They reside at Kintner, Mich. Their children are:
Arthur, born August 22, 1874; Albert, born September 7, 1876; Lizzie, born
April 9, 1878; Lynn, born September 10, 1880.
WILLIAM HERBERT GOODALE, the second child of Frank Goodale and Emma C.
Higley, was born February 19, 1848. He married Charlotte Coswick, October 2,
1873. They reside at Otter Lake, Mich. Their children are :
Bertie, born March 20, 1875; Leslie Calvin, born September 12, 1878; Gerald,
born September 22, 1878; Earle J., born January 13, 1884; Fred C., born Octo-
ber 5, 1885.
YORK TURRELL HIGLEY, the fifth child of William S. and Lois Turrell Higley,
was born at Shoreham, Vt., August 14, 1826. He married, November 5, 1861,
Caroline Day Strong, at Lapeer, Mich., and settled on the old home farm, where
they have since resided (1895). He has always followed agricultural pursuits.
Their children :
Ada Caroline, born March 15, 1862 ; Lorenzo Strong, born October 31, 1863 ;
Emma Adelia, born March I, 1866, died aged two years ; Ruby Ellen, born May
8, 1869 ; Rollin Chipman, born July 22, 1875 ; Florence Lorene, born October 15,
1877 : Charles Mason, born October 5, 1880 ; Maurice York, born July 2, 1885;
LORENZO STRONG HIGLEY, the eldest son of York T. and Caroline Strong
Higley, was born at Lapeer, Mich., and married, in 1892, Lora E. Cox of his
native town. They first settled in Union City, Pa., but subsequently, in 1894,
removed to Albany, N. Y. Since the year 1890 be has been engaged as eastern
manager for the firm of Powers Bros, of Chicago and Albany. His wife, Lora
Cox, died May 10, 1895, leaving one child, Lora Caroline Higley.
ROLLIN CHIPMAN HIGLEY, the second son of York T. and Caroline Strong
Higley, was born at the old farm homestead at Lapeer, Mich., July 22, 1875. He was
graduated from the Lapeer high school ; possessing a bright and active mind,
with a liberal education and- ability for business, his scope has expanded beyond
nature's surroundings and an agricultural life into an experience in other fields.
He resides (1895) with his older brother in Albany, N. Y., being with the firm of
Powers Bros, of Chicago and Albany. He is unmarried.
The daughters of York T. and Caroline Strong Higley, together with their
youngest sons, live at home with their parents. Florence is a member of class
'96 of the Lapeer high school.
MARY ELIZABETH, the sixth child of William Simpson and Lois Turrell Higley,
was born at Shoreham, Vt., July 8, 1828. She presided over her father's home
after her mother's decease. She never married ; she died January 16, 1895.
GEORGE WATSON HIGLEY, the seventh child of the same parents,- was born
668 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
May 15, 1830, at Shoreham, Vt. He received his education at the district school
at Lapeer, Mich., afterward attending the State Normal School. At an early age
he engaged in the milling interests of his father, and was very successful ; he also
became a teacher, which calling he followed for some time ; then he took up farm-
ing near the old homestead, and has since been thus engaged, except for a few years
when he was in the grocery business at Lapeer, Mich. He has filled many posi-
tions of trust and honor in political life. He is unmarried.
ELLEN MARIA, the eighth child of William Simpson and Lois Turrell Higley,
•was born at Shoreham, Vt., July 15, 1832; she was brought by her parents, an
infant, in their arms, to Lapeer, Mich., in 1833. She became a teacher of con-
siderable note ; she married, August 26, 1860, the Rev. J. Frederick Kellogg, a
gifted minister of Lapeer, and afterward resided where his ministerial duties called
him. For a number of years he was stationed in Muskegan, Mich. Here Mr.
Kellogg died in 1892. His widow now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Segar-
Larned, in Detroit. Their children :
Minnie E., born October 20, 1861 ; Mary Alice, born August 7, 1863 ; William
Higley, born September 19, 1865 ; George Frederick, born November 13, 1870.
MINNIE E., the eldest, married Frank E. Segar, M. D., November 6, 1882.
MARY ALICE married, April 5, 1887, Gustavus A. King, and resides at East
Saginaw, Mich.
MARION ALANTHE, the ninth child of William Simpson and Lois Turrell Higley
was born at Lapeer, Mich., September 26, 1835. She married Orville O. Morse,
October 15, 1856, who is now (1895) a retired merchant. They reside in a beauti-
ful home at Lapeer, Mich. No children.
ALICE AMELIA, the tenth child in the same family, was born at Lapeer, Mich. ,
September 15, 1839. She married Samuel H. Chipman, September 10, 1868. Mr.
Chipman is a prominent banker of Warsaw, Ind. For a number of years they
spent their winters in the town of Warsaw, and their summers at Petoskey, Mich.;
the latter is now their permanent home. They have no children.
JESSE COLTON HIGLEY.
Continued from page 665.
Jesse, ist, Josiah, 2d, Josiah, ist, Captain John Higley.
JESSE COLTON HIGLEY, the third child of Jesse Higley, ist, and
Elizabeth (Watson) Higley, was born at Becket, Mass., January
i, 1793. When he was scarce one year old his parents removed
to Shoreham, Vt., where he was brought up, with the exception of
a residence with his parents of a few years at the town of Addi-
son, in the same State. When a youth of eighteen the family
removed to Canada, and settled about the year 1811 on a large
estate at the point where London, Ontario, is now located. The
War of 1812-14 breaking up their fortunes and obliging them to
DESCENDANTS OF JO SI AH HIGLEY, 1S7\ 669
return to the States, they settled, about the year 1820, on the spot
which is now Colton, St. Lawrence County, N. Y. Here Jesse C.,
with his father, energetically went to work to build up a home in
the dense forests, and here he resided for more than half a century
and till the close of his useful life. It will be seen that he was one
of the pioneers who carved out the township, and that he neces-
sarily passed through the same hard experiences that has attended
every effort to open a new wooded country and prepare the soil
for agricultural uses. "From the earliest beginnings of the town
he became one of the factors in the progress and development of
the great Empire State, never relaxing in his diligence for every
measure that would advance public interests. Bearing a high
reputation as an efficient and sensible leader of affairs, and having
the confidence and esteem of his fellow-townsmen, his clever
abilities, which he used wisely, were fully recognized.
During a period of fifty years of citizenship, he was elected and
served in almost all of the more important public offices in which
the townspeople could place him.
On the organization of the town, which took place many years
after he became a resident, it was named in his honor after his
middle name — Colton.
In politics Mr. Higley was an old line Whig, and in later years
was an active leader in the Republican party of his district. His
partisanship was not of an offensive type; he never failed of elec-
tion to every office for which he accepted the nomination, his
most bitter opponents declaring that they could make no possible
objection to him, except that he did not belong to their side, his
geniality, with his other good traits, gaining all impartial voters.
His son well recollects the ardent and active part he took in the
presidential campaigns of 1840 and 1844.
He possessed in a pre-eminent degree those social qualities
that make men popular with their fellow-men, and to his moral
uprightness and sterling integrity was added decision of charac-
ter and firmness.
A very old tombstone in the cemetery at Shoreham, Vt., indi-
cates that Mr. Higley married as early as 1823. The inscription
on the stone that marks the grave of the young wife and mother
reads thus:
" Nabby, wife of J. C. Higley, died
25th of March, A. D. 1824, aged 30 years."
An infant son died February 14, 1824.
670 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
He married, second, September 4, 1830, Eunice, daughter of
John and Sarah Smith. She was born at Shoreham, Vt., Decem-
ber 22, 1792, and died at Colton, N. Y., October n, 1874.
Jesse Colton Higley died June 16, 1874.
Jesse Colton Higley and his wife Eunice (Smith) Higley were
the parents of one child, David :
DAVID HIGLEY was born at Colton, St. Lawrence County,
N. Y., June 8, 1832. His earlier years were spent upon his
father's farm, following the plow, sowing, raking, and binding, and
the other farm occupations which fall to the lot of farmers' boys.
With the inborn reticence which is a constitutional character-
istic of many who bear the Higley name, he is inclined to suppress
his own personality, the natural inheritance of an unassuming
and tenderly sensitive disposition causing him to prefer a quiet
and unobtrusive life.
In commercial relations he bore a reputation for the highest
integrity. His sincerity, uprightness, and honesty of purpose
were never questioned.
He married, April 23, 1861, Emma S. Doolittle, and removed
to Rochester, N. Y., where he was for some years engaged in
business, and where he now resides.
Mr. Higley became a member of the Second Baptist Church of
Rochester in 1878, of which he has since been a faithful supporter.
After years of responsibility, he is now retired from active
business.
David and Emma D. Higley were the parents of one child, viz. :
GERTRUDE E. HIGLEY, born July 27, 1866. She grew to the years of interest-
ing young womarthood, possessing a good mind and many most estimable qualities.
By her life-giving sunshine in the home, and her sympathy and devotion to her
father, she was a part of his life and joy. She united at an early age with the
Church of her father's choice — the Second Baptist Church of Rochester, N. Y.,
and was encircled by a large number of loving companions.
But her journey "from the cradle to immortal life" was brief ; she was yet in
the charm of bright years when she was called from earth to heaven. Her doting
parents could not have had the courage to have chosen that their hearts and home
should become clouded with sorrow and left desolate, though they sorrow not with-
out hope, for she had cared for the things eternal here, and "she went not un-
known into the other life," passing away on the 23d of April, 1887.
" Meanwhile," the father1 cries, " content !
Our love was well divided ;
Its sweetness following where she went,
Its anguish stayed where I did.
1 This word is transposed.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, \ST. 671
Well done, of God, to halve the lot,
And give her all the sweetness —
To us the empty room and cot,
To her the heavens' completeness."
Continued from page 665.
CHARITY HIGLEY, the eldest daughter and fourth child of
Jesse Higley, ist, and his wife Elizabeth (Watson) Higley, was
born at Shoreham, Vt., April 17, 1795.
She married, January 3, 1817, Alanson E. Durand. Their first
removal from their native town was to Pawsville, and from
thence to Burlington, afterward residing for a brief period at
Crown Point, N. Y. They then emigrated to Aurora, 111. Their
residence here covered a number of years. It was at Aurora that
her husband died — Thanksgiving Day, 1868. Mrs. Durand, then
being upward of seventy-three years of age, took up her residence
with her son, James A. Durand, and on the removal of his family
to Belle Plains, la., accompanied them. The last years of her life
were spent in the household of the same son in the city of Chicago.
The true record of her long life cannot be put into words.
She was an interesting character, possessing remarkably pre-
served faculties, and enjoying a fair degree of health till she
neared her ninety-fifth year. She was for a great number of
years a Christian professor in membership with the Congrega-
tional Church. Though taking no morbid view of this life as she
reviewed it from the standpoint of extreme old age, and believ-
ing in its highest, truest pleasures, she declared at its eventide
" that she had failed to find in it that which satisfies the immor-
tal spirit and gives it permanent satisfaction, and that she was
inspired to look alone to the life beyond as the acme of perfected
human happiness." *
She died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth
Buck, April 24, 1890, aged ninety-five years. She was interred
beside her husband at Aurora, 111.
" I will behold thy presence,
. . . and when I awake up after thy likeness,
I shall be satisfied."
Alanson and Charity Higley Durand were the parents of six
children who survived infancy, viz. :
Edgar, James A. , Rollin, George W.^ Elizabeth, and Helen.
» Written in * letter addressed to the Higley Reunion, 1889,
672 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
EDGAR DURAND, the eldest, lived till manhood, married, and settled at Freeport,
O. He died, leaving an infant son.
JAMES ALEXANDER DURAND, the second child, was born in Crown Point,
N. Y., about the year 1825, and remained with his parents till twenty years of age.
In the year 1845 he married Anna C. Beers of Charlotte, Vt., and settled in Bur-
lington. In 1853 they removed to Chicago, residing there three years, when they
went to Oswego, Kendal County, 111. Here they lived seventeen years. They
then removed to Belle Plains, la., remaining there eighteen years, then returned
to the city of Chicago, where he died at his residence, February 10, 1891, and was
interred at Oswego, 111. He had one son, Cassius ff. Durand.
CASSIUS H. DURAND married Marguerite Bum of Newton, N. J. They are
the parents of one child, Herbert Cassius Durand.
ROLLIN, the third child of Alanson and Charity Higley Durand, died in Wyo-
ming, Canada.
GEORGE WASHINGTON DURAND, the fourth child, married and removed to the
far West, and died.
ELIZABETH, the first daughter of Alanson and Charity Higley Durand, married
Ira W. Buck. She died February, 1892, and was interred in the family burial lot
at Aurora, 111.
HELEN, the sixth child, married the Rev. Timothy Lyman of Ludlow, Mass.,
and died in that town.
Continued from page 665.
MARY AMY, the sixth child of Jesse Higley, ist, and Eliza-
beth (Watson) Higley, was born November 22, 1799. She mar-
ried, first, Ebenezer Duncklee. They resided at Potsdam, N. Y.
They had a son, Albert B. Duncklee, born at Potsdam November
8, 1831. Mrs. Duncklee's second husband was Brown.
ESTES HOWE HIGLEY, the seventh child of Jesse, ist, and
Elizabeth (Watson) Higley, was born at Shoreham, Vt., March
15, 1802. He married Jane Brown. He removed to Lapeer,
Mich., where they brought up a family. He died July 7, 1866.
A son, Emulus Higley^ resides at Lapeer. No further historical
data has been furnished.
ELIZA, the eighth child of Jesse, ist, and Elizabeth (Watson)
Higley, was born at Shoreham, Vt., April 26, 1806. She married
Alexander Russell.
They removed to Michigan, and died, leaving children.
ALMIRA, the ninth child of the same parents, was born at Addi-
son, Vt., November 16, 1809. She never married.
AMANDA, the tenth child, was born June 14, 1811. She mar-
ried Butts.
The editor has no further information of this family.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 673
Continued from page 660.
Of Josiah Higley, 2d's, youngest three children but little is
known. They are as follows:
PHILANDER HIGLEY, his fifth child, was born October 24, 1767,
at Turkey Hills, Simsbury, Conn. Nothing more is known of
him. He may not have lived till manhood.
SYLVESTER HIGLEY, the sixth child, was born at Turkey Hills,
Simsbury, January 20, 1770, and baptized in the Church of St.
Andrew, Scotland parish (now Bloomfield), Februapy 16, 1771.
He married in 1790, in the same church, Urania Cibborn. Old
family business papers show that one of the sons of Josiah Hig-
ley, 2d, emigrated early in this century to Onondaga County,
New York. There is but little question that Sylvester Higley
and his wife were the persons who removed and settled there.
THEODOSIA HIGLEY, the youngest child of Josiah Higley, 2d,
was baptized by the Rev. Roger Viets in the Church of St.
Andrew, Scotland, February 13, 1774. There is no allusion
to her afterward. She probably did not survive infancy.
Continued from chapter xxv. p. 145.
We now return to the family of Josiah Higley, ist.
REBECCA HIGLEY, the second child of Josiah Higley, ist, and
his wife Dinah Gillette, was born at Turkey Hills, Simsbury,
May 22, 1727. She was living at the time of her father's decease,
1751 ; further than this nothing is known of her.
SUSANNAH HIGLEY, the third child of Josiah, ist, and Dinah
(Gillette) Higley, was born May 30, 1730. She was twenty when
her father died in 1751. Nothing further is known of her.
DINAH HIGLEY, the fourth child of Josiah, ist, and Dinah
(Gillette) Higley, was born January i, 1732. She was living
when her father's estate was settled, in 1751. No further
account of her has been discovered.
CHAPTER LXXI.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST.
Continued front chapter xxv, p. 145.
Nathan, Josiah, ist, Captain John Higley.
Let us now praise famous men and our fathers that begat us. . . There be of them that have
left a name behind them that their praises might be reported.— ECCLESIASTICUS xliv.
NATHAN HIGLEY, the fifth child and second son of Josiah, ist,
and Dinah (Gillette) Higley, was born at Turkey Hills parish,
Simsbury, — now East Granby, — Conn., August i, 1736. He
appears to have removed to Windsor, which was a distance of
less than ten miles from his birthplace, soon after reaching his
majority. In the "seating of ye meetin house" of the Second
Society of Windsor (now the First Church of South Windsor) in
1761, he was placed in the " 2d pew."
He married, September 16, 1764, Anna Barrett of Hartford,
Conn. She was born December 17, 1733. They established
their home in Windsor. On the 25th of the June after their
marriage, the following certificate was addressed to the Windsor
Church by Anna Higley's former pastor :
" HARTFORD, June 25th, 1765.
"This may certify all whom it may concern that Ann Barret (now wife of Nathan
Higley of Windsor) did some time since publicly own and recognize her Baptismal
Covenant, in the South Church in Hartford, and, when she went from us, was in
regular standing and free from scandal.
"ELNATHAN WHITMAN,
" Pastor of the South Church."
On July i, 1786, she " owned " or renewed " ye covenant " with
the East Windsor Church.
Beyond minor business transactions found upon record, little
is known of Nathan Higley's life. We have reason, however, to
conclude that he was a man possessing an unshaken name for
stability and integrity; a quiet citizen, who lived in sober style,
attending to his farming industry. He was evidently faithful in
his church relations. Mention is made of him in connection with
674
DESCENDANTS OF JO SI AH HIGLEY, \ST. 675
town matters, February 6, 1771, and on the i3th of July, 1793, he
sold land to his sons, Horace and Nathan, Jr. His name again
appears, in June of the latter year, in an old sawmill account at
Suffield, from which place he probably purchased lumber.
Nathan Higley died at Windsor, Conn., March 4, 1816. His
wife, Anna, died at Winchester, Conn., July 13, 1813. /^heir
children :
Horace, born June n, 1765; Nathan, Jr., born September 7,
1767; Arodi, born February 5, 1770; Anne, borp December 17,
1774, and baptized on the i8th ; she married Coe ;
Clarissa, born November 20, 1777, and baptized on the 23d of the
same month ; she married Lawrence. Of the daughters we
have no further account.
HORACE HIGLEY, the first child of Nathan and Anna (Barrett)
Higley, was born at East Windsor, Hartford County, Conn., June
i7, 1765-
He married Eleanor Loomis, daughter of Amasa Loomis 1 and
his wife Hannah Hurlburt, residents of East Windsor, December
9, 1793. She was born June 29, 1767. Her father died the July
preceding her marriage, leaving, it is supposed, some property,
to which she became heir, since she and her sister, Mabel
Loomis, gave a warrantee deed of land to Jonathan Birge, on the
2ist of October, 1794.
Horace Higley sold his estate in Windsor, May 13, 1795, and
removed to Winchester, Litchfield County, Conn. February,
1796, he sold land to his brother, Arodi Higley. The family
appear to have removed back to East Windsor early in 1797, as
the births and baptisms of some of their children are there
recorded. Of this removal, however, we are not entirely clear.
About the beginning of the present century they took up their
residence at Winsted, Conn., where they lived full forty years.
Horace Higley was " recommended " to the Winsted Church in
1802.
Natural refinement and intelligence were remarkably blended
as characteristic traits this family possessed; they were well-to-do
in the world, self-reliant, resolute, and highly respected.
As age advanced upon Horace and Eleanor Higley, they
removed, in the year 1841, to Painesville, O., where they spent
their remaining years with married children.
1 Amasa Loomis was born February 19, 1738. He died July i, 1793. He was the son o£
Gresham Loomis, who was born in 1701.
676 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Horace Higley died at Painesville, O., January 2, 1842. Elea-
nor (Loomis) Higley died August 17, 1849. Their children :
Horace Loomis, born December 29, 1794; Homer, born Decem-
ber 30, 1796; Peter, born February 10, 1802; Mary, born May 18,
1804; Charles, born November 14, 1806; William, born April 23,
1809.
HORACE LOOMIS HIGLEY, the oldest son of Horace and Eleanor
(Loomis) Higley, was born at East Windsor, Hartford County,
Conn., December 29, 1794, and baptized on the 4th of January,
1795. His eighteenth birthday, in the year 1812, found him at
Pascagoula, Miss., having gone out into the world to carve his
own way. Here he resided for some years. From Pascagoula he
went to Pensacola, Fla. It was here that he became a member of
the United States Engineer Corps, and, as superintendent under
Major Chase, was in charge of the erection of the fortifications in
Pensacola harbor.
He was recognized by all classes, wherever he was met, as a
gentleman of rare culture and unaffected elegance of manner. He
became a thorough Southerner in thought, taste, and habit in
life. Except that there still lingered a remnant of his boyhood
attachment to the New England scenes of his early years, and to
the kindred whom he could recall in his after life, he was like one
native born under the smiling suns and amid the brilliant flower-
beds and verdant foliage-bordered rivers of our charming summer-
land.
One of his nieces well recollects the impression that he made
when he once came North to visit her father during her child-
hood, the admiring interest that he aroused in the town by his
graceful and gentlemanly demeanor, and how grand he appeared
in her eyes with his handsome figure, clad from .head to foot in a
suit of faultless white linen, the customary summer costume of
a Southern gentleman of that day.
He married, May 15, 1827, Eulalie Collins of Pensacola, Fla.,
a cultivated woman of refinement and much sweetness of charac-
ter. Her father was a Creole born in Pensacola, of French and
Spanish parentage. Twelve years after their marriage, during
which time they resided in Pensacola, they removed (1839) to
Mobile, Ala. Here Mr. Higley entered the State Bank of Ala-
bama as paying-teller. Later on in the Bank of Mobile he filled
the positions both of receiving- and paying-teller, and was finally
DESCENDANTS OF JO SI AH HIGLE K, 1ST. 677
elected cashier, which office he held for several years till the time
of his death. He never accepted public office. Modest, and of
a retiring disposition, he shunned public notoriety, but he was
always found at his post of duty, faithfully and honestly dis-
charging the trusts confided to him.
He died in Mobile, August 20, 1856. His wife, who was a
devout and conscientious Roman Catholic, died in the year 1879.
Horace Loomis and Eulalie Collins Higley were the parents of
six children, all of whom were baptized in infancy into the Roman
Catholic faith, viz. :
Horace Antonio, born May 29, 1828 ; John Hunt, born Decem-
ber 4, 1830; Charles Homer, born August 4, 1833; Henry Pauld-
ing, born February 20, 1836; William Henry, born January 30,
1838; Mary Florence, born August 10, 1840; and James Bowie,
born , 1842.
HORACE ANTONIO HIGLEY, the eldest child of Horace Loomis
Higley and his wife Eulalie Collins, was born at Pensacola,
Fla., May 29, 1828. In the year 1849 he crossed the plains to
California, with the rush of the Argonauts. He had been thor-
oughly educated, and was now by profession a surveyor, draughts-
man, and engineer. In 1833, and again in 1855, he was elected
surveyor of Alameda County, situated just across the Bay from
San Francisco. The position at that time was a very important,
responsible, and lucrative one. He was a singularly handsome
young man, over six feet in height, with large black lustrous eyes,
bearing all the marks of a high-bred gentleman. With most win-
ning ways, it is not surprising that he became a great favorite
among his associates.
The following is taken from a letter received from the Hon.
Andrew J. Moulder, Mayor of San Francisco, and Ex-State
Superintendent of Public Instruction:
" My heart swells even now as I recall the noble bearing and gallant spirit of
my departed friend. We were youngsters together. In the early fighting days of
California, when every gentlemen had to fight under provocation or qviit the coun-
try branded as a coward, both Horace and myself much preferred the fight. We
have stood back to back with heavy odds against us in more than one deadly fray :
and what comfort to know that your backer would never flinch ! I recall as if it
were but yesterday when we were once beset by half a dozen desperadoes armed to
the teeth, and there seemed nothing left but to sell one's life dearly. When the leader
of the gang, to whom we were strangers in person, but well-known by reputation,
cried out, 'Who the h 1 are you, anyhow ?' The answer was ' Higley and
44
678 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Moulder ! ' The leader lowered his weapon at once, and turning to his comrades
said, ' Pshaw, boys! \ve don't want to fight these gentlemen ; they are our kind.
Let all hands take a drink ! ' More than one of them at a later day stood by us in
a tight place."
In another part of the letter he says:
" General Higley was well-known to all of the leading old Calif ornians, and was
universally admired by the women and beloved by the men. He was the very
type of a high-toned Southern gentleman, the soul of honor, generous, and brave
to rashness.
" In 1857 he was elected Surveyor-General of the State of California on the
Democratic ticket. I was elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction at the
same time on the same ticket, and during the campaign we traversed the State to-
gether. Horace couldn't make a strong speech, but he was the best social
" rustler " in a mixed crowd I ever met with. He captivated all around him by
his wit, his easy manners, and his ban hommie. He was elected by a large majority,
and filled the office with honesty and ability, and was re-elected in 1859.
" In 1861, at the expiration of his term and the breaking out of the Civil War,
he abandoned a promising career and prospects of fortune in California to go with
the South and join the Confederate Army. He was an ambitious and daring
soldier, and was soon appointed on the staff of fighting General Cleburne. After
General Morgan had started on his famous cavalry raid through Kentucky into
Ohio, Higley was sent post-haste with instructions to overtake him and deliver
orders from his commanding general. He came up with Morgan just after he had
crossed the Ohio River. The Union forces were pursuing so closely that he could
not get back to his command. He told me — describing his adventure in stirring
terms — that he had an all night race for- life. Morgan and his troops were cap-
tured, utterly worn out. Higley was taken prisoner among the number, and con-
fined at Columbus, O. He complained bitterly afterward that he was not treated
as a prisoner of war, but was treated as a felon, closely confined in a narrow cell
and put on prison fare. Ladies who were friends of his family in Louisville, Ky.,
came to his aid — cheered, comforted, and supplied him with luxuries. After a
long imprisonment he was released. After the close of the war he returned to
California, still handsome, elegant, and full of life. But alas ! he had contracted
in the army the baneful habit of drink."
Some time during the year 1871 General H. Antonio Higley
married Sallie Phole, a native of North Carolina, who was twenty
years his junior. His splendid health soon after his return to
California began to decline, and on the 3d of March, 1873, he
was taken to the hospital of the Sisters of Mercy in San Fran-
cisco. The entry by the physicians concerning his physical con-
dition when admitted was : " Fatty degeneration of the liver. " By
degrees he improved considerably under treatment, and his life
was prolonged till the following November. His wife was con-
stantly beside him during his weary months of confinement. "A
GEN. JOHN H. HIGLEY.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 679
more devoted wife," writes Mother Russell, " could not be found.
She was not a Catholic, but she had the happiness of seeing her
husband prepare very sincerely to appear before the Tribunal
of Eternal Justice."
" He was a prince of good fellows [concludes Mr. Moulder], genial and generous,
a friend that you could tie to — the Higleys never had a nobler or more gallant
bearer of the name. Peace, dear fellow, to thy ashes ! "
General Antonio Higley's remains were embalmed and taken to
his old home at Mobile, Ala., where the burial took place. He
left no children.
" Very peacefully they rest —
North and South and East and West —
While the heaven-descending dew
Falls alike on Gray and Blue,
While the cheering light of day
Shines on Blue and shines on Gray
Weary march and battle sore
Past for them forevermore ! *
Continued from page 677.
GENERAL JOHN HUNT HIGLEY, the second child of Horace
Loomis and Eulalie (Collins) Higley, was born in Pensacola, Fla.,
December 4, 1830.
In infancy his devoted Roman Catholic mother had the seal of
baptism of the Roman Catholic Church placed upon him, and in
his youth he received the sacraments; but when he passed to
years of manhood the fascinations of life weaned him from the
practice of the faith, and he was not afterward what could be
called a practical Catholic. He was, however, all through life a
firm believer in Christianity.
When he was yet a child he removed with his parents to Mobile,
Ala. Here he entered, at the age of eighteen, upon a business
career, beginning as clerk in the stores of S. I. & I. I. Jones,
where he remained five years. From 1855 to 1861 he was asso-
ciated with William T. Marshall & Co., cotton factors. Mr.
Marshall was afterward his father-in-law. Fortune smiled upon
him. He became one of the most popular, prominent, and pros-
perous men of his adopted city and State, and was a member of
the leading organizations of his city.
In 1854 he became a member of the "Can't-Get-Away Club" of
680 THE H 1C LEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Mobile, a society established in 1839 f°r tne purpose of nursing
and aiding the victims of the distressing epidemic of yellow fever.
With two other members of the society General Higley volun-
teered his services to go to the aid of the sufferers in Savannah,
Ga. Here he took charge of a yellow fever infirmary until the
disease abated, and on his way back to Mobile he nursed patients
in Montgomery, Ala., where the same dread disease had also
become epidemic.
General Higley's military career began some time prior to the
late Civil War. At the breaking out of the conflict between the
States he was first lieutenant of the Mobile Cadets. Loyal to
his State, and with fidelity and faith in his people, he promptly
entered the Confederate Army, joining the 3d Alabama Infantry
Regiment, with which he served in Virginia, and won distinction
by his gallantry.
In 1862, while in the army, he was elected sheriff of Mobile,
and returned home for a time to discharge the duties of his office.
But as the demand for Confederate troops became more and
more urgent, he joined the 4oth Alabama Regiment, having
been elected lieutenant-colonel. This regiment became a part of
the western Confederate army. It marched to Vicksburg, and
was in that city at the time of its surrender to General U. S.
Grant, July 4, 1863. By the resignation of the commanding
officer, Higley became colonel of the 4oth Alabama Regiment,
which position he held until the close of the war in 1865.
Colonel Higley was engaged in numerous skirmishes and battles,
but was never wounded. After the surrender of Vicksburg he
was in the Army of the Tennessee, under command of General
Joseph E. Johnston, in the famous brigade of General Baker.
When the city of Atlanta was taken, Baker's brigade was ordered
to Spanish Fort, opposite the city of Mobile, and did duty there
for several months. In January, 1865, Colonel Higley went with
his brigade to North Carolina, and was engaged in the last fight
of Johnston's army at Bentonville against General Sherman, when
"the honest purpose of the South was crossed, and her brave
armies were finally beaten."
As a military commander his gallantry upon many a bloody
field was conspicuous.
On the isth of February, 1865, in Trinity Church, Mobile, he
married Lily Marshall, the eldest daughter of William T. Marshall
of that city.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 68l
After the war he was made brigadier-general of the ist Brig-
ade, Alabama Militia. In this battalion he always took an active
interest. "True to the memories of the past, and no less true
to the duties of the future and the glory of our united country,"
when peace was established, he was forward in all the offices of a
good citizen, prompt in the exercise of political duties, his fellow-
citizens considering him invaluable in party counsels. In the
political struggles for good government during the dark days
that followed the situation at the close of the war, he bore him-
self as an unflinching and undaunted leader. While it may have
been hard to endure, in common with his comrades and their
leaders, the overthrow of the Confederacy for which he had
bravely fought and given his treasure, he nobly submitted to the
result of the war, rising above ignoble bias or bitter feeling
against the Northern populace and its war commanders, whose
destiny it was to gain the vantage ground. General Higley occu-
pied many positions of trust and honor to the end of his life,
among which he was a member of the Lee Association, President
of the Merchants' Steam Fire Company, No. 4, a member of the
Athelstan Lodge, No. 369, F. and A. M., and Eminent Com-
mander of the Mobile Commandery, No. 2, K. T., and President
of the " Can't-Get-Away Club," a benevolent society.
After the war he became a member of the firm of William
T. Marshall & Co., cotton factors, with which he remained
until elected Secretary of the Washington Fire and Marine Insur-
ance Company, which position he filled with great credit to him-
self for fifteen years, till the company wound up its business
and re-insured its risks in " the American" of Philadelphia. He
then continued in the insurance business under the style of John
H. Higley & Co., his son, John, Jr., being his partner, represent-
ing "the American "of Philadelphia, as well as several other
companies.
In figure General John Hunt Higley was tall and finely propor-
tioned; his bearing was commanding, and his nature genial and
kind. J. W. Dorr, editor of The Floridian, writes: "I have
known him from childhood. We were boys together and school-
mates, both natives of West Florida. He is one of the noblest
men I ever knew — a grand man in his nobility of character and
his majestic physique."
He was unanimously recognized by his fellow-citizens as the
fittest man to be the model for the typical soldier that crowns
682 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
the Confederate monument erected at Mobile to commemorate
the valiant deeds and heroic courage of those who sacrificed their
lives for the cause of the South.
His death was sudden. Stricken down with apoplexy early in
the morning of February 27, 1889, lingering unconscious during
the day, the "inevitable hour" coming in the evening, tells the
brief, sad story of him quitting this world. The announcement
of his departure was received by the entire community with deep
feeling of genuine sorrow and grief. In the private walks of life
his earnestness of purpose, his diligence and industry, and his
uprightness of character had secured the confidence of the people
and endeared him to all who knew him.
His private life was as beautiful as his public life. An editorial
in a Mobile evening journal remarks :
" The remembrance of his broad sympathies, his bright and cheerful disposition,
his untiring energy, his devotion to duty, is something to make men pause in the
ceaseless round of life and thank God that there are beacon-lights to guide those
who are to come after us."
The funeral obsequies took place February 28, 1889. The
remains were encased in an elegant casket covered with black
velvet and heavy silk cord. Over the casket was laid the bullet-
riddled battle-flag of the 4©th Alabama Regiment, of which he
was colonel during the Civil War. The body was taken from his
residence to the cathedral, the cortege being escorted by the ist
Regiment of Alabama State troops, in full dress uniform, the
members of the Lee Association, the Can't-Get-Away Club, and
the Mobile Cadet Veterans. As the procession drew up to the
main entrance of the cathedral, the honorary pall-bearers, who
numbered fifty leading citizens, and the board of directors of the
Washington Fire and Marine Insurance Company opened ranks
while the hearse passed through. At the same time the ist
Alabama Regiment presented arms, while the band played
a funeral dirge as the casket was being moved from the hearse
to the church. An immense congregation was gathered within
the walls of the cathedral, while crowds who could not gain
admittance stood outside, all with reverent mien. An earnest
address was delivered by Bishop O'Sullivan.
At the conclusion of the services, and while the casket was
being borne from the church, Cherubini's " Veni Jesu " was sung
by a quartet of distinguished singers.
DESCENDANTS OF JO SI AH HIGLEY, 1ST. 683
The funeral procession was then formed and proceeded to
Magnolia Cemetery, where the services were concluded at the
grave by the officiating bishop.
The floral emblems were numerous and very beautiful, filling
a large wagon. Among them was a pillow of japonicas from
which arose a silver rod supporting a star. A large wreath of
roses was borne upon a silver staff ornament, with white ribbon.
This was the offering of the surviving veterans of the 4oth
Alabama Regiment.
The religious services at the grave being ended, the Mobile
Cadets were drawn up in line and fired three volleys over the
newly made grave. As the smoke was wafted away the bugler
stood out and, just at the twilight hour, as daylight was fading
and darkness was gathering, he sounded "taps" — the soldier's
last farewell to a beloved comrade.
Mrs. Lily Marshall Higley survives her husband, and resides
with her family in Mobile, Ala.
General John Hunt Higley and his wife were 'the parents of
the following children, all of whom are living:
Mary Eulalie, born August 19, 1867; John Hunt, Jr., born
January 28, 1869; William Marshall, born November 17, 1870;
Lily, born April n, 1879; Horace Herndon, born March 15, 1880.
Continued from page 677.
CHARLES HOMER HIGLEY, the third child of Horace Loomis and
Eulalie Collins Higley, was born in Pensacola, Fla., August 4, 1833.
He was a lad of six years when his parents removed to Mobile,
Ala. Here he resided with his parents till he joined General
William Walker and his men in a conquest in Nicaragua, and was
killed in battle early in the year 1857. He never married.
HENRY PAULDING HIGLEY, the fourth child of Horace Loomis
and Eulalie Collins Higley, was born February 20, 1836. He
died March 29, 1837.
WILLIAM HENRY CHASE HIGLEY, the fifth child of Horace
Loomis and Eulalie Collins Higley, was born in Pensacola, Fla.,
January 30, 1838. Here he resided until his death, at the age of
forty-five, which took place in 1883. Died unmarried.
MARY FLORENCE HIGLEY, the sixth child of Horace Loomis
and Eulalie Collins Higley, was born in Mobile, Ala., August 10,
1840. She married Calvin N. Norris. She died in the year 1886,
leaving two children, one son and one daughter.
684 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
JAMES BOWIE HIGLEV, the seventh child of Horace Loomis and
Eulalie Collins Higley, was born at Mobile, Ala., , 1842,
where he grew to young manhood. He spent almost two years
in California with his brother, General Horace Antonio Higley.
On the breaking out of the Civil War he enlisted with the Con-
federate troops of his native State, and was killed in battle
October 4, 1862, at Corinth, Miss., when the Confederates, gal-
lantly undertaking to recapture the place, were signally defeated
in an attempt to take it by assault.
Continued from page 676.
HOMER HIGLEY, the second child of Horace and Eleanor
Loomis Higley, was born at Winchester, Litchfield County,
Conn., December 30, 1796, and baptized in the church at East
Windsor (now South Windsor) May 14, 1797.
In the second war with Great Britain he entered the ranks
under Captain Moses Hayden, August 3, 1813, and served at
New London, Conn., till September 16, when the soldiers were
discharged.
He married, May 10, 1827, Aurelia Marshall, daughter of
Raphael Marshall of Colebrook, Conn. She was born September
10, 1804. They resided in Colebrook during the three years next
following their marriage. Mr. Higley was a member of the
Seneca Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons after its organization
at Newfield, Conn., a lodge of "very creditable financial and
social standing."
In the year 1830 Homer Higley, with his wife and one child, —
his daughter Ellen, — removed to Painesville, O., at that time a
very inconsiderable place, located on Lake Erie. Painesville had
been a trading post since the very early times of the settlement
of Ohio. The wooded point near the mouth of the deep pic-
turesque valley of the Grand River forecasted the site of this,
one of the most beautiful towns in the lake region. Commerce
on our great inland seas was then of comparatively little im-
portance. The magnitude of the present commerce was not
dreamed of, and there were no railroads in Ohio. The Sault Ste.
Marie was not improved till twenty years later. The restless,
venturesome prospectors on the rugged north shores of these
great lakes were going from point to point in little boats which
they propelled by oars, spending their time fishing and searching
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 685
for minerals. To the westward of Painesville the swamps and
bogs were filled with beaver.
At this place Homer Higley, then in the full vigor of mature
manhood, took part in overcoming the difficulties of an unde-
veloped country, and lent his individual abilities and force of
character in the advance of the town.
In public measures he made his usefulness felt. For some
years he served as one of the township trustees. He was one of
the moving spirits in the construction of the Lake and Trumbull
County plank road, and was one of its first board of directors
in 1852. This road was an important linking highway con-
structed through the forests between Painesville and Warren, O.,
and at that time was an eminent public advantage to the two
counties of Lake and Trumbull.
Homer Higley lived in the confidence of his fellow-men, hav-
ing had the beginnings of good birth and careful training. These
advantages founded a character that spent its life in uniformity
of purpose, untinted with sordid ambition and selfish ends.
He died at his residence at Painesville, August 6, 1857. His
wife, Aurelia Marshall Higley, died November i, 1870.
The children of Homer and Aurelia M. Higley were :
Ellen M. , Charles M. , and Mary Elizabeth.
ELLEN M. HIGLEY, their eldest child, was born at Colebrook, Conn., Feb-
ruary 19, 1828, and was taken to Painesville, O., on her parents' removal to
that place when she was two years of age.
She married, September 8, 1852, Truman E. Bird, a native of Skaneateles,
N. Y. They removed to Madison, Wis., in 1854, where there was born to them
three children. In 1883 they removed westward, settling upon a ranch in the
vicinity of Cedar Rapids, Neb., where they now reside. Their children are :
Allen //., born April 29, 1856 ; Kate, born September 2, 1859 ; an(i Nellie B.
born October 21, 1863. Nellie B. Bird married John S. Wolf.
CHARLES M., the second child of Homer and Aurelia Marshall Higley, was
born at Painesville, O., March 23, 1831. He was accidently killed by a rail-
way train in Cleveland, O., September 6, 1854.
MARY ELIZABETH, the third ch'ld of Homer and Aurelia Marshall Higley,
was born at Painesville, O., May 21, 1839. She married, August 9, 1860, General
Charles E. Harris. They reside at Cedar Rapids, Neb. Their children are :
Charles T., born November 29, 1865, and Mary L., born September 6, 1869.
Continued from pagt 676.
PETER HIGLEY, the third child of Horace and Eleanor Loomis
Higley, was born at Winsted, Conn., February 10, 1802. He
appears to have been taken to the East (now South) Windsor
686 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Church for baptism, May 30, 1802. He died at Winsted, Sep-
tember 17, 1813.
MARY HIGLEY, the fourth child of Horace and Eleanor Loomis
Higley was born at Winsted, Conn., May 18, 1804. She re-
moved to Painesville, O., with her parents and died there,
August 16, 1846. She never married.
CHARLES HIGLEY, the fifth child of Horace and Eleanor Loomis
Higley, was born at Winsted, Conn., November 14, 1806. He
died at Thompson Sulphur Well, Yazoo County, Miss., August
19, 1835. Unmarried.
WILLIAM HIGLEY, the sixth child of Horace and Eleanor
Loomis Higley, was born at Winsted, Conn., April 23, 1809.
He married, September 20, 1832, Sarah E. Beach, daughter of
Erastus Beach, M. D. , of Sandisfield, Mass. He died May 2,
1863, at Springfield, Mass. His wife survives him and resides
with her brother, Dr. Beach, in Springfield. They had no
children.
NATHAN HIGLEY, JR.
Nathan, Jr., Nathan, ist, Josiah, ist, Captain John Higley.
Continued from page 675.
NATHAN HIGLEY, Jr. (or 2d), the second child of Nathan and
Anna (Barrett) Higley, was born at East Windsor, Conn., Sep-
tember 7, 1767, and was baptized in the East Windsor Church on
the i3th of the same month. He married, November n, 1790,
Hannah Allyn, of a very old and honored family of Windsor,
Conn. He resided during his entire life in his native town, devot-
ing himself mainly to agriculture. May 5, 1793, Nathan and his
wife together " owned and renewed ye covenant " in the church at
East Windsor.
The children of Nathan, Jr., and Hannah (Allyn) Higley were:
SALLY and NATHAN, twins, baptized in the East (now South) Windsor Church,
March 30, 1794. The Christian name given to Nathan, was Nathan Allyn. He
was afterward generally called by his middle name. Later on he changed the spell-
ing to Allen. Sally lived to womanhood and married Lawrence.
FREDERICK, the third child of Nathan, Jr., and Hannah (Allyn) Higley, was born
August, 1796, and baptized February 19, 1797. He died February 25, 1797.
ANNA, the fourth child, was born July, 1798, and baptized the 8th of the same
month. She married Coe.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, \ST. 687
WILLIAM, the fifth child of Nathan, Jr., and Hannah (Allyn) Higley, was born
in the month of October, and baptized November I, 1801. He died July 20,
1821. Unmarried.
ARODI HIGLEY, the third child of Nathan and Anna (Barrett)
Higley, was born at East Windsor, Conn., February 5, 1770, and
baptized in the East Windsor Church, February n, 1770. He
married Clarissa Loomis, October 22, 1795. The two brothers,
Horace and Arodi, married sisters. (See sketch of Horace
Higley, page 675.) Arodi Higley resided at East Windsor. He
was a well respected citizen. He died November 20, 1832, and
was interred in the rural cemetery at East Windsor, where a sub-
stantial marble monument marks the close of his life.
The inventory of his personal estate amounted to $404.33. His
son, Job L. Higley, was appointed administrator.
His wife, Clarissa Loomis Higley, died September 13, 1858,
aged eighty-seven years.
Arodi and Clarissa Loomis Higley were the parents of two
children, Job Loomis and Hiram.
JOB LOOMIS HIGLEY, the eldest, was born at East Windsor, Conn., September
ii, 1801, and baptized March 7, 1802. He married, February 26, 1861, his cousin
Sarah Drake, at Hartford, Conn. She was born March 5, 1820. They resided at
East Windsor. He died May 24, 1881. She died April 17, 1884. There were
no children.
HIRAM HIGLEY, the second child of Arodi and Clarissa Loomis Higley, was
born September 30, 1804, at East Windsor, O. He removed to Michigan, where
he married . Three children were born to them, all daughters, viz. :
Mary H. , Juliet, and Frances.
His daughter Mary married Robertson, and resides in St. Clair, Mich.
His widow and one daughter reside in Ypsilanti, Mich.
CHAPTER LXXII.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, ISt.
Continued from chapter xxv. p. 145.
Elijah, Sr., Josiah, ist, Captain John Higley.
Happy he who with a bright regard looks back upon his father's fathers,
Who with joy recounts their deeds of grace.
— GOETHE.
ELIJAH HIGLEY, Sr., the sixth child of Sergeant Josiah
Higley, ist, and his wife Dinah Gillette, was born at Turkey
Hills parish, Simsbury, Conn., about the year 1738.' His mar-
riage is found upon record, thus:
" Elijah Higley of Simsbury and Anna Halliday of Suffield joined in marriage ye
24th of February A. D. 1 763 : "
On the nth of April, 1763, he purchased land and settled in
the northern part of Simsbury near the site of the ancient Higley
sawmill, of which property he became the half owner. This mill
was located on a lively stream whose waters are still swiftly
running, and is the same " little brook " mentioned in one of the
earliest deeds in the town as a boundary to Captain John Higley's
land. There is,a venerable hemlock overhanging a fine spring
in the close vicinity near which Elijah Higley's dwelling house
stood. The house disappeared long ago, worn away by time and
its obliterating elements.
An old account book, now in possession of a Vermont branch
of the Higleys, gives the following glimpse of Elijah:
DR. £ s. d.
December 1765, Elijah Higley for 5 pounds and a half of Chees. 038
April 1766, " " by one Bushel of Rie 030
In the year 1767 he removed to Windsor, Conn., and here he
built and owned "a good grist mill at Pine Meadows," near the
present site of Windsor Locks, together with other permanent
improvements in the south part of the town.
1 The exact date of birth of Elijah Higley, Sr., has not been discovered.
688
DESCENDANTS OF JO SI AH HIGLEY, 1ST. 689
He was a man who displayed the energy significant of the
character of his ancestry, and sustained an excellent standing in
the community.
In 1779 he with his family removed to Marlboro, Vt.,
emigrating, it is supposed, in company with his cousin Daniel
Higley and his family, who went the same year. It was early in
1781 that he disposed of all of his Windsor property, selling to
Alexander Allen "the house, barn, and shop partly built, and
half the grist mill, the other half now belonging to Ensign
Eliakim Gaylord." '
At Marlboro he took the freeman's oath, and he appears
upon the town records as a citizen of active usefulness. He
again established a mill property, and was also concerned largely
in real estate transactions.
As far as is known both Elijah and Anna (Halliday) Higley
died at Marlboro, Vt. They had twelve children, viz. :
Olive, born February 6, 1764; Lavina and Lucina, twins, born
October 25, 1765; supposed they survived but a brief period.
Lavina, zd, born March 31, 1768. Elijah, zd, born July 7, 1770;
died October 17, 1776. Anne, born August 27, 1772; died
October 30, 1776. Chloe, born January, 1775; died October 19,
1776. Elijah (again), born April, 1777; died July 17, 1777.
Oliver, born August 14, 1779. Eli and Chloe, twins, born April 14,
1782, and Elijah (again), born September 4, 1784.
Of the above family but three, Oliver, Eli, and Elijah, the
youngest child, lived to maturity; three died in the month of
October, 1776. Nothing is known of Eli except that he resided
at Marlboro, Vt., till after his marriage to Charlotte ,
and that they had one child born to them, January 16, 1807,
named Matilda.
OLIVER HIGLEY.
Oliver, Elijah, ist, Josiah, ist, Captain John Higley.
OLIVER HIGLEY, the ninth and first surviving child of Elijah
and Anna (Halliday) Higley, was born August 14, 1779. It is not
clear whether his birth took place at Windsor, Conn., and that
he was taken a very young infant to Marlboro, Windham County,
Vt., on the removal of his parents to the Green Mountain State,
1 " Windsor Locks : its Early Settlers," by Jabez Hayden.
690 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
or whether he was born at Marlboro very soon after they
settled there.
He married, June 20, 1801, Lucretia Higley, his second cousin,
the daughter of Daniel and Ruth Higley, who lived in a distant
part of the same town — Marlboro. She was born November 13,
1781.
For a few years after their marriage they resided in Marlboro.
Here their oldest two children were born. They then crossed
Lake Champlain to Port Kent, Essex County, N. Y., where
they settled for a time, afterward removing to Edinburg, Wash-
ington County, in the same State, about the year 1813. Here
other children were born to them. From Edinburg they emi-
grated to western New York, settling at Jamestown, Chautauqua
County, some time in the twenties, where, in the year 1831, they
were still found.
It was during their residence here that Oliver Higley and his
wife came under the influences of the preaching of the "Latter-
Day Saints," or Mormon religionists, which turned the whole cur-
rent of their feelings toward that belief, and which they both
embraced.
The "Prophet," Joseph Smith, the founder of the sect, began
preaching in Palmyra, N. Y., about the year 1823, and the
church, whose belief was in a "latter-day dispensation," was
founded April 6, 1830, at Fayette, Seneca County. Zealous and
earnest apostles of the new faith, their souls aglow with wonder-
ful visions, were soon passing through the country, proclaiming
the new "revelation" and preaching the doctrines, numbers
catching the enthusiasm and becoming converts.
The step that Oliver and Lucretia Higley then took in joining
them, made a profound impression upon the members of their
family, all of whom except Dan, the eldest son, and his sister
Lovina, who had married and left her father's home, afterward
became devoted followers of this religious sect.
From Chautauqua County, New York, in 1833, the family
removed to Kirtland, O., a village which became almost entirely
a Mormon community. In 1836 Kirtland contained no less than
three thousand " Latter-Day Saints." They remained there till
the exodus of the Mormons to Missouri in 1837. At that period
Oliver Higley, with his family, removed to Buffalo Grove, Ogle
County, 111., where they resided till the year 1843, when they went
to Jo Davis County, in the same State. Here he lived till the
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 691
close of his life — May 6, 1846. He followed agriculture till ad-
vancing years overtook him, when, being disabled by rheumatism,
he established and managed a basket manufactory. He was a man
true in purpose, always respected for his honesty and kindness,
and enjoyed the good will of Christians of other religious sects.
His wife, Lucretia Higley, who remained a sincere Mormon as
long as she lived, survived him nineteen years, dying in Tooele,
Utah, at the home of her son Clark Higley, July 25, 1865, in the
eighty-fourth year of her age.
(See sketch of Lucretia Higley, daughter of Lieutenant Daniel
Higley, page 656.)
Oliver and Lucretia Higley were the parents of seven children,
viz. :
JDan, Anna, Lovina, Clark, Trurtian, Harvey, Harriet.
DAN HIGLEY, the first child of Oliver and Lucretia Higley, was
born at Marlboro, Vt., July 27, 1804. His parents removed to
the State of New York while he was yet a child, and after some
changes finally settled at Jamestown, Chautauqua County. Here
he learned, with a Dutch manufacturer, the trade of making
cloth, and afterward he was engaged in selling general merchan-
dise. He married at Jamestown, April 29, 1828, Nancy (Bentley)
Frank — a widow, the daughter of Uriah Bentley. Her father's
family were pioneers of Chautauqua County, New York, the old
family homestead, adjoining the Chautauqua Assembly grounds on
the shore of the lake, of late years being owned by her brother,
G. A. Bentley, Esq.
A destructive fire overtaking Mr. Higley's mercantile establish-
ment at Jamestown, proved the moving cause of his emigration
with his family, the summer of 1839, to Ogle County, 111., settling
twelve miles above Dixon's Ferry. Here he improved a farm
and established a home. The town since built up is Polo, 111.
That section was then in its primitive days, the home of the
Indian. He now pursued an agricultural life; but after a time he
entered again into a mercantile business, in which he was engaged
till the year 1857, when, through a general financial embarras-
ment in the country, he was again brought into misfortune. In
1865 he removed with his family to Mount Pleasant, la., and
later on to Fairfield, Jefferson County, in the same State, where
he resided till his death, which took place July 14, 1877.
He was possessed of an exceptional vein of native ingenuous-
692 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ness, or a certain element of fantasy, denoting an active brain,
which was peculiar to many in his own line of ancestry. Faith-
ful and industrious, he was a man who went through life simply,
devoting his attention to the duties that lay before him in his
sphere, never thrusting himself forward. He carried with him
the regard of all good citizens.
Dan and Nancy (Bentley) Higley had the following children,
viz. :
Murray, Melissa, born October 14, 1830, died October 13,
1836; Marshall D., Mary A., Judson, Elizabeth, Theodore F.,
Daniel G., Simeon B.
MURRAY HIGLEY, the eldest child of Dan and Nancy (Bentley) Higley, was
born at Jamestown, Chautauqua County, N. Y., March 6, 1829. At Oregon, Ogle
County, 111., on the igth of May, 1850, he matried Mary Louisa Bassett. She
was born August 25, 1833, in Andes, Delaware County, N. Y. They reside at
Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, la. Their children :
EDWARD HELM, born July 4, 1851, at Polo, Ogle County, 111., married Bessie
Stanley at Memphis, Tenn. , where he resides. They have one child — a daughter.
CHARLES EUGENE, the second child of Murray and Mary L. Bassett Higley,
was born at Polo, 111., November 23, 1854, married Georgianna Potts, July 25,
1881, and resides at Emmetsburg, la. They have one child, Georgianna, born
August 26, 1885. Mrs. Georgianna Higley died August 27, 1885.
VIRGINIA ALICE, the third child of Murray and Mary L. Bassett Higley, was born
November 5, 1858 ; died January 10, 1860, at Polo, 111.
MARY ELIZABETH, daughter of the same, was born November 3, 1860: died
March 19, 1862.
MURRAY JUDSON, her twin brother, lived to manhood, and married . He
resides in Norfolk, Neb. They have one child — a daughter.
WILLIAM GUSTAVUS, son of Murray and Mary L. Bassett Higley, was born
December 5, 1861, at Polo, 111.
EDITH MAY, daughter of the same, was born July 7, 1865 ; married William
E. Guilford, November 12, 1884. They reside in Des Moines, la.
LOUISA BELL, the youngest child of Murray and Mary L. Bassett Higley,
was born at Polo, 111., February 26, 1870.
MARSHALL D. HIGLEY, the third child of Dan and Nancy (Bentley) Higley, was
born at Jamestown, N. Y., August 22, 1832. His first business relations were in
connection with his father in a store of general merchandise at Polo, 111. The
business was unfortunately overthrown by a storm in the financial world that
prevailed in 1857. Mr. Higley then studied law, and was admitted to the bar of
the Supreme Court of Illinois in 1860.
On the 26th of November, 1861, he married Mary L. Curtis at Jamestown,
N. Y. They made their new home on a farm in Illinois.
Possessing inventive genius, he constructed the first automatic binding attach-
ment to reapers which was invented, and for which he obtained a patent with
seven claims. Of this he sold a one-half interest to the Excelsior Works at
Massillon, O.
In the year 1874, he removed to Jamestown, N. Y., and, purchasing a stock of
DESCENDANTS OF JO SI AH HIGLEY, 1ST. 693
boots and shoes, opened a shoe house. In 1878 he removed with his family to
Chattanooga, Tenn., where he is engaged in business, and has since resided.
Marshall D. and Mary L. Curtis Higley have two children, viz.:
Frederick C., born October 15, 1869 ; Florence E., born April 6, 1880.
MARY A. HIGLEY, the fourth child of Dan and Nancy (Bentley) Higley, was
born at Jamestown, N. Y., October 21, 1834. She married, August 27, 1863,
Daniel Abell, at Polo, 111. They reside at Chariton, Lucas County, la. Their
children are :
Frederick G., born May 21, 1864; Frank S., born June 28, 1866; Ella N.,
born September 7, 1868 ; Mamie B. and Marcus B., twins, born June 12, 1871 ;
Marcus died June 21, 1873; Grace E., born April 30, 1875, died February 8,
1876.
JUDSON and ELIZABETH HIGLEY, twin children of Dan and Nancy (Bentley)
Higley, were born at Jamestown, N. Y., December 12, 1836. Elizabeth died in
infancy. Judson Higley married, November 29, 1860, Ruah E. Matthews. They
reside at Omaha, Neb. Their children are :
Elmer J., who resides at Omaha ; Cornelia B., who married Furley Browning,
December, 1886 ; Anna R.; Harlow ; Allison, not living.
THEODORE F. HIGLEY, the seventh child of Dan and Nancy (Bentley) Higley,
was born at Jamestown, N. Y., March 21, 1839. He married, at Fairfield, Jeffer-
son County, la., Ellen S. McEthenny, January 9, 1 868. They reside at Fairfield,
la. Their children are :
May M., born December 14, 1868 ; Robert M., born August 30, 1872 ; Harvey,
born February 15, 1874, died September 25, 1875 ; Helen E., born September
28, 1877, and Theodore E., born August 25, 1883.
DANIEL G. HIGLEY, the eighth child of Dan and Nancy (Bentley) Higley, was
born at Polo, Ogle County, 111., July 7, 1842. He married Fannie H. Ambler of
Mount Pleasant, la., September 29, 1868. They reside at Fairfield, Jefferson
County, la. They are the parents of one child, Nellie A Higley.
SIMEON BENTLEY HIGLEY, the ninth child of Dan and Nancy (Bentley) Higley,
was born at Polo, 111., July u, 1847. On the removal of his parents to Fairfield,
la., in 1865, he accompanied them, a boy of sixteen. He married Ella May
Hatfield, October 18, 1870, and removed to Portland, Ore., in the year 1872,
where he engaged in selling drugs. In 1874 he purchased a sheep ranch of twelve
hundred acres, situated in the valley of the Williamette, near Junction City, which
he stocked with fifteen hundred sheep. Here sheep-raising occupied his attention
for three years ; afterward he transported his flocks to Eastern Oregon, that being
then considered the better sheep country. An Indian war breaking out, his sheep
were all driven away and destroyed ; he never heard of them afterward. Mr.
Higley had now to begin business life anew.
In the spring of 1880 he returned with his wife to Iowa, and three years later
removed to Missouri. The autumn of 1889 found him residing in San Diego,
Cal., doing a successful business in real estate. In 1888 he returned to Missouri,
and, settling at Cameron, purchased a drug establishment, and entered here into
active business. He now resides in Cameron. They have no children.
45
694 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Continued from page 691.
ANNA, the second child of Oliver and Lucretia Higley,
was born at Marlboro, Vt., November 29, 1806. She removed
with her parents to the State of New York, settling with
them at Jamestown. Here she married, March 18, 1828, Thomas
Burdock of Chautauqua County. Both the husband and wife
joined the "Church of the Latter-Day Saints," and were
earnest Mormons. About the year 1832 they removed to Kirt-
land, O., which was then the great center of the Mormon Church,
fully two thousand members establishing themselves there about
that time, the number increasing in less than five years to three
thousand. Here the Mormons built, at a cost of sixty-five thou-
sand dollars, a temple for worship, which was dedicated March 27,
1836. Neither at that time, nor for some years afterward, had
they forfeited the respect of any on account of polygamous rela-
tions, for these relations did not then exist, and were not practiced.
But difficulties and perplexities beset the new sect on every side,
and, determining to move westward to what was then a new coun-
try, in 1837 they began their exodus, by seven hundred leaving
Kirtland in one day. Most of the emigrants went to Missouri, Mr.
and Mrs. Burdock being of the colony. Here they settled twelve
miles west of Independence, which was then on the very outskirts
of Western civilization. But the new creed had not a cheerful
welcome, and local enemies arose. Opposition, and persecution,
and outrages were their fate. Finally the Burdocks, together
with all the Mormons, were driven out by persecution. They
now removed the Church to Nauvoo, 111. Their day of peace
here, too, was brief; mob violence forcing them to leave. Mr.
and Mrs. Burdock then went to Council Bluffs, la., and from
there they removed to Los Angeles, Cal., where, remaining
steadfast in their faith, they spent the remainder of their lives.
A list of their children has not been furnished.
LOVINA HIGLEY, the third child of Oliver and Lucretia Higley,
was born at Edinburg, Washington County, N. Y., December 31,
1808. She married Charles Hopkins in Chautauqua County, New
York, to which place she had gone with the family. Mr. and
Mrs. Hopkins removed, about the year 1830, to the State of
Ohio. In 1837 they emigrated still further West, to Buffalo
Grove, Ogle County, 111., and about 1840 they settled in Steven-
son County, Illinois. They died in Kansas, to which State they
had removed later in life.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 695
CLARK HIGLEV, the fourth child of Dan and Lucretia Higley,
was born in Edinburg, Washington County, N. Y., November 26,
1813. He removed with his parents to Jamestown, Chautauqua
County, N. Y., when a lad of seventeen, and accompanied them
on their removal to Kirtland, O., after they had embraced the
religion of the Latter-Day Saints. This was about Jhe year
1833. At this young and impressionable age he became envir-
oned in the family life, as well as by the very atmosphere of the
place in which they lived, with the practices and faith of the
Mormons.
At Kirtland, O., on the i7th of September, 1873, he married
Malinda Cheney, who was also of Mormon parentage, and a dis-
ciple of Mormon precepts. The young couple worshiped in the
grand temple together. They resided upon a farm. While living
in Kirtland, antagonism, which has, from the founding of the
Church, seemed inseparable from its life-experience, together
with untoward circumstances, reached a stage which decided its
leaders to forsake this chief center and emigrate to a frontier
outpost of the great West. A large majority of their people
followed them, and, as has been already stated, seven hundred
"saints" in one day, in the year 1837, "with the courage which
refuses to be discouraged," made their exodus, the body of the
Church proceeding in detachments later on. The State of Mis-
souri was their destination. As yet polygamy was not a part of
their belief or practice. But Oliver Higley, with his family,
and Clark Higley, with his new wife, decided upon joining their
relatives in Buffalo Grove, Ogle County, 111., and accompanied
their co-religionists but a part of the long and weary journey.
At Buffalo Grove they lived till the year 1843, when both house-
holds removed to Jo Davis County in the same State, remaining
all the while constant to their covenants with the religion they
had chosen, and here they joined a small body of worshipers in
the Mormon Church. It was here also that the father, Oliver
Higley, died, leaving his wife, Lucretia Higley, to the care of
his son Clark, with whom she lived, and who faithfully adminis-
tered to her comforts and needs till the close of her long
life.
Meanwhile the Church of " the Latter-Day Saints " had planted
itself on Missouri soil, and erected its temple for worship. It
was not long, however, till there were gathered about the colo-
nists bands of persons aflame with wrath, and the Church was
696 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
afresh plunged into persecution and trial. " An attack of a mob
impending, and being too few in number to assume an aggressive
attitude," they decided to once more take up the march in pur-
suit of religious liberty. Through direst hardships they located
at Nauvoo, 111., a fine situation on the Mississippi River.
Here again they built a splendid temple, which was privately
dedicated April, 1847, the third costly edifice they had erected,
and here too they were again early showered with antipathy.
Inspired by evil passion, mobs of " respectable" people assaulted
them, and Smith, their seer, met a tragic death. Finally the day
of their expulsion came, and their magnificent temple was burned
to the ground. In all of these persecutions the people loyally
sustained their leaders, keeping in full faith with them, and " the
strength of the bearers of burdens did not decay." It was
a striking exhibit of the strength that lies in true unity of
purpose.
The Church determined to remove once more ; this time to go
quite beyond civilization, and out of the reach of the continual
waves of strife and hostilities that beat against it. The leaders
now chose a spot in the desert over a vast plain growing nothing
but wild sage, full one thousand miles beyond the line inhabited by
civilized beings. On the i4th of April, 1847, the general exodus
began, the long journey across the Great American Desert being
undertaken in ox wagons. The troop of pilgrims passed over the
wide, wide plain and dreary defiles, arriving at their destination,
Great Salt Lake, the Territory of Utah, on the 24th of the July
following. The hardships that they suffered both during this
journey and after they reached this wild region cannot be
chronicled. That Territory belonged at that time to Mexico,
but was ceded to the United States the next year, 1848. Civil
government had not yet been established. It was a lawless
country.
In the year 1852 Clark Higley with his mother and family took
their departure from Jo Davis County, Illinois, and went to
Glenwood, Mills County, la. Here they resided till 1861. That
year he set off with his household to join his friends and co-
religionists in Utah, where his heart had long been centered.
His family now consisted of his aged mother, Lucretia Higley, his
wife, Malinda, and six children. He himself had reached middle
age. The journey from their location in Iowa to Great Salt Lake
was the perilous and daring one of the early frontiersman and
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 697
was made in ox teams, or " prairie schooners " as they were often
called. They were constantly in danger of being attacked on the
route by bands of wild and warring Indians, between whom and
the whites there was no affinity.
Arriving in Utah on the 23d of September, 1861, he made
purchase of a home at Kaysville, twenty-six miles north of the
Salt Lake ; but soon afterward, on making a trip to Tooele, and
finding this country preferable, he sold the farm that he first pur-
chased and bought land at Tooele, which is thirty-six miles west
of Salt Lake City. At this point he now resides.
The country was yet entirely new. All manufactured products
could only be obtained by transportation more than one thousand
miles by ox teams, causing such articles to be very expensive.
Ordinary soap for domestic use sold at twenty-five cents a bar,
matches were twenty-five cents a box, and cotton cloth sold at
one dollar a yard, while flour was sometimes held at twenty-five
dollars the hundred pounds.
For several years the colony lived in daily apprehension of
Indian foes, who were often out on the plains on hostile expedi-
tions against the whites ; some of the settlers' villages were pro-
tected by walled defenses.
On settling in Utah Clark Higley thoroughly identified him-
self with the Mormons. He and his sons took hold in good
faith, aiding in laying the foundations of that new and great
State. They are at the present time all well-to-do, possessing
farms and comfortable homes in that remarkable and beautiful
country.
The change which time and civilization has here effected dur-
ing these years is among the marvels and wonders of the progres-
sive history of our great land. Clark Higley has lived long
enough to see the isolated far-away arid plain of Utah, with its
sublime mountain sides, made fertile and to blossom as a fruitful
garden ; the fertility of this interesting country is to be attrib-
uted to the best traits of that energetic and industrious people —
the Mormons — who founded it. He has lived to see another
temple, a colossal and magnificent structure of granite, which
was forty years in process of construction, and erected at a cost
of four million dollars, completed and dedicated, April 5, 1893,
and Mormon settlements alone increased in number till the
Church now claims within the borders of the State recently ad-
mitted into the Union, fifty-five thousand members.
698 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
He may fittingly adopt the lines of the poet :
" To-day our dream embodied greets our eyes,
A thousand toiling hands and brains have wrought,
The worker's willing strength, the provident thought,
And lo ! the aery domes and towers arise
Clear on the vernal skies." '
In his removal to Utah, Clark Higley's honest purpose was that
he might enjoy the religion in which he was nurtured. From his
boyhood his ideas were molded into the doctrines and customs
of the Church of the "Latter-Day Saints," and his training by
the precepts and example of his parents destined him on reaching
his manhood to cling firmly to the peculiar beliefs taught by
its founders and their successors. He has never been separated
from these environments, and has never come into- contact with
other denominational influences, having all of his life lived in newly
settled parts of our country. It was natural therefore that he
should accept with a true heart the divine inspiration which their
theological system claims, and adopt their precepts and social prac-
tices, based as they were upon his genuine religious convictions.
The storm and trial that came in recent years upon the Mormons,
resulting from the compulsory administration of laws enacted by
special legislation of the United States Congress against them,
have borne heavily upon him. A confirmed cripple and in enfeebled
old age, he has suffered many bitter things ; the perplexities and
sorrows of his heart have been enlarged. He, however, wisely
accepts the outcome, showing equal moral courage and fidelity
to " the powers that be " by, with kindly feeling, uprooting habits
and breaking long formed domestic associations, declaring that
he harbors in his heart nothing but good will to all men, and
yielding in a right spirit to the different allotment in life which
has come to himself and his people, acknowledging God's hand
in it all.
Mr. Higley was three times married. His first wife was
Malinda Cheney, whom he married at Kirtland, O., September 17,
1837. His second wife was Eliza Smith, whom he married at
Salt Lake City in 186-. His present wife is Amanda Baker of
Utah. Children of Clark Higley:
By first wife: Freeman £>., born June 9, 1843 ; George H.,
born May 19, 1845 5 -Daniel, born 1849 5 Lwisa ; Jane ; Mary,
1 Written by 'Mr. Lewis Morris on the occasion of the opening of the Imperial Institute,
in London, 1893.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 699
who died in infancy, and Harriet. By second wife : Julia, born
August 5, 1870 ; Francis A., born May 15, 1872 ; Harriet, 2d,
born December 12, 1873 ; Lydia, born March 2, 1876 ; Charles,
born December 15, 1877 ; Willis, born April 10, 1879, and Elihu.
By third wife : James, Parthena, George O., Stephen L., Oliver,
Elizabeth, Lovina, Howard, and Malinda Elvira.
FREEMAN D. HIGLEY, the eldest child of Clark and Malinda Cheney Higley,
was born in Ogle County, 111., June 9, 1843. He went to Utah with his parents
when eighteen years of age. Soon after his twenty-first birthday he married Eliza
Cheney. His second wife was Nancy Sharp. He resides at Gentile Valley,
Brigham County, Idaho. Children by first wife :
Lucy Jane, born February 10, 1865 ; Harvey Warren, born June 17, 1867 ;
Fannie E., born August 2O, 1869 ; Harriet Malinda, born December 13, 1871 ;
Louis Wells, born January 7, 1874 '< &H Lee, born February 25, 1876 ; John
William, born July 27, 1878; Millie Ann, born August 14, 1880 ; Alfred Dewey,
born December 20, 1882 ; Elsie Elvira, who died in infancy ; Daniel Edward,
died ; and Luther Aaron. By second wife : Freeman Dewey and James Henry,
both of whom died ; Jennetta Mildred ; George Carlos, not living ; Laura Eliza-
beth ; Lillian Mabel; Albert William; Martha A.; Ellis Irvin; and Viola,
who died young.
Clark Higley has other grandchildren and five great-grand-
children, whose names have not been furnished.
Continued front page 691.
TRUMAN HIGLEY, the fifth child of Oliver and Lucretia Higley,
was born at Jamestown, N. Y., July 20, 1817. At Kirtland, O.,
to which place he removed with his parents, when a child, he
married, in 1835, Lucy Fisher. With other members of the
family he joined the Church of "the Latter-Day Saints." They
removed to Los Angeles, Cal., where he died in 1882.
HARVEY HIGLEY, the sixth child of Oliver and Lucretia
Higley, was born at Jamestown, N. Y., November 20, 1819. In
the year 1842 he married Amanda . They emigrated to
Oregon in the early history of that country, and settled in Yam-
hill County. His descendants now reside in Portland, Ore.,
among whom are George, Harry, and Martin Higley.
No further information has been received of these families.
HARRIET HIGLEY, the seventh child of Oliver and Lucretia
Higley, was born in Chautauqua County, New York, April 12,
1822. She was taken to Kirtland, O., on the removal of her
parents to that place, and afterward to Illinois. She married, in
700 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
1843, Lyman L. L. Pitcher. They lived in Illinois. Her death
took place in Lena, Stephenson County, in 1884.
Their children are Lorenzo and Franklin. There is one daugh-
ter whose name is not given.
ELIJAH HIGLEY, JR.
Continued from page 145.
Elijah Higley, Jr., Elijah, ist, Josiah, ist, Captain John Higley.
By his daughter, Lydia J. Higley-Hibbard.
ELIJAH HIGLEY, JR., the youngest child and son of Elijah
Higley, Sr., and his wife Anna Halliday, was born September 4,
1784. He married Lydia Paddleford, March 4, 1807, who was
born June 5, 1790.
The facts gathered for his history are from the remembrances
of his children and a few old friends. These aged people, who
can give facts, can give no dates, and only scraps of information
preserved in the halls of memory, that, pieced together, cannot
make a perfect whole. With these, however, we are forced to be
content.
There are many elements of romance connected with his
career, which, could they be brought into these pages, would
read almost as if one drew upon the imagination for some novel
of the olden time. Strange forces seemed to combine to snatch
from him heights of prosperity to which, on more than one
occasion in his eventful life, he attained.
It is -not known in what year he left his childhood home for a
new home in a strange country. From a nephew, Clark Higley
of Tooele, Tooele County, Utah, son of his brother Oliver, we
learn that he had, in his youth, the reputation of being a " great
trader," and attained his first financial success in making a watch
trade, and that he became concerned in the lottery business, which
was discontinued by the passage of a law detrimental to lotteries.
In what year he went to Canada is not known, but it is reason-
able to suppose that he went in company with his first cousin,
Jesse Higley, who bought a large tract of land where London,
Canada, now is, and which was confiscated at the time of the War
of 1812. At all events they must have gone at about the same
time, and perhaps together. He must have made a protracted
ELIJAH HIGLEY, JR.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY,\ST. 701
residence there, as he was a long time in the fur trade, residing
with the Indian tribes while awaiting the coming of the hunting
parties who would return laden with the commodity he desired.
Months would elapse in which he would never see the face of a
white man. He became familiar with their language and cus-
toms, and intensified a naturally stern and stoical character by
long intercourse with them.
When the War of 1812 broke out, he was located at Port Hope,
Canada, where he owned much land and large business interests.
He was engaged in. the cloth dressing business, owning mills for
for that purpose, and was the proprietor of one or more stores.
At this time he considered himself the possessor of considerable
wealth, everything having prospered with him ; but when the alarm
of war was sent through the land, being too much of a patriot to
take the oath of allegiance, he improved an opportunity to send
his wife to the States, and after making arrangements with his
partner to convert what he could into cash, one night he stealthily
crossed the St. Lawrence, firing at and probably killing the
sentinel who challenged him, himself escaping unhurt. His
knowledge of the country enabled him to recross with a party of
soldiers whom he piloted to an important British outpost, which
they captured. He then recruited a company and served in the
war until its close.
Of course all his Canadian property was now gone; dissolved
like the first tracing of frost on the window pane before the rays
of the sun.
What his dishonest partner had left was confiscated to the
Crown. He had to begin anew in life. He had one thousand
dollars in money. With this he went to Pittsburgh, Pa., and took
a contract to build a large bridge. Very soon after, lumber and
other materials so advanced in price, that when every workman
and employee was paid only one dollar remained in the pocket
of the contractor.
The presumption is, from what we can gather, that he then
went from Pittsburgh to Penn Yan, Yates County, N. Y. We
hear of him there somewhere about 1820 and 1823. Here he was
for some years in business at the head of Main Street, which was
then the business center of the town. He had a store, probably
such as were kept in those early days, combining groceries, dry
goods, drugs, and all the necessaries of a small but growing
town. At some period in his life, whether before leaving home
702 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
or after, is not known, he studied medicine and obtained a doctor's
certificate.
His store in Penn Yan was twice burned; once, the day after
the insurance policy expired, again leaving him in a crippled
condition financially.
After the second fire he went into the cloth dressing business
at the foot of Main Street. He had also a wool carding mill
farther down the stream. It must have been in the very begin-
ning of the year 1830 that he bought two lots, on what is now
Liberty Street, very near the head of the street, to which he him-
self gave its name. Here he built two dwelling houses, both yet
well preserved.
In the first one built, died his wife, Lydia Paddleford Higley,
on May 23, 1833. There were no children by this unioh, al-
though a baby girl was adopted and grew to womanhood with
them, Lydia Pearse, who ^married Henry Tylu, a merchant of
Penn Yan. Both are now deceased (1893).
On November 22, 1835, he married Electa Baldwin of Waterloo,
Seneca County, N. Y., who was born September 21, 1802. Of
this union were born seven children:
Lydia Jane, Anna Elizabeth, Mary Sophia, twins (died at birth),
March 22, 1843 ; George Daniel, Laura Adgate.
On May 8, 1851, Elijah Higley, the father of these, died, when
his youngest child was but four years old, and the only son, of
whom he was so proud, still too young to retain but a faint
remembrance of him. His health had for some years been
declining. He suffered two strokes of apoplexy at intervals of
several years. On the day of his death he had gone fishing on
Lake Keuka, a sport of which he was passionately fond, and at
which he was an acknowledged expert. He was stricken with
apoplexy while in his boat, and was taken to the house of a friend
near by, where he died that night. It was his oft expressed wish,
which nature kindly granted him — the boon of unconsciousness as
he passed from this world to the great unknown.
Thus closed the earthly career of Elijah Higley, a man in
whose soul was the ruggedness of his native Vermont mountains.
Possessed of indomitable will, courage, and perseverance, com-
bined with a sterling honesty, these qualities made up a character
that was in itself an interesting study. His strong individuality
kept him above the conventional. He acquired an education
above the ordinary; not perhaps in the schoolroom, as the
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 703
educational facilities of a hundred years ago were extremely
limited in comparison with those of to-day.
He had been a considerable traveler for those times. In com-
pany with Dr. Win. Cornwell of Penn Yan, he once made a knap-
sack tour of the Southern States, gathering from the incidents of
the trip a choice collection of stories and anecdotes that, with
infinite zest, were oft repeated to appreciative listeners. An
industrious reader, and having a mind capable of retaining and
digesting what he read, he was enabled to become possessed of a
large and varied fund of information. Catching the spirit of the
age when religious controversy was prevalent, and being what is
now termed a free-thinker, he often, in discussion with divines,
astonished them by his knowledge of the Bible, and his ability to
successfully carry on a debate. He had a large fund of humor,
and delighted in practical jokes, was keen in repartee, stinging
in sarcasm, and fond of telling a story, which he could do exceed-
ingly well. He was intolerant of shams, and in his disposition of
them oft used the bludgeon when the rapier would have answered
better.
In person he was tall and well-proportioned, weighing nearly
or quite two hundred pounds, fair hair and blue eyes, strong and
rugged features. Possessed of a kindly nature, he was a kind and
loving husband and a tender father. He provided generously for
his household, and never incurred debts. He died owing no
man. He probably had failings in common with all humanity,
but herein is a true and faithful transcript of Elijah Higley's
character.
His marriages were more than usually fortunate. Of his two
wives a few words will give us an idea of their nature. I believe
the first to have been in all respects a sweet and lovable woman,
to whom he was tenderly attached, and by whose side he reposes
on the shore of the lake he loved so well, the beautiful Keuka.
A tribute to a loved mother impels us to speak of the second
wife, the mother of his children, and the partner of his declining
years. It was a union remarkable for its harmonious and happy
completeness. Never was heard by anyone a single unkind or
jarring word between the husband and wife.
In her youth a belle and beauty, unlike most beautiful women
she was singularly free from the vanity and foibles that so often
mar this gracious gift. She was a beauty in mind and in perron.
She died February 14, 1877, at the age of seventy-four."
704 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
LYDIA J. HIGLEY, the eldest child of Elijah and Electa Bald-
win Higley, was born September 8, 1836.
In early childhood she passed through the prescribed routine
of the common school, but the death of her father bringing to
his family a combination of unfavorable circumstances, she was
afforded no further opportunity to follow the bent of her desires
toward the higher education ; however, as life went on she
improved her spare hours in reading and study. Left in the
possession of a comfortable home, but without an income, some
members of the family were forced to seek occupations. Lydia's
life proved somewhat eventful. She has known prosperity and
much adversity. At the age of sixteen she married George D.
Carpenter of Horse Heads, Chemung County, N. Y. Soon the
cares of motherhood rested upon her, and the years of her
youthful married life were devoted to her three children, their
welfare becoming her first and chief consideration. These were
years in which she endured much of neglect, privation, and
toil, and in which there was more of shadow than of sunshine ;
however, there was a strong individuality in her nature, and an
inheritance of courage that always looked to the future for better
days, and stimulated her to keep despair at bay.
Inheriting from her mother a love of poetry, at an early age
she began to weave her thoughts into verse. Inspired by the
eloquence of John B. Gough, she saw her first poem in print when
but thirteen years old. Her early and unfortunate marriage so
choked the channels of inspiration that it was reserved for the
happier environments of later years to yield better results in this
direction. Generally writing under a nom de plume, few of her
friends have known her as a writer of verse, yet from time to time
her articles have appeared in the public journals and magazines,
though she modestly makes no pretensions for these to be classed
with the productions of gifted poets: The following lines are from
her pen.
THE SONG.
This morn I heard a burst of melody, a song,
From naked boughs close to my window pane,
The murmur of the south wind as it hurried on,
And then the soothing lullaby of falling rain.
In fantasy of dreams I heard again her song,
Whose tones shall waken bud, and leaf, and bloom ;
They who have slept in dreamless sleep so long
Shall rise in beauty from their lowly tomb.
LYDIA J. HIGLEY HIBBARD.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSIAH HIGLEY, 1ST. 7°5
The fields shall blossom into brightness at her tread,
And bird and bee shall royal homage pay.
They shall awake who erst were with the dead,
Back from the somber tomb the stone is rolled away.
The lark, on upward wing with swelling throat,
Sings as she floats toward the gates of dawn ;
Tuned to divinest melody each liquid note
That fills the measure of her matin song.
And still I hear, tho' she is lost in azure height,
Her joyous welcome to the new-born spring.
Though eye may never mark the splendor of her flight
To that far sunlit peak where she is journeying.
Lydia J. Higley's second marriage took place, November 7,
1877, with Gardiner C. Hibbard of Watkins, N. Y., a gentleman
possessing many gifts by nature, a superior intellect, a fine pres-
ence, and an excellent voice for public speaking. Mr. Hibbard
has taken some part in political matters. He enlisted in the Civil
War while a boy in his early teens, and was probably the very
youngest soldier on the war records, but being tall in stature
and well developed, he managed to pass for eighteen, and served
throughout the entire conflict.
Mr. and Mrs. Hibbard reside in Elmira, N. Y.
Lydia J. Hibbard by her first marriage became the mother of
three children, viz.:
Alice Maud, born January 30, 1854 ; Mary Louisa, born Sep-
tember 4, 1856 ; Fred Cyril, born June 14, 1866.
ANNA ELIZABETH, the second daughter of Elijah and Electa Baldwin Higley,
was born August 17, 1838. She married Stephen Cooper of Penn Yan, N. Y.,
in 1857. One child was born to them, Lizzie ff., November I, 1859. She died
June 22, 1862. Anna E. Cooper died March 8, 1875.
MARY SOPHIA, the third daughter of Elijah and Electa Baldwin Higley, was
born November 25. 1840. She married, September, 1866, Richard Hathaway of
Milos, Yates County, N. Y. Richard Hathaway died May, 1884. On the 22d of
February, 1893, Mrs. Hathaway married Stephen Manchester of Harbor Springs,
Mich., where she now resides. By her first husband she had the following
children :
Albert W., born June, 1867 ; Lillian, and Lizzie Higley.
GEORGE DANIEL, the only son of Elijah and Electa Baldwin Higley, was born
at Penn Yan, N. Y., October 22, 1844. He enlisted in the Civil War at the
age of seventeen, at Penn Yan, N. Y., September 10, 1861, as private in Company
E, nth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Being disabled by a wound, he was afterward trans-
ferred to Company A, igth Veteran Reserve Corps. In 1863 he re-enlisted, was
7°6 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
made sergeant, and served till the war closed. He received an honorable discharge,
November 19, 1865. He married, March 28, 1867, Mary H. Hunter of Wayne,
Steuben County, N. Y. They reside in Columbia, Tenn., where Mr. Higley is
engaged as purchaser for a lumber and pump manufacturing firm. George D. and
Mary H. Higley are the parents of five children, viz.:
Lizzie, born January 22, 1868; Emma Pauline, born March 28, 1870; Lettie,
born August 8, 1872 ; Gery, born February 15, 1876 ; and Albert, born Novem-
ber 20, 1881. Emma P. married L. E. Gates of Nashville, Tenn.
LAURA ADGATE, the youngest child of Elijah and Electa Baldwin Higley, was
born August 16, 1847. She married, September, 1866, George W. Hall of Yates
County, N. Y. Mr. Hall served his country during the Civil War in Company B,
I48th New York Regiment, and died in 1879, after years of suffering from the
effect of wounds received in the battle of Cold Harbor in 1864. Mrs. Laura A.
Hall is now a resident of Englewood, a suburb of Chicago, 111.
CHAPTER LXXIII.
JAMES HIGLEY AND HIS DESCENDANTS.
Ask now of the days that are past.
So that the memory of noble deeds
Shall keep the heart of man, forever up
To the heroic level of the old time :
The Present moves, attended
By all of brave, and excellent, and fair.
That made the old time splendid.
— JAMES RUSSHLL LOWELL.
THOUGH without the evidence of personal documents1 it is
quite conclusive that James Higley was a descendant of Captain
Joseph Higley, the third son of Brewster Higley, ist (see chapter
xli. page 284) ; he and his son were frequently heard to say that
the Messenger family were their near kinspeople, the Messen-
gers and Higleys, both of Simsbury and Canton, Conn., as well
as those of Becket, Mass., being intermarried. Hereditary quali-
ties and special traits possessed by James Higley and his descend-
ants also strengthen rather than throw discredit on the showing
of a near kinship to the Higleys of the Berkshire Hills, Mass.
The family Bible gives the record of his immediate family
thus:
" James Higley, born March loth 1785.
"Hannah Roberts, born in Massachusetts July i;th 1782."
They were married January 2, 1809, and began life together in
Great Barrington, Mass., where their first child was born the
following November.
James Higley was a shoemaker by trade, and was probably
following his vocation at the time of his marriage. He had a
fair education, was a good penman, a man of few words, and
always strictly practiced total abstinence, using neither tobacco
nor intoxicating stimulants. This was an unusual stand to take
in that day.
In the spring of 1814 James Higley emigrated with his family
1 The connecting link of this esteemed family cannot be positively traced, the early records of
Great Barrington, Mass., where James Higley is found during his early married life, having been
destroyed by fire.
707
708 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
to Onondaga County, New York, settling near where the town of
Fabius is now' located. A number of Higley families had emi-
grated to the same county from Hartford County, Connecticut,
and Berkshire County, Massachusetts, early in the century and
made themselves forest homes. James, no doubt, followed their
course. Here their second child was born.
Familiar with arms under the military example of his grand-
sires, during the War of 1812-14 he "exchanged the hoe for the
musket," and joined the United States forces for ninety days'
service, leaving his wife and young children with a very limited
support. It does not appear that his wife heard from him from
the time that he left home till his return, when he suddenly
appeared one day in the doorway. Her joy was so great that
she could scarcely believe that she really beheld him. " Oh,
James ! " she exclaimed ; " is it an apparition ? ""
In the year 1817, bent on trying the vast possibilities of the
western forests, they undertook a journey beset with difficulties
and dangers, removing to what was at that time the dense wooded
country of Northern Ohio. Here they made themselves a home
in Trumbull County, near the spot where the village of Braceville
has since been built. In 1827 James Higley purchased a farm at
Edinburg, Portage County, to which he removed, and a little
later on he purchased a second farm. On the latter they cleared
away the rough forest and built a substantial frame dwelling.
He resided on this estate till his decease thirty-seven years after-
ward. He was elected town trustee, and served the office
acceptably a number of years.
Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church of Edinburg almost from its organization,
joining "by letter" in the year 1827. When the first house for
worship was about to be erected, he made a donation of fifty
dollars, a liberal subscription for those times.
His wife, Hannah Roberts, was of a social nature and agreeable
ways. Her grandchildren have in their possession tablespoons
which were manufactured from silver coin expressly as a part of
her marriage gift. The sacred season of a good old age was per-
mitted her by a kind Providence; active, and during her last
years with unimpaired eye-sight, she lived to her ninetieth year.
She died December 17, 1871.
James Higley died, February 25, 1864. Their children:
Edmund B. and Edna B., twins, and Orpha Minerva.
DESCENDANTS OF JAMES HIGLEY. 709
EDMUND B. HIGLEY, the only son of James and Hannah
Roberts Higley, was born at Great Barrington, Mass., November
13, 1809.
At the time his parents removed to Onondaga County, New
York, he and his twin sister were not yet five years old. At the
age of eighteen he settled with the family at Edinburg, O., where he
afterward resided. Though young in years, he soon by his per-
severance and energy of character proved his value in the develop-
ment of this then new country. He built a manufacturing house,
the first erected in the township, for making potash and pearlash.
While engaged in this business he manufactured one hundred
thousand brick, and built the second brick house in the town, to
which he took his bride and began housekeeping, October, 1835,
having married Lucy Merrill in Concord, Lake County, O., on
the 2ist of that month. She was born January 18, 1817, in Win-
sted, Lichfield County, Conn. Later on he became a builder by
trade, and erected a number of the early residences in Edinburg
and adjoining townships. Afterward he opened and conducted a
lucrative business in " lumber, laths, shingles, sash, doors and
blinds," all the while managing a farm. He accumulated a good
property.
Edmund B. Higley filled different offices of public trust and
responsibility in the township.
He was a man of exemplary character, of untiring energy, and
large public spirit; when his decease took place, May 31, 1883,
th'e community, as well as the family of which he was the honored
head, felt its loss deeply.
His wife made home, with its boys and girls, her chief field of
labor; she was possessed of quick intelligence, and did not lack
interest in all questions pertaining to the public welfare. She
was rigidly careful that her children should improve their school
advantages, exacting of them habits of regularity and punctuality
in their attendance. During the intervals between school terms
the boys were put to farm work and the girls at household duties
and dairy work.
She was a woman of sound judgment, in whom those about
her had great confidence, a true friend who possessed "the
jewel of a loyal heart," quiet in her way and dignified in her
bearing.
She died at her home in Edinburg, 0., in the serene assurance
of immortal life, February 6, 1880.
46
710 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Edmund B. and Lucy Merrill Higley were the parents of seven
children, viz. :
James Henry, Julia Ann, Amelia M. and Adelia M., twins,
Mary Frances, Franklin Monroe, Luanda Augusta.
JAMES HENRY HIGLEY, the eldest child, was born in Edinburg, O., June 17,
1837. He attended a select school at Edinburg Centre, and was afterward a
student at Mount Union College, Ohio. He then engaged in teaching in Ohio and
Tennessee. Entering the business world, and possessed of excellent abilities, he
achieved success, and in a few years became the vice president of the Hopkins
Bridge and Construction Company of St. Louis. He is now (1894) engaged in
the same line of business — bridge builder and contractor. Mr. Higley is well
and favorably known as a man of excellent natural endowments and good principles,
and his career has been one of honorable success. He resides in Leavemvorth,
Kan.
October 5, 1889, he married Florence Emma Myer at Blanchester, Clinton
County, O., daughter of Frances Myer and his wife, Hannah Dudley. Florence
E. Myer was born at Waynesville, O., November 19, 1856. Her mother, Hannah
Dudley was a direct lineal descendant from an English family of noble birth.
Mrs. Higley died at Kansas City, Mo., May 22, 1895.
JULIA ANN HIGLEY, the second child, was born in Edinburg, O., July 14, 1839.
After pursuing her studies at the common school, she attended Mount Union
College, Ohio, from which she was graduated in the scientific course, receiving the
degree B. S. Seven years later an honorary degree was conferred upon her. She
made teaching her vocation, receiving appointments in Ohio and Indiana.
On the 24th of July, 1867, she married Ebenezer L. Rich of California. Mrs.
Julia Higley Rich died in Cleveland, O., December n, 1877. They were the
parents of two children, viz. :
Herbert M., born June 5, 1870, in Virelin, 111., and Nellie, born July 4, 1873,
who died in infancy.
AMELIA M.,"twin child of Edmund B. and Lucy Merrill Higley, was born in
Edinburg, O., June 25, 1841. She became a teacher when but fourteen years of
age, filling positions in Ohio and Kentucky for a number of school terms.
She married, January i, 1867, Thomas Carr of her native town. Mr. Carr en-
tered the Civil War, joining Battery A, 1st Regiment Ohio Volunteer Light Artil-
lery, when it was organized in 1861, serving first as harness-maker. He ac-
companied his battery through all its campaign during 1862, '63, and '64, and entered
regular duty when the battery reached Gallatin, Tenn. He was honorably dis-
charged after the close of the war, July 31, 1865.
Mr. and Mrs. Carr are well-to-do and highly esteemed citizens, residing in a
cheerful home at Edinburg, O., on a fine tract of well-cultivated farming land
which they own. They have two children, viz. :
Henry Joseph, born May 24, 1870 ; and Emma Lucinda, born October 18,
1873-
HENRY JOSEPH married, September 20, 1893, Ona N. McKenzie of Diamond.
O. They had one child, Hazel Flora, born June 18, 1895. They resided in Cleve
DESCENDANTS OF JAMES HIGLEY. 711
land, O. Henry J. Carr died of typhoid fever, November I. 1895. His body
was taken to Edinburg for interment. The funeral services were held in the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
EMMA L. married, September 2, 1894, Walter J. Cope of Edinburg, O. Their
son, Lionel Carr, was born July 17, 1895. They reside in Canfield, O.
ADELIA M., twin sister to Amelia M., was born in Edinburg, O., June 25, 1841.
She married, November 27, 1861, John Ewing, who was born in Fall River, Mass.,
July 8, 1836. After the decease of her husband, she filled the officeof postmistress
acceptably for twelve years. John Ewing died in Edinburg, O., June 5, 1872.
They had three children, viz. :
James Henry, born February 5, 1863, died at St. Louis, Mo., August 23, 1884 ;
Edmund Francis, born January 4, 1865 ; and Lucy A., born February 26, 1868.
Mrs. Adelia Higley Ewing married, second, Benjamin Franklin Hill, February
24, 1889. They reside in Campbellsport, Portage County, O.
MARY FRANCIS, fifth child of Edmund and Lucy Merrill Higley, was born in
Edinburg, O., January 21, 1844.
After a preliminary course of study she took a teacher's course, afterward
taking a full commercial course in the commercial department of Mount Union Col-
lege, receiving the degree of B. C. S. She became a successful teacher, and de
voted herself eight years in Ohio to her chosen calling. After the decease of her
parents she purchased fourteen acres of the original farm from which her grand-
father cleared the forests in 1827, and built a comfortable residence, which is still
her home. She is an active member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
A woman of fine qualities, given to usefulness, she inspires those who come into
her presence with her spirit. She never married.
FRANKLIN MONROE, sixth child of Edmund B. and Lucy Merrill Higley, was
born at the family homestead at Edinburg, O., August 29. 1846.
He left an agricultural life at nineteen, and entered a business firm engaged in
the construction of bridges, Kansas City, Mo. He is now the general superin-
tendent of the company's business.
He married, July 14, 1891, at Kansas City, Rosalie Dillinger, daughter of Sam-
uel and Mary Dillinger. She was born at Mound City, Lynn County, Kan.,
June 20, 1867. They have a son, named
Leo Franklin, born at Jericho Springs, Cedar County, Mo., August 28, 1892.
LUCINDA AUGUSTA, the youngest child of Edmund B. and Lucy Mer-
rill Higley, was born at Edinburg, O., December 8, 1849. She was delicately
constituted and was never able to assume any special line of action in life. During
the remaining years that she lived after her schooldays were passed, she remained
at home with her parents. She died December 19, 1872.
EDNA B. HIGLEY, twin sister to Edmund B. (whose family we
have been tracing above), and daughter of James and Hannah
Roberts Higley, was born November 13, 1805, at Great Barring-
ton, Mass. She married in Portage County, Ohio, November 21,
1827, Lorenzo Buck. The marriage ceremony was performed by
the Rev. Ira Eddy of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She
died September 28, 1830.
712 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
ORPHA MINERVA, third child of James and Hannah Roberts
Higley, was born in Fabius, N. Y., July 28, 1814. She married
Alva O. Day, December i, 1831. They reside in Concord,
Dodge County, Minn. They are the parents of three children, all
of whom are married and have families, viz. :
Edna, born April 16, 1835, resides in Concord, Minn. ; Lewis,
born September 6, 1837, resides in Iowa ; Persis Hannah, born
May 31, 1840, lives in Oshkosh, Wis.
APPENDIX.
THE HIGLEY REUNIONS.
From Printed Reports.
REUNION OF 1886.
THE numerous descendants of the Higley Family met by invitation of Mr. Jona-
than Higley (4th), Mr. Harrison Higley, and Mr. Thompson Higley, on September
I, 1886, in Windsor, Ashtabula County, O., at the residenceof the latter-named gen-
tleman, which is located in the northwestern part of the township, on the farm
cleared and first settled by the pioneer ancestor of the name, who emigrated from
Connecticut in 1802.
The representatives present were generally residents of the county, and included
all ages, from Mrs. Semira Frost, aged eighty-eight, to baby Bessie, daughter of
Greenleaf W. Higley, Esq., of New York, aged five months. Mr. Frank Higley
of Cleveland, O., was present also.
The large company, 216 in number, were cordially " Welcomed" by a beautiful
motto wrought in evergreen, and placed so as to be conspicuous from the public
road, indicative of the hospitality of the large-hearted host of the occasion, Mr.
Thompson Higley.
The weather was cool and delightful, all that could have been desired. Free
social enjoyment was the order of the day, enlivened by stories, jokes, and sports,
accompanied with hearty laughter ; relatives and kindred met who had heretofore
lived almost without a personal acquaintance or knowledge of each other, and for
the first time interchanged fraternal greetings. Mr. Hector Higley and his
daughter Luella delighted the audience by fine duets on the violin and organ ;
Mr. E. B. Alvord and Miss Eva Knapp entertained the company in like manner ;
several solos were well rendered, and a number joined in songs and choruses.
The sumptuous dinner which was served underneath the shade trees near the
house was the feature of the day. One hundred and sixteen sat together at the
bountiful and well-arranged meal. Cheerful matrons and bright-eyed damsels, and
men of all ages of Higley parentage and characteristic good hearts served those
seated, who in turn returned the pleasure. The good housewives vied with each
other in their superior skill in culinary art. It would be simply impossible to do
justice, through the/£«, to the chicken pies from the residence of Homer Higley,
Esq., which came to their perfection by the expert hands of his amiable wife, or to
the quantities of elegant cake made by the dextrous fingers of scores of women who
bear the name.
After the dinner was served the guests were called to order by Mr. Jonathan
Higley. Mr. Edgar Graves read a letter from the Hon. Warren Higley of New
York City, giving happy expression of his interest in the gathering. A unanimous
vote was passed inviting Judge Higley to address the Reunion next year.
7 H THE H1GLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Last, but not the least part of this very enjoyable occasion, was in reserve for the
evening. As the sun closed the day a large number of the guests accepted an
invitation, which had been kindly extended by Harrison Higley, Esq., and his wife,
to their cheerful home on the opposite side of the road, for refreshments and danc-
ing. Here the middle-aged renewed their youth and mingled with the young
people in treading the " light fantastic toe" until the wee hours of September 2,
thus bringing to a delightful close the Higley Reunion of 1886.
REUNION OF 1887.
The second Higley Reunion was held, in accordance with an announcement and
invitation extended last year, at the country residence of Mr. Greenleaf W. Higley,
in the town of Windsor, Ashtabula County, O., on September I, 1887.
Ample arrangements had been made for the accommodation and entertainment of
the numerous guests from other States. On the gentle slope of ground adjoining
the east side of the house, along which extended a broad piazza, was erected an arbor
seventy by eighty feet, completely covered and skirted around with green boughs,
and decorated with the national colors. Within this arbor were arranged the
tables, ornamented with flowers and fruits, and in front of these were placed seats,
for the accommodation of the audience while the speaking was in progress. In the
evening the arbor was beautifully lighted with Chinese lanterns.
The weather was especially propitious, and the morning hours were occupied in
welcoming the clans and introducing strangers to their kin.
A little before twelve o'clock Mr. Greenleaf W. Higley, in fitting terms, ex-
tended to his guests a hearty welcome, at the close of which he introduced Judge
Warren Higley of New York City, whose name next appeared on the programme
for the historical address. For an hour and a half the audience listened in rapt
attention while the speaker portrayed in vivid outline the history of the family
from the time Captain John Higley landed in old Windsor, on the banks of the
Connecticut, in 1666, to the present day. He contrasted the life and times of our
Colonial ancestors and of our pioneer grandfathers with those of to-day, and drew
lessons of wisdom from the puritanical training and the blue laws of Connecticut.
There were about four hundred present. Two hundred sat down to the first
table and were waited upon by forty young ladies and gentlemen of the Higley tribes,
the ladies wearing pretty caps, trimmed in bright ribbons, and the gentlemen
rosettes of colors to match.
Dinner over, short addresses were made in response to the sentiments proposed,
by Pomeroy Higley of Simsbury, Conn.; Milo H. Higley of Meigs County, O.;
Hon. B. S. Higley of Windham, O. ; Anson Higley of Batavia, N. Y. ; Frank
Higley of Cleveland, O. ; Hayden Higley of Raymond, N. H.: Coy Higley of
Merrimac, Mass.; Jonathan Higley of Windsor, O., and the Rev. C. L. Shipman
of Girard, Pa. Milo H. Higley exhibited a compass and cane which once belonged
to Captain John Higley, the founder of the family.
The exercises were interspersed with excellent music. Mrs. Greenleaf W.
Higley pleased the audience with a beautiful Scotch song. " Auld Lang Syne,"
with words admirably adapted to the occasion, arranged by Mrs. Mary Coffin John-
son, was sung by the audience with great spirit and feeling. In the evening young
APPENDIX. 715
and old joined in the dance, which was kept up until the "wee sma' hours o'
the morning."
The Reunion members of this large family came from Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa,
Indiana, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania,
and distant parts of Ohio. Mrs. M. C. Johnson was there, giving information of
different families and relationships, through the various branches, and' noting down
whatever she could learn of things new. She had spent most of the year in search-
ing old records, rummaging libraries, visiting Hartford, old Windsor, Simsbury,
Vermont, and other points, and carrying on an extensive correspondence in pursuit
of the necessary material to make up and weave into a Genealogical History of the
Higley Family. The following original poem was contributed by Mrs. Henry
Higley of New Windsor, 111. The second Reunion was unanimously voted an
eminent success.
A GREETING.
By Mrs. Abbie L. Higley.
Herewith send we cordial greeting
To the gathered Higley race ;
Large and joyful be the meeting,
At the purposed time and place.
From all sections let them rally,
Far as Maine and Oregon ;
From each mountain, plain, and valley,
Let the Higley host move on.
From our grand State's fertile prairies,
From its growing cities fair,
From it farmhouses and dairies,
May they all be gathered there.
Grandsires grave and wise and hearty,
Living honored lives and true ;
Join en masse the happy party,
And your lease of life renew.
And the gentle, dear grandmothers,
Whom all children love " the best ";
Now be joyous with the others ;
In your children's children blest.
And the fathers, nobly striving
On the battlefield of life,
Showing by a constant thriving
You are victors in the strife.
And the mothers ; name more holy
Than the titles of the earth ;
Lovely with the poor and lowly
• As with those of regal birth.
7l6 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
Youths, the hopes of future ages ;
Now in early manhood's prime ;
Born for statesmen, heroes, sages,
Your true mission is sublime.
And the brightly blooming maiden,
With her youthful beauty rare :
Pure as flower with fragrance laden,
All with one accord be there.
Little boys and girls so winning,
With your laughter, sport, and play ;
To its end from the beginning,
May you all enjoy the day.
" Babie Bessie," precious treasure,
Who unconscious acts her part ;
Adding to the common pleasure,
Waking love in every heart.
Length of days, undimmed by sorrow,
Virtue's joys each life attend.
Till in Heaven's eternal morrow
The " Reunion " ne'er will end.
September I, 1887.
HIGLEY REUNION, l88g.
" Could our ancestor have foreseen this gathering to-day,
It would have straightened many a path, smoothed many a rugged way ;
Have lent a solace to all grief, have lightened every pain,
And carried to his heart the truth that he'd not lived in vain."
On Thursday, the 5th of September, 1889, the third annual Reunion of the
Higleys, marking a gratifying era in the history of the wide-extended Family,
took place.
A general invitation having been sent far and near to all of the connection,
by Alfred M. Higley, Esq., and William A. Higley, of Windham, Portage
County, O., to meet at that place, a large assemblage of kindred and friends from
several different States convened on the above date and met a welcome in keeping
with^he characteristic true hospitality of the relatives and citizens of the town.
The Reunion, which was one of unusual interest, was held at the homestead of
Alfred M. Higley, on the old family estate of his father, Colonel Benjamin Higley,
who located there in 1811, the year that he emigrated with his young family to
Windham, from Becket, Mass.
For two days previous busy hands had been engaged in preparation. Two tents
had been erected on the front lawn, one for the historical and social exercises, and
the other for a dining apartment, with tables extending a length of 240 feet, in
ten sections, furnishing ample conveniences for the large audience of guests, a
bountiful display of flowers in every form and variety gracing the tables. The Ben-
33
O
APPENDIX. 717
jamin Higley and Joseph Higley tribes and the Alford branch of the clan joined
in the work of preparation, and the old homestead was admirably decorated with
evergreen wreaths and bouquets.
The arrangements for the dinner, which was served at 2 p. M., were an un-
paralleled success in the annals of rural feasts. Everything was on the scale of
simplicity and generous hospitality, for which the hosts and hostesses of the occasion
have a well-merited reputation. A drizzling fall of rain, which commenced just
as the guests were fairly seated at the tables, interfered to some extent with the
pleasures of that social hour.
There were, by careful estimate, fully three hundred present, among whom were
guests from New York City and Brooklyn, N. Y., and Boston, Mass.; Mr. Albert
C. Bates, from East Granby, Conn., and sixty others who came from Batavia, N. Y. ;
Cedar Rapids, la. : Windsor, Hartsgrove and vicinity, Ashtabula County, O. ; several
from Leipsic, Putnam County, also from Youngstown, Cleveland, and Rutland,
Meigs County, O. ; Braceville, Newton Falls, Nelson, Ravenna, Akron, O. ;
Marshall, Mich.; Conneautville, Pa., and many other localities.
The Windham Cornet Band, several of whom were from Higley families, ren-
dered fine music to enliven the occasion, and added much to the enjoyment of the
Reunion.
In the midst of fraternal greetings the formal exercises of the occasion were
opened at eleven o'clock, by the rendering of an attractive selection by the band.
Mr. Alfred M. Higley was president of the day. He spoke as follows :
" MY KINDRED, NEIGHBORS, AND FRIENDS :
" We most kindly and heartily welcome you to this gathering of kindred hoping
that it will prove a time spent pleasantly to all. This is a most fitting oppor-
tunity for the renewal of old friendships and to become better acquainted with
each other. -
" Seventy-eight years ago a dense forest covered these grounds at the time my
father, Benjamin Higley, built his log cabin on this spot for his then small family.
They had only the wild animals for their neighbors. Soon after Joseph Higley,
a cousin to my father, arrived from Becket, Mass., with his family, and from these
two households sprung the Windham, O., Higleys. In the same company came
several other families to make themselves homes in the wilderness. Among these
were the Alford brothers, whose descendants, our cousins, are here with us.
" Gathered around this old landmark to-day, the tribes of Joseph and Benjamin
extend to all our kindred here, our greeting — we most cordially welcome you to
participate in making this occasion pleasant, social, and profitable."
Letters from many who lived at a distance were received and read by Sheldon
F. Higley, Esq., of Geneva, O., from Hon. E. L. Lampson of Jefferson, O.;
Edward B. Higley of Spencer, la.; E. N. Higley, New York City ; Mr. and Mrs.
M. Brown of Osage, la.; D. B. Higley, Sterling, Kan.; Major M. A. Higley,
Cedar Rapids, la.; Mr. and Mrs. Coy Higley, Merrimac, Mass.; Mrs. William
J. Pease, Hartford, Conn.; Clark Higley, Tooele City, Utah ; Hayden Higley
and Mrs. Charles Shepard, Raymond, N. H.; H. W. Higley, Conconnolly, Wash.;
Mrs. J. E. Hamilton, Unionville, Conn.; Mrs. Stuart Worcester, Woodford, Me.;
and Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Higley of Decatur, Neb.
7*8 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
The chairman then introduced the Hon. Brainard S. Higley of Youngstown, O.,
who gave an admirable and carefully prepared address, which was received with
interest by his attentive hearers.
At this point, the dinner being announced, the large company adjourned to par-
take of the sumptuous repast. To the list of good things hearty justice was done,
and the guests mingled in social chat.
Dinner over, the audience gathered again in the large tent, and the band having
played inspiring airs, the president presented Mrs. Mary Coffin Johnson of Brook-
lyn, N. Y., who read a report of the progress of the expected volume, "The
Higleys and their Ancestry," in which marked interest was manifested.
This was followed by the poem of the day, entitled " Our Family Tree," which
met with much acceptance, written and read by Mrs. Mary Adams Bosley of
Johnstown, Pa., daughter of the late Sarah Ann Higley and William C. Adams
of Windham. Mrs. Bosley read her poem with fine effect, and was heartily
applauded.
Hon. Warren Higley of New York City was the next speaker. His scholarly
address, which was highly interesting to his listeners, was delivered in his usual
attractive voice and eloquent manner.
When Judge Higley had closed his speech, other speakers were called for —
Anson Higley, Esq., of Batavia, N. Y.; Milo H. Higley of Rutland, O.; W. W.
Higley of Cedar Rapids, la.; George T. Higley, Ashland, Mass.; Dr. Gordon of
Milan, O. ; and Sheldon F. Higley of Geneva, O. The last four responded with
spirited remarks, which were interrupted by frequent applause.
The exercises then closed.
The clan, one and all, united in a warm sense of appreciation of the indefatiga-
ble efforts and kind attentions of the Windham kinspeople to make the occasion
enjoyable ; and take pleasure in making special mention of Mr. William A.
Higley, who left nothing omitted which could contribute to the successful issue of
the fourth annual Reunion and make the best of fellowship prevail. Long will
they be remembered.
HIGLEY REUNION, 1890.
A reunion of the descendants of Captain John Higley, under the efficient
arrangements made by the local committee, Messrs. Pomeroy Higley, H. W.
Goddard, and Albert C. Bates, was held near the ancestral homestead, in Simsbury,
Conn., August 20 and 21, 1890.
There was a notable gathering of about three hundred representatives of the dif-
ferent clans, from twelve States of the Union, in the old First Church, on the spot
where the early Higleys were accustomed to worship.
The exercises were opened with prayer by the Rev. Arza Hill, pastor of the
Methodist Church, followed by a cordial and eloquent " Address of Welcome,"
on behalf of the citizens, by the Rev. Horace Winslow, D. D., pastor of the
church in which the company was assembled. Professor Edwin Hall Higley of
Vermont conducted the music.
The first day was devoted to literary exercises, which were of a most interesting
character, and happily interspersed with excellent music. The papers read and
the addresses given were naturally historical, and were contributed by Professor
APPENDIX. 719
Edwin Hall Higley of Groton, Mass. ; Dr. William Frederick Holcombe of New
York: George T. Higley, A. M., of Ashland, Mass.; Mary Coffin Johnson of
Brooklyn, N. Y.; Miss Emma L. Higley of Middlebury, Vt. ; Abbie L. Higley
of New Windsor, 111., a poem ; and Hon. Warren Higley of New York City.
The citizens of Simsbury in a most friendly manner entertained the guests at an
elaborate dinner in the town hall, and otherwise extended a true and cordial
hospitality.
On Thursday, the 2ist, all joined in a pre-arranged excursion by carriage to
Captain John Higley's old estate, Dr. Samuel Higley's historic copper mine, the
old Newgate prison, and thence to Bartlett's Tower, on a lofty height of the Tal-
cott Mountains, where a most excellent New England clam-bake was served to the
hungry crowd.
The two days' reunion proved in every respect most enjoyable. The following
verses selected for the occasion were sung with enthusiasm :
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And days of Auld Lang Syne ?
For Auld Lang Syne, my friends,
For Auld Lang Syne,
We'll join the hand of kindness now,
For Auld Lang Syne.
Our fathers here their dwellings reared
In social life combined,
These swelling fields their labors cleared
For Auld Lang Syne.
For Auld Lang Syne, etc.
Those ancient homes they guarded well,
And stood by freedom's shrine ;
And many a fearless warrior fell
In days of Auld Lang Syne.
For Auld Lang Syne, etc.
And we were nursed amid these hills
And in these vales reclined ;
But we have wandered far away
Since days of Auld Lang Syne.
For Auld Lang Syne, etc.
We've roamed across the prairie wild,
The mountain pass have climbed,
And placed the schoolhouse in the wild
Since days of Auld Lang Syne.
For Auld Lang Syne,, etc.
720 THE HIGLEYS AND THEIR ANCESTRY.
We've mingled in the city's strife,
We've delved within the mine ;
And braved the ocean's stormy waves,
Since days of Auld Lang Syne.
For Auld Lang Syne, etc.
Our sturdy sires of yore have gone,
And kinsfolk in their prime ;
The lov'd and good have disappeared
Since days of Auld Lang Syne.
For Auld Lang Syne, etc.
We'll part again to distant scenes,
And leave this hallowed shrine ;
But oft we'll think with grateful praise
Of days of Auld Lang Syne.1
For Auld Lang Syne, etc.
1 By Rev. H. Goodwin, 1851.
INDEX.
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
Abell, Mary A. Higley (1834), 693;
her children, 693
Abrams, Harriet Higley (1821), 498
Adams, Benjamin Higley (1833),
sketch of Civil War record, 334;
Sarah Ann Higley (1817), 334;
children of, 334
Adirondack League Club, 215
Alcott, Clarissa Higley Robertson
(1826), 431; her children, 431
Alderman, Almira Higley, 347
Alford, Amasa, 177; Asahel, 178;
Elijah, Sr., 176; Elijah, Jr. (1757),
177, 178,301, 307; Elijah, 3d (1780),
178; Elijah, 4th (of Windom, O.),
178; Oliver (1798), 178, 308; Levi
(1798), 178, 308; Ruth (1784), 178;
Rebecca Owen (1744), 378
Allen, Charles Ethan (1871); Emma
Ormsby, 302; Elizabeth Higley
(1824) 273; Harriet Ann Higley
(1844), 291 ; her children, 291 ; Lucy
Higley (1824), 628
Allinson, Charles, 268; Louisa Hig-
ley Cogley, sketch of, 267
Ames, Alvira Higley (1837), 415 ;
her children, 415
American Forestry Congress .found-
ing of, 213
Archer, Lucinda Higley, 181
Atkins, Pluma Higley (1848). 552
Ballow, Ursula Higley, 657
Bancroft, Elizabeth Higley (1677),
9i
Barber, Ann, wife of Jona. Higley,
89; Azubah Brown (1760), 379; Han-
nah Higley (1773), 394; Lieut.
Thomas, 89
Barbour, Harriet R. Higley (1815),
219
Barge, Adeline Higley Terry (1825),
205
Barnard, Jane Higley (1839), 569 ;
her children, 569 ; Sally Higley
(1785), 225 ; children of, 225
Bates, Albert (1804), 201 ; Albert C.
(1865), sketch of, 223, 224 ; Alfred
(1815), 224 ; Amelia Higley (1779);
sketch of, 220, 221 ; Anson (1799),
221 ; Carlos (1808), sketch of, 221,
223 ; Daniel (1800), 221 ; Milton
(1810), 224
Bay, Susan Higley (1822), 275
Bayard, Eva A. (1858), 655
Bell, Ernestine (1859), 579 '< Eunice
Higley (1827), 578 ; Frederick A.
(1857), 579 ; Garland A. (1890),
579 ; Harry E. (1888), 579 ; Lynn
(1891), 579 ; Reuben R. (1866), 579 ;
Thompson Higley (1854), 578
Benson, Mary Ann Higley, 398
Bissell, Sarah Strong (1666), 63
Bingham, Alvina (1826), 273 ; Emma
N. (1861), 277 ; Harriet Higley
(1793), 273 ; Lucius H. (1819), 273 ;
Samuel N. (1831), 273
Bird, Ellen M. Higley (1828), 685 ;
her children, 685
Blackburn, Nellie Button (1863), 404
Blackman, Susannah Higley (1705),
49
Blair, Mary S. Frost (1834), 494
Blodgett, Elizabeth Higley, 231
Borden, Lucinda Brown (1765), 379
Borradaile, Charles Higley (1856),
202 ; Julietta (1825), 202; her chil-
dren, 202
Bosley, Mary Ann (1850), sketch of,
335
Bradbury.MollieE. Higley (i8so),i83
Brewster, Katherine (of England),
i ; Philena Higley (1787), sketch
of, 297, 298 ; her children, 298, 299
Briggs, Louisa Higley, 230 ; chil-
dren of, 230
721
722
INDEX.
British prison-ships, 409, 410, 434
Bromley, Mary Higley (1851), 407
Brown, Abiel (1776), 379 ; Charlotte
Higley (1827), 646 ; Hannah Owen
(1740), sketch of, 378 ; John (1800),
sketch of, 380, 389 ; grandson of
Hannah Higley Owen and Eliza-
beth Higley Mills, 380; removed to
Ohio, 380; first marriage, Dianthe
Lusk, 380; second marriage, Mary
Anne Day, 381; some prominent
characteristics, 382; eulogy of Hon.
Frederick Douglass, 384; abolition
principles, 383, 384; incidents after
his arrest, 385; his last letter, 388;
his execution and burial, 386;
slaves of America liberated, 389;
testimonials, 389; Judge Freder-
ick (1769), 379; Owen (1771), 379
Browne, Galen Higley (1872), 414 ;
Mary Higley (1840), 414
Buck, Edna B. Higley (1805), 711 ;
Lucy G. Higley (1836), 608
Bulkley , Maud K. Francis (1873), 433
Bull, Mindwell (1775), 166
Burdock, Anna Higley (1806), sketch
of, 694
Burge, Helen Higley (1833), sketch
of, 625; Howard Higley (1859), 625
Burleigh, Anna M. Higley, 297
Butts, Amanda Higley (1811), 672
Bybee, Adelia Higley (1854), 438 ;
her children, 438
Cady, Emma Louisa, 194 ; Fluvia
A. Higley (1844), 194
California, early days of, 677
Campbell, Anne Higley (1764), 241 ;
children of, 241 ; Frances E.
(1846), 272
Carpenter, Clarissa Bingham, 273 ;
Fred. Cyril (1866), 705
Carr, Amelia M. Higley (1841), 710 ;
Betsey A. Higley (1819), 646 ;
Henry Joseph (1870), 710
Carter, Melissa Higley, 198
Case, Austin, 397 ; Capt. Josiah,
390 ; Dency Higley (1803), 397 ;
Esther Brown (1762), 379 ; Eunice
Higley, 345 ; children of, 345 ;
Gen. Jarvis, 391 ; Hester Higley
(1719), sketch of, 390 ; children of,
390, 391 ; Huldah Higley (1750),
sketch of, 231 ; children of, 231 ;
Mary Theresa Higley (1808), 352 ;
Miranda Higley, 345 ; Ruth Hig-
ley (1765), 286 ; Sally Higley
(1787), 417
Castleton, Vt., early settlement of,
172
Caswell, Zeruah Higley (1805),
sketch of, 264
Cavendar, Amanda Bingham, 273
Chipman, Mary A. Higley (1839),
668
Church controversies, 51
Clark, Abigail S. Higley (1809), 302 ;
her children, 302 ; Addie L. Hig-
ley', 273 ; Dorcas Higley (1843),
439 ; her children, 439 ; Edward
A. (1870), 338 ; Elizabeth Ann
Higley (1850), 439 ; her children,
439 ; Jennie W. Atkins (1868),
552 ; John B. (1838), 302 ; Sarah
M. Higley (1847), 338
Cloes, Luella Higley (1865), 554
Coe, Anna Higley (1774), 675 ; Anna
Higley (1798), 686
Cogley, Thomas S., 268
Coles, Ruth Higley (1772), 645
Collins, Sylvia Higley (1784), 593
Colton, N. Y., founding of, 669
Colton, Robert McKown, M. D.
(1849), sketch of, 322 ; Sarah E.
Higley (1834), 321
Comes, Lydia Higley (1873), 565
Company, Connecticut Land, 480
Connecticut Blue Laws, 16
Cooper, Ann E. Higley (1838), 705
Cope, Emma Lucinda Carr (1873), 711
Copper, the Higley, 126, 130 ; mine,
the Higley, 125
Cossett, Elvira Higley, 347
Coult, Jonathan Higley, 89 ; Mercy
Higley, 89
" Costumes and Annals of Fashion,"
extracts from, 102
Crandall, Amariah (1821), 581 ; his
children, 581 ; Franklin (1817),
581 ; Lydia Higley (1719), 581
Creagan, Elizabeth S. Higley, 227
Cross, Zeruah Higley (1784), 266 ;
her children, 266
Cruse, Harriet Higley (1851), 542 ;
Lawrence A. (1889), 543
Curtis, Adeline Higley (1829), 419 ;
George W., 194; Juliette E. (1851),
194 ; children of, 194 ; Sally Hig-
ley (1817), 419 ; Martha P. Higley
(1815), 302 ; her children, 302
Daniels, Rebecca Kempton (1841),
433
Darling-Ufford, Sylvia Jane (1822),
sketch of, 597
Davenport, Cynthia Higley, 272
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
INDEX.
723
Day, Orpah M. Higley (1814), 712 ;
her children, 712
Day of solemn humiliation and
prayer, 38
Dean, Henry Charles (1885), 376 ;
Lee P. (1875), 376 ; Naomi Higley
(1791), 189 ; Seraph E. Maltbie
(1882), 376 ; Willard Parker (1879),
376
Decker, Almeron (1852), sketch of,
558, 559 ; Martha Higley (1828), 557
Denison, lola Higley (1778), 265 ;
her children, 265
Dewey, Louisa Higley (1855), sketch
of, 619
De Wolf, Esther Higley (1743),
sketch of, 184
Dinsmore, Addie F. Higley, 230
Dimond, Carrie J. Higley, 371
Dinsmore, Naomi Louisa Higley,
230
Doolittle, Amanda M. Watrous
(1825), 605 ; Eliza M. Watrous
(1829), 605
Doubleday, Fidelia Higley, 198
Douglass, Adelaide H. Burge (1855),
625
Drake, Elizabeth, 24, 44, 45, 46 ;
John, Sr., 8, 14 ; John, the Ameri-
can colonist, 20 ; family of, 19
Driggs, Millicent Husted "(I8n).
592 ; children of, 592
Drinking customs, 165
Duel, Clarinda Higley (1783), 623 ;
her children, 623
Duncan, Edward Higley, 265: Fan-
nie Denison, 265 ; Francis Le
Count, 265 ; William C., 265
Duncklee, Mary A. Higley (1799),
672
Dunwell, Martha A. Kinney (1849),
540
Durand, Cassius H., 672; Charity
Higley (1795), sketch of, 671 ; her
children, 671 ; James A. (1825),
672
Durham, Myra Higley (1857), 593
Dye, Electa P. (1849), sketch of ,
611 ; Sarah Higley (1825), sketch
of, 610
Earl, Edwin D. (1841), Civil War
record, 293 ; Orlando L. (1838),
Civil War record, 293 ; his wife,
Emily J. Cutts ; children of, 293;
Eliza Dewey Higley (1812), sketch
of, 289, 293
Early schools, in Colonial times, 157
Eaton, Lucy Marilla Higley (1849),
194 ; children of, 194
Education, The higher, of women ;
views of President Timothy
Dwight, 617
Eggleston, Emma J., 202 ; children
of, 202
Ellis, Mary E. Higley, 599
English, Harriet, 268 ; Harry Hig-
ley, 268; Melvin,268; Sidney San-
derson, 268
Estes, Benjamin W. (1823), 629 ;
Cyrus H. (1836), 629; Elihu B.
(1828), 629; Esther Higley (1796),
sketch of, 629 ; her children, 629 ;
Norman F. (1833), 629
Evans, Frances Higley (1819), 351,
38i
Events in English history, 1660-
1665, 28, 29
Ewing, Adelia M.
711
g, Adelia M. Higley (1841),
; her children, 711; Earl, 268;
Lydenham, 268; Mary Jane Cog-
ley, 268 ; Maud, 268
Fairbanks, Eliza Ann Husted (1805),
591 ; her children, 591
Family, the Higley, of England,
I, 2
Fenn, Carrie Higley (1862), 431
Filer, Lieutenant Walter, 139
Fitch, Captain Nathaniel, 136 ;
Mindwell Higley-Tisdale (1689),
135
Forbush, Harvey Wright (1869), 650
Forman, Mary W. Higley Clark
(1816), 302 ; her children, 302
Forward, Abigail Higley (1772),
sketch of, 492 ; her children, 493 ;
Samuel, Sr. (1752), 492
Fowles, Ella Irene Marcy, 303
Frampton, Esther L. Estes (1831),
629
Francis, Jennie Kempton (1848), 433
Frear, Mary Ann McEwen (1845),
405
Freece, Marion B. Higley (1861),
592
Freeman, Elizabeth J. Higley (1837),
sketch of, 613 ; Fred. W., M. D.
(1857), 618
Frost, BentonC. (1840), 494 ; Charles
(1819), 493 ; Elmer (1826), 494 ;
Frank (1821), 494 ; John (1823),
494 ; Madison (1829), 494 ; Maria
Powell, his wife, 494 ; their chil-
dren, 494 ; Semira Forward (1798),
sketch of, 493 ; her children, 493
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
INDEX.
Galloway, Clayton Higley (1893),
424 ; Lauraett Higley (1858), 424
Gates, Elizabeth P. Higley (1836),
397 ; Emma Higley (1870), 706
Geer, Helen Higley, 198 ; children
of, 198
Gillet, Julia E. Higley (1846), 619 ;
her children, 619
Gladwin, Ida V. Higley (1861), 426
Glaze, Jane Terry (1856), 204
Goddard, Albert E. (1846), 191 ;
Caroline Nancy (1823), sketch of,
loo ; Henry N". (1843), sketch of,
191 ; Lucius A. (1844), sketch of,
191
Gordon, Emma J. Higley (1863), 203
Goff, Theda Higley (1789), 417
Goodale, Emma C. Higley (1822),
667; her children, 667; Francis
W. (1845), 667 ; William H. (1848),
667
Gooding, Anna Wiswell, 582
Gordon, John Emery (1884), 203
Gorton, Catherine E. Harrison
(1849), 302 ; her children, 302
Goodrich, Mary E. Higley (1838),
322 ; her children, 323
Gould, Martha McEwen (1854), 405
Graham, Gunelda Higley, 345
Grant, Mary Corinthia White (1808),
570
Graves, Edgar (1849), sketch of,
546 ; Mary Higley (1813), 545 ; her
children, 545, 547 ; Oswin, 546 ;
Keziah Higley (1815), 546 ; Wal-
lace, Civil War record, 546 ; Wil-
bur, 545
Gray, Mary Ann Higley, 350
Green, Albert Joseph (1868), 364 ;
Charles M. (1858), 363 ; Frank
Higley (1854), 363 ; Gep. Higley
(1845), 363 ; Louisa Maria Higley
(1827), sketch of, 362, 363 ; her
children, 363 ; Robert Abiel (1862),
364 ; William W. (1850), 363
Gridley, Betsey Higley (1823), 578
Griffen, Deborah Higley Carr(i747),
281
Griswold, Edward, 47 ; Solomon
(1754), 503
Grover, Julia Higley, 277
Guernsey, Esther Higley (1775),
264 ; children of, 265 ; lola Deni-
son, 265 ; Sarah, 265 ; Solomon
K. (1798), 265
Hale, Laura Higley (1792), 581
Hall, Laura A. Higley (1847), 706
Halliday, Anne Higley (1738), 281
Hamilton, Flora E. Ward (1861),
207 ; J. E., Mrs., 196
Hammond, Jane Higley, Cornish
(1817), 197
Hardy, Mary Jane Higley (1847),
439
Harker-Partridge, Puella Higley
(1786), 594 ; children of, 593
.Harris, Mary Elizabeth Higley
(1839), 685 ; Sylvia Higley (1779),
656
Hart-Forbush, Eliza Higley (1845),
650 ; her children, 650
Haskins, Clarissa Higley (1772), 375 ;
her children, 375
Hathaway, Harriet Sanderson
(1845), 269 ; her children, 269
Hawkins, Candace Higley, 411
Hayes, Daniel, captured by Indians,
70
Hays, Betsey Higley, 352 ; Charles
and Morgan, twins (1820), 376 ;
Edward (1815), 376 ; Eunice Hig-
ley, 345 ; Frederick, 376 ; George,
376 ; Martha Higley, 352 ; her
children, 352 ; Sarah Higley (1781),
sketch of, 352, 375
Hibbard, Lydia J. Higley (1836),
sketch of, 704 ; her children, 705
Higley, Aaron (1826), sketch of, 555;
Abiah Alonzo (1867), 438 ; Abiel
(1789), sketch of, 354, 358 ; his
wife, Prudence Crane, 354 ; chil-
dren of, 358 ; emigrated to Iowa,
355 ; pioneer life, 356, 357
Higley, Abigail Thorp (1703), 147 ;
Abraham, 657 ; Achsah (1880), 565 ;
Achsah (1877), 250; Addison (1837),
192 ; Eliza J. McNash, first wife,
192 ; Jennie A. Lampman, second
wife, 192; children of, 192; Addison
N. (1835), sketch of, 527; Adelaide
T., 531 ; Adelaide M., M. D.
(1862), 184 ; Adeline Simpson,
273 ; Adin M. (1875), 192 ; Augus-
tus (1819), 227 ; Alanson (1808),
398 ; married Mary Carl ton, 398 ;
children of, 398
Higley, Albert (1834), 198; Albert P.
(1870), 195; Albert (1881), 706; Al-
bert A. (1845), Civil War record,
sketch, 399 ; Albert E. (1841), Civil
War, sketch, 630 ; Albert Harvey
(1872), 362 ; Albert R., 435 ; Albert
William, 699 ; Alfred, 76 ; Alfred
Dewey (1882), 699; Alfred M.(i822),
sketch of, 335, 338 ; his wife, Mary
NOTE. — The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
INDEX.
725
R. Knapp, 335 ; Civil War record,
336 ; children of, 338 ; Alfred M.
(1867), 592 ; Alfred V. (1849),
sketch of, 607 ; children of, 607 ;
Algernon (1833), 351; Allen (1809),
sketch of, 544 ; Allen Edward
(1872), 527 ; Allen H. (1870), 195 ;
Almira (1809), 672 ; Altnon (1816),
226 ; Almou (1804), 629 ; Alonzo,
M. D. (1820), sketch of, 599; Alson
(1793), sketch of, 418 ; prisoner of
war, 1812, 418 ; his children, 419 ;
Alva (1838), 407; Alvin L., 646;
Alvin, 191 ; Amarett H. (1888),
529 ; Amy (1875), 568 ; Andrew
Nelson (1833), 435 ; Anne (1864),
425 ; Anson (1811), sketch of, 413 ;
his children, 414 ; Anson, 607 ;
Anson Holbrook (1874), 414; Arodi
(1770), 675, 687 ; his children, 687 ;
Artemas J. (1851), sketch of, 272 ;
Arthur Herman (1861), 270 ; Ar-
thur Lucien (1868), sketch of,
297 ; Arthur Stanley (1861), 338 ;
his wife, Alta E. 'Hudson, 339 ;
children of, 339
Higley, Asa, Lieutenant, ist (1745),
sketch of, 340, 341 ; his wife,
Eunice Colton, 341 ; children of,
342 ; soldier of the War of Revo-
lution, 341 ; commissioned lieu-
tenant, 341; Asa, Captain, 2d (1771),
sketch of, 342 ; his wife, Ruth
Kendall, 342 ; children of, 343 ;
Austin (1830), Civil War sketch, 206
Higley, Benjamin, Colonel (1777),
sketch of, 301, 304, 318; his
wife, Sally McKown, 305; chil-
dren of, 318 ; teacher, 304 ;
visited Governor Strong, 305 : one
of purchasers of township in
Ohio, 306 ; organization of First
Congregational church at Win-
dom, O., 307 ; emigrated to
Ohio, 307 ; first town meeting,
309 ; first school opened, 310 ;
military service, 310 ; war of
1812, 311, 312 ; church matters,
314 ; exciting adventures, 315,
316 ; his death, 318
Higley, Benjamin S.(i83i), Civil War
sketch, 608 ; Benjamin Sheldon
(1890), 331 ; Bertha L. and Lena
M.,4ig; Betsey Maria (1793), 351 ;
Brainard S., Hon. (1837), sketch
of, 289, 291; his wife, Isabella R.
Stevens, 290 ; children of, 291 ;
Brainard Spencer, Jr. (1871), 291
Higley, Brewster, Sr. (1680), sketch
of, 99-103 ; Brewster, 2d (1709),
sketch of, 162, 168 ; military serv-
ice, 166; Brewster, 3d (1734), sketch
of, 169, 175 ; appointed constable,
169 ; married Esther Owen, 169 ;
children of, 171 ; settled at Sims-
bury, 169 ; deacon, 170 ; clerk of
train band, 170 ; removed to Ver-
mont, 171 ; Ft. Ticonderoga, 172;
incidents of the War of Revolu-
tion, 173 ; his death, 174
Higley, Brewster, 4th (1759), sketch
of, 233, 242 ; Naomi Higley, his
wife, sketch of, 156, 238, 240, 286 ;
their children, 241; soldier of the
Revolution, 233, 234 ; (served
under Ethan Allen) ; pioneer of
State of Ohio, 235 ; early days in
the wilderness, 236; appointed jus-
tice of the peace, 237 ; appointed
associate judge, 237 ; Brewster,
6th, M. D. (1823), sketch of, 269 ;
Brewster, 7th (1854), 270; Brewster
Asa (1836), sketch of, 343, 344 ;
his wife, Ida Stephenson, 344 ;
Brewster O., professor (1859),
276 ; Burrell Alfred (1850), 338 ;
Burt P. (1872), 278 ; Burton O.
(1842), 417
Higley, C. Wesley (1828), 630; Ca-
milla (1850), 198; Carl (1879),
277 ; Carrie May (1871), 194 ; Carl
W. (1886), 230 ; Carlo (1791), 436 ;
Carlos (1838), 628 ; his children,
628 ; Carmi (1749), Revolutionary
soldier, 409, 410 ; Carmi, 2d (1775),
410 ; Carmi, 3d (1810), 411; Cecilia
(1830), 522 ; Charity (1756), 660 ;
Charles (1806), 686 ; Charles, (son
of John, 3d) (1817), 406 ; Charles
(1825), 600 ; his children, 600 ;
Charles (1838), sketch of, 529,
531 ; Charles (1866), sketch of,
557 ; Charles, Jr., 531 ; Charles
(1868), 192 ; Charles (1877), 699 ;
Charles A. (1863), 426 ; Charles A.
(1865), 628 ; Charles C., 269 ; his
children, 269 ; Charles D. (1806),
sketch of, 630 ; his children, 630 ;
Charles Denton (1865), 197 ;
Charles Edwin, 620 ; Charles
Eugene (1854), 692 ; Charles
Homer (1833), 683 ; Charles M.
(1831), 685 ; Charles Mason (1880),
667 ; Charles W., M. D. (1831),
277 ; Charles W. (1850), 294 ;
Charles Washington (1859), 438 ;
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
47
726
INDEX.
Charles Wellington (1866), 365 ;
Charles Wesley (1827), war
sketch of, 624, 625 ; his children,
625 ; Charles William (1864),
sketch of, 297 ; Charles Windsor
(1874), 541 ; Charles Wright
(1835), 296 ; Chauncey (1799),
sketch of, 203 ; Margaret Head,
his wife, 204; children of, 204, 205
Higley, Chauncey, 198 ; Chauncey
King (1815), 593 ; Chester (1807),
sketch of, 207 ; Prudence Miller,
his wife, 208; Clara (1884), 277;
Clarence, 269; Clarence H., 231;
Clarence Pinkney (1869), 425 ;
Clark (1813), sketch of, 695-699 ;
his children, 699 ; Claude (1887),
273; Clayton W. (1850), 431;
Clyde S. (1880), 273 ; Collins Jacob
(1829), sketch of, 208 ; Columbus
(1813), 248; Cora E. (1882), 277;
Clifford W. (1869), 194 ; Clinton
A. (1859), 295 ; Count Sobieski
(1839), 195; Correll (1796), war
of 1812, 427 ; Coy (1815), sketch
of, 405 ; Cumberland W. (1805),
sketch of, 301 ; Ciirtis Divine
(1817), sketch of, 595 ; his wife,
Sarah C. Buell, 595 ; their chil-
dren, 595 ; Cynthia (1797), 182 ;
Cyrus (1887), 270
Higley, Daniel, Lieutenant (1738),
sketch of, 635, 644; married Ruth
, 635 ; their children, 644; sol-
dier of the Revolution, 636 ; emi-
grated to Vermont, 637 ; early set-
tler of Marlboro, 638; his will, 644;
Dan (1759), 621; Dan (1789), 407;
Daniel, Jr. (1768), 645; Dan (1804),
sketch of, 691; married Nancy
Bentley, 692; their children, 692;
Daniel Roswell (1794), 606; chil-
dren of, 606; Daniel, 3d (1807),
550; Daniel (1819), 197; Daniel
Chauncey (1839), sketch of, 651-
653; Daniel G. (1842), 693; Daniel
(1849), 698; Daniel, 608, Daniel
Levi, 197; Darwin, 627; David,
ist (1712), sketch of, 280; married
Anna Owen, 280; held public
offices, 281; noted athlete, 281;
David, 2d (1745), sketch of, 282;
married Mary Higley, 282; David
(1769), 326; David, 3d, 282, 283,
478; married Olive Allen, 283;
David (1832), sketch of, 670;
David Mack (1858), 333; his wife,
Lucretia R. Cannon, 333; Deacon
Obed, Sr. (1757), sketch of, 416;
a Revolutionary soldier, 416; his
children, 41 7 ; Delavan, 227; Deni-
son J. (1853), 197; Dennis B.
(1849), 272; Dexter (1856), 554;
Dinah (1732), 673; Donald Sturgis
(1884), 361; Dudley, ist (1730),
sketch of, 632-633; his children,
633; Dudley, 2d (1770), sketch of,
626; children of, 627; Dwight, 645;
Dwight, 657
Higley, Edward J. (1875), 195 ; Ed-
ward Emory (1853), 359 ; Edward
S. (1862), 278 ; Edward B. (1832),
sketch of, 320 ; his wife, Julia N.
Clark, sketch of, 321 ; Edward,
531 ; Edward Helm (1851), 692 ;
Edwin E. (1864) ; Edwin E.,
627 ; Edwin (1793), 436 ; Edwin
(1825), sketch of, 227, 228 ; Louisa
White, ist wife, 228 ; Susan H.
Thompson, 2d wife (1836), 228 ;
Edwin Roswell (1827), 435; Edwin
(1831), 426; Edwin (1833), 437; Ed-
win R. (1829), 205; Catherine De-
var, ist wife, 205; children of, 205
Higley, Edwin Hall, Professor
(1843), sketch of, 258; entered
college, 259 ; service in Civil War,
259 ; sergeant, lieutenant, cap-
tain, major, 259 ; war prisoner
in Libby Prison, 260 ; mustered
out of service, 260 ; graduated
from college, 260 ; musician, 261 ;
professor Greek and German, 260 ;
Eben N. (1843), sketch of, 398,
399 ; his children, 399 ; Civil War
record, 398 ; Ebenezer, Professor
(1807), 301-302 ; Eber (1763),
sketch of, War of Revolution,
434-435 ; Eber (1808), 413 ; Ed-
mund B. (1809), sketch of, 709 ;
married Lucy Merrill, 709 ; their
children, 710 ; Eli Lee (1876), 699 ;
Elihu (1788), sketch of, 182; Elihu,
699
Higley, Elijah, Jr. (1784), sketch of,
700-703 ; married, ist, Lydia Pad-
dleford, 700 ; married, 2d, Electa
Baldwin, 702 ; their children, 702 ;
Elijah (1809), sketch of, 651 ; mar-
ried Rosanna Adams, 651 ; their
children, 651 ; Elijah Franklin
(1835), 651 ; Elisha, 662 ; Eliza-
beth Higley Bancroft (1677),
sketch of, 91 ; Indian troubles,
92 ; life at Westfield, Mass., 93 ;
Eliza Bowen (1816), 303 : Eliza-
NOTE. — The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
INDEX,
727
beth (1882), 654 ; Elizabeth Alice
(1886), 542; Elliot, 646; Elmer
Abiel (1856), sketch of, 361 ; El-
mer (1861), 568 ; Ellis Irvin, 699 ;
Elodine (1840), 593 ; Elodine V.
(1881), 593; Elin (1858), 580;
Edith Theresa (i 889), 654 ; Elmer
A. (1862), 192; Elmer, Rev. (1867),
sketch of, 206; Elon, 627 ; Elphon-
20(1821), 593; Ehvood John (1894),
540 ; Emily B. (1840), 198 ; Emily
T., 693 ; Emily M. (1846), 293 ;
EmmaL.,75; Emily M. (1846), 293
Higley, Emory (1843), sketch of,
531 ; Emory, 631 ; Emma L.,
75 ; Emma Little (1834), sketch
of, 254; Emmeline (1810), 248;
Emulus, 672 ; Emulus (1825), 206 ;
Enoch (1754), sketch of, 162, 231 ;
his children, 232 ; Enos Jones
(1796), 599; Ensign Isaac (1707),
sketch of, 153 ; early founder of
Torrington, Conn., 156; social
status of, 154 ; Erastus (1772),
sketch of, 243-247; his wife, Esther
Ann Guernsey, 243 ; children of,
247 ; judge of Probate Court,
245 ; church relations, 246 ; Eras-
tus (1822), 419 ; Erastus D. (1816),
sketch of, 632 ; Erastus (1812), 196;
Estelle (1859), 270 ; Estes Howe
(1802), 672 ; Esther Ann (1808),
sketch of, 248; Everett (1880),
270 ; Eugene G. (1855), 376 ; Ezra
Coggswell (1810), sketch of, 292 ;
his wife, Amanda A. Messenger,
292 ; children of, 292; Ezra Marvin
(1834), 192
Higley, Fanny (1795), 582 ; Fausta
(1841), 599 ; Festus (1814), 411 ;
Flora E. (1853), sketch of, 655 ;
Florence Blanche, 372 ; Florence
(1878), 273 ; Florence C. (1885),
230 ; Florence Permelia (1866),
203 ; Francis A. (1872), 699; Frank,
(son of Aaron), 556 ; Frank (1862),
628 ; Frank (1872), 195 ; Frank,
607 ; Frank Almon (1869), 227 ;
Frank E. (1854), 230 ; Frank E.
(1860), 435 ; Frank H. (1880), 293 ;
Frank Horton (1860), 184; Frank
T. (1861), sketch of, 628 ; Franklin
Monroe (1846), 711 ; Franklin
Spencer (1873), 438 ; Fred. (1868),
206; Fred. (1859), 628; Fred. A.,
194; Fred A. (1877), 230; Fred-
erick C. (1869), 693 ; Fred.
Mitchell (1888), 361 ; Frank S.
(1869), 294 ; Frederick W. (1819),
593 ; Freeman Dewey, 699 ; Free-
man D. (1843), 699 ; his children,
699
Higley, George (1803), 439; George
(1823), 646 ; his children, 646 ;
George (1824), 419 ; George (1872),
291 ; George, 646 ; George A.
(1830), 184 ; George A., Jr. (1864),
184 ; George Byron (1823), 408 ;
George Daniel (1844), 705 ; Civil
War sketch, 705 ; George E.
(1856), 419; his -children, 419;
George E., Jr. (1880), 419 ;
George E. 650 ; George Edwin
(1857), 438 ; George Edwin
(1871), 435 ; George Franklin
(1859), 625; George H. (1845), 698;
George Henry (1884), 294; George
Miller (1831), 208; George O., Pro-
fessor (1858), 628; George O., 699
Higley, George Trask (1837),
sketch of, 649-650 ; married
Rosina Smith, 649 ; Civil War
record, 649 ; admitted to the bar,
649 ; George W. (1820), Civil War
sketch, 606 ; children of, 607 ;
George W. (1831), sketch of, 437-
438 ; George Watson (1830), 667 ;
Gery (1876), 706 ; Gertrude E.
(1866), sketch of, 670 ; Gilbert,
Lieutenant (1823), sketch of, 347 ;
his wife, Ann Eliza Norment, 347 ;
children of, 348 ; Confederate War
record, 347 ; Gilbert A. (1844),
593 ; Gilbert P. (1863), 348 ; Gil-
man Smith (1837), Civil War
sketch, 406; his children, 406;
Gordon (1872), 554; Grace (1876),
227 ; Greenleaf W. (1845), sketch
of, 533-542 ; his wife, Helen Simp-
son, 538, 539 ; their children, 540
Higley, Hannah Drake, sketch of,
60; Harlan (1839), Civil War rec-
ord, 404; Harlow (1802), 193;
Harlow, 693; Harold (1808), 345;
Harold Arthur (1878), 203; Har-
riet, 657; Harrison (1834), sketch
of, 562-564; Harrison E. (1871),
565; Harvey (1819), 699; Harvey
Douglass (1882), 361; Harvey
Grant (1824), sketch of, 360; his
wife, Anne Bishop Bristol, 361;
children of, 361; Harvey Warren
(1867), 699; Harry (of Portland,
Oregon), 699; Harry (1861), 230;
Hayden (1810), sketch of, 401-403;
Hector (1822), sketch of, 552-554
KOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
728
INDEX.
Higley, Henry Anson (1832), sketch
of, 523-526 ; Henry Allen, M. D.
(1866), sketch of, 526; Helen M.
(1847), 198; Helen Ruth (1876), 541;
Henry (1827), 612; Henry B.,
193; Harry Dowie (1873), 527;
Harvey, 198; Hepzibah, 198; A.
Hector (1805), sketch of, 663;
Henry (1792), 376; Henry, 303;
his wife, Abbie L. Bugden, sketch
of, 303; Henry (1830), 197;
Henry, 666 ; Henry Allen,
(1814), 293; Henry Clay (1871),
344
Higley, Henry Edward (1818),
sketch of, 358; first wife, Mary
N. Morgan, 359; second wife,
Hannah E. Emery, 359 ; children
of, 359; Henry G., 646; Henry
Garrison (1861), sketch of, 528;
Henry G., Jr. (1880), 361; Henry
Grant (1851), 361; his wife, Ella
M. Nye, 361; children of, 361;
Henry H. (1842), Civil War
sketch, 292; his wife, Mary E.
Minson, 292; children of, 293;
Henry James (1849), 294; children
of, 294; Henry N., 191; Henry
Irving(i852), 376; Henry Paulding
(1836), 683; Henry Post, Rev.,
A. M. (1839), 255; was graduated
from college, 256; from theo-
logical seminary, 256; married
Lillie M. Condit, 256; pastorate
at Beloit, Mich., 256-257; Herbert
L., 194
Higley, Hervey O., Rev. (1801),
sketch of, 249; reminiscences, 249;
united with the church, 250; en-
tered college, 250; ordained to
ministry, 251; married Sarah Ger-
rish Little, 252; his death, 253;
children of, 254-267; Herbert, 631;
Herman Ward (1849), sketch of,
228-229; his children, 230; Hes-
ter Case (1745), 391; Hezekiah
(1789), sketch of, 661; War of 1812,
661; his children, 662; Hiram
(1804), 687; Hiram (1824), 227;
Hiram (1829), sketch of, 498;
Hiram A. (1865), 227; Homer
(1796), sketch of, 684, 685; mar-
ried Aurelia Marshall, 684; their
children, 685; Homer (1830),
sketch of, 560-561 ; married Lydia
demons, 560; their children, 561;
Homer C. (1878), 227: Homer D.
(1880), 415; Homer, 2d (1810), 196;
Higley , Horace Antonio., Gen. (1828),
sketch of, 677-679; Horace Hern-
don (1880), 683; Horace Loomis
(1794), sketch of, 676-677; married
Eulalie Collins, 676; their children,
677; Horace Warren (1831), 43;;
Homer E. (1832), 193; Homer H.
(1861), 426; Homer R. (1864), 277;
Horace (1765), sketch of, 675; mar-
ried Eleanor Loomis, 675; their
children, 676; Horton E, 269; Ho-
sea (1799), sketch of, 435; Howard
(1838), 432; his children, 432; How-
ard, 699; Howard James (1884),
424; Hubert L. (1864), 2-73; Hulbert
(1828), 202; his children, 203; Hume
(1807), sketch of, 517-522; his wife,
Betsey Norris, 517-520; their chil-
dren, 522; elected justice of peace,
518; Hume, Jr. (1877), 533; Ida L.
(1864), 655; Ida Mary (1870), sketch
of, 540; Irving Wilson (1879), 414;
Irvin Buell (1853), sketch of, 595;
Ensign Isaac (1707) (son of Capt.
John), 153; Isaac (1840), 198;
Isaac (1753), sketch of, 411; his
children, 411; Isaac, Jr. (1799),
sketch of, 412; Isaac Anson (1807),
sketch of, married Mary B. Falls,
their children, 198 ; Isaac Anson
(1843), his children, 414; Isaac
Anson, 2d (1852), 198 ; Isaac, 657 ;
Isaac G. (1823), 608 ; Isaac Guern-
sey (1788), 606; Isaac M. (1821),
607 ; Isaac Newton (1814), 415
Higley, Jacob, 657 ; Jacob Sawyer
(1802), married Nancy D. Spen-
cer, their children, 205 ; James
(1785), sketch of, 707-708 ; mar-
ried Hannah Roberts, 707 ; their
children, 708 ; soldier in War of
1812, 708 ; James (1837), sketch of,
710 ; James (1840), 407; James,
699 ; James B., 277 ; James Bowie
(1842), 684 ; James Edward (1854),
sketch of, 424 ; James E., 269 ;
James H. (1836), 198 ; James L.
(1856), 278; James Little (1880),
294 ; Jasper (1802), 396 ; Jasper
P. (1865), 565 ; Joy J. (1872), 191 ;
Jeanette (1851), 206 ; Jerry (1794),
his children, 628 ; Jerry (1864),
628 ; Jesse (1883), 230 ; Jesse, ist
(1765), sketch of, 664-665 ; mar-
ried Elizabeth Watson, 664 ; their
children, 665; Jesse Colton (1793),
sketch of, 668-670; married Eunice
Smith, 670 ; Job (1768), 436 ; Job
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
INDEX.
729
Loomis (1801), 687 ; Joel (1739),
162 ; Joel (1792), war sketch, 627 ;
his children, 627 ; Joel, Lieuten-
ant (1739), sketch of, 162-179 ; re-
moved to Ohio, 181 ; Joel, Major
(1764), sketch of, 181 ; Joel Phelps,
Major (1825), 183; Joel Phelps, Jr.
(1802), 182
Higley, John, Captain (1649), birth
of, i ; boyhood, sold for term
of service, 3 ; historic events, 28 ;
visit to England, 31 ; married
Hannah Drake, 32 ; early married
life, 32 ; granted town lot, 39 ;
officer of customs, 42 ; voyage to
the Barbadoes, 43 ; made free-
man, 48 ; removes to Simsbury,
Conn., 49 ; purchases Woolcott
farm, 49 ; one of the original
patentees of Simsbury, 53 ; de-
scription of house, 51 ; chosen
townsman, 52 ; story of the Con-
necticut Charter, 57 ; chosen com-
missioner, 58 ; deputy to General
Assembly, 58 ; justice of the quo-
rum, 58 ; made lieutenant, 58 ;
made captain of militia, 59 ; first
saw and grist mill, 59 ; death of
his wife, 60; second marriage, 63 ;
first appropriation to Yale College
School, 65 ; copper hill lands and
mines, 66, 67, 68 ; one of sundry
gentlemen chosen for manage-
ment of naval stores, 69 ; last
sc'enes in his life, and death, 71 ;
will and inventory, 73, 74, 75; rel-
ics, 75, 76; death of 2d wife, 76; his
war descendants, 78, 79; summary
of his character, 77, 81
Higley, John, Jr. (1673) (son of Cap-
tain John), 85; John (1835), chil-
dren of , 193; John(i88s), 273; John
(son of Levi), 198; John, Sr., son
of Brewster, ist (1722), sketch of,
392, 393; joined provincial troops,
393; married Apphia Humphrey,
3<54; their children, 394; John, Jr.
(1748), sketch of, 394; married
Dibble, 394; children of, 394; John,
3d (1774), sketch of, 394, 395; mar-
ried Lodama Messenger, 395; chil-
dren of, 395; John A. (1793), War
of 1812, 408; John A. (1854), 435;
John Albert (1856), 620; John Har-
vey (1843), 198; John Greenleaf
(1868), sketch of, 540; John Rowe,
Civil War sketch, 607; John V.
(i885),ig2; John William (1878), 699
Higley, John Hunt, General (1830),
sketch of, 679, 683; married Lily
Marshall, 680; their children, 683;
entered Confederate Army, 680;
officer 4oth Alabama Regiment,
680; positions of trust, 681; pri-
vate life, 682; imposing funeral,
682, 683; John Hunt, Jr. (1869).
683; John Larkin, (1816), sketch
of, 294; his wife, Elizabeth R.
Frary, 294; children of, 294;
John M. (1833), 592; John Osborn
(1849), 414
Higley, Jonathan (about 1620), of
England, i; Jonathan (1675), 88;
married Ann Barber, 89; his will,
89, 90; Jonathan (son of Samuel,
ist) (1721), sketch of, 474; his wife,
Mary Thompson, sketch of, 475-
477; Jonathan, Jr. (1747), sketch
of, 478-491; Rachel Negus, his
wife, 478, 489: their children, 491;
early settler in Western Reserve,
O., 481-483, pioneer life, 484-487;
first mail service in Western Re-
serve, 486; organization of Wind-
sor, O., 488; death and funeral,
490
Higley, Jonathan, Hon., 3d (1781),
sketch of, 500-516; married Kes-
iah Griswold, 501; second wife,
Martha Kinney Lewis, sketch of,
513; his children, 516; emigrates
to Western Reserve, O., 500;
erects first frame dwelling, 502;
commissioned justice of peace,
502; representative to Ohio legis-
lature, 508; supports cause of free-
dom, 510; divides his estate, 513
Higley, Jonathan, 4th (1821), sketch
of, 550-552; Jordan, ist (1773).
645; his wife, Peggy Miller, 645;
their children, 645; Jordon, 2d
(1831), 646; Joseph (1685), 114;
Joseph, 657; Joseph, 2d (1741),
sketch of, 287; his wife, Azubah
Gillette, 287; their children, 288;
Joseph, 3d (1774), sketch of, 288;
his wife, Sybil Coggswell, 288;
children of, 289; Joseph Larkin
(1847), 294; married Jennie A.
Scott, 294; children of, 294;
Joseph Nelson (1806), 289; his
wife, Susan White Spencer, 289;
children of, 289; Joseph Nelson,
2d (1868), 291
Higley, Joseph Trumbull, M. D.
(1800), 279; his children, 279
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
73°
INDEX.
Higley, Joseph, Sr., Captain (1715),
sketch of 284-287; public offices,
285; ensign, 285; captain, 285;
marriages, 285; children of, 286;
Joseph Warren (1871), 438; Jose-
phine, 227 ; Josephine Marcy,
330; Josiah and Joshua — twins —
(1702), 144; Josiah Sargeant, ist
(1702), sketch of, 144-146; Josiah,
2d (1725), sketch of, 658-660;
soldier of the Revolution, 659;
his children, 660; Josiah, 3d
(1762), sketch of, 660-661; his
wife, Deliverance Carpenter,
660; their children, 661; Jo-
siah, 4th, 662; Josiah, sth, 662;
Josiah, 6th, 663; Josie A. (1854),
269 ; children of, 269 ; Judah
(J777)> sketch of, 646; his chil-
dren, 647; Judson (1836), 693; Julia
(daughter of Seth, Jr.), 191; Julia
(1802), 351; Julian (1828), sketch
of, 627; Julius Bicknell (1822),
sketch of, 271; married Maria L.
Fuqua, 271; Julius Henry, Cap-
tain (1838), Civil War sketch, 630
Higley, Kate (daughter of Milo),
(1862), 278; Kate M. (1871), 184
Higley, Leavitt Nelson (1836), 255;
Lee O. (1879), 593 ; Leicester
Charles (1886), 414 ; Leo Frank-
lin (1892), 711 ; Leon (1865), 351 ;
Leonard A. (1884), 529 ; Levan-
der (1850), 593 ; Leverett Grover
(1870), 533 ; Levi (1771), sketch
of, 196 ; Hepzibah Holcombe, his
wife, 196 ; children of, 197 ; Levi
(1799), sketch of, 645; his children,
646 ; Levi Jason (1795), 197 ; Levi
(1824), 197; Levi N. (1821), 646;
Levi C. (1871), 414; Lewis
(1837), sketch of, 565-568 ; Civil
War record, 566 ; Lewis Carl
(1886), 361 ; Lewis E.,26g ; Lewis
S. (1838), Civil War sketch, 608 ;
Lillian D. (1862), sketch of, 656 ;
Lillie E. (1872), 276 ; Lily (1879),
683; Linne S. (1864), 184; Lizzie
G., 227 ; Lorenzo S. (1863), 667 ;
Lorenzo S. H. (1848), Civil War
sketch, 630 ; Lorenzo, 608 ; Lorin
(1810), sketch of, 323-325; his wife,
Rachel Elmina Frary, 323 ; chil-
dren of, 325 ; Louis Wills (1874),
699; Louis Dalton (1846), 227;
children of, 227 ; Lovina (1803),
648 ; Loyal H. (1868), 432 ; Lucia
(1870), 554 ; Lucien Arthur (1810),
296 ; his wife, Morilla N. Church,
296 ; children of, 296
Higley, Lucius (1796), sketch of,
273-275 ; removed to Ohio, 274 ;
married Nancy Shepard, 274 ;
children of, 275; Lucius G. (1857),
183; Lucius M., M. D. (1823),
sketch of, 275 ; married Elizabeth
B. Morton, 275; Lucinda Augusta
(1840), 711; Lucinda M. (1849), 198;
Lucretia (1781), sketch of, 656 ;
married Oliver Higley, 656; their
children, 656 ; Lucy Rosetta
(1804), 207 ; Luke, 657 ; Luther
Scott (1866), 330 ; Luther, Judge
(1794), sketch of, 421 ; his chil-
dren, 421 ; Luther Bidwell (1821),
sketch of, 421-423 ; Confederate
war record, 423 ; children of, 424 ;
Luther E. (1861), 426 ; Luther E.,
Jr. (1886), 426 ; Luther H. (1867),
533 : Lyman (1798), sketch of, 191 ;
married Orilla Northway, 191 ;
children of, 192 ; early settler of
Wisconsin, 192 ; Lyman O. (1816),
417 ; his children, 417 ; Lyman
(1835), 198 ; Lyman Baxter (1851),
424; Lyman (son of Levi), 198;
Lyman O. (1889), 192 ; L. Sardine
(1837), sketch of, 278 ; Civil War
record, 278
Higley, Margaret (1779), 375 ; Mar-
quis (Mark) (1799), 351 ; Marshall
D. (1832), sketch of, 692 ; married
Mary L. Curtis, 692 ; their chil-
dren, 692 ; Martha Ellen David-
son, 193 ; Martin Ephraim (1824),
599 ; Martin N. (1834), 527 ; Mar-
tin, 699; Matthew P. (1813), sketch
of, 331 ; his wife, Luna C. Rob-
bins, 331 ; children of, 332 ; Mary
(1725), sketch of, 583 ; Mary
(1750), wife of David, sketch of,
477 ; her children, 478 ; Mary
(1827) (daughter of Lucius), 276 ;
Mary Elizabeth (1868), 426 ; Mary
Frances (1844), sketch of, 711 ;
Mary (1804), daughter of Horace,
686; Mary Eulalie (1867), 683;
Mary Elizabeth (1828), 667 ; Mary
Frances (1851), 294; Maurice
(1885), 667 ; Micah (1743), sketch
of, 300 ; his wife, Olive Adams,
300; children of, 301 ; Micah, Jr.
(1776), sketch of, 300 ; children
of, 301; Miles Warren (1842), Civil
War sketch, 206 ; Amanda M.
Snow, his wife, 206
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
INDEX.
731
Higley, Milo H. (1832), sketch of,
277; Miles (1823), 607; M. Louise
(i 8 1 8), sketch of, 624; Milo J.
(1845), 407; his children, 407;
Milton, 191 ; Milton B., 294, 295 ;
Mindwell (1689), (daughter of
Capt. John) sketch of, 135 ; Min-
erva, 657; Minnie Pearl (1878),
654; Morris G. (1844), 227 ; Major
Mortimer (1838), sketch of, 366-
371 ; ist wife, Lucy L. Sheet,
369; 2d\vife, Jennette R. Nichols,
371 ; children of, 371 ; Civil War
record, 366, 369 ; president of
bank, 368 ; commander Loyal
Legion, 369 ; Mortimer (1861),
361 ; Moses, 659 ; Myron Spencer
(1801), sketch of, 436; Murray
(1829), 692 ; married Mary L. Bas-
se tt, 692 ; their children, 692 ;
Murray Judson, 692.
Higley, Nancy H. (1852), 276 ;
Nancy (daughter of Seth), Jr.,
191 ; Naomi, wife of Brewster,
4th, 238-240 ; Nathan (1736),
sketch of, 674 ; married Anna
Barrett, 674 ; their children,
675; Nathan, Jr. (1767), 686;
married Hannah Allyn, 686;
their children, 686 ; Nathan
Allyn (1794), 686 ; Nathan (1822),
628 ; Nathaniel (1699), 139 ; tyth-
ing man, 141 ; Nathaniel, Jr.
(1752), 588 ; Nehemiah (about
!73-). soldier of the Revolu-
tion, 634 ; Nellie May (1870),
203 ; Nelson (1795), 436 ; Nelson
(1827), 436; Nelson, 191 ; Nelson,
Rev. (1803), sketch of, 247 ;
Newton H. (1855), 561 ; Noah
(about 1736), soldier of the Revo-
lution, 644
Higley, Obed, Hon. (1791), sketch
of, 417 ; his children, 417 ; Olive,
(1832), sketch of, 562 ; Oliver
(1790), sketch of, 225, 226 ; Cla-
rissa Phelps, his wife, 226 ; their
children, 226 ; Oliver (son of
Clark), 699 ; Oliver (1799), sketch
of, 689-691 ; Oliver (1827), 419 ;
Oliver Brewster (1818), 294 ; first
wife, Eunice D. Johnson, 294 ;
second wife, Betsey Case, 294 ;
children of, 294; Ophelia L. (1843),
294 ; Orange (1775), 646 ; his chil-
dren, 646 ; Orin (1800), sketch of,
609 ; his wife, Pleiades Badger,
609 ; their children, 609 ; Orin
(1872), 296 ; Orlando E. (1853),
593 ; Orsen (1806), sketch of, 193 ;
Susan Parsons, ist wife, 193 ;
Lucy Keep Holcombe, 2d wife,
193 ; Orville D. (1883), 230; Oswin
(1830), 628 ; Othello G. (1859), 184;
Otto K. (1857), 184; Ozias, ist
(1748), sketch of, 349 ; his wife,
Martha Gillette, 343 ; children of,
350; Ozias, 2d (1773), sketch of,
351 ; his wife, Delight Cossett,
351 ; children of, 351 ; Ozias, 3d
(1791), sketch of, 351
Higley, Pearl (1883), 230 ; Pember
E. (1845), Civil War sketch, 195 ;
Percy B., 230; Perkins B. (1851),
333 ; his wife, Harriet Mes-
senger, 333; children of, 333;
Perley, 628; Perry (1837), 344;
Peter (1802), 685'; Peter (1807),
sketch of, 195; Elvira Colby,
his wife, 195; children of, 195;
Peter Rowe, 604, 619 ; children
of, 620; Phelps, 427; Philander
(1767), 673; Philander, 662; Phil-
ander R. (1843), sketch of,
333; service in Civil War, 333 ;
his wife, Adelaide Cannon, 333 ;
their child, Maud (1877), 333 ;
Philetus, 662; Philo (1843), 618;
Philura, 198; Pliny (1784), sketch
of, 345 ; his wife, Martha Beman,
346; children of, 346; Pliny (1786),
657; his children, 657; Polly (1811),
655; Pomeroy, Sr. (1798), sketch
of, 428-429; Pomeroy, Jr. (1823).
sketch of, 429-431; Pratt H. (1862),
276
Higley, Rachel (1774), sketch of,
494 ; Ransom L. (1879), 183 ;
Ransom Brewster (1829), sketch
of, 276; Ransom F., Civil War
sketch, 607 ; Rebecca (1727), 673 ;
Ray (1887), 333; Ray C. (1884),
230 ; Ray W. (1873), 533 ; Ray-
mond C. (1882), 419 ; Reed (1855).
580 ; Rhomey (1867), 554 ; Richard
E. (1886), 529; Robert, 657; Rob-
ert D., 193 ; Robert M. (1872),
693 ; Robert McKown (1804),
sketch of, 319 ; Rodney A., 277 ;
Roger (1765), 436; Rollin (1835),
426 ; Rollin Chipman (1875), 667 ;
Roswell (1765), sketch of, 601-604 ;
his wife, Sarah Garnsey, 602 ;
their children, 604 ; residence at
Mt. Lebanon, N. Y., 601 ; removes
to Broom Co., N. Y., 602 ; Ros-
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
732
INDEX.
well, Jr. (1798), 608 ; Royace
(1870), 628
Higley, Samuel, Dr. (1687), 115-131 ;
license to practice medicine, 118;
schoolmaster, 116; blacksmith,
119 ; his copper-mine, 125 ; the
Higley copper, 126, 130; his death,
131 ; his will and inventory, 131 ;
Samuel, 2d (1778), sketch of, 495-
498 ; Samuel (1866), 192 ; Samuel
(1734), military service in the
French and Indian War, 633 ;
Samuel Gary (1855), 183 ; Samuel
W. (1834), 184 ; Samuel H. (1795),
sketch of, 594 ; his wife, Aseneth
Divine, 594 ; their children, 498 ;
Samuel, Jr. (1819), 498 ; his wife,
Hetty Ann Brooks, 498 ; their
children, 498 ; Samuel Richard,
197; Sally (1795), 182; Sally
(T797)> 351 ; Samantha M., 203 ;
Sarah A. McNash, 192 ; Sarah
Strong (inventory), 76 ; Sarah A.
(1865), 426 ; Sarah Jane (1838),
198 ; Seba, ist, Judge (1762),
sketch of, 621-623 ; Army of the
Revolution, soldier of, 621 ; Syl-
via Dickinson, his wife, 621; their
children, 623 ; Seba, 2d (1781),
592 ; children of, 592 ; Selah
(1805), sketch of, 648 ; his chil-
dren, 648 ; Senaca F., 607 ; Seth,
ist (1746), sketch of, 185-188 ; re-
ligious faith, 1 86 ; soldier in war
of the Revolution, 186 ; Mindwell,
his wife, 188 ; their children, 188 ;
last will, 187 ; Seth Filer (1769),
sketch of, 188 ; Naomi Holcombe,
his wife, 188 ; their children, 189 ;
Seth (1754), sketch of, 588, 590;
his wife, Lucy Herod, 588 ; their
children, 590 ; Seth, Jr. (1796),
sketch of, 191 ; Laura Goddard,
his wife, 191 ; their children, 191 ;
Seth Hokum (1812), 593 ; Seth
William (1818), 596; Seth Duane
(1869), sketch of, 568
Higley, Seward, 227 ; Seward, 666 ;
Seymour A. (1845), 331 ; his wife,
Emma R. Sheldon, 331 ; children
of, 331 ; Sheldon (1823), 206 ;
Sheldon Frary (1833), sketch of,
325 ; his wife, Cecilia E. Fitch,
325 ; Silas' (1780), 295 ; his wife,
Deborah Messenger, 295 ; chil-
dren of, 295 ; Silas, Hon. (1780),
sketch of, 352 ; children of, 352 ;
Silas Orlando (1806), 295 ; his
wife, Lucinda Davis, 295; Simeon,
ist (1751), sketch of, 373 ; his
wife, Margaret Phelps, 375 ; great
age of, 375 ; children of, 375 ;
Simeon, 2d (1786), 376; Simeon
Bently (1847), sketch of, 693;
Solomon (1728), sketch of, 585-
588 ; Lydia Holcombe, his wife,
585 ; children of, 588 ; joins the
Shakers, 586, 587 ; Squire M.
(1810), 592 ; S. Fuqua (1845), 272 ;
Stephen Lorin (1837), 325 ; Civil
War sketch, 325 ; Stephen L.,
699; Stephen W. (1857), 373;
Sterling F., 426; Susan (1786),
270 ; Susan (daughter of Seth,
Jr.), 191 ; Susannah (1730), 673 ;
Sylvester (1770), 673
Higley, Tell, 607 ; Theodore (1773),
350 ; his wife, Polly Ann Gaylord,
350 ; children of, 350, 351 : Theo.
(1882), 270 ; Theodore (1784), 656 ;
Theodore, Jr., 657 ; Theodore E.
(1883), 693 ; Theodore F. (1839),
693 ; married Ellen S. McElhenny,
693 ; their children, 693 ; Theop-
plis (1726), sketch of, 584 ; died
in war service (1762), 584 ; Theop-
olis, 2d (1/65), sketch of, 625 ;
Thomas (1829), 230 ; Thomas
(1879), 230 ; Thomas (1829), son of
Thomas Baxter (1824), sketch of,
425 ; Thomas N. (1854), 348 ;
Thomas W. (1884), 294 ; Thomp-
son, Sr. (1786), sketch of, 571-578 ;
Thompson, Jr. (1831), sketch of,
579-580; Timothy (1781), 406; chil-
dren of, 407 ; Truman (1837), 426
Higley-town, 51, 166, 284
Higley, Varney (1874), 628 ; Vashti,
663 ; Vernon (1863), 230 ; Virgil
(1832), 192 ; Hannah L. Powers,
his wife. 192; children of, 192
Higley, Rev. Walter O. (1842),
sketch of, 193 ; Civil War record,
194 ; his children, 194 ; Wakefield
L. (1840), 650 ; Civil War record,
650 ; Walter (1828), 425 ; his chil-
dren, 426; Walter, 666 ; Walter
Fred. (1872), 425 ; Walter Leon-
idas (1879), 438; Ward C. (1881),
230 ; Warren (1825), 431 ; Caroline
Mills, his wife, 431 ; Warren, Sr.
(1775), sketch of, 199, 202; Lucy
Sawyer, his wife, 199 ; children of,
199, 200; Warren(i8i3), of Vermont,
sketch of, 655 ; Warren (1857),
431 ; Warren Hosea (1855), 435
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
INDEX.
733
Higley.Warren, Hon. (of N. Y. City),
(1833), sketch of, 209-218 ; became
a landowner, 209; taught his first
district school, 210 ; entered col-
lege, 210 ; head teacher Auburn
Academy, New York, 210 ; ap-
pointed school commissioner, 210 ;
principal Cayuga Lake Acade-
my, 211 ; superintendent public
schools, Auburn, N. Y. 211; prin-
cipal West High School, Cleve-
land, O., 211 ; superintendent
public instruction, Dayton, O.,
212 ; admitted to practice of
law, 212 ; elected judge, 212 ;
American Forestry Congress,
213 ; Ohio Society of New York,
214 ; Adirondack League Club,
215 ; politics, 215 ; Patria Club
of New York, 216 ; reunions,
217 ; marriages, 218 ; Warren,
son of Daniel, Jr., 645 ; Warren
A., 203 ; Warren Alson (1797),
202; Wellington W. (1831), sketch
of, 364, 365 ; his wife, Jane E.
Farnum, 365 ; children of, 365 ;
Will G. (1861), 561
Higley, William A. (1840), sketch of,
326, 329 ; his wife, Elizabeth E.
Scott, 330; children of, 330 ; Civil
War service, 326; Willard (1869),
351 ; Willard Alson (1834), 420 ;
William (son of Levi), 198 ; Wil-
liam (1801), 687 ; William (1806),
397 ; children of, 397 ; William
(1809), 686 ; married Sarah E.
Beach, 686; William C., 194;
William C. (1855), 277 ; William C.
(1878), 419 ; William Clark (1876),
194; William C., 646; William Car-
los (1864), 438 ; William Edward
(1836), sketch of, 296 ; his wife,
Maria A. Miller, 296 ; children of,
297 ; William F. (1835), 646 ;
William Franklin (1877), 593 ;
William G. (1817), 351 ; his wife,
Maria Dayton, 351 ; children of,
351
Higley, William G. (1859), 230 ;
William Gustavus (1861), 692 ;
William H. Chase (1838), 683 ;
William J. (1883), 193 ; William
Kerr (1858), 197 ; William L.
(1886), 192 ; William M. (1860),
276 ; William Marshall (1870), 683;
William Perley (1843), sketch of,
653-654 ; married first, Eva V.
Jilson, 654 ; second, Elizabeth T.
Maguire, 654; children of, 654; Wil-
liam Simpson (1788), sketch of, 665;
his children, 666 ; William Simp-
son, Jr. (1814), sketch of, 666 ; his
children, 666 ; William Mortimer
(1874), 365 ; William W. (1863),
426; Willis (1879), 699; Willis
Alonzo (1860), 600 ; Willisburton
(1862), 424 ; Wilson (1827), 396
Higley, York Turrell (1826), 667 ;
married Caroline D. Strong, 667 ;
their children, 667
Higley, Zilpah (1766), 241
Hillabrant, Charles H., 203 ;
George N. (1858), 203; Marian
Higley (1830), 203; Willis Duell
(1855), 203
Hinman, Minerva Ann Higley
(1816), 190; her children, 190;
John S. (1842), sketch of, 190;
Civil War record, 190; Charles L.
(1847), sketch of, 190; Civil War
record, 190
Hobart, Abby E. Ufford (1851), 598
Hodges, Annis Higley (1802),
629
Holbrook, Emily Higley (1802), 412
Holcomb, Abigail Higley (1723),
583; Angeline Higley (1829), 419;
Hester (Esther) (1683), 100; Mary
Higley (1825), 376; Roxanna Hig-
ley, 219
Hooker, Sarah M. Higley (1799),
247
Hopkins, Lovina Higley (1808), 694
Hopper, Emily Higley, 205; chil-
dren of, 205; Lucy P., 271
Hornden, Aseneth Higley (179-),
594
Hough, Susan Higley (1839), 432
Hoyt, Rev. Edwin, 242
Howe, Laura Merrill, 242
Humphrey, Amelia Higley (1801),
432; Naomi Higley (1726), 442;
her children, 443; Herman, Rev.
(1779), sketch of, 443; Solomon,
Jr. (1752), 443; Roxy Brown
(illS), 379; Susannah (1769), 286;
Elizabeth W. Higley (1846), 414;
Frances Higley (1848), 593; Han-
nah Brown (1758), 379
Hutchinson, Olivia Higley Hazard,
620
Hunt, Alice M. Stewart (1862), 292;
her children, 292
Huntington, Faith Trumbull (1743),
sketcn of, 466
Husted, David H. (1809), 592; chil-
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
734
INDEX.
dren of, 592; Desire Higley (1777);
sketch of, 590; children of, 591;
Silas (1799), 591; children of, 591
Indenture, laws of, 30
Iowa, pioneer experiences in, 356
Johnson, Eliza Ann Higley, 438;
Sarah Eliza Higley (1846), 194;
her children, 194
Jones, Elva Barnard (1859), 569;
Polly Higley (1786), 182
Judd, Higley, 606; Julius, 606; chil-
dren of, 606; Sally Higley, 605;
children of, 605
Kellogg, Ellen M. Higley (1832),
668; her children, 668; Emma E.
Higley (1849), 294; her children,
294
Kelsey, Lydia Noble (1704), family
of, 159
Kempton, Emeline Higley Fuller
(1808), 433
Kendall, Sarah Cornelia Higley
(1822), 359; children of, 360;
Wellington Jerome (1851), 360;
children of, 360 ; William Albert
(1847), 360
Kerby, Mary English, 268
Kimball, Sarah L. Green (1860), 363
King, Huldah Higley (1777), 283;
Mary Alice Kellogg (1863), 668
King Philip's War, 36
Kinney, Achsah Higley (1819),
sketch of, 547; children of, 548 ;
, Albert Reed (1844), Civil War
sketch, 548; Jonathan Higley
(1846), 548; Lucy Addie (1861),
549
Kirker, Mary Simpson, 274
Knapp, Asaph Clark (1846), 648;
Fayette Warren (1839), 648;
Franklin D. (1835), 648; Hannah
Higley (daughter of Isaac), 411;
Henry J. (1844), sketch of, 648;
HoraceS. (1844), 648; Relief Hig-
ley (1801), sketch of, 647
Knight, Eunice Higley, 181; Maria
Higley (1799). 182
Knowlton, Charity Higley (1801),
sketch of, 662; her children, 662
Lampson, Anna Higley (1793), 411;
Ella Bell (1864), 579; Mabel
(1890), 579; Vena B. (1886), 579
Laflin, Mary Minerva Brewster
(1832), 299
Lawrence, Clarissa Higley (1777),
675; Sally Higley (1794), 686
Lawton, Eliza Ann (1831), 420; her
children, 420
Lemon, Emma L. Higley (1857),
196; George E., 195
Life and customs of colonial
women, 149-151
Logue, Naomi Higley (1826), 276
Loomis, Sarah Higley (1697), 137
Loucks, Harriet S. Higley (1872),
541 ; Howard Simpson (1895), 541
Lyman, Mary Denison, 265
McCreary, Mary Boardman Green,
363 ; her children, 363
McDowell, Lucy P. Higley (1863),
630
McEwen, Charles (1804), 580 ; Da-
vid (1847), 405 ; his children, 405 ;
Harriet Higley (1813), sketch of,
404 ; her children, 404, 405
McKinley, Margaret Hays, 376
McLoud, Adeline Higley (1860), 593;
Frank Higley (1888), 593; Charles
Emmons (1893), 593 ; Lewis Ed-
ward (1883), 593; Lewis Hathaway
(1852), 597
McLoud-Paddock, Mary Elvira Hig-
ley (1820), sketch of, 596
McNaughton, Sally Higley (1795),
183 ; Harlow Phelps (1830), 183 ;
Civil War record, 183
Malolin, Mary F. Higley (1837), 198
Manchester, Hathaway Mary S.
(1840), 705 ; children of, 705
Maltbie, Elizabeth Higley (1822),
376 ; children of, 376
Maltoon, Deborah L. Higley (1806),
295 ; children of, 295
Manville, Laura P. Marcy (1852),
303
Marcy, Albert Edwin (1846), Civil
War record, 303 ; Eunice W. Hig-
ley (1821), 303 ; children of, 303 ;
William Lloyd G. (1848), Civil
War record, 303
Marsh, Marian A. Watrous (1841),
605 ; Sarah C. (1832), 605
Martel, Sefer Prudence Green (1848),
363 ; children of, 363
Martin, Leonora Emma Higley,
203 ; children of, 203 ; Roxy A.
Higley (1836), 630
Mather, Diana Higley Mason (1815),
196
Matsche, Mary L. Higley (1866),
371 ; Mortimer Higley (1890), 371
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
INDEX.
735
Merrill, Delight Higley (1769), 242 ;
Selah Higley, Hon., 242 ; Thede
Brown (1773), 379
Merritt, Betsey Higley (1803), 662 ;
children of, 662
Meredith, Emeline Terry (1843), 204
Messenger, Lohama Higley (1800),
192 ; children of, 193
Metcalf, Flora Bates, 221
Mills, Apphia Higley, 527 ; DeEtta
Higley, 527 ; Elizabeth Higley
(1723), sketch of, 440 ; Gideon,
Rev. (1716), 163, 440 ; Gideon, Jr.
(1749), 442; Hannah Higley Owen
(1777), sketch of, 377 ; Jedediah
(1755), 442 ; Martha Higley (1766),
436 ; Pelatiah, 379 ; children
of, 379 ; Ruth Higley (1784), 411 ;
Samuel, Lieutenant (1751), sketch
of, 442
Miner, Anna N. Higley, 418 ; Lorin
Luther (1878), 331 ; Sarah A.
Higley (1845), 330
Mines, Newgate Prison, 452
Mitchell, Esther M. Higley (1846),
630
Moffatt, Addie Irene Higley (1867),
184
Moore, Emma J. Kinny (1865), 549 ;
her child, Gladys S., 549; Deacon
John, 8, 14 ; Hannah, 18 ; Harriet
C. Higley (1832), 206; Mahala
Higley, 439 ; Thomas, 14
Morehouse, Mary J. Morris (1835),
631
Morrinson, Louisa P. Malolin (1838),
198
Morris, Alfred Wallace (1840), 631 ;
Charles Wesley (1843), Civil War
sketch, 631 ; Clarissa Higley (1814),
631 ; children of, 631 ; Henry
Decatur (1833), 631 ; John Almon
(1836), 631 ; Watson D. (1848),
632
Morse, Marion A. Higley (1835),
665
Moulton, Nancy A. Higley (1825),
276
Music in public worship in Colonial
times, 164, 165
Naisbet, Lucinda E. (1869), 438
Newton, Emma L. (1843), 666 ; her
children, 666
Nest, Martha Higley (1816), 351,
380
New York, central, in 1804, 200, 201,
589
Nickason, Eliza L. Higley (1836),
218 ; Fred. (1861), 218 ; Mary
(1876), 218
Noble, David, Sr. (1709), 159 ; Da-
vid, Jr., Captain, 160, 161 ; hero of
the Revolutionary War, 160 ;
Katherine Higley (1679), 96 ; de-
scendants of, 159
North, Frances Levina (1847), 302 ;
children of, 302
Norton, Ada Higley Woodruff
(1791), 411
Nye, Frances Higley (1852), 554 ;
Rachel Higley (1822), 578
Ohio Company organized, 235
Ohio Society of New York City,
214
Ohio, St^te of, early settlements,
236, 308, 310, 480-486, 684
Oviatt, Althea Higley (1798), 395 ;
children of, 395
Owen, Elijah, Sr. (1700), 377 ;
Elijah, Jr. (1738), 378 ; Esther
(daughter of John Owen), 169 ;
Deacon John, 170
Paddock, Warren O. (1844), sketch
of, 506
Palmer, Alice Freeman, Ph. D.
(1855), sketch of, 614-617; her
childhood, 614; at the academy,
614 ; enters the Michigan Uni-
versity, 615; engaged in teaching,
615; professor of history at Wel-
lesley, 615 ; president of Wellesley
College, 615; marriage with Pro-
fessor George H. Palmer, 616;
views on co-education, 616; mem-
ber of Massachusetts State Board
of Education, 617; advisory Dean,
617; Betsey M. Higley (1837),
195; children of, 195; Flora R.,
195; Polly Higley Pinny, 225.
Paige, Eliza Higley (1839), 344
Parsons, Ellen A. Higley (1844), 618
Partridge, Hiram W. (1805), 593;
children of, 593
Pearson, Margaret G. Burge (1867),
625; Everett L. (1894), 625
Pease, Laura Higley (1846), 411
Perkins, Zilpah Higley, 247
Perry, Lucy Hale (1831), 581; her
children, 581
Pettibone, Abby Higley (1783), 411
Peyton, Desire R. Higley (1832),
205
Phelps, Noah, Captain, 170
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
736
INDEX.
Philkins, Nathaniel, Major, Civil
War record, 219; Rachel Higley
(1813), 219; her children, 219
Pine, Polly Amanda (1805), 605;
children of, 605
Pinney, Ida Melissa Wilcox (1858),
292
Pitcher, Harriet Higley (1822), 699;
children of, 700
Pitt, Annie G. Higley (1854), 35 1
Political events, 1685, 1687, 56
Porter- Alford, Hannah Higley
(1737), 176
Porter, Brewster Higley (1820), 266;
Edward D., professor, 266; Har-
ley Higley (1781), 266; children
of, 266; Thomas Rodney (1810),
266; Seth, 176; Zechariah (1805),
266
Post, Eliza Denison, 265
Potter, Henrietta Terry, 204
Powers, Mary Ann Higley (1836),
655
Prentice, Susan J. Higley (1840),
193
Preston, Laura H. Wiswell (1859),
582
Pringle, Cyrus Guernsey, professor,
sketch of, 241
Puritan households, laws govern-
ing, 26
Ramsey, Mary Higley (1793), 198
Rathbun, Lucy Higley (1793), 182
Redding, Adelia Higley, 662
Reed, Theodosia Higley, 345
Regley, Jessie E. Higley, 365; her
children, 365
Reid, Mary A. Borridaile, 201
Rich, Elvira Higley, 627; Julia Ann
Higley (1839), 710; children of,
710
Rising, Susan Higley, 651; children
of, 651
Ritter, Gustie Higley (1862), 565
Robe, Emma Gertrude Higley,
(1851), 415; children of, 415
Robertson, Mary Higley, 687
Roe, Hannah Higley (1823), 498
Rogers, Lucy M. Higley Sullivan
(1843), 206
Roots, Louisa Higley (1761), 241;
her children, 241
Rudd, Sarah Higley (1753), 286
Russell, Eliza Higley (1806), 672;
Harriet Newell (1819), 303; her
children, 303; Sarah M. Higley
Clark, 198
Segar, Minne E. Kellogg (1861),
668
Scott, Minerva Higley (1791), 299;
Joseph Higley, Rev., sketch of,
299; Elmira Higley (1821), 593
Scovel, Harriet N. Higley (1838),
292; children of, 292
Sawyer, Emily Louisa Kempton
(1846), 433
Sage, Harriet Higley (1825), 435
Sanderson, James H., 268; Mary
Augusta (1847), 269; William
Brewster (1840), 269; Zeruah Hig-
ley (1817), 268; children of, 268
Schools, early, of New England,
157
Scott, Frank Ellsworth (1862), 291 ;
Joseph Stillman (1830), 291; Sarah
Melissa Higley (1808), 291 ; chil-
dren of, 291
Severance, Eva M. Higley (1853),
628
Seymour, Rhoda Higley Humphrey,
225
Shakers, founding of the first Ameri-
can community, 586
Shepard, Elma A. Higley (1837),
sketch of, 404 ; children of, 404
Shields, Cynthia N. Higley (1822),
435
Sission, Sarah Higley (1834), 499
Simpson, Theresa Higley (1791)
273
Slack, Adeline Terry (1845), 204
Snow, Armina Jane Higley, 599
Simsbury, Conn., founding of, 47
Social status of colonists, 154
Slade, Orpah Higley (1776), 645
Smith, Anna Higley (1760), 660 ;
Azubah Higley (1760), 660 ; David
Garnsey (1800), 604 ; Eveline
Terry (1844), 205 ; Gertrude M.
Higley (1857), 625
Sommers, Cora Betsey (1874), 527
Smith, Sophia Higley (daughter of
Josiah Higley (4th), 662; children
of, 662; Norman Buell (1808),
605 ; Sarah Minerva Higley, 607
Stafford, Elva Higley, 578 ; Flor-
ence Gridley, 578
Stearns, Sophia Higley, 181
Smith, Mindwell Bates Johnson,
234 ; Margaret Ann (1846), 205
Stetson, Coloma Higley (1858), 565 ;
her children, 565
Stewart, Edward E. (1860), 292 ;
Sybil A. Higley (1836), 292 ; her
children, 292
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
•was born.
INDEX.
737
Strong, Annis Higley (1781), 353 ;
the family of, 63 ; Theodosia
Higley (1781), 345
Sturdevant, Pamelia Higley (1800),
396 ; children of, 396
Superstitions of early colonists, 17
Sweet, Sevilla Higley, 662 ; Al-
mena Higley (1805) 432 ; children
of, 432
Talmadge, Ella Louisa Freeman
(1859), sketch of, 618
Tanner, Lucy Higley (1869), 565
Taylor, Margery Brown Giddings
(1764), 379
Terry, Adeline E. Higley (1825),
205 ; Bradford, 204 ; Chauncey G.,
205 ; Earl G. (1870), 414 ; George
Higley (1863), 414 ; George B.,
Jr., 205 ; James, 204 ; John C.
(1874), 414 ; Lucy Rosetta Higley
(1822), 204 ; Nancy M. (1844), I9° "»
Sarah Ellen Higley (1842), 414
The Higley reunions (Appendix), 713
The Higley-Copper, 126, 130
The Mary and John, voyage of
(description by Roger Clap), 10
The Mormon sect, founding of, 690
The Western Reserve of Ohio, 457,
480
Thomas, Jennie B. Higley (1858),
599
Thompson, Edward, Rev., sketch
of, 474, 5.88, 589
Thorp, Abigail Higley (1703), 147
Tinkham, Maria Higley (1805), 413
Tisdale, James, 135 ; Mmdwell Hig-
ley (1689), 135
Titus, Lucinda R. Knapp (1826),
647
Torrington, Conn., 156
Town meeting, 51
Townsend, Freeland (1849), 555;
Henry, Jr. (1867), 555; Perry A.
(1848), sketch of, 555; Ursula
Higley (1824), 534
Treat, Albina Higley (1841), 600;
her children, 600
Trumbull, David (1751), sketch of,
451; his wife, Sarah Backus, 468;
their children, 469; Assistant
Commissary-General of United
States, 469; Hannah Higley
(1683), sketch of, 106; (mother of
Governor Jonathan Trumbull,
Sr.) 108; Hannah Higley, de-
scendants of, 444; John (1756),
sketch of, 470, 473; aid-de-camp
to Washington, 470; Adjutant-
General on Washington's staff,
470; service in war of Revolution;
471; student of art, 471; paints
national historical pictures, 471;
portrait of Washington, 472;
president Academy of Fine Arts,
472 ; his epitaph, 473
Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr., Governor
(1710), sketch of, 444, 463; mem-
ber of the Connecticut General
Assembly, 446 ; his wife, Faith
Robinson, 446 ; their children,
463 ; English and French war.
447, 448; Chief Judge of County
Court, 447 ; Chief Judge of
Probate Court, 448; Chief Judge
of Superior Court, 448; business
house of, 449; Deputy Governor,
448; elected Governor, 440; war
of Revolution, 450, 457; " Brother
Jonathan," 451; war prisoners,
custody of, 451; General Wash-
ington, 452; issues Declaration of
Independence, 453, 455; his war
office, 456; secures Western Re-
serve, Ohio, 457; farewell address
to Connecticut General Assembly,
458; death of Mrs. Faith Trum-
bull, 460; his death, 461; George
Washington's letter of condo-
lence, 462 ; descendants of, 464
Trumbull, Jonathan, Governor, ad
(1740), sketch of, 465, 466; married
Eunice Backus, 466; their chil-
dren, 466; private secretary to
Washington, 465; member of
Connecticut State legislature,
465 ; Speaker of House of Repre-
sentatives, 465; elected Governor
of Connecticut, 465
Trumbull, Joseph, Governor, 3d
(1782), sketch of, 469; married
Eliza Storrs, 469; elected Gov-
ernor of Connecticut, 469; Joseph
(i737), sketch of, 464
Turner, EmelineKempton(i837),433
The tything man, 141
Ufford, Benjamin Franklin (1857),
598; Curtis B., 598; Willard E.
(1848), sketch of, 598 ; children
of, 598
Utah, State of, first settlement, 437,
696, 697
Van Dorn, Laura Bates Trumbull,
224
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
738
INDEX.
Van Wagenen, Lucy H. Husted
(1804), 59i I children of, 591
Vaughn, Emma H. Dye (1851), 612
Vermont, early days of, 172, 637
Wadsworth, Abigail Higley (1838),
438 ; children of, 438 ; Marian C.,
333 ; children of, 333
Walden, Hannah L. (1841), 332 ;
children of, 332
Waldorph, Anna L. Higley (1819),
666 ; children of, 666 ; Harry D.
(1879), 666; George D. (1850), 667
Walker, Alexander, Jr., 219 ; Fred.
E., 219 ; Floyd, 219 ; Harry, 219 ;
Hugh, 219 ; Maria R. Higley
(1845), 218; Maud C., 219; War-
ren Higley, 219
Ward, Ellen Higley Young, 552
Wareham, John, Rev., 8, 9
Warren, Augusta Higley (1863),
581 ; Harriet W. Higley (1839),
398 ; Leon Thompson (1883), 581 ;
Vern Casper (1889), 581
Washbury, Amanda Sanderson
(1838), 268; her children, 268
Watrous, Charles B. (1835), 605 ;
Eliza Higley Smith (1802), sketch
of, 604 ; children of, 605 ; James
S. (1826), 605 ; William M. (1831),
605
Weatherby, Florence Terry, 204
Webb, Mary E. Higley (1867), 325
Webster, Emily B. Higley (1829),
612
Weld, Nancy Higley, 351
Wendell, Susan Amanda (1828), 624;
children of, 624
West, Fannie Jane Green (1867),
364 ; Julia Higley (1862), 625
Whippy, Julia E. Scott (1833), 291
White, Wesley, Judge (1812), 517 ;
Mary Higley (1783), 570
Whitefield in Connecticut, 163
Whitlock, Abiah, 181
Wiard, Charles (1834), 207 ; Mary
C. Annable, his wife, 207 ; Emily
Higley (1805), 207 ; Frank C., 207;
Flora E. (1832), 207 ; Lyman A.,
207
Wilbur, Rosanna Higley (1831),
612
Wilcox, Hannah Case (1749), 391;
Sarah Melissa Scott (1836), 291;
Isaac N., Lieutenant, sketch of,
292; children of, 292
Williams, Adeline Higley (1860),
565; Electa Higley, 181; Harriet
Higley Hodge, 192; Isadore Hig-
ley (1846), 424; children of,
424; Mary Trumbull (1745),
sketch of, 467-468; children
of, 468; William, Hon. (signer
of Declaration of Independence),
468 ; Whitlock Rachel Higley,
181
Windsor, Conn., founding of, 5
Winter, Roxie Estes (1818), 629
Wiswell, Bert (1858), 581; Emily
Hale (1833), 581
Woodbridge, Timothy, Rev., 72
Woodward, Harriet O. Higley, 192
Woplcott, Henry, Esq., 23, 43;
Simon, 49
Worster, Sarah J. Higley (1849),
399
Wyman, Nancy Higley (1794), 189;
children of, 190
Yale College, birth of, etc., 65, 66,
67
Yale, Margaret H. Holcombe (1886),
376
Zolomon, Elba Higley (1844), 207;
Emily J. Higley (1835), 207
NOTE.— The numbers following the names indicate the year in which the person
was born.
THE END.
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