Sothoron & Related Families - 149 (Notes Pages)

For privacy reasons, Date of Birth and Date of Marriage for persons believed to still be living are not shown.

White Franklin [Male]

Franklin White, son of Thomas White & Elizabeth Higgs. (Cheryl*)

Franklin White was a petitioner for his mother's part of her father's estate. (Bridges* :67)

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Hugh L. White was a petitioner for his mother's part of her father's estate. (Bridges* :67)

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Zachariah White, son of Thomas White & Elizabeth Higgs. (Cheryl*)

Zachariah W. White was a petitioner for his mother's part of her father's estate. (Bridges* :67)

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Thomas E. White, son of Thomas White & Elizabeth Higgs. (Cheryl*)

Thomas E. White was a petitioner for his mother's part of her father's estate. (Bridges* :67)

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John Kenelm Higgs, b. 21 Aug 1792 in Granville Co., NC, d. 16 May 1885; m1 20 Mar 1813, Mary Johnson, dau of William Johnson & Ellender Willis Nelly Higgs (she the dau of Zachariah Higgs & Elizabeth); m2 1821, Martha Harrison, dau of George Harrison & DORCASS. (Cheryl*)

John Higgs & Mary Johnson were bonded in marriage 20 Mar 1813 in Granville Co., NC by Richard Woods. (Bridges* :44 - Bond #3453)

John Higgs & Mary Johnson were married 20 Mar 1813 in Granville Co., NC. (Ancestry.com* - North Carolina Marriage Collection - County Court Records)

Mentioned by name in 1834 plea for distribution of mother's uncle Sothoron's estate (see his notes).

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Martha Higgs was born 23 Jan 1802. (Bridges* :77 - Higgs Family Bible)

John Kenelm Higgs, b. 21 Aug 1792 in Granville Co., NC, d. 16 May 1885; m1 20 Mar 1813, Mary Johnson, dau of William Johnson & Ellender Willis Nelly Higgs (she the dau of Zachariah Higgs & Elizabeth); m2 1821, Martha Harrison, dau of George Harrison & Dorcass. (Cheryl*)

John Higgs & Martha Harrison were bonded in marriage 31 Mar 1821 in Granville Co., NC by James Nuttall. (Bridges* :45 - Bond #2881)

See husband John's Notes for 1850 through 1880 Federal Census entries.

See husband's Biography regarding charter membership in New Hope Baptist Church in 1854, and for shared Grave Marker.

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Willis L. Higgs, child of John Kenelm Higgs & Mary W. Johnson, b. 14 Jan 1814. (Cheryl*)

Willis L. Higgs born 14 Jan 1814. (Bridges* :77 - Higgs Family Bible)

Willis L. Higgs, child of John K. Higgs & Mary W. Johnson, b. 14 Jan 1814, grew up in Weakley Co., TN. (Bridges* :69)

Received a legacy in father's will of 1854/1885 (see his Notes).

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Mary W. Higgs, dau of John Kenelm Higgs & Mary W. Johnson, b. 7 Feb 1816. (Cheryl*)

Polley W. Higgs born 7 Feb 1816. (Bridges* :77 - Higgs Family Bible)

Mary (Polley) W. Higgs, child of John K. Higgs & Mary W. Johnson, b. Feb 7, 1816, m. Warner Parham. (Bridges* :69)

Mary W. Higgs married Warner G. Parham on 10 Nov 1831 in Granville Co., NC. (Ancestry.com* - North Carolina Marriages, 1741-2000)

Warner G. Parham & Mary W. Higgs were married 10 Nov 1831 in Granville Co., NC, with Sothoron H. Thomasson as bondsman & Step. K. Sneed as witness. (Ancestry.com* - Granville County, NC Marriages, 1753-1868, pg. 254)

Received a legacy in father's will of 1854/1885 (see his Notes)

See husband's Notes for 1850 & 1860 Federal Census entries. Husband is a widower in 1880 Federal Census.

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Juliann Higgs, dau of John Kenelm Higgs & Martha Harrison, b. 29 Jan 1822. (Cheryl*)

Juliann Higgs born 30 Jan 1822. (Bridges* :77 - Higgs Family Bible)

See father's Notes for 1850 Federal Census entry. See maternal grandmother Dorcas' Notes for 1850 Federal Census entry, and husband's Notes for 1870 & 1880 entries.

Received a legacy in father's will of 1854/1885 (see his Notes).

1910 Federal Census (1910.04.15, Recorded 1910.04.30) Myrtle St., Pierce City, Lawrence Co., MO - ED 100, Sh 15(218)A, Ln 50, 100/103
- Brite, Julie Ann. Head, 88 year old widowed white female. Had 4 children, 3 living. She & parents born in N. Carolina. Can read & write, speaks English. Lives on Own Income. Owns her non-farm home free of mortgage.

** Birthday Story (RootsWeb.com* - Submitted by Brenda (Dunaway) Langston )

Barry County Missouri Birthday
Mrs. Julia Ann (Higgs) Brite 1882(sic) - 1918
Buried Pierce City Cemetery, Lawrence County, Mo.

Please note that Brenda is not researching this family.
For further information about Julie Ann Brite please contact her GG-Grandaughter Denny L. Cope
Items in parenthesis indicate where a few letters were missing due to the corner of the article being torn.

Joplin Morning Tribune-- 31 Jan 1913
OLDEST SETTLER CELEBRATES HER 91ST BIRTHDAY
--------------------------
MRS. BRITE LIVED IN PEIRCE CITY OR NEAR THERE FOR 61 YEARS.
------------------------
OLDEST SETTLER IN COUNTY
-----------------------
Her Family Moved to Where Peirce City Now Stands in 1852, the Country Then Being a Wilderness---Was Married in 1853

Peirce City, Mo., Jan. 30----Mrs. Julia Ann Brite of North Myrtle street of this city, celebrated her ninety-first birthday today.
Mrs. Brite Has lived within a few miles of Peirce City and within the city for 61 years and is the oldest settler in the country.
When celebrating her birthday, memories of long ago were brought up and she told her friends and relatives who were present the story of her early life and the hardships which the settlers endured. She was born near Raleigh, N.C., January 30, 1822, where she lived until she was 30 years of age. Miss Julia Higgs was her maiden name and the family is well known in the Carolinas. She was the oldest of twelve children, eight of whom were boys. Her father and mother at last decided to go west, where they would have a greater opportunity for securing land.

On September 25, 1851, the family left North Carolina with four big wagons and accompanied by twenty negro slaves. They traveled over the rough mountain trails until they reached Dresden, Tenn., where five weeks were spent visiting relatives. The party arrived on the site of Peirce City on New Year's day 1852. Then only a few log cabins were scattered through the wilderness. The winter was a very hard one and the party suffered very much from the cold; sometimes the children, who were too small to walk, were wrapped up in blankets with warmed stones to keep them from freezing while their elders walked along the sides of the wagon to keep warm. Relatives of the Higgs family had already located at Peirce City and for a few days the travelers stayed with them and finally rented what is now known as the Colbert farm, about two miles from this city.

Married in 1853

As the house was very small and could not accommodate the whole party, tents were placed temporarily until a negro carpenter could build several log houses. He also made pieces of furniture from walnut rails. Miss Higgs became acquainted with Jesse Brite, and March 24, 1853, they were married. They lived on a farm until 1871, when they moved into Peirce City, when the railroad was just (be)ing built. A party of people had (de)cided to make the spot a townsite and gave the couple several lots, on which they built a house and afterwards bought other property. When the couple lived on the farm, during the war times, soldiers of both armies would frequently force her to cook meals for them, and several times the house was robbed by bushwhackers. Mrs Brite had four brothers with the southern army and her husband and brother belonged to the state militia. Her two grandfathers both served in the revolutionary war. Mr. Brite died five years ago, but she still has two brothers living, Kelly Higgs and Red Higgs. both of whom live close to Peirce City.

Mrs Brite has three children, John W. Brite of Long Beach, Cal., Mrs. G. W. Wilson, Houston, Tex., and Mrs. J. F. Wicks of Peirce City. She has thirteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Mrs. Brite enjoys excellent health and bids fair to live many more years. All of her relatives were long-lived, her mother living to be 88 years old, her grandmother 96 years, and both her father and grandfather lived to be 93 years of a(ge).

Julia Ann Brite died 11 Oct 1918, is buried at Pierce City (MO) Cemetery. (Bridges* :87)

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George H. Higgs, son of John Kenelm Higgs & Martha Harrison, b. 8 July 1823. (Cheryl*)

George H. Higgs born 8 July 1823. (Bridges* :77 - Higgs Family Bible)

George H. Higgs, son of John & Martha Higgs, m. Somira J. (Maria, Sauria) Burton. (Bridges* :79)

Sarniah J. Burton & George H. Higgs were married 21 July 1856 in Barry Co., MO. (Ancestry.com* - Missouri Marriage Records)

See grandfather Higgs' Notes for legacy in his 1844 will & subsequent judgment, and purchases made at estate sale.

See father's Notes for 1850 Federal Census entry.

See father's Biography regarding George's charter membership in New Hope Baptist Church in 1854. He was its first treasurer. (Bridges* :79)

1860 Federal Census (1860.06.01, Recorded 1860.07.11) Gad Fly Post Office, Shoal Creek Twp., Barry Co., MO - Pg 90, Ln 33, 587/575
- George H. Higgs, 37 year old male Farmer, born in N.C. Real property valued at $475, personal property at $1060
- Somira J. " , 33 year old female Domestic, born in Tenn.
- Martha C. " , 6/12 year old female, born in Mo.

1870 Federal Census (1870.06.01, Recorded 1870.07.29) Cassville Post Office, Shoal Creek Twp., Barry Co., MO - Pg 21 (735), Ln 27, 142/
- Higgs, George, 41 year old white male Farmer, born in N.C. Real property valued at $800, personal property at $350.
-----, Semira J., 34 yer old white female, born in Tenn.
-----, Martha C., 10 year old white female, born in Mo.
-----, Sarah A., 7 year old white female, born in Mo.
-----, Lucy, 4 year old white female, born in Mo.
-----, Geo. W., 2 year old white male, born in Mo.

1880 Federal Census (1880.06.01, Recorded 1880.06.21) Liberty Twp., Barry Co., MO - ED 7, Pg 23, Ln 20, 194/213
- Higgs, George, 56 year old white male Farmer. He & parents born in NC
-----, Samirah J. Wife, 45 year old married white female, Keeping House. She & parents born in Tenn.
-----, Martha . Daughter, 20 year old single white female, Keeping House. Born in Mo., father in NC, mother in Tenn.
-----, Sarah. Daughter, 18 year old single white female, at home, attended school within the year. Born in Mo., father in NC, mother in Tenn.
-----, Emmar. Daughter, 14 year old single white female, at home, attended school within the year. Born in Mo., father in NC, mother in Tenn.
-----, George. Son, 12 year old white male, at home, attended school within the year. Born in Mo., father in NC, mother in Tenn.
-----, Horace. Son, 7 year old white male, attended school within the year. Born in Mo., father in NC, mother in Tenn.
-----, Elworth. Son, 5 year old white male. Born in Mo., father in NC, mother in Tenn.

Received a legacy in father's will of 1854/1885 (see his Notes).

1900 Federal Census (1900.06.01, Recorded 1900.06.20) Liberty Twp., Barry Co., MO - ED 8, Sh 13B, Ln 73, 248/250
- Higgs, George H. Head, 76 year old married white male, born July 1823, married 45 years. He & parents born in North Carolina. Can read & write, speaks English. Occupation Farmer; owns his farm home free of mortgage.
-----, Samyria J. Wife, 65 year old married white female, born Aug 1834, married 45 years. Had 10 children, 6 still living. She & parents born in Tennessee. Can read & write, speaks English.
-----, George H. Son, 32 year old single white male, born Mar 1868. Born in Missouri, father in North Carolina & mother in Tennessee. Can read & write, speaks English. Occupation Farm Laborer.
-----, Horace. Son, 27 year old single white male, born June 1872. Born in Missouri, father in North Carolina & mother in Tennessee. Can read & write, speaks English. Occupation Farm Laborer.

See son Horace's Notes for 1910 Federal Census entry.

George H. Higgs and wife Samira J. Burton (daughter of John K. & Jane Foster Burton) are buried in Burton Cemetery (unmarked grave), Corcicana Twp , Barry Co., MO (T24N R28W-S32), between Butterfield & Wheaton. (USGenWeb.com*)

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Adeline E. Higgs, dau of John Kenelm Higgs & Martha Harrison, b. 17 Apr 1825. (Cheryl*)

Adeline E. Higgs born 17 April 1825, died 20 Feb 1862 in Barry Co., MO. (Bridges* :77 - Higgs Family Bible)

See father's Notes for 1850 & 1860 Federal Census entries.

See father's Biography regarding charter membership in New Hope Baptist Church in 1854.

Adeline E. Higgs, dau. of J and M Higgs, April 17, 1825 to Feb. 20, 1862, buried in Higgs Cemetery, Barry Co., MO. (Bridges* :74 - Grave Marker)

Received a legacy in father's will of 1854/1885 (see his Notes).

People Page

Zachariah Higgs, son of John Kenelm Higgs & Martha Harrison, b. 15 Oct 1827. (Cheryl*)

Zachariah Higgs born 15 Oct 1824. (Bridges* :77 - Higgs Family Bible)

See grandfather Higgs' Notes for legacy in his 1844 will & subsequent judgment, and purchases made at estate sale.

See maternal grandmother Dorcas' Notes for 1850 Federal Census entry.

James Y. Floyd & Elisabeth Daws were married 12 Aug 1850 in Granville Co., NC, with Zachariah Higgs as bondsman. (Ancestry.com* - Marriages of Granville Co., NC, 1753-1868, pg. 112)

Zachariah Higgs & Elizabeth Harrison were married in Granville Co., NC on 6 Jan 1853. (Ancestry.com* - North Carolina Marriage Collection, 1741-2000)

Zachariah Higgs & Elizabeth G. Harrison were bonded in marriage 24 Dec 1852 in Granville Co., NC by Alfred Knight. (Bridges* :44, Bond #7512)

1860 Federal Census (1860.06.01, Recorded 1860.08.11) Fishing Creek Dist., Granville Co., NC - Pg 188, Ln 36, 513/513
- Zachariah Higgs, 32 year old male Farmer, born in NC. Real property valued at $985, personal property at $5000.
- Betsy " , 25 year old female, born in NC.
- Lonsure(?) " , 11 year old female, born in NC.
- Martha G. " , 1 year old female, born in NC.

1870 Federal Census (1870.06.01, Recorded 1870.08.06) Princeton Twp., Dallas Co., AR - Pg 6, Ln 10, 38/36
- Higgs, Zachariah, 43 year old white male Farmer, born in N. Carolina. Real property valued at $800, personal property at $365.
-----, Bettie, 36 year old white female, Keeping House, born in N. Carolina.
-----, Louisa, 13 year old white female, at School, born in N. Carolina.
-----, Pattie, 11 year old white female, at School, born in N. Carolina.

1880 Federal Census (1880.06.01, Recorded 1880.06.21) Princeton Twp., Dallas Co., AR - ED 66, Pg 21 (169), Ln 25, 181/197
- Higgs, Zack, 52 year old married white male Farmer, born in N. Carolina.
-----, Betsey G. Wife, 45 year old married white female, Keeping House., born in N. Carolina.
-----, Pattie J.. Daughter, 20 year old single white female, at Home, attended school within the year, born in N. Carolina.
-----, Robert H. Son, 9 year old white male, born in Arkansas.
-----, Annie M. Daughter, 7 year old white female, born in Arkansas.
- (1 laborer)

1900 Federal Census (1900.06.01, Recorded 1900.06.16) Princeton Twp., Dallas Co., AR - ED 20, Sh 12(123)A, Ln 12, 146/147
- Higgs, Zac. Head, 72 year old white male, born Oct 1827, married 47 years. He & parents born in North Carolina. Occupation Farmer, Farm Schedule #111. Owns his farm home free of mortgage. Can read & write, speaks English.
-----, Elizabeth S Wife, 65 year old white female, born July 1834, married 47 years. Had 7 children, 3 living. She & parents born in North Carolina. Can read & write, speaks English.
- Hall, Charly. G. Son, 20 year old single white male, born May 1880. He & father born in Arkansas, mother in North Carolina. Can read & write, speaks English. Occupation Farm laborer.

Received a legacy in father's will of 1854/1885 (see his Notes).

Named as an owner of family burial plot in Barry Co., MO in 1890. (see Higgs Cemetery for details)

Zachariah Higgs died 1900 & wife in 1906; probably buried near Pine Grove in Dallas Co., AR. (Bridges* :82)

** Letter to brother McDuffy, 1862 (Bridges* :80-1 - cited verbatum)

State of Arkansas Dallas Cty
Dear brother I received your letter yesterday which give me much pain to hear of your situation an the death of my dear sister through our sister is the best of famly of us I rekon I expect we will soon follow her/x poor Mother an father they see so much trouble I do not no how they can survived such disasters in there ole age/x Duffa I was glad to hear from you let your situation be what it may I want to hear from you often Duff I dont want you an Ell to do anything to dissatisfy father but if father is willing I would run them negroes to louessana before I would give them up to the yankeys if you an not them where you are bring them here an if you cannot stay here with them go on to lousanna perhap by so doing you will save them corn an meat is scarce here but if you come you will not perish but if you
can have corrospendence with father do what he instrucs to do I think you an the negroes would be safer here than where you are though we may be over run soon/x if you come here I will divide with to the last crumb corn is worth one dollar per bushel bacon 20ctsx I am about had done planting corn we will not try to make a cotten crop this year we can not sell hour last years crop of cotten Duffa Phillip harrison volenteered for three years or during the war he left monday for little rock with seventy five others this state has raised fifteen thousan troops of the last two or three weeks we could rais a good many more if we could arm them/X We the mustering men are al summons to meet at Princton saturday to drill/x
Dufa I want you an El to write to me often an if you can hear from the rest of the faimly write me more how they are gettin along the last letter I had from father was written Last october I have been ancious to hear from you all- all the time though could not I wish you all had broke up and moved down here when you could an let us allben to gether I could not think of moveing to you all if I had should carried my family rright in the war/x I am very low spirited at this time I desire to see you all verry mutch at this times Duf if you have to bring your negroes down south be sure to bring them here I will do all that I can for you/x You will find a brother if you find me/x I live six miles south of princeton an seventy miles south of little rock I have nothing more say Betsy sends her love to you both I remain brother untill death
this the 30th of marchZachariah Higgs

** Military Service (Bridges* :81)

Zachariah Higgs enlisted in the Confederate Army 9 July 1862 at Ft. Smith, Ark. for 3 years or war's end, as a private in Co. C, Grinstead's Regiment of Arkansas Infantry. In March 1863 he was on 28 days' sick leave of 40 days' furlough. In January 1864 Zachariah is enlisted as a Sergeant in Co. C, 33rd Arkansas Infantry.

Described as fair complected, blue eyes, dark hair, 5' 8" tall, no peculiarities.

People Page

Robert W. Higgs, son of John Kenelm Higgs & Martha Harrison, b. 22 Mar 1829. (Cheryl*)

Robert W. Higgs born 22 March 1829, died 12 Sept 1853 in Lawrence City, MO. (Bridges* :77 - Higgs Family Bible)

See grandfather Higgs' Notes for legacy in his 1844 will & subsequent judgment, and purchases made at estate sale. Also there is his 1850 Federal Census entry.

Robert Higgs is reportedly buried along side of his brother John Kenelm Higgs at a small church yard, just south of the railroad tracks, in Pierce City, MO. (Bridges* :89)

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John K. Higgs, son of John Kenelm Higgs & Martha Harrison, b. 9 Apr 1830. (Cheryl*)

John K. Higgs born 9 Apr 1830, died 21 Aug 1853 in Lawrence City, MO. (Bridges* :77 - Higgs Family Bible)

See grandfather Higgs' Notes for legacy in his 1844 will & subsequent judgment.

See father's Notes for 1850 Federal Census entry.

Robert Higgs is reportedly buried along side of his brother John Kenelm Higgs at a small church yard, just south of the railroad tracks, in Pierce City, MO. (Bridges* :89)

Not listed with family in 1860, and not a beneficiary in father's will of 1854.

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Sarah K. Higgs, dau of John Kenelm Higgs & Martha Harrison, b. 8 Mar 1832. (Cheryl*)

Sarah "Sallie" K. Higgs, dau of John & Martha Higgs, b. 8 Mar 1832 in North Carolina; m. 24 June 1858 in Barry Co., MO, Charles B. Duncan. (Bridges* :89-90)

See father's Notes for 1850 Federal Census entry. See husband's Notes for 1870 entry.

Received a legacy in father's will of 1854/1885 (see his Notes).

Sarah K. Duncan died 11 June 1874, buried at Chitwood Cemetery, south of Wheaton, MO.

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James Kelly Higgs, son of John Kenelm Higgs & Martha Harrison, b. 30 Sep 1833 in Granville Co., NC, d. 3 Jun 1922, buried Higgs Cem., Barry Co., MO; m. 6 Dec 1860 in Lawrence Co., MO, Martha Jane Williams, dau of James Madison Williams & Artelia Elizabeth Barker, b. 1839, d. 1905. (Cheryl*)

James K. Higgs born 30 Sept 1833. (Bridges* :77 - Higgs Family Bible)

See grandfather Higgs' Notes for legacy in his 1844 will & subsequent judgment.

See father's Notes for 1850 & 1860 Federal Census entries.

See father's Biography regarding charter membership in New Hope Baptist Church in 1854.

James K. Higgs served as a Private with Company D, 46 Missouri Infantry, USA, during the Civil War. (Ancestry.com* - Civil War Service Records)

Kelly joined Capt. William Ray's Company of State Militia when it was organized at Cassville Mo. in 1862. Later on September 5, 1864 Kelly joined !the Union Army at Mt. Vernon Missouri. He was Mustered in on September 6, 1864 at Springfield. They give his description as: blue eyes, fair complection, age 31, height 5 ft. 8 inches, occupation farmer, and birthplace Granville N. C. He was mustered out at Springfield, Mo. March 6, 1865. (Bridges* :91)

1870 Federal Census (1870.06.01, Recorded 1870.07.30) Cassville Post Office, Shoal Creek Twp., Barry Co., MO - Pg 29 (739), Ln 27, 198/
- Higgs, James K., 36 year old white male Farmer, born in N.C. Real property valued at $2000, personal property at $600.
-----, Martha J., 30 year old white female, born in Mo.
-----, James Z., 8 year old white male, born in Mo., attended school within the year.
-----, Martha E., 4 year old white female, born in Mo.
-----, Wm. F., 2 year old white male, born in Mo.
-----, John, 4/12 year old white male, born in Mo.

1880 Federal Census (1880.06.01, Recorded 1880.06.03) Shoal Creek Twp., Barry Co., MO - ED 3, Pg 14, Ln 6, 117/117
- Higgs, James K., 45 year old married white male Farmer. He & parents born in N. Carolina.
-----, Martha J. Wife, 40 year old married white female, Keeping House. Born in Missouri, parents in Tennessee.
-----, James Z. Son, 16 year old single white male, at Home, attended school within the year. He & mother born in Missouri, father in N. Carolina.
-----, Martha E. Daughter, 13 year old single white female, at Home, attended school within the year. She & mother born in Missouri, father in N. Carolina.
-----, William F. Son, 10 year old white male, at Home, attended school within the year. He & mother born in Missouri, father in N. Carolina.
-----, John M. Son, 9 year old white male. He & mother born in Missouri, father in N. Carolina.
-----, George H. Son, 7 year old white male. He & mother born in Missouri, father in N. Carolina.

Received a legacy in father's will of 1854/1885 (see his Notes).

Named as an owner of family burial plot in Barry Co., MO in 1890. (see Higgs Cemetery for details)

1900 Federal Census (1900.06.01, Recorded 1900.06.16) Butterfield Twp., Barry Co., MO - ED 2, Sh 2(33)A, Ln 2, 235/235
- Higgs, James K. Head, 66 year old married white male, born Sep 1833, married 40 years. He & parents born in N. Carolina. Can read & write, speaks English. Occupation Farmer. Owns his farm home free of mortgage; Farm Schedule # 177.
-----, Martha. Wife, 60 year old married white female, born Nov 1839, married 40 years. Had 5 children, all still living. Born in Missouri, parents in Tennessee. Can read & write, speaks English.
-----, Harvey. Son, 28 year old single white male, born Aug 1871. He & mother born in Missouri, father in N. Carolina. Can read & write, speaks English. Occupation Farm Laborer.

See son John's Notes for 1910 & 1920 Federal Census entries (identified as a widower).

Mentioned by name in sister Juliann's 91st birthday notice (see her Notes)

Obituary of James Kelly Higgs
- He was loyal to his God, his church, his country and his party, and was loyal to everything that he believed was right. He lived in a time when mens words were their bonds and he was that character of man. No better man than he lived in Barry County, as the writer can testify, having known him all our life.
- He and the Late Dr. John Ray father of the present editor of the Democrat, were the staunchest of friends, before and after the Civil War. He told the present editor, that Dr. Ray's influence and getting him to read Union papers at commencement of the Civil War, caused him to espouse the cause of the Union, while his three brothers went South. All were the best of Citizenship, but had different opinions. We have had many large families in Barry County, but there are no better families than the Higgs family.
- He was our friend, well wisher and patron and we had the warmest feeling for him, for that and because he was such a warm and staunch friend of our Father. God bless his memory. He left a rich heritage for his sons and daughter, that they should be proud and imitate his many grand virtues.
- James Kelly Higgs was born in Granville, County, North Carolina, Sept. 30, 1833, and was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Higgs, who moved to Barry County in 1852, and the Father lived to the ripe age of 93 years, on the farm now owned by Farmer Higgs a nephew on Pogue's Creek in Higgs neighborhood near New Hope Church. He had lived in Barry County, seventy years, had seen it grow from a wilderness to one of the best counties in the southwest.
- In 1860, he and Miss Martha Jane Williams of Lawrence were married, she being a daughter of late Judge James Williams the first county clerk of Barry County. Two of his brothers married sisters of his wife. He left four sons and one daughter, who are: James Z. Higgs of near Mano, Mrs. Bettie Duncan of Wheaton, W.H. Higgs of Purdy, John Higgs of Cassville R. 3, and Harvey Higgs of R.F.D. Exeter. He left 31 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren to mourn his passing on. He professed faith in Christ at the age of 18 years and united with New Hope Baptist Church, and was one of two living members of the original organizers of that church. Mrs. Burton, Mother of Ollie Burton of that section being the only one left. He lived a devoted Christian life, was a true husband and kind Father.
- He died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Bettie Duncan of Wheaton, June 8, 1922, at the ripe age of 88 years 9 months and 22 days.
- He was a brother of late L. T. Mcduff, George and "Red" Higgs all honorable, upright and honest citizens of Barry County. There were six sisters and they to have passed on.
- Dr. Leonard C. Higgs of Maryland, grandfather of the Higgs brothers served in the Revolutionary Army, as did their Mother's side whose names were George and Dorcas (Woods) Harrison.
- Rev. J. T. Brattin of Cassville, conducted funeral services at New Hope Baptist Church, June 9, 1922, at 2:30 p.m. where a large number of relatives, friends and neighbors had assembled to pay last tribute of love and respect to one of our best citizens. Interment was made in Higgs family Cemetery, beside his wife who died many years ago. (Bridges* :92-3 - Cassville Democrat, June 1922)

James K. Higgs and Martha J. Higgs
...1833 - 1922.......... 1839 - 1905
(Bridges* :75 - Grave Marker, Higgs Cemetery, Barry Co., MO)

People Page

Martha A. Higgs, dau of John Kenelm Higgs & Martha Harrison, b. 22 Aug 1835. (Cheryl*)

Martha A. Higgs born 22 Aug 1836. Martha Higgs died 16 Dec 1854, Barry Co., MO. (Bridges* :77 - Higgs Family Bible)

See father's Notes for 1850 Federal Census entry.

See father's Biography regarding charter membership in New Hope Baptist Church in 1854.

Received a legacy in father's will of 1854/1885 (see his Notes).

People Page

Alexander Higgs, son of John Kenelm Higgs & Martha Harrison, b. 5 Jul 1839. (Cheryl*)

Alexander Higgs born 5 July 1839. (Bridges* :77 - Higgs Family Bible)

See father's Notes for 1850 & 1860 Federal Census entries.

Alexander Higgs served with Company G, 8 Missouri Infantry, CSA during the Civil War, entering as Private & discharged as Sergeant. (Ancestry.com* - Civil War Service Records)

- At Fort Smith, Arkansas on September 1, 1862, Alexander enlisted in the Confederate Army for three years of the War. The roll gives his description as: age 23, eyes blue, hair dark, complexion fair, height 5 ft. 8 inches , and he had no peculiarities. Another roll lists his hair as being light. He was a private in Company K of Mitchell's Reg't of Missouri Infantry. Later in January 1864 he was a second Corporal in Co. K in the 8th Reg't of Missouri Infantry. Alexander's name appears on a roll of prisoners of war June 7, 1865. He had attained the rank of fifth Sergeant. The names of his brothers Thomas McDuffa, and Seth also appear on this roll. His commander Captain Curry surrendered the eighth regiment on May 26, 1865 and they were paroled at Shreveport, Louisana on June 7, 1865.
- According to Goodspeeds Barry County History, Alek Higgs' house was carried away by a tornado on April 18, 1888. Alek was injured. (Bridges* :

Alexander Higgs, son of John & Martha Higgs, m. Margaret E. Williams, dau of Judge James Madison Williams & Artelia Williams of Lawrence Co., MO, pioneers of southwestern Missouri. (Bridges* :84)

1870 Federal Census (1870.06.01, Recorded 1870.07.29) Cassville Post Office, Shoals Creek Twp., Barry Co., MO - Pg 20, Ln 13, 132/133 (immediately below entries for brother Thomas & father John)
- Higgs, Alexander, 31 year old white male Farmer, born in NC. Real property valued at $500, personal property at $425.
-----, Margaret, 25 year old white female, born in Mo.
-----, Mary A., 3 year old white female, born in Mo.

1880 Federal Census (1880.06.01, Recorded 1880.06.03) Shoal Creek Twp., Barry Co., MO - ED 3, Pg 14, Ln 1, 116/116
- Higgs, Alexander, 41 year old married white male Farmer. He & parents born in N. Carolina.
-----, Margaret. Wife, 35 year old married white female, Keeping House. Born in Missouri, parents in Tennessee.
-----, Adaline. Daughter, 12 year old single white female, at home. Born in Missouri, parents in Tennessee (sic).
-----, Lienzetha. Daughter, 9 year old single white female. Born in Missouri, parents in Tennessee (sic).
-----, Farmer. Son, 8 year old white male. Born in Missouri, parents in Tennessee (sic).

Received a legacy in father's will of 1854/1885 (see his Notes).

Named as an owner of family burial plot in Barry Co., MO in 1890. (see Higgs Cemetery for details)

1900 Federal Census (1900.06.01, Recorded 1900.06.16) Butterfield Twp., Barry Co., MO - ED 2, Sh 13B, Ln 92, 235/235
- Higgs, Alexander. Head, 60 year old married white male, born July 1839, married 30 years. Born in N. Carolina, parents in Virginia. Can read & write, speaks English. Occupation Farmer (Owner), Farm Schedule #175. Owns his farm home free of mortgage.
-----, Margaret. Wife, 55 year old married white female, born June 1844, married 30 years. Had 5 children, 4 still living. Born in Missouri, parents in Tennessee. Can read & write, speaks English.
-----, Florence. Daughter, 15 year old single white female, born Nov 1884. Born in Missouri, father in N. Carolina & mother in Tennessee (sic). Can read & write, speaks English, attended school 6 months.

Alexander and Margaret E. Higgs
1839-1904.......1844-1912
(Bridges* :75 - Grave Marker, Higgs Cemetery, Barry Co., MO)

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Thomas McDuffa Higgs, son of John Kenelm Higgs & Martha Harrison, b. 16 Sep 1841. (Cheryl*)

Thomas McDuffa born 6 Sept 1841. (Bridges* :77 - Higgs Family Bible)

See father's Notes for 1850 & 1860 Federal Census entries.

See brother Zachariah's Notes for letter written to him by brother in 1862 from Arkansas.

1870 Federal Census (1870.06.01, Recorded 1870.07.29) Cassville Post Office, Shoal Creek Twp., Barry Co., MO - Pg 20, Ln 5, 130/131 (entry is immediately before father John's)
- Higgs, Thomas Mc., 28 year old white male Farmer, born in NC. Personal property valued at $1000.
-----, Mary D., 20 year old white female, born in Mo.

1880 Federal Census (1880.06.01, Recorded 1880.06.15) Newtonia Twp., Newton Co., MO - ED 104, Pg 30, Ln 25, 249/264
- Higgs, Thos. M., 37 year old married white male, Farming. He & parents born in N.C.
-----, Mary. Wife, 31 year old married white female, Keeping House. Born in Mo., parents in Tenn.
-----, Ida. Daughter, 10 year old white female. She & mother born in Mo., father in N.C.
-----, A L. Daughter, 6 year old white female. She & mother born in Mo., father in N.C.
-----, Lottie. Daughter, 4 year old white female. She & mother born in Mo., father in N.C.
- (1 Servant)

Received a legacy in father's will of 1854/1885 (see his Notes).

Named as an owner of family burial plot in Barry Co., MO in 1890. Is referred to as an attorney. (see Higgs Cemetery for details)

1900 Federal Census (1900.06.01, Recorded 1900.06.22) Newtonia Twp., Newton Co., MO - ED 110, Sh 15(204)A, Ln 29, 260/272
- Higgs, Thomas M. Head, 58 year old married white male, born Sept 1841, married 32 years. He & parents born in North Carolina. Can read & write, speaks English. Occupation Farmer, Farm Schedule #181. Owns his farm home free of mortgage.
-----, Mary D. Wife, 50 year old white female, born June 1849, married 32 years. Had 4 children, 3 still living. Born in Missouri, parents in Tennessee. Can read & write, speaks English.

Mary, wife of Thomas McDuffa Higgs, d. 29 Dec 1903. She & husband are buried at Mt. Olive Cemetery, near Fairview, MO. (Bridges* :103)

** Military

Thomas McDuffi Higgs, 3 Sgt, appeared on Muster Roll of Co. K., Mitchell's Reg't, MO. Inf. (Confederate) for Mar & Apr 1863. He enlisted 1 Sept 1862 at Benton Co., Ark. for 3 years or duration. Last paid 28 Feb 1862. Appointed 3 Sgt on 5 Feb 1862. (Bridges* :104 - Compiled Service Record*)

** Obituary (Bridges* :99 - from the History of Shoal Creek Association of her churches and Biography of Ministers by Elder T. L. Largen, p. 182, 83, 84.)

DEACON T. M. HIGGS

T. M. Higgs died at his home one and one half miles Northwest of pioneer, mo., Dec. 21, 1903; aged 62 years, 2 months, 5 days. He was a son of John Higgs, one of the early settlers of Missouri. He was born in North Carolina, Sept. 6, 1841. He came with his parents to Missouri in the early days of his life, and has lived in this state ever since. He was a man of fine intelligence, and posessed a strong will and always had the courage of his convictions. He was enterprising and farseeing, always being interested in everything that was for the welfare of the government, the state and county in which he lives. His judgement was sought on many politicial issues of the day, and the high confidence and esteem in which he was held may be seen in the fact that he was several times solicited by the prominent men of his party to make the race for representative of Newton County. But he preferred the quiet home life with his family, rather than the allurements of the legislative halls. He was greatly devoted to his family and lobored to give them a good living; and as in most other things to which he turned his attention, he succeeded, and left them plenty of this world's goods. He was converted, or "born again", as he expressed it. Sept. 30, 1870, joining the New Hope Baptist church, and becoming a zealous worker for the lord and his church.

To him, perhaps, belongs the honor of naming our District Association, he suggesting the name "Shoal Creek" and was one of the number who composed the organization, and he was ever afterwards closely connected with her interests. He, in the year 1886, became a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, which had recently been organized: he was received as a deacon and filled the place with honor and great profit to the church until God took him. It was the writers priviledge to be his pastor for about eleven years, and I found him faithful in his work. He will be greatly missed, but we think his life will be an inspiration to many. His funeral was conducted by the writer, in the Mt. Olive church house, where a large congregation had assembled to pay a last tribute of respect to him before the body was consigned to the tomb. The subject preached from was "Man Goeth to His Long Home," with the emphasis placed on the home of the saints, after which the body was laid to rest in the cemetery near the church. He left to mourn his loss a loving wife, three daughters, viz: Mrs Ida Carpenter, Mrs Lottie Carpenter, Mrs. Alpha McMillen and Several grandchildren, also brothers and one sister and a number of relatives and friends. One little girl of his, Nevie, had many years before gone to the glory world and, no doubt, waited the coming of papa. May God Bless all the bereaved.

** Biography (Bridges* :101 - Taken from History of Newton, Lawrence, Barry, and McDonald counties,
Missouri, Goodspeed 1888 p. 841)

Thomas Mcduffa Higgs was born in Granville, N.C., and is the son of John and Martha (Harrison) Higgs, both natives of Granville County, N.C. The father of John Higgs, Dr. Leonard C. Higgs, was a native of Maryland, and of old stock in that State, and was a Revolutionary soldier. Martha (Harrison) Higgs was the daughter of George (also a Revolutionary soldier) and Dorcas (Woods) Harrison, natives of Maryland, and also of old stock in that State. Thomas McDuffa Higgs was the eleventh of a family of thirteen children born to his parents. His father, in 1852, with his family removed from their North Carolina home to Lawerence County, Mo., where he had visited the year previous, and made for himself a home in that locality. He here reared his family of whom six sons and one daughter still survive: Julia Ann, George H., Zachariah, James K., Alexander, Thomas M., and Seth R. Those deceased were named Adeline, Robert, John, Martha and Sally, all of whom were grown, and William, who died in infancy. Thomas McDuffa was reared to manhood in Missouri and when scarcely a young man was necessitated by the then condition of affairs, precipitated by difference of opinion, to go into the war, and served valiantly, under Gens. Price and Parsons in the Eighth Missouri, commanded by Charles S. Mitchell. He served through the war, and at its termination returned home, and engaged in farming and stock raising; was also engaged in merchandising. While a citzen of Barry County, Mo., he married Miss Mary Danforth Williams, a resident of Lawrence County, Mo., and a daughter of Judge James M. and Artelia Elizabeth (Barker) Williams, natives of Tennessee and pioneers of Southwest Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Higgs are the parents of three daughters: Ida Elizabeth, Laura Alphonsine, and Lottie America. They buried one daughter, Mary Geneva, who died while young. Mr. Higgs is a member of the Masonic fraternity; served on the school-board of his district, and himself, his wife and two daughters are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, of which Mr. Higgs is a deacon, and was at one time clerk.

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Seth Roderick ("Red") Higgs, son of John Kenelm Higgs & Martha Harrison, b. 1 Aug 1845, Granville Co, NC, d. 22 Nov 1913, Barry Co., MO, buried Mt. Pleasant Cem., Barry Co., MO; m 21 Nov 1873, Martha Marie Tucker, dau of John W. Tucker & Mary Alice Stephens, b. 7 Jun 1853, d. 20 Sep 1891 in Purdy, MO, buried Mt. Pleasant Cem., Barry Co., MO. (Bridges* :105)

HIGGS, S. R.
Spouse: TUCKER, MARTHA Marriage Date: 21 Nov 1873
County: Barry State: MO
Source: Original data: Barry County, Missouri Marriages, 1851-75. County court records located at Cassville, Missouri. Family History Library film # (0931375) (Cheryl*)

See father's Notes for 1850 through 1870 Federal Census entries.

1880 Federal Census (1880.06.01, Recorded 1880.06.03) Shoal Creek Twp., Barry Co., MO - ED 3, Pg 14, Ln 29, 120/121
- Higgs, Seth R., 34 year old married white male Farmer. He & parents born in N. Carolina.
-----, Martha J. Wife, 22 year old married white female, Keeping House. Born in Missouri, parents in Tennessee.
-----, Eppy. Son, 2 year old white male. He & mother born in Missouri, father in N. Carolina.
-----, Arazonia. Daughter, 2 year old white female. She & mother born in Missouri, father in N. Carolina.

Received a legacy in father's will of 1854/1885 (see his Notes).

Named as an owner of family burial plot in Barry Co., MO in 1890. (see Higgs Cemetery for details)

1900 Federal Census (1900.06.01, Recorded 1900.06.16) Butterfield Twp., Barry Co., MO - ED 2, Sh 14(33)A, Ln 5, 236/236
- Higgs, Seth R. Head, 55 year old widowed white male, born Aug 1844. He & parents born in N. Carolina. Can read & write, speaks English. Occupation Farmer, Farm Schedule #178. Owns his farm home free of mortgage.
-----, Op. L. Son, 24 year old single white male, born June 1875. He & mother born in Missouri, father in N. Carolina. Can read & write, speaks English. Occupation Farm Laborer.
-----, James A. Son, 16 year old single white male, born July 1883. He & mother born in Missouri, father in N. Carolina. Can read & write, speaks English. Occupation Farm Laborer.
-----, Gertha L. Daughter, 12 year old white female, born Oct 1887. She & mother born in Missouri, father in N. Carolina. Can read & write, speaks English, At School 6 months.

See son Eppy's Notes for 1910 Federal Census entry.

Mentioned by name (Red) in sister Juliann's 91st birthday notice (see her Notes).

HIGGS, Seth R., 1 Aug 1844 - 22 Nov 1913. (Rootsweb.com* - Grave Marker, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Butterfield, Barry Co., MO)

** Military

Seth R. Higgs served as a Private with Company K, 8 Missouri Infantry, CSA during the Civil War. (Ancestry.com* - Civil War Service Records)

Seth R. Higgs, Pvt, Co. L, 8 Reg't Missouri Infantry (Confederate), of Barry Co., Mo., appears on a Roll of Prisoners of War of the 8 Regiment Missouri Infantry, Confederate States Army, commanded by Capt. A.M. Curry, surrendered at New Orleans, La., by General E.K. Smith, C.S.A., to Maj. Gen. E.R.S. Canby, U.S.A., May 26, 1865 and paroled at Shrevesport. La., June 7, 1865. (Bridges* :104 - Compiled Service Record*)

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