Eastham Town (part 4 of 9)

1774 he was one of a committee chosen to promote the growth of oysters in Wellfleet Bay. In 1778 he held a town office. His Revolutionary record follows: First Lieutenant, Capt. Solomon Higgins's (Eastham) co.; engaged July 1, 1775; discharged Dec. 31, 1775; service 6 mos. 16 days in defense of seacoast; also same company; list of commissioned Captains; return of officers of Col. Thomas Marshall's regt., endorsed "Field Officers of the 2nd regt. to be raised for the defense of Boston, May 8," (1776); also same regt.; abstract for advance pay for 1 month from June 6, 1776, etc.; dated Boston, June 17, 1776, mileage from camp (95 miles) allowed said Higgins; also same regt.; entered service May 14, 1776; service to Oct. 31, 1776, 5 mos. 19 days; also same regt.; returns of effectives, dated Hull, July 1, 1776, Castle Island, July 24, Aug. 17, Aug 23, and Aug. 29, 1776; reported sick at Long Island on return, dated Aug. 17, and Aug. 23, 1776; also same regt.; service from Nov. 1, 1776, to time of discharge, 1 mo.; travel home five days (95 miles) allowed; also Capt., Maj. Zenas Winslow's regt.; service from Sept. 9, to Sept. 13, 1778, 4 days, on the alarm at Falmouth of Sept. 9, 1778; roll endorsed "on alarm at Bedford"; also Captain 6th CO., 2d Barnstable co. regt. of Mass. Militia; list of officers; commissioned March 27, 1780. The following is also probably a part of his record of service; "Isaiah Higgins, Eastham. Capt. Winslow Lewis's co., pay abstract for mileage to and from camp at Cambridge, dated Jan. 13, 1776; mileage (204 miles) allowed said Higgins."

Higgins, seaman of the brigantine hidependence, commanded by Capt. Simeon Samson, engaged May 4, 1776, service to Sept. 22, 1776, 4 months, 18 days; roll dated Plymouth; also same vessel and commander, engaged Sept. 23, 1776; service to Jan. 1, 1777, 3 months, 8 days; also same vessel and commander, engaged Jan. 1, 1777; service to July 5, 1777, 6 months, 5 days.

master, bound on voyage from Boston to Bilbao and return ; portage bill dated Boston, Jan. 19, 1779; engaged Dec. 7, 1778; service to Jan. 17, 1779, 41 days.

Eastham records have: "Capt. Isaiah Higgins and Miss Priscilla Collings both of Eastham, marriage intention filed Sept. 26, 1789." "Isaiah Higgins of Eastham and Huldah Hickman of Wellfleet, marriage intention filed June 28, 1788." It is supposed that both these records refer to the preceding Capt. Isaiah Higgins, born in 1727. If this be the correct view, then it would appear that Huldah Hickman died very soon or repented her part of the bargain. Perhaps one of these records refers to Capt. Isaiah Higgins and the other to his son Isaiah Higgins, Jr. Nothing has been discovered which is decisive in the matter.

102. ELKANAH^ HIGGINS {Ehenezer\ Ichabod\ Benjamin^ Richard^), born Nov. 12, 1729, at Eastham; died there Nov. 4, 1815, in the eighty -seventh year of his age; married (int. Sept. 17, 1757) Sarah Knowles, born in 1732; died May 16, 1816; daughter of Joshua Knowles of Eastham.

Elkanah Higgins hved in that part of the ancient town which is now called Eastham, probably in its northern part. Family tradition affirms that he owned a large farm in this part of the town, extending from shore to shore. There is no reason to doubt , this. On March 6, 1764, he was elected constable and in 1768, 1777 and 1781 was chosen to some of the minor iovm offices. He may have been the Elkanah Higgins who was called out on the alarm at Bedford in 1778, but more probably this was his son, and it has accordingly been assigned to the younger Elkanah. In 1783 he was chosen surveyor of highways. His will, dated jNIarch 19, 1812, is recorded at Barnstable and the original document is in possession of descendants at Attleborough, Mass. In the wiU he says he has "arrived at declining age" and mentions wife Sarah and all the children given in the hst which is to follow. His daughters, Asenath Paine and Lydia Doane, had died before him and he leaves legacies to their children. The will mentions testator's dwelling house in Eastham, "where the North School House stands." The gravestone of Elkanah Higgins may be seen in the small, ancient cemetery near the Eastham railroad station, and his wiie was probably also buried there.

vi. Asenath, b. Oct. 23, 1769; d. Oct. 15, 1810; married Oct. 6, 1795, Thomas Paine, b. Nov. 2, 1767; d. before 1815. Lived at Wellfleet or Truro. Children (mentioned in the will of their grandfather, Elkanah Higgins) : Ruth, Sarah, Abigail, Lurania (who married Samuel Higgins), Samuel, Prince, Thomas, vii, Susannah, b. Aug. 12, 1771; married Jan. 26, 1792,

This Ebenezer Higgins was known in Eastham as Ebenezer, 3d. He was constable at Eastham in 1768 and ten years later held some town office. In 1778 he is called Ebenezer, Jr., probably because Ebenezer'* Higgins had died in the interval. In 1781 and 1783 held town office and in 1791 is mentioned on the town records. In 1790 he was the only Ebenezer Higgins then in Eastham and his family included beside himself and wife two sons over sixteen, one under sixteen and two daughters. His sons Joseph and Ephraim were in 1790 settled at Jamaica and their father followed them thither at some time after 1790. He lived on the South Hill in Jamaica, west of the farm of his son, Ephraim.

104. JETHR05 HIGGINS {Thomas\ Ichahod\ Benjamin\ Richard^), born at Eastham about 1730; died at Bucksport, Maine, Sept. 13, 1810(?); married (1) March 4, 1755, Ruth Snow of

No record of the birth of Jethro Higgins is to be found on the existing records of Eastham and he is here made a son of Thomas and Sarah (Vickery) Higgins by conjecture only, for lack of direct evidence. The references to him on the records of Eastham are very few. He served as private in Capt. Isaiah Higgins's CO., Major Zenas Winslow's regt. Service from Sept. 9 to Sept. 13, 1778, 4 days, on alarm at Falmouth of Sept. 9, 1778. Roll endorsed "on alarm at Bedford." The town records show that he was elected a warden in 1783. Before 1790 he had removed to Plantation No. 1, called Buckstown, now Bucksport, Maine.

A plan of Bucksport, of date about 1790, shows Jethro Higgins and Seth Higgins settled on lot no. 5, 2d range, Jeremiah Higgins on lot no. 2, 2d range and James Higgins on lot 74, 2d range. These lots were all close together. Buckstown was incorporated June 25, 1792, and named in honor of Col. Jonathan Buck, the first settler in 1762. Its name was changed to Bucksport in 1817. The United States census of 1790 shows Jethro Higgins living in Buckstown with a family of two sons over sixteen, one under sixteen, and wife and one daughter, or if wife deceased, two daughters. Hence the following are assumed as his family:

Zaccheus Higgins lived at Eastham-Orleans. He is called captain, which means that at some time in his life he was a commander of some kind of a vessel. He served as petit juror in 1773, surveyor of highways in 1774 and as "negative man" in 1793.

On May 2, 1774, Hannah, wife of Zaccheus Higgins, was on the roll of members of the First Church of Christ at Orleans, but he was not a member at that time.

In September, 1778, Maj. Zenas Winslow's regiment, the Second Barnstable County regiment of militia, was called into service on alarms at Bedford and Falmouth. In Lieut. Samuel Knowles's company were Zaccheus Higgins and Zaccheus Higgins, Jr., both privates, who served from Sept. 6 to 13, 1778.

Authorities: Eastham-Orleans Town and Church Records; Barnstable Probate Records, vol. xx, pp. 154-5, will of Paul Knowles. The name of the first wife of Zaccheus Higgins has been read "Mary Carsbury," by a careful student of Eastham records, Mr. Stanley W. Smith, but in another place the record is clearly "Mercy Crosby," so it seems probable that the former is a careless or fantastic spelling of the latter.

Joshua Higgins was a resident of Eastham-Orleans. May 2, 1774, Hannah, wife of Joshua Higgins, was a member of the Eastham-Orleans First Church, but he was not a member.

Joshua Higgins was captain of the 11th (3d Eastham) company of the Second regiment of Barnstable County militia, ordered commissioned April 20, 1776, reported commissioned April 20, 1776. In September, 1778, he was still captain of a company in the same regiment, now Maj. Zenas Winslow's, called into service from Sept. 6 to Sept. 13, 1778, on alarms at Bedford and Falmouth. He held town offices in 1777 and in 1781.

William Higgins resided at Eastham -Orleans, but about 1779 removed to Standish, Maine, where he probably died. He served on petit jury at Eastham in 1771. Mrs. Elizabeth Higgins was a member of the First Church, Orleans, on May 2, 1774. Wilham Higgins was a private in Lieut. Samuel Knowles's co.. Second Barnstable County regiment, Major Zenas Winslow's, in September, 1778, serving six days on alarms at Bedford and Falmouth.

108. JOSEPH=^ HIGGINS (Eleazer\ Richard\ Benjamin', Richard}), born March 17, 1728, at Eastham; died Aug. 12, 1768, at Eastham; married March 18, 1756, at Eastham (by Mr. Joseph Crocker, pastor of the First Church of Christ) Sarah Burgess.

The record of his marriage calls him Joseph Higgins, Jr., but who Joseph Higgins, Sr., at this time was has not become evident. That there was a Joseph Higgins in the South Precinct of Eastham, now Orleans, is evident from the town records. In 1776 Joseph Higgins was warden and for some reason was dismissed from the office. In 1784 or 1785 the town records contain a reference to "the general field where Joseph Higgins' house lately stood, as it was the year past."

109. ENOCH^ HIGGINS {Eleazer\ Richard\ Benjamin'^, Richard^), born June 29, 1730, at Truro; died May 10, 1807, at Wellfleet; married Feb. 21, 1754, at Eastham, Mary Atkins, born at Wellfleet, Feb. 9, 1735; died there April 26, 1807; daughter of Joseph and Thankful (Paine) Atkins, a descendant of Nicholas and Constance (Hopkins) Snow.

Enoch Higgins resided at Wellfleet. The tombstones of him and his wife are in Duck Creek Cemetery, Wellfleet. It is a family tradition that he was a merchant captain and that his daughter took with her to Maine as one of her wedding presents a China silk shawl.

"Receipt dated Point Shirley, June 13, 1776, signed by said Higgins and others belonging to Capt. Nathaniel Winslow's co.. Col. Whitney's regt., for advance pay and travel allowance from home to Boston. -

"Mate, sloop Republic, Caleb Dyer, Master, portage bill made up for advance for 1 month, dated Boston, Jan. 14, 1779; engaged Dec. 5, 1778, service to Jan. 12, 1779, 38 days.

"Petition dated at Camp at Hull, Sept. 17, 1776, signed by said Higgins and others belonging to battalion stationed at Hull, asking for increase and payment of wages; also. Private, Capt. Nathaniel Winslow's CO., Col. Josiah Whitney's regt.; enlisted April 29, 1776; service to Nov. 1, 1776, 6 months, 1 day; also, same co. and regt.; pay roll for Nov. 1776; service 1 month 6 days, including 6 days (115 miles) travel home."

"Private, Capt. Nathaniel Winslow's co.. Col. Josiah Whitney's regt.; service from April 29, 1776, four days preceding march from home to Nov. 1, 1776, 6 months 1 day; also, same co. and reg.; pay roll for November, 1776; service 1 month 6 days including 6 days (115 miles) travel home,

"Sailor, sloop Republic, Caleb Dyer, Master; portage bill made up for advance wages for 1 month, dated Boston, Jan. 14, 1779; engaged Dec. 5, 1778, service to Jan. 12, 1779, 38 days.

"Receipt dated Point Shirley, June 13, 1776, signed by said Higgins and others belonging to Capt. Nathaniel Winslow's co.. Col. Wliitney's regt.; for advance pay, travel allowance from home to camp, etc.; also, petition dated camp at Hull, Sept. 17, 1776, signed by said Higgins and others belonging to battalion stationed at Hull, asking for increase and payment of wages."

"Receipt dated Point Shirley, June 13, 1776, signed by Nathan Higgins and others belonging to Capt. Nathaniel Winslow's co., Col. Whitney's regt., for advance pay, travel allowance from home to Boston, etc.; also Private, Capt. Nathaniel Winslow's co.. Col. Josiah Whitney's regt.; pay roll made up for service from May 1, 1776, 4 days preceding march from home, to Aug. 1, 1776; enhsted May 1, 1776; reported enlisted into the naval service June 21, 1776; also. Seaman, sloop Republic, commanded by Capt. John Foster Williams, engaged June 22, 1776, discharged Nov. 18, 1776; service 4 mos. 27 days; officers and crew reported discharged at Boston ; also, Seaman, brigantine Active, commanded by Capt. Allen Hallet, engaged June 4, 1779; discharged Aug. 31, 1779, service 2 mos, 28 days."

Levi Higgins went to Hull's Cove, Mt, Desert, about 1770 and settled at the beach north of the point now known as Cape Levi. The cove at the beach was called Camp Cove and the point north was called Parker's Point, Mr, Higgins was a prominent citizen and took an active part in the organization of the plantation and town of Mt. Desert, now Eden, and held many responsible offices in each. He was one of the first board of selectmen of Eden, He was second lieutenant of the militia company when the town included the whole island, and was among the volunteers in the unfortunate expedition against Bagaduce (now Castine, Maine), The Eden Baptist Church was organized at his house on the fifth day of July, 1799, with thirty members.

Levi Higgins was Second Lieut., Capt. Ezra Young's (7th) CO., Sixth Lincoln Co. regt. of Mass., militia, his name being in a list of officers; commissioned July 11, 1776; also Lieutenant, Capt. Daniel Sullivan's co., of volunteers; service from July 28, 1779, to Sept. 28, 1779, 2 mos. on expedition to Majorbagaduce.

Elizabeth Cole, probably daughter of Timothy and Martha (Almony) Cole of Eastham. Residence, Chatham (Middle Haddam), Conn., where he bought land of George Stocking, June 23, 1753.

115. JEDIDIAH^ HIGGINS (David\ Richard\ Benjamin\ Richard^), born April 16, 1733; died Dec. 14, 1809; married Dorothy Cone, born Sept. 10, 1732; died at East Haddam, Feb. 6, 1813, aged 80 years; daughter of Stephen Cone of East Haddam, Conn.

Elkanah Higgins received to full communion in the First Church of Christ, East Haddam, Conn., Aug. 28, 1768; his wife Mary Higgins received Oct. 16, 1768. She was buried at Moodus, Conn.

117. MOSES^ HIGGINS (David\ Richard^ Benjamin?, Richard^), born 1743; died Feb. 12, 1818, aged 75; buried in Young Street Cemetery; married Dec. 10, 1767, Dorcas Brainard, born Feb. 19, 1746; died January or June, 1829, daughter of Abijah and Thankful (Fuller) Brainard of Middle Haddam, Conn.

He resided in Chatham, Conn.; was a chorister in the church and was an intelligent and important man. To "know as much as Moses Higgins" became a proverb.

His wall recorded April 28, 1813, and probated Nov. 16, 1816, mentions all the children. Mrs. Dorcas Higgins descended from Edward Fuller of the Mayflower, 1620, through her grandfather, Shubael Fuller.

iv. Moses, b. in 1774; married Martha Fuller, daughter of Capt. Samuel Fuller. Moses was of Guilford, Chenango Co., N. Y., 1820; Mt. Upton, N. Y., 1822; Concord, Erie Co., Perm., 1828. Descendants of Moses have lived at Exeter or Burlington, N. Y. Martha was sister of Statira Fuller. Capt. Samuel Fuller served in the Revolutionary War.

Reuben Higgins resided at Truro and removed to Cape Elizabeth, Maine, between 1778 and 1780. He served in the Revolutionary War as foUows: Captain 5th (1st Truro) co., Second Barnstable Co, regt. of Mass, mihtia; list of officers chosen in said regiment, as returned by Joseph Doane; ordered in Council April 20, 1776, that said oiSicers be commissioned; reported commissioned April 20, 1776; also. Captain of a company stationed at Truro; list of seacoast officers; commissioned Aug. 16, 1777.

2d Lieutenant, schooner Boston (privateer); petition dated Watertown, Aug. 21, 1776, signed by Henry Bass, in behalf of himself and others, of Boston, asking that Capt. Silas Atkins, Jr., be commissioned as commander of said schooner, ordered in Council Aug. 21, 1776, that a commission be issued.

Lieut., Capt. Benjamin Godfrey's co.. Col. Josiah Whitney's regt.; arrived at destination May 10, 1777; discharged July 10, 1777, service 2 mos. 14 days, at Rhode Island, travel (14 days) included; . 126 miles reported as distance from Truro to place of destination; enHstment 2 mos. Roll dated Boston Neck,

Authorities: Franklin A. Higgins, Brooklyn, N. Y,; Records of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; Records of Truro, Mass.; Barnstable Probate Records, vol. xvii, p. 77, will of Samuel Dyer of Truro.

Jesse Higgins was chosen in 1775 at town meeting of Eastham to prevent firing or burning of powder. He resided at Eastham until 1778, when he removed to Mt. Desert (town of Eden, Maine) and settled at Clark's Cove with Joseph Mayo and David Higgins.

iv. Mary, b. Feb. 3, 1781; d. April 16, 1856; married June 22, 1809, as his second wife, Deacon Gideon Mayo, son of Joseph and Ruth (Snow) Mayo. Children: Esther, b. April 3, 1810; married Amos T. Hadley and had ten children; Ruth, b. May 20, 1811; married Christopher Bartlett and had nine children; Ebenezer, b. May 26, 1812; married Olive Stover and had three children; Zachariah, b. Sept. 28, 1813; married Rebecca Hadley and had three children; Salome, b. Feb. 28, 1815; married Abraham Treworgy and had eight children; Jesse H., b. Aug. 5, 1816; married Abigail Milliken of Surry and had five children; Gideon, b. Nov. 28, 1817; d. unmarried, 29 years old; Julia Ann, b. Aug. 11, 1819; married Enoch L. Brown and had seven children; Priscilla, b. Nov. 29, 1822; married (1) John Pierce and had three children; she married (2) Nov. 8, 1861, John Conly and had two children.

He resided at Mt. Desert, Maine, coming from Eastham in 1778 and settling at Spruce Point. Mrs. Higgins was admitted to First Church, Eastham, Oct. 30, 1774.

Authorities: Street's History of Mt. Desert, p. 168; Mr. B. Lake Noyes of Stonington, Maine; Eastham-Orleans Records; Mayflower Des., vol. xvii, p. 13.

124. ISAAC^ HIGGINS ilsaac\ Isaac\ Benjamin^ Richard^), born June 15, 1745, at Eastham; died there in 1788(?); married May 28, 1767, Ann, or Anna, Freeman of Truro.

Isaac Higgins was a private in Lieut. Samuel Knowles's company of Major Zenas Winslow's Second Barnstable Co. regiment of miHtia and in September, 1778, served six days on alarms at Bedford and Falmouth.

An Isaac Higgins died at Eastham-Orleans in 1788 who may have been this Isaac and an Isaac Higgins, Jr., died there in 1780 who may have been son of Isaac^ Higgins. However, no record of children of Isaac and Ann has been found, and these records may refer to the deaths of Isaac^ Higgins and his son Isaac^ Higgins.

He was captain of a sailing vessel, Lucretia; was a merchant and town treasurer of Wellfleet for thirty years. He kept a very valuable diary which has been preserved.

He was a sea captain and was lost at sea by the foundering of his vessel in January, 1804. He left a wife and ten children, the oldest born at Eastham, the others at Gorham, Maine.

ii. Mercy, b. Aug. 5, 1778; married (int. Jan. 14, 1799) MaFch 18, 1799, Daniel Lowell, Jr., of Standish, Maine, b. Brentwood, N. H., Aug. 5, 1776; d. March 30, 1828. He married (2) June 12, 1812, Experience Higgins of Buxton, Maine. Daniel and Mercy (Higgins) Lowell had a son John, whose son John Lowell, Jr., was adopted by Saul Cook Higgins, brother of his grandmother.

Deane. viii. Abigail Freeman, b. Sept. 23, 1791; married (1) March 29, 1810, Amos Thomas; (2) perhaps Nathaniel Kilpatrick; removed to Harrison, Maine.

127. ISRAEL^ HIGGINS {Israel\ SamueP, Benjamin\ Richard^), born Oct. 3, 1728; died before April 1, 1793; married (1) Feb. 20, 1752, Hannah, daughter of Dr. Joshua and Elizabeth (Gates) Arnold, and granddaughter of Joseph and Ehzabeth (Hungerford) Gates; married (2) Feb. 15, 1753, Ehzabeth Aiken, born April 3, 1733; died after Jan. 14, 1794; daughter of Henry and Margaret (Woods) Aiken.

Israel Higgins served in the French and Indian War and in the Revolution. He was a private in Capt. Elijah Robinson's CO., of Col. John Ely's Connecticut regt. m 1777. His name appears on a "Billeting Roll" of the Company with remarks, - "Enl. June 16, 17 - . Marched from home July 22, 17 - . No. of days billeted himself, 37." He resided in Middle Haddam parish, town of Middletown (later Chatham), Conn. George Higgins was appointed administrator on estate of Israel Higgins April 1, 1793. Distribution to heirs date Jan. 14, 1794.

iii. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 16, 1757; married May 21, 1778, Cornelius Brainard of Haddam Neck, Conn. She had eight children and died Feb. 2, 1824.

Authorities: Middletown, Conn., Vital Records; Middle Haddam Church Records; Record of Connecticut Men in the War of the Revolution; Middletown Probate Records, vol. vi, pp. 20, 53,64.

Dart of Middle Haddam; married (2) Jan. 26, 1772, Keziah Stevens, born about 1755; died at Middle Haddam, March 23, 1832, aged 77. Mrs. Ruth (Dart) Higgins married (2) May 5, 1773, John Wright, Jr., of Middle Haddam.

of the Connecticut River, in Middle Haddam parish. Jesse was a private in the French and Indian War, being in the 6th co., Capt. Gaylord's, of the First regt., commanded by Col. Phineas Lyman. Dates of service: April 1, 1758, to Sept. 19, 1758; Sept. 19 to Nov. 21, 1758; March 24 to Dec. 16, 1759. He was private in the 8th co. in the Lexington Alarm, April 17, 1775; also in Second regt., Gen. Spencer's, May 11 to December, 1775; enlisted March 17, 1778, in Judd's co. The last two enlistments may belong to Jesse, son of Lemuel Higgins. There is no means of deciding, but they probably belong to this Jesse Higgins, who closed his life while still in the service of his country, at Fishkillon-Hudson. He was absent from home, serving in the army and perhaps at sea, for long periods. He appears to have held a small parcel of land in the parish of Middle Haddam, where he lived when not serving elsewhere. His first marriage was unhappy and there were no children. His wife Ruth obtained a legal separation from him in January, 1772, and he immediately married again. Mrs. Keziah Higgins was appointed administratrix on his very small estate in 1780.

i. Samuel, b. Sept. 16, 1774. "Samuel Taylor appointed guardian to Samuel Higgins, a minor, about 15 years old, son of Jesse Higgins, late of Chatham, dec'd. May 4, 1789."

Middle Haddam. ii. Elizabeth, b. about 1787; married Feb. 10, 1811, George Carey of Middle Haddam; she died Dec. 20, 1879, aged 92, and was there buried, iii. Aristobulus, b ; he was living Oct. 15, 1838.

Authorities: Vital Records of Eastham, Mass., and Middletown, Conn.; Church Records of Middle Haddam; Probate Records at Middletown; Records of Superior Court, Hartford; Conn. Hist. Soc. Collections, French and Indian War Rolls; Record of Conn. Men in the Revolution; Middle Haddam Cemetery Inscriptions.

129. SYLVANUS^ HIGGINS (Israeli Samuel\ Benjamin\ Richard^), born June 8, 1735, at Eastham, Mass.; died Oct. 2, 1785, at Chatham, Conn.; married July 22, 1757, Lucy Stocking,

Sylvanus Higgins lived at Middle Haddam in the town of Chatham. His father sold him a house and land in the parish of Mddle Haddam on March 31, 1764. He enlisted July 9, 1775, in Huntington's regt. Captured with several others in August, 1776, and while ensign imprisoned in a ship in Wallabout Bay. Exchanged in November, discharged in December, and enhsted again January, 1777.

130. HEMAN5 HIGGINS (Israeli Samuel\ Benjamin^ Richard^), born Nov. 25, 1740, in Eastham, or perhaps in Middletown, Conn.; died April 20, or May 1, 1778; married Dec. 15, 1768, Eunice Sexton, born .

Heman Higgins lived in the Middle Haddam parish of Middletown-Chatham. He was a Revolutionary soldier and died of sickness in the army. His military record follows: Marched for relief of Boston, April, 1775; served from May 8, to Dec. 18, 1775, in Capt. and Col. Samuel Wyllys's co. of Gen. Joseph Spencer's Second regt.; was at Roxbury, Mass. Also private in Capt. William Belcher's co. of Col. Jedidiah Huntington's First regt.,

131. SETH^ HIGGINS {Israel\ SamueP, Benjamin^ Richard^), born Feb. 4, 1750-1, in Middletown-Chatham, Conn.; died at New York, August, 1777; married about 1770, probably Lois Higgins, daughter of Lemuel and Elizabeth (Cole) Higgins. She survived him and married (2) Sept. 22, 1779, Caleb Parsons of Enfield, Conn.

Seth Higgins lived in the Middle Haddam parish of Chatham, Conn. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and died a prisoner in New York. His military record follows : He served on the Oliver Cromwell, was taken prisoner at Battle of Long Island, and was imprisoned in the ship Whitby in November, 1776, transferred in May, 1777, to another ship anchored also in Wallabout Bay, where he died. Said to have left a son Seth who served in War of 1812.

Little is known of his life. No children. His widow Catherine administered his estate, March 6, 1770, and on March 10, 1771, she married John Ward.

Authorities: Bailey's Early Connecticut Marriages (Middle Haddam); Descendants of John Kirby, p. 51; Middletown Probate Records, vol. iv, p. 178; ix, p. 75.

married (1) Feb. 10, 1763, at Killingworth, Conn., Thankful Hurd, born Aug. 15, 1743, at Killingworth; died there May 25, 1772; daughter of Elnathan and Thankful Hurd of Killingworth; married (2) at New Haven, Conn,, Dec. 14, 1772, Mary Groves,

No land appears in the name of Nehemiah Higgins, either at Durham or at Killingworth. At Killingworth he probably lived in the First Society, now the town of Clinton, for on Dec. 9, 1764, Mrs. Thankful Higgins owned the covenant at the First Church of Killingworth (now in Clinton) and her children were baptized there. In 1759 Nehemiah Higgins served as a private in Captain Hitchcock's company in the French and Indian War. His record of service in the Revolution follows, but it could have been his son Nehemiah who thus served, if he lived until that time.

"Return of levies that served in 1780 in Col. Samuel B. Webb's Regiment (not included in the State Line regts.). Ninth regt. Private. Nehemiah Higgins served from July 27 to Dec. 4, 1780."

"Gen, Waterbury's Brigade, 1781, Capt. William VanDeusen's CO. State Guards stationed at New Haven. Private Nehemiah Higgins served from Jan, 23, to Aug, 1, 1781."

Nehemiah Higgins appears to have removed to New Haven at or about the time of his second marriage. He was probably a mariner or merchant, not a farmer.

Authorities: Collections Conn. Hist. Society (French War Rolls) vol. X, p. 137; Record of Connecticut Men in the Revolution, pp. 252, 575; Town Records of Killingworth ; Records of First Congregational Church, Clinton, Conn.; Vital Records of New Haven, Conn.

135. ICHABOD^ HIGGINS {Ichahod\ Samuel\ Benjamin\ Richard^), born about 1738, probably at Eastham ; died at Durham, Conn., between Jan. 30 and March 1, 1773; married (date not found) Jane , perhaps Lewis.

Ichabod Higgins resided at Durham, Conn. During 1758-1764 he was a private in Capt. Hitchcock's company of New Haven (French and Indian War). On April 24, 1764, he bought a small piece of land in Durham of Jesse Austin, and sold the same land to Jesse Atwell on Jan. 30, 1773. Phineas Spellman was appointed administrator on the estate of Ichabod Higgins on March 1, 1773, and soon reported the estate insolvent.

136. SAMUEL^ HIGGINS {Ichabod\ Samuel\ Benjamin'^, Richard^), born about 1742 perhaps in Killingworth or Durham, Conn.; died June 20, 1811, in "68th year," at Benson, Vt.; married (1) at Killingworth (North Parish, now the town of KilUngworth) Jan. 9, 1769, Sarah Blatchley, born , died in 1779 or 1780; married (2) in 1781, Temperance Kelsey, born Oct. 3, 1756, at Killingworth, Conn.; died Feb. 6, 1831, "aged 73 years," at Benson, Vt.; probably daughter of Dan and Jemima Kelsey of Killingworth, Conn., although her age at death is not quite in accord with the birth-date of Dan Kelsey's daughter.

Samuel Higgins is probably the Samuel Higgins bapt. Dec. 19, 1742, by Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey of Durham as "the son of Capt. Higgins a mariner who came from Eastham." Nov. 1, 1762, Simon Baxter of Hartland was appointed guardian to Samuel Higgins a minor of the town of Durham. Samuel Higgins after his first marriage probably settled on or near the Umits of the Second or North Society of Killingworth, for the baptisms of his children are recorded there. In 1779 or 1780 he removed from Killingworth to Poultney or Castleton, Vt., and from there in 1788 to Benson, Vt., where he died. Samuel Higgins was taxed £6 at Poultney in 1781. He was a farmer through life.

Samuel Higgins served in Capt. Harris's co. in the French and Indian War. Roll of Capt. Zebediah Dewey's co. of Militia for service done the State in October, 1780. Samuel Higgins, private, 4 days' service, 8 miles' travel. Capt. Abishai Moseley's CO., services at Castleton, June 10, 1781,'^Samuel Higgins 2 days. Same co., alarm at Castleton, Oct. 21, 1781, 10 days' service, Samuel Higgins. Capt. Zebediah Dewey lived at Poultney, also A. Moseley.

Authorities: Records of Killingworth, Comi.; Records of the Second Congregational Church, Killingworth, Conn. ; Middletown Probate Records, vol. ii, p. 64; Collections of Conn. Hist. Society {French War Rolls), vol. x, p. 137. Pamphlet entitled "Record of the Higgins Family," privately printed 1883, by Daniel F. Higgins of Joliet, 111.; Vermont Revolutionary Rolls, p. 236.

137. SIMEON^ HIGGINS (Simeon\ Samuel\ Benjamin^ Richard^), born in Eastham in 1746; died there March 23, 1824, in his seventy-ninth year (gravestone); married Jan. 30, 1766, Martha Knowles, born ; died in 1817 at Eastham.

Records of the First Church, Orleans, state that "Capt. Simeon Higgins died 1824 aged 79," and we may conclude that he was not a member of the church. He was evidently a sea captain. Letters testamentary on his estate were issued March 31, 1824, to Asa Higgins and James Higgins. He is called a resident of Orleans. He left a will, which is not now extant, the volume containing the record thereof having been burnt in the fire which destroyed the Barnstable Court House in 1827. The original will on file was burnt at the same time.

Simeon^ Higgins served six days in September, 1778, in Lieut. Samuel Knowles' co., of Maj. Zenas Winslow's Second Barnstable Co. regt. of militia, on alarms at Bedford and Falmouth.

SamueP Higgins, his brother, is probably the Samuel Higgins, private, of Eastham, who was in Capt. Geo. Webb's co.. Col. WilHam Shepard's regt. return (year not given) ; enlisted for town of Eastham; enlistment 8 mos.; reported deceased.

iii. Huldah, bapt. at Orleans, Dec. 18, 1774; married Oct. 8, 1789, Moses Snow, b. Feb. 17, 1763. Children: Ohve, Patty, Lavina, b. March 2, 1795, Mary, Moses, Simeon, Francis, Sparrow, Emery, Giles, and Loring, b. May 23, 1813. Moses Snow married (2) Oct. 6, 1817, Sarah Young of Orleans and in his will of 1836 names his daughter Lavina who had married Samuel Higgins.

a private in Lieut. Samuel Knowles' co., Maj. Zenas Winslow's Second Barnstable Co. regt. of militia, serving three days in September, 1778, on alarms at Bedford and Falmouth. He held a town office at Orleans in 1801.

Zerviah, wife of Nathan Higgias, was admitted to the First Church at Eastham-Orleans on Sept. 1, 1793, and on Sept. 8, 1793, her five children were baptized by the pastor.

Philip Higgins removed from Eastham or Wellfleet to Georgetown, Maine, where he was a merchant. He appraised an estate there May 30, 1760. Later change of town lines made him a resident of West Bath, where he died. His will shows that he was a successful man and had acquired a good estate. It reads as follows:

"In the name of God, amen. I Philip Higgins of Bath in the County of Lincoln, & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, bfeing of sound mind & memory and calling to mind the mortality of my body & knowing it is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say: First of all I give & recommend my soul into the hand of Almighty God, & my body to the earth to be buried decently, according to the discretion of my Executor, believing that at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give, demise & dispose of the same in the following manner & form:

"First. I give & bequeathe to Mary my dearly beloved wife, the use and improvement of my homestead farm, on which we now live, with all the stock of cattle & farming utensils thereon during her natural life; and all the house furniture to her use & disposal forever.

"Secondly. I give & bequeathe to my son Benjamin Higgins the sum of ten dollars, and no more, I having formerly given him as much as I esteem his proportion.

"Sixth. I give to my son Simeon Higgins the land to the eastward of the road leading to Foster's point, containing about eighty acres, adjoining his own land.

"Seventh. I give to my son Philip Higgins the homestead farm aforementioned, with the stock of cattle and all the farming utensils to his use & improvement after the decease of his mother my said wife until his sons Isaiah & Jeremiah shall be twenty one years of age, when it is my will & I bequeathe accordingly that the said Isaiah and the said Jeremiah each shall have and hold forever to themselves, their heirs and assigns one fourth part to each of them, of the said homestead farm; and the said Philip to have and to hold to himself, his heirs & assigns forever the remaining half of the said homestead farm.

"10th. I give to my daughter Thankful Huffe of Bowdoin all the right, title & possession which I have to the land on which she & her husband now live in said Bowdoin. I Hkewise give to my said daughter all the money due to me from her said husband.

"11th, I likewise give to my sons Reuben, Simeon, & Philip aforenamed my saw mill with the mill privilege and all the privileges to the millpond belonging.

"12th. I give to my son Philip aforesaid all other my personal estate not before particularly bequeathed, except debts due to me, which debts my Executor hereafter named is to collect and with the money so collected discharge my just debts & pay the legacies & sums in this instrument mentioned and bequeathed, and the remainder if any there should be, I give & bequeathe to my daughter Thankful Huffe aforesaid. And the legacies aforementioned I will to be paid within two years after my decease. And I do hereby appoint my said son Reuben Higgins sole exeuctor of this my last will & testament. And I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disannul all and every former testaments, wills, legacies & bequests by me in anyuase before willed & bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my last will and testament.

Thomas Higgins resided at Wellfleet. He is called Thomas Higgins, 3d., in 1751, when Wellfleet was still a part of the town of Eastham. He was a captain, probably marine, as there is no record of his being commissioned a military captain. The following record is thought to belong to him. "Thomas Higgins, Jr. Private, Capt. Joseph Smith's detachment of militia from the town of Wellfleet, Col. Freeman's regt.; service two days; mileage (52 miles) allowed; detachment marched to Falmouth, Sept. 10, 1778, by order of Brig. General Joseph Otis on an alarm."

Authorities: Mayflower Des., vol. xi, p. 144; Treat Genealogy, pp. 85, 241; Anna Higgins, daughter of Thomas^ Higgins and Martha Swett; Miss Betsey Freeman of W^ellfleet.

This Benjamin Higgins is beheved to be the same man as Benjamin Higgins whom the census of 1790 shows hving at Frederickstown, Dutchess County, N. Y., and having a family of one son and three daughters besides himself and wife. Thomas Higgins of Southeast in the same county is believed to have been his son.

Jonathan Higgins was a prominent man in the North Precinct of Eastham, now the town of Wellfleet. His gravestone at Duck Creek Cemetery, Wellfleet, the Wellfleet records (precinct and town), and the Barnstable Probate records all unite in callmg him Deacon Jonathan Higgins, and doubtless he was a life deacon of the Congregational Church in the North Precinct of Eastham, now Wellfleet. The census of 1790 gives him a family of eleven, and his son Jonathan, Jr., a family of four. His estate was distributed July 11, 1821, apparently all to his son, Ehiathan Higgins. "Jonathan higgens ye 3: and Sarah Coombs Boath of Eastham ware marrid in Eastham by Mr Isaiah Lues Minester November 22 : 1753."

xi. Bethiah, b. Nov. 14, 1785; married Oct. 4, 1804, Joseph Swett of Wellfleet. Children: Joseph, married Susanna Rich; Bethiah, married Israel Pierce and had thirteen children; Sally, married John Chipman; Benjamin, married Jane Cole; James, married Sarah Doane Stone; John, married Clarissa Baker; Noah, married Louisiana Rich; Betsey, married Jesse Newcomb; two infants that died young; Mary, married Ambrose Snow and had thirteen children.

Authorities: Mayflower Des., vol. xv, p. 68 (records of Eastham) ; Records of Wellfleet, which give children of Jonathan and Sarah, and of Jonathan and Bethiah, his second wife, and of Jonathan and Eunice, his third wife; Wellfleet Inscriptions; Barnstable Probate Records, vol. xliii, p. 203.

Jesse Higgins and wife Experience were both of Eastham at the time of their marriage. Nothing more is known of them from the Eastham records, or of a family. There was at Georgetown, Maine, a Mr. Higgins with wife Experience. His first name has been read (but with considerable uncertainty) from the records of that town as Jolm. But it seems probable that the name on the records should be read Jesse, not John. The two names in the old script would appear much aUke to an unpracticed eye. We shall assume that the name is Jesse. There was a Jesse Higgins at Lewiston, Maine, in 1790, as shown by the census of that year, having a family of himself and two females. He may have been the same Jesse of Eastham and Georgetown. If the three names refer to the same person, it is probable that there were children older than those here given.

Margaret Holbrook Jun. both of Eastham were married by me Isaiah Lewis minister January 24 Day 1760." She was probably daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Doane) Holbrook of Wellfleet. Solomon Higgins married (2) Oct. 28, 1773, Abigail Pierce, daughter probably of Isaac Pierce, Sr., of Wellfleet.

Solomon Higgins was living at W^eUfleet in 1790, as the census of that year shows. He served in the Revolution and the two following records both probably refer to him :

"Solomon Higgins. Captain of an Eastham co., engaged July 1, 1775; discharged Dec. 31, 1775; service 6 months, 16 days in defense of seacoast; also list of commissioned officers of Col. Gary's regt., raised to reinforce the army until April 1, 1776." It is declared that this company served under General W'ashington, fortifying Dorchester Heights.

"Solomon Higgins. 2d Lieutenant, brigantine 'Independence,' commissioned by Capt. Simeon Sampson; engaged May 2, 1776; service to Sept. 22, 1776, 4 months, 2 days; roU dated Plymouth; also 2nd Lieutenant, brigantine 'Independence,' commanded by Capt. Sampson; list of officers of armed vessels; commissioned Sept. 19, 1776; said Higgins reported resigned and Charles Dyer appointed in his stead."

145. SAMUEL^ HIGGINS {Paul\ Benjamin\ Benjamin^ Richard^), born Feb. 28, 1739-40, at Eastham; died at Orleans, June 16, 1815; married Oct. 14, 1769, Patience Rogers, born about 1747 in Harwich; died at Orleans in 1824, aged 77 years; daughter of Judah Rogers of Harwich.

It is difficult to distinguish in the records this Samuel Higgins from Samuel Higgins, son of Samuel"* Higgins, born Aug. 6, 1730; died at Orleans in 1813, aged 83. However, it is thought that the statements which follow refer to Samuel Higgins, son of Paul. He is generally called Samuel Higgins, 3d, during his early life, but Samuel Higgins, Jr., after the death of Samuel^ Higgins.

"Samuel Higgins, Eastham, Private, Capt. Isaiah Higgins's CO., Col. Thomas Marshall's regt.; abstract for advance pay for 1 mo. from June 6, 1776, etc., dated Boston June 17, 1776; also same co. and regt.; enlisted June 6, 1776, service to Oct. 31, 1776; 4 mos., 26 days; also same co. and regt.; service from Nov. 1, 1776 to time of discharge, 1 mo.; travel 5 days (95 miles) home allowed; also Lieut. Samuel Knowles's co.. Major Zenas Winslow's regt.; service from Sept. 6, to Sept. 13, 6 days, on alarms at Bedford and Falmouth."

Samuel Higgins held a town office in 1776, was constable in 1779, and held a town office in 1781. In 1785 he was elected town clerk of Eastham, in 1793 selectman, in 1797 negative man, and in 1801 and 1808 held some town office. Some or all of these records of office may refer to SamueP Higgins, son of Samuel^.

Old deeds show that Samuel Higgins lived first in Harwich, from 1773 to 1798 in Eastham, and after 1798 in Orleans. Unless the place names are used carelessly, the probable explanation is that the variation is not due to removals, but to changes in town lines. The old line dividing Eastham from Harwich was at Portanimicutt River, so called, which is not a river, but a creek connecting Portanimicutt Salt Pond (now generally called Arey's Pond) with Pleasant Bay. This is due east from South Orleans post office and about two miles north of the present line between

Orleans and Harwich. It is quite ^lear from these old deeds that Samuel Higgins, Hke his father, Paul Higgins, lived most, if not all, of his life in the locality now called South Orleans.

Abstracts of the deeds referred to will now be given. They are from the collection of Capt. E. F. Small of Danvers, Mass., as copied by Mr. Stanley W. Smith.

"I Samuel Paine and Sarah his wife both of Harwich, for £10 have sold to Samuel Higgins one sixth part of the field belonging to the heirs of Samuel Mayo deceased, which is in partnership with Paul Higgins and Crisp Rogers and others, being and adjoining to the Indian land near Cheeweeset in Harwich, which was formerly the land of Judah Rogers. April 17, 1764."

"John Taylor of Eastham cordwainer for £13, 6, 8, paid by Samuel Higgins of Harwich sell my three lots of meadow and sedge ground lying in Harwich near the Island called Strong Island and the Island called Septsens Island. They are a parcel of flats and meadow called the seven shear purchase and is butted and bounded as it may appear by the record thereof. 31 May 1766."

"We Crisp Rogers and Mercy his wife and Crisp Rogers Jr. and Deborah his wife all of Harwich for £18, 13, 4 paid by Samuel Higgins of Harwich have sold one third part of a field that formerly was Mr. Samuel Mayo deceased in partnership with Paul Higgins and others, being and adjoining to the Indian land near Cheeweeset in Harwich, together with all the privileges belonging to it. Dec. 25, 1767."

"We Richard Atamon and Lois his wife of Harwich Indians for £1, 6, 8 paid by Samuel Higgins of Harwich have sold all that our parcel of land whereon the dwelling house of the sd Samuel Higgins now stands, three quarters of an acre, more or less, beginning at a stake and stone in the range of Paul Higgins 's land near the southeast corner of the sd Samuel's house, etc. July 10, 1771."

"Thomas Snow Jr of Harwich and Hannah his wife for £20 paid by Samuel Higgins the third and Elijah Twining both of Eastham, sell to them all our parcel of woodland lying in Harwich, twenty-five acres more or less. Feb. 26, 1773."

"Joshua Hopkins of Eastham for £13, 6, 8 paid by Paul Higgins and Samuel Higgins both of Eastham sell to them my two lots of meadow and sedge ground lying on the flat to the eastward of an Island called Sipson's Island, lying in the seven shear purchase, butted and bounded as recorded. Dec. 1, 1774."

"William Crosby and Phoebe his wife, Samuel Paine and Sarah his wife, Stephen Griffith and Eunice his wife, James Phinney and Abigail his wife all of Harwich and Rebecca Higgins of Eastham for £80 paid by Samuel Higgins Jr. of Eastham sell all our right in the land that w^as set off to our mother and grandmother Mayo for her thirds in a field called the old field . . . that comes to us by our mother that was given to her by our grandfather, Samuel Mayo deceased. Nov. 23, 1779."

"Desire Bangs of Harwich, administratrix on the goods and estate of Richard Attoman of Eastham deceased, being empowered to sell for the most it will fetch all the real estate of sd Attamon who died insolvent, do sell to Samuel Higgins Jr of Eastham for £15, all the said real estate. Bounds given, but Paul Higgins's range the only one mentioned. Jan. 11, 1781."

"Elijah Twining of Eastham and Lois his wife for £58, 13, 4 paid by Samuel Higgins Jr. of Eastham sell to him our two parcels of land lying in Eastham that was given to us by our deceased father Judah Rogers, one lot of said land lyeth near the head of the meadow called Bakers Tarkiln meadow, bounded on the southerly side by the said Samuel Higgins; on the westerly side by the road that leads from Eastham to Chatham, etc. also all our right in one parcel of land lying at a place commonly called Fort Hill, which was given to us by our deceased father Judah Rogers in partnership with the said Samuel Higgins and is undivided. April 20, 1782."

On the same date the same grantors conveyed to Paul Higgins of Eastham a parcel of woodland in Eastham which fell to their deceased sister Susannah Rogers, also meadow at Fort Hill that fell to them from their father Judah Rogers, deceased.

"Sarah Cowet of Mashpee in the County of Barnstable, wife of Richard Cowet for 10 shillings paid by Samuel Higgins of Eastham quitclaims to him to a certain strip of land lying on the northerly side of the lot whereon Samuel Higgins's dwelhng house now stands, that was my brother's John Ralph, bounded beginning at the northerly corner bound of land which the said Samuel Higgins bought of the widow Desire Bangs, thence easterly by the said Higgins range to the pond a little southerly of the now dwelling house of Theophilus Hopkins. Sept. 8, 1788."

In 1791 Mercy Jackson, wife of Wilham Jackson, seafaring man of Eastham, quitclaimed her rights of inheritance in the lands which her aunt Sarah Cowet quitclaimed to Samuel Higgins in 1788. These people were of Indian descent, and the deeds, while showing their relationship, shed no light upon Higgins's affairs.

"Paul Higgins of Eastham for £15, 12, 0 paid by Samuel Higgins Jr. of said Eastham sells 'all that my parcel of land lying in Eastham near the dwelling house of Uriah Mayo which land I bought of John Cole bv deeds dated Feb. 12, 1759 and June 14, 1762.' Dated March 30, 1795."

"Judah Rogers of Orleans for $240 paid by Samuel Higgins Jr. of Orleans sell to him that lot of land I formerly bought of the said Samuel Higgins, lying in the town of Orleans at a place called Fort Hill, eleven acres; also two pieces of meadow, both adjoining land of Samuel Higgins. April 13, 1798."

Doane purchased of James Phinney and Stephen Griffith of Harwich and Rebecca Higgins of Orleans, the said estate lying partly in Orleans and partly in Brewster and was formerly owned by Paul Higgins late of said Orleans, deceased, and is more particularly described in the said Timothy Doane 's deed of Aug. 24, 1801, reserving to the said Timothy all the right that the said Paul Higgins owned in what is called Thomas Linnel's Harbour, all his right of sedge lying in the one hundred and seven share propriety so called. May 28, 1806."

"Samuel Higgins Jr. of Orleans for $88 paid by my son Judah Higgins of said Orleans mariner sell to him a piece of land lying in Orleans, beginning at Uriah Mayo's land, bounded (description omitted here), three acres and eighty rods more or less, with a cart way out to the main road and a privilege to the pond on the east side. March 5, 1813." Rerecorded in Towti of Orleans Deeds, Barnstable Registry, vol. i, p. 28.

Authorities : Eastham and Orleans Records ; Barnstable Probate Records, vol. xvii, p. 102; Capt. E. F. Small's collection of deeds, copied and communicated by IMr. Stanley W. Smith.

Note On The Rogers Family Of Eastham-Orleans And

Thomas Rogers of the Mayflower, 1620, had a large family, but only two of his sons can be certified in New England, namely Joseph and John. Joseph came in the Mayfloioer with his father, and John came later and settled at Duxbury, where he died between Aug. 26, 1691, and Sept. 20, 1692.

Joseph Rogers (Thomas) settled at Eastham (South Orleans) where he died in 1678; he was lieutenant. His will, dated 2/12 Jan. 1677-8, has been published in Mayflower Des., vol. iii, 1901. Wife Hannah.

John Rogers (Joseph, Thomas), married Aug. 19, 1669, at Eastham, Elizabeth Twining. He died between April 27, 1713, and Sept. 21, 1714, leaving a will naming eight children. Mrs. Ehzabeth Rogers died March 10, 1724-5. Resided at Eastham.

Cole, born Dec. 8, 1706, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Cobb) Cole; married (2) June 14, 1741, Susannah Rogers; married (3) Nov. 24, 1743, Lois Young; married (4) Aug. 29, 1751, Elizabeth Nickerson, widow of David Nickerson and daughter of Nathaniel

Children. i. Patience, b. about 1740; married Samuel Higgins. ii. Susannah, b. Oct. 6, 1742; d. unmarried, iii. Lois, b. about 1744; married Elijah Twining, iv. Judah, b. 1753 (from his gravestone).

146. EDMUND^ HIGGINS (Benjamin\ Benjamin^ Benjamin^, Richard^), born Dec. 21, 1740, at Eastham; died there May 15, 1793; married Dec. 17, 1761, Esther Higgins, born

Edmund Higgins resided at Eastham-Orleans. He was admitted to the First Church there May 5, 1793. His will dated April 22, 1793, Lot Higgins executor, does not mention a daughter Ruth Taylor, but does name a daughter Martha, and son Jonathan to whom he gives real estate at Harwich.

Edmund Higgins was a private in Lieut. Samuel Knowles co. of Maj. Zenas Winslow's Second Barnstable County regt. of militia, serving three days in September, 1778, on alarms at Bedford and Falmouth. Also this may be his record, but it may belong to another Edmund Higgins.

"Edmund Higgins, private. Colonel's co., Col. Benjamin Tupper's (15th) regt.; muster roll for March 1779, dated West Point; enlisted June 17, 1778, enlistment 9 mos.; reported discharged March 17, 1779."

V. Jonathan, b. April 7, 1773; was living April 22, 1793. His father gave him property at Harwich, hence he is more likely to have been the Jonathan Higgins of Harwich whose estate was settled in 1810.

married Feb. 9, 1775, Jerusha Newcomb, born July 24, 1750; died at Hampden, Maine, Jan. 30, 1881, "aged 80"; daughter of Capt. William and Vashti (Cole) Newcomb of Wellfleet, Mass.

Benjamin Higgins probably resided in Wellfleet. His service in the Revolution appears as follows: "Benjamin Higgins of Wellfleet was a private in Capt. Winslow Lewis's co. ; pay abstract for mileage to and from camp at Cambridge, dated Jan. 13, 1776; mileage (218) allowed said Higgms." Before Nov. 5, 1777, as shown by a petition, he appears to have removed to Penobscot, Maine, and the census of 1790 shows a Benjamin Higgins at Frankfort, Maine, the number in whose family agrees exactly with the family of Benjamin and Jerusha Higgins. In July, 1796, Benjamin Higgins and Jerusha his wife were of Hampden, Maine, as shown by a deed. The distance from Penobscot to Frankfort is about fifteen miles and Frankfort originally included all of the present town of Hampden. Therefore it is not necessary to assume that he removed more than once after reaching Maine. Two of the deeds recorded for the second time at Barnstable County registry after the fire of 1827 are the foundation of these statements, as follows :

"Benjamin Higgins of Penobscot, Me. to Lot Higgins of Eastham conveys my share of land which is one-third part of the homestead land which was formerly my father's, Benjamin Higgins of Eastham. Dated July 10, 1782." - Orleans Deeds, vol. i.

"Benjamin Higgins of Hampden, Hancock Co., Me. and Jerusha his wife and Nathaniel Pierce of Orrington Me. and Lydia his wife convey to John Young Newcomb land in Wellfleet, estate that belonged to our father William Newcomb, late of Wellfleet. Dated July 5, 1796." - Wellfleet Deeds, vol. i.

148. LOT^ HIGGINS (Benjamin'^, Benjamin^, Benjamin^, Richard^), born Feb. 21, 1745-6, at Eastham; died there in 1820, aged 75 years; married (1) Feb. 3, 1774, Zerviah Linnell, born April 26, 1754; died in 1786; daughter of Jonathan and Mercy (Mayo) Linnell of Eastham and Harwich; married (2) March 1, 1787, Azubah Hopkins.

Lot Higgins lived at Eastham-Orleans. Mrs. Zerviah Higgins was admitted to the First Church there Nov. 14, 1779, and Lot Higgins was admitted Sept. 24, 1786.

Lot Higgins served as a private in Capt. Joshua Higgins 's co., Maj. Zenas Winslow's Second Barnstable County regt. of militia, five days in September, 1778, on alarms at Bedford and Falmouth.

mentioned by the census of 1790 as living at Falmouth, Maine. He served as a private in Capt. Joshua Higgins's eo. of Maj. Zenas Winslow's Second Barnstable County regt. of militia five days in September, 1778, on alarms at Bedford and Falmouth.

"Aug. 18, 1750. Dea. John Bailey gave to his well beloved son John Bailey of Falmouth a gore of land on the N. W. end of his own land, 50 acres. Of this gift there is no public record, but the northerly line of the Elisha Higgins estate forms the northerly boundary line of the 50-acre gift. Part of this land was afterward sold to Elisha Higgins and in 1834 Elisha Higgins Jr. sold the 9 acres with buildings to John Newman." See Maine census of 1790; Collections of Maine Historical Society, second series, vol. X, p. 297.

150. ISRAEL'^ HIGGINS {Zaccheus\ Benjamin^, Benjamin^, Richard}), born about 1742 at Eastham; died Nov. 11, 1818, at Bar Island, town of Eden, Maine; married Nov. 26, 1767, at Eastham, Mary Snow, born Nov. 3, 1744, at Truro; daughter of Joshua and Hannah (Paine) Snow of Truro.

Street in his History of Mt. Desert says of him that he went from Cape Cod with his wife Mary Snow and settled on the shore near Eddy's Brook. They took up some two hundred acres of land ever since known as the Israel Higgins lot, in what was afterwards known as the town of Eden (Bar Harbor) - in 1771. Mt. Desert plantation records state that in 1776 a road was laid out between Ebenezer Salsbury's and Israel Higgins's, north from the main road to the salt water, and there a landing.

In 1779 Israel Higgins was a volunteer in the expedition against Bagaduce (now Castine). The payrolls of the Revolution show service from July 28 to Sept. 28, 1779, in Capt. Daniel

Sullivan's company. The Eden town records show that he served as constable and deer-reef (reeve). He was one of the first, perhaps the first, settler of Bar Harbor, and one of the leading men of the island of Mt. Desert.

His parentage is uncertain, and he is made son of Zaccheus by conjecture. Records showing his birth are wanting. Some have thought him a son or brother of Solomon'* (Benjamin^, Benjamin}, Richard}), but such records as we have concerning Solomon and his family seem to make that hypothesis impossible.

Seth, b. June 13, 1785; married Sally Hadlock. ix. Mercy, b. April 2, 1787; married Nathan Clark; settled at South West Harbor (Tremont). X. Mary, b. April 14, 1791; married Christopher Havens; settled at Bar Harbor.

Authorities: Street's History of Mt. Desert; E. M. Hamor of West Eden; Eastham Vital Records; Mayflower Des., vol. viii, p. 184; Mr. W. B. Snow of Maiden, Mass.

151. SOLOMON^HIGGINS (Solomon\ Benjamin^, Benjamin\ Richard^), born July 4, 1758, at Eastham-Orleans ; died there in 1820(?); married (1) Aug. 7, 1777, Abigail Twining, born March 20, 1760, at Eastham; died there 1788 (Mortality List, South parish of Eastham, Rev. Jonathan Bascom's) ; married (2) (date died 1790; "Mary wife of Solomon Higgins died Sept. 8, 1790" (Eastham records); probably married (3) Nov. 25, 1790, Temperance Smith (Eastham records) .

Solomon Sparrow Higgins of Somerville, Mass., born 1845, declares that his grandfather Solomon Higgins married two Twining sisters, and further tradition has it that he married a third time. Though the Twining Family History does not so state, the tradition is a fact and is partially supported by the records at Eastham.

Solomon Higgins of Eastham was a private in Capt. Abijah Bangs's co., Col. Nathan Freeman's regt.; pay roll for October, 1777, dated Harwich; service 31 days on a secret expedition to Rhode Island. Also a Solomon Higgins of Eastham was private in Lieut. Samuel Knowles's co. of Maj. Zenas Winslow's Second Barnstable County regt., serving six days in September, 1778, on alarms at Bedford and Falmouth.

The census of 1790 (begun August 1, 1790, and nine months allowed for its completion) shows a Solomon Higgins and wife in Sheffield, Mass., and the records of Granville, Mass., show a family of Solomon and Temperance Higgins. The last is probably the second family of Solomon and Temperance Higgins of Eastham, although it must be admitted that it may be only a complete coincidence of names. If this Solomon Higgins did remove to Granville, he must have returned to Orleans, if he is the Solomon who died there in 1820.

152. OBADIAH^ HIGGINS (Solomon\ Benjamin\ Benjamin^ Richard^), born March 21, 1761, at Eastham-Orleans; died there in 1784; married Feb. 25, 1779, Mrs. Sarah (Mayo) Sparrow, born April 3, 1765; died Aug. 27, 1843, aged 78 years, 4 months, 24 days; daughter of Asa and Hannah Mayo of Eastham.

Obadiah Higgins lived in the South Parish of Eastham, now Orleans. Mrs. Sarah Higgins married (1) when fourteen years old Mr. Sparrow; (2) Obadiah Higgins; (3) John Higgins, son of

Obadiah Higgins served as a private in Capt. Abijah Bangs's CO., Col. Nathaniel Freeman's regt.; pay roll for October, 1777, dated Harwich; served 31 days on a secret expedition to Rhode Island. He served again as private in Capt. Joseph Franklin's CO., Col. Nathan Tyler's regt.; enlisted Oct. 19, 1779; discharged Dec. 31, 1779; service 2 months, 12 days at Rhode Island; also in same co. and regt.; pay roll for December, 1779, sworn to at Rehoboth; service 22 days at Rhode Island; also same co. and regt.; pay roll for December, 1779, allowing 1 month, 5 days' service at Rhode Island, including travel (98 miles) hpme.

The name of Obadiah Higgins appears also in a descriptive list of men raised to reinforce the Continental Army for the term of six months, agreeable to the resolve of June 5, 1780, returned as received of Justin Ely, commissioner, by Brig. Gen. John Glover at Springfield, July 18, 1780; age 19 years; stature five feet, eight inches; complexion ruddy; engaged for the town of Eastham; marched to camp July 18, 1780, under command of Joseph Brown, Esq.; also pay roll for 6 months, men raised by the town of Eastham for service in the Continental Army during 1780; service 4 months, 25 days. "-

154. TIMOTHY^ HIGGINS (Freeman\ Benjamm\ Benjamin'^, Richard^), born March 28, 1748, at Eastham; died Jan, 27, 1829, at Standish, Maine; married March 9, 1771, at Eastham or Harwich, Rehance Yates, born Jan 18, 1751; died Dec. 14, 1825, at Standish, Maine; daughter of John and Thankful (King) Yates of Harwich who married April 26, 1750; granddaughter of Roger King of Harwich, as shown by wills of John Yates and of Roger King.

Probably about 1787, and certainly before the summer of 1790, Timothy Higgins emigrated from Eastham on Cape Cod to Maine, going by water and taking with him his wife. Reliance Yates, and his little son Prince. His wife's brother, John Yates, accompanied them. The description of the journey as stated by Lewis Higgins, .nandson of Timothy, is in substance as follows :

"Immediately '- j^fter the close of the Revolutionary War Timothy and his wife Reliance and their little boy emigrated to Maine. His brother-in-law, John Yates, went with him, as did nearly a hundred others who sought homes in Maine. They embarked from Orleans, Mass., on board a sailing sloop of which Captain Cahoon was master. At the mouth of the Saco River they ran on a sand bar which delayed them somewhat, but finally they succeeded in getting free and sailed up the river. They landed, and with heavy packs started on foot to find a place to settle. Timothy and his wife and child and John Yates traveled the first day ten miles and reached what is now Gorham Corner, then called Narraganset. The next day they made ten miles more, reaching what is now Standish Corner, then called Parsonsfield. From here Timothy Higgins and John Yates went into' the wilderness, going northwest for about three miles. Having chosen adjoining lots, they sharpened their axes and cut down timber and built for each family a good log house. In these they lived for a number of j^ears, clearing large farms, planting large orchards, and replacing in time the log cabins with good frame houses."

In those early days wolves and bears in great numbers frequented the forest surrounding the Higgins and Yates farms and were a constant menace by destroying their sheep and cattle. Timothy Higgins cleared a second farm and later built a frame house at Oak Hill in Standish. Being enterprising, he built a gristmill on the small stream running through the new farm. For many years this was considered the finest mill erected anywhere in that part of the country and it had the monopoly of the business for that section, continuing in successful operation until the present generation. The foundation of Timothy's house can still be seen. When his son Prince married he built a house nearer Standish Corner, in which his family of seven children was reared. His son Lewis built on the lot adjoining his father's, but later removed to White Rock, where the soil was much more fertile.

He is probably the Timothy Higgins who was corporal in Capt. Joshua Higgins's co., Maj. Zenas Winslow's regt. ; service from Sept. 6 to Sept. 13, 1778, 6 days, on alarms at Bedford and Falmouth. It is very doubtful if he is the Timothy Higgins, private, Capt. Simeon Fowler's co.. Col. Jonathan Reed's (First) regt. of guards; muster roll dated Cambridge, May 9, 1778; enlistment 3 months from April 2, 1778; also same co. and regt.; enhsted April 2, 1778; service to July 8, 1778, 3 months, 5 days, at Cambridge. The dates are not in conflict, but the regiment indicated was raised remote from Eastham.

155. MICHAEL^ HIGGINS {William\ Gershom\ EliaUm\ Richard}), born ; died ; married April 28, 1764, Christiana May, born ; buried March 12, 1809.

married (1) Nov. 1, 1761, Hannah Barker; married (2) Aug. 4, 1774, Sarah Townley, born about 1740; died April 8, 1806; daughter of James and Mary (Garthwaite) Townley.

Authorities: Trenton Will Book, vol. xxxii, p. 510; Records of First Presbyterian Church, Elizabeth, N. J.; Cemetery Inscriptions at Elizabeth, St. John's Church and of the First Presbyterian Church.

The residence and occupation of Luke H. Higgins have not been discovered. The gravestones of him, his wife and some of the children are at Elizabethtown, but the will of Mrs. Higgins, dated Oct. 20, 1849, shows that she was a resident of Newark and owned a house and lot there. She mentions all the following children who were then hving.

Michael Higgins inherited the mills at Mountairy, Hunterdon County, which his father had built and operated for many years. He seems also to have been engaged in shad fisheries on the Delaware River. He was accidentally drowned in the brook by the mill at the foot of Mountairy Hill, between Flemington and Lambert ville.

His will, dated Nov. 14, 1814, gives unto daughter Ruth, singlewoman, same value as I have heretofore given to my daughters Sarah Smith and Elizabeth Kershaw. To wife Ruth certain personal property, cow and cattle, also the issues and profits of my share in the shad fishery on Holcomb Island in the river Delaware, during the time she remains a widow. To my son Israel Higgins my share in the shad fishery on Holcomb Island. To my son Aaron my wearing apparel if he apply for it wnthin six years after my decease. To my three sons, Jonathan, Michael and Israel, all my plantation where I now five in the township of Amwell, bounded by the lands of Samuel Holcomb, Solomon Holcomb, Enoch Laning and others, 32 acres. To my three daughters (they are named) my woodlot of 6 and one haK acres. Witnesses Daniel Brittan, Samuel Brittan, John Lequear. Sworn to at Flemington, Feb. 3, 1819.

i. Andrew, b. May 6, 1761; "went to Ohio," says :\Ir. Nathaniel Furman; was executor of the will of his grandfather, Joseph Higgins, in 1790. It is just possible that he may have gone to Cape May, N. J. Andrew Higgins of Lower township, County of Cape May, N. J., d. there Dec. 26, 1811, and his wife Lois d. Sept. 5, 1811. He left a will; was member of the Presbyterian Church of Cape May, as was his wife. Children: Lois, b. ; married married Reuben Ballenger and had children Benjamin and Jedidiah before Sept. 10, 1811. Authorities: New Jersey Wills at Trenton; Mayflower Des., vol. viii, p. 8. ii. Keziah, b. March 25, 1763; d. April 3, 1811; married Robert Sneldrum of Mountairy, N. J. iii. Mary, b. March 10, 1765; married July 5, 1787, Henry Blake.

Authorities: Inscriptions, Baptist Churchyard, Flemington, N. J.; New Jersey Archives, vol. xxii, p. 133; Bible record of Judiah Samuel Barton; Bible record of Judiah^ Higgins, in possession of Mrs. C. G. Horner, Neshanic, N. J.

and Rebecca (Ellis) Reading; married (2) (date not foimd) Eleanor Polhemus, born May 22, 1776; died March 1, 1815; daughter of Jacob Polhemus.

Jonathan Higgins resided at Amwell, N. J. The records of the Adjutant General, State of New Jersey, show that Jonathan Higgins served seven months in 1780 as Wagon Master, Wagon Master General's Department, New Jersey Militia, stationed at Trenton; also served as Captain and Conductor of Team Brigade,

"Feeble in body. My three sons, Polhemus, Judiah and David C. Higgins executors. To them I give my farm, situated in Amwell, adjoining the lands of William Merrfell, Adam Young and others, containing 207 acres, being the same farm and plantation which my father, Jonathan Higgins bequeathed to me by his last will." Also he gives them a wood lot of 9 or 10 acres, which he purchased of John Fox, situated in Great Swamp and a lot of chestnut woodland purchased from Peter Vankirk, situated in Bethlehem, 4 acres. "To Jonathan R. Higgins my son, $30. The lot of land I hold as tenant in common with John Coleman, lying on Schemoken Creek near Sunsbury in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, called Mine lot, ten acres or less, given me by my father, I give to my son David C. Higgins, also my share of stock in the Vigilent Society in the village of Flemington for the detection of Thieves and Robbers. I have been a faithful member of that institution since its commencement and I hope he will contribute to its perpetuity and utility. Mentions daughters Sally Ann Higgins and Martha Higgins and gives them legacies to make them equal with their sister, Ehzabeth wife of Lewis Chamberlain."

Jonathan Higgins was called captain, on account of his service in the Revolution as before given, and was familiarly called "Captain Jonty" by his friends and neighbors.

vi. Sarah Ann, b. May 2, 1808; d. May 19, 1852; married Feb. 7, 1835, Frederick Van Fleet and lived in Royal Oak Township, Oakland Co., Michigan, and at Troy, Michigan. Children: Elizabeth Chamberlain Van Fleet, b. Dec. 29, 1837; Hving at Warren, Mich.; married May 10, 1860, at Birmingham, Mich., Arnold Harwood, b. Aug. 25,

1816, d. May 21, 1914, at Warren, Mich, and had four children, of whom only one survives, Homer Lyman Harwood, lumber dealer and newspaper publisher at Warren, Mich.; Catherine Higgins Van Fleet, b. Aug. 15, 1840, living at Royal Oak, Mich.; married, 1865, and had four children, all living; Theodore Frederick Van Fleet, born June 23, 1842, d. Sept. 18, 1864, private 22d Michigan Infantry, taken prisoner at Gettysburg; Judiah Higgins Van Fleet, b. March 21, 1846, was in Union Army, died and buried in the South during the Civil War; Mary Quick Van Fleet, b. July 14, 1850, d. Sept. 30, 1852; William Van Fleet, b. May 19, 1852, married Florence House; is a farmer residing at Silverwood, Mich. Had three children, all of whom died young. vii. Martha, b. Sept. 27, 1810; d. March 16, 1849; married Jan 3, 1833, Aaron Carman Hill and removed to Michigan. Children (not in order of births) : Mary Hill, married . Edward Hulaizer; Ellen Hill, married John Hartpence; Margaret Hill, married Eldredge Green; Elizabeth Ann Hill, married John Humple; Charity Hill, married Richard McPherson; William G. Hill, married Ellen Holcombe. After Martha's death Aaron C. Hill returned to Flemington, N. J., and married (2) Amy, daughter of Gideon Higgins. viii. Henry Polhemus, b. June 16, 1814; d. March 3, 1830.

Authorities: Memorial of the Reading Family, by J. G. Leach; Record kept by Elizabeth, wife of Lewis Chamberlain, in possession of James P. Chamberlain, Flemington, N. J.; Letter of Alexander C. Oliphant, Adjutant General of New Jersey, certifying the service of Jonathan Higgins in the Revolution; Records from Mrs. Elizabeth C. Harwood, Warren, Mich.; Probate records at Trenton, N. J., File No. 3712 J.

Nathaniel Higgins lived on his father's homestead, about a mile north of Ringoes in Hunterdon County. Their descendants still reside in Amwell and Delaware townships.

iv. Mary, b. Aug. 12, 1793; buried at Harbourton, N. J.; married Dec. 11, 1811, Samuel Hill. They lived near Harbourton. Children: Ann Eliza Hill, married Peter Bainbridge; Martha Maria Hill, married Wilson Shepard and died leaving twins, Nathaniel and Sarah Catherine Shepard, who were brought up by their grandmother, Mary (Higgins) Hill at her home near Harbourton, although she also lived at Bear Tavern and at Woodsville, near Hopewell; Hannah Hill, married Charles Drake and had Hannah Eusebia Drake who married John M. Dalrymple of Hopewell, N. J.; Nathan Higgins Knowles Hill, married Sarah Holcomb; James Higgins Hill, married Jane M.Titus; Samuel Baker Hill, married Mary Hart; Charles Boss Hill, of Pennington, N. J., married Pamelia Titus; Rachel Eusebia Hill, d. young; Sarah Catherine Hill, married Morris Pierson of Trenton, N. J.; David Henry Hill, d. young; Jonathan Britton Hill, married Catherine E. Titus. 332. V. Asa, b. Jan. 20, 1796; married Eurah Wilson.

Authorities: Hunterdon County Wills, File 3328 J, will and codocil 1824; Bible record of Nathaniel Higgins, copied by Theodore Bellis; Perrine Genealogy.

Samuel Higgins was a resident of Franklin township, Somerset Co., N. J., where he had a farm. His will, dated March 4, 1822, mentions wife Rebecca, sons Samuel and William, and five married daughters, one deceased. To son Samuel was left $300, or "that tract of land in the Lake Country."

163. JEDIAH'^ HIGGINS (Joshua\ Jediah\ Jediah\ Richard}), born about 1758, at Kingston, near New Brunswick, N. J.; died there Sept. 20, 1842, aged 84; married (date not found) Nurse Putnam, born about 1758; died Sept. 24, 1825, aged 67 years, at Kingston.

Little has been discovered regarding Tunis Higgins. He was about forty years old at his death. Mrs. Elizabeth Higgins removed about 1810 with her son Joshua Higgins (then of age) to Broome Coimty, N. Y., and died there.

i. Joshua, b. about 1790; d. unmarried. One source of information says that he joined Joseph Smith and became a Mormon; another says that he went to Broome Co., N. Y., with his mother about 1810 and that in 1823 he resided at Lockport, N. Y., -^dth other relatives.

wife and they Hved in Seneca Co., N. Y. Children: Charles Clun Rue, b. 1817; went to the Mexican War; Jane Ann Rue, b. June 2, 1819; removed to France; Ameline Stout Rue, b. xA.pril 15, 1820; married (1) William James of Cleveland, Ohio, (2) William Traversburg of Tennessee; Sarah Catherine Rue, b. March 11, 1823; d. June 3, 1840; married March 4, 1840, Andrew Jackson Sink of Philadelphia, Pa., and Rome, N. Y., b. June 14, 1823, d. Feb. 15, 1880; had five children; Harriet Adehne Rue, b. 1825; married in 1845 George Moorman of Ypsilanti, IVIich.

James Higgins lived at Riley ville, Hunterdon Co., N. J., at Sourland Mountain or Mountain Church. He was a weaver. Ralph Ege in Pioneers of Old Hopewell, p. 202, says: "Sarah Stout married Azariah Higgins, the ancestor of the family at Ringoes and Westville." This makes it probable that James Higgins, the weaver, was a son of Azariah.

167. GIDEON^ HIGGINS (Azariah\ Joseph^ Jediah"^, Richard^), born June 17, 1782, at or near Amwell (or perhaps Hopewell); died about 1832; married (date not found) Mary Dilts, born Nov. 28, 1781; died March 4, 1858, aged 77 (Inscription

All that has been discovered about this Jonathan Higgins is told by the following, which was first printed in the New York Gazette or The Weekly Post-Boy, for Nov. 23, 1772, and reprinted in New Jersey Archives, vol. xxviii, p. 336:

"Whereas Phebe, the Wife of me the Subscriber, has eloped from my Bed and Board, and has threatened to run me in Debt, and even to use her Endeavors to ruin me. This is therefore to forewarn all Persons from crediting her on my Account, as I will not pay any Debt or Debts of her contracting from the Date hereof. Borough of Elizabeth, Nov. 4, 1772. Jonathan Higgins."

Samuel Higgins probably lived at the place called Connecticut Farms, in his time within Ehzabethtown, N. J., but now in Union township. It is said that five of his children were living in 1799.

Daniel Say re came to Elizabethtown about 1730. His will of Jan. 29, 1763, mentions his daughter Mary Higgins. Phoebe, wife of Daniel Sayre, was daughter of Isaac Rayner.

Seth Higgins lived at Eastham until 1790, for his name is included in the census of Eastham for that year. He afterward removed to Standish, Maine, where he died. The records of military service which follow may all belong to liim, but it is possible that some of them belong to Seth Higgins, son of Zaccheus, born in 1756.

"Seth Higgins, Eastham. Order for wages, payable to Capt. Samuel King, dated Hull, June 20, 1776, signed by said Higgins and others; also petition dated Camp at Hull, Sept. 17, 1776, signed by said Higgins and others belonging to battalion stationed at Hull, asking for increase and payment of wages; also Private, Capt. Samuel King's co.. Col. Josiah Whitney's regt. ; service from Aug. 1, 1776, to Nov. 1, 1776, 3 mos.; roll dated Camp at Hull; also same co. and regt.; service from Nov. 1, 1776, to Dec. 1, 1776, 1 mo. 4 days, travel (90 miles) included; also pay roll of a company commanded by Capt. Job Crocker, of Eastham, Col. Nathan Sparhawk's regt.; enhsted July 2, 1777; discharged Dec. 12, 1777, service 5 mos. 19 days, at Rhode Island and sundry places in Mass., including 5 days (92 miles) travel home; company raised to serve for 6 mos. from July 1, 1777, unless sooner discharged."

Ebenezer Higgins resided at Truro and Provincetown and about 1781 removed to Standish, Maine, where he was Hving in 1790, but he died within ten years thereafter. Mrs. Higgins married (2) Nov. 7, 1801, Col. Nathaniel Frost of Gorham, Maine.

ii. Rebecca, b. April 11, 1780, at Provincetown; married Nov. 26, 1801, Nathaniel Blake, Jr., of Gorham, Maine, and her daughter Martha Blake married June 25, 1833, Rufus Libby.

died Nov. 20, 1798, aged 48 years (gravestone at Orleans) ; married at Harwich, Dec. 8, 1774, Thankful Freeman of Harwich, born Nov. 6, 1756; died May 21, 1812 (gravestone at Orleans), "aged 56"; daughter of James and Hannah (King) Freeman.

Jonathan and Thankful (Freeman) Higgins appear to have lived in Harwich, and their children were probably all born there. On July 23, 1792, Jonathan Higgins and wife Thankful of Harwich sold land in Eastham to Hezekiah Rogers. They probably lived in that part of Harwich which is now in South Orleans, for they were buried in Orleans Cemetery, where their gravestones may both be seen. Mrs. Thankful Higgins appears to have spent her last years at Orleans and to have died there. James Higgins was administrator on the estates of both Jonathan and Thankful in 1812 and 1813, and the children were James, Abner, Thankful and Judith. See Freeman Genealogy, p. 168, and Barnstable Probate Records, vol. xxxvii, p. 67.

In 1777 and 1778, Abisha Higgins was li^^ng at Wellfleet; before* 1790 he had removed to Maine. The census of 1790 gives his residence as Frankfort, Maine. He lived afterward in Hampden, Me. Settled on lot 5 of the Town Grant, probably in 1779 or 1780.

"Abisha Higgins, Wellfleet, was corporal in Capt. Benjamin Godfrey's co.. Col. Josiah Whitney's regt.; arrived at destination May 10, 1777; discharged July 10, 1777; service 2 mos. 13 days at Rhode Island, travel 13 days included, 118 miles, reported as distance from Wellfleet to place of destination; enlistment 2 mos.; roll dated Boston Neck, South Kingston."

"Abisha Higgins, Wellfleet, was private in Lieut. Samuel Knowles's co., Maj. Zenas Winslow's Second Barnstable Co. regt. of militia; service 3 days in Sept. 1778, on alarms at Bedford and Falmouth."

173. HEMAN^ HIGGINS (Ebenezer\ Samuel', Jonathan^, Jonathan^, Richard}), born April 18, 1757, at Eastham- Wellfleet; died probably at Mattapoisett (or in Rochester) before Dec. 24, 1829; married January, 1778 {Rochester Records), Hannah Randall, born May 30 or June 1, 1757; died after Dec. 24, 1829.

Heman Higgins seems to have been in Plymouth or vicinity during the Revolution and to have settled later in Rochester, Mass., where he probably died. His children were baptized at the Second Church, Mattapoisett, and he doubtless resided in that part of the ancient town of Rochester. It is probable that he was a mariner during a part at least of his hfe. His Revolutionary service follows :

"Heman Higgins. Receipt dated Point Shirley, June 13, 1776, signed by said Higgins and others belonging to Capt. Nathaniel Winslow's CO., Col. Whitney's regt., for advance pay for 1 mo., travel allowance from home to Boston, etc.; also private, Capt. Nathaniel Winslow's co., Col. Josiah Whitney's regt.; pay roll pay made up for service from May 1, 1776, 4 days preceding march from home, to Aug. 1, 1776; enhsted May 1, 1776; reported enlisted into naval service June 21, 1776."

"Heman Higgins, Wellfleet, private in Capt. Benjamin Godfrey's CO., Col. Josiah Whitney's regt.; arrived at destination May 10, 1777; discharged July 10, 1777; service 2 mos., 13 days at Rhode Island, travel 13 days included, 118 miles reported as distance from Wellfleet to place of destination; enlistment 2 mos.; roll dated Boston Neck, South Kingston."

"Descriptive list of men mustered for Continental service subsequent to Sept. 16 (year not given), by James Leonard, muster master for Bristol Co.; Capt. Jonathan Drown's co.. Col. Lea's (Lee's) regt.; Heman Higgins, age 20 years; stature 5 ft. 8 ins.; residence Plymouth; engaged for the town of Swanzey."

Mrs. Hannah (Randall) Higgins may have been the Hannah Randall born at Rochester, May 30, 1757, to John and Elizabeth Randall, or the Hannah, born June 1, 1757, to Micah and Ehzabeth Randall of Rochester. It has been impossible to determine which of these two she was. She survived Heman Higgins and married (2) Dec. 24, 1829, Joseph Payne, who died at Rochester, Aug. 17, 1838. The date of her death has not been found.

174. ELKANAH^ HIGGINS (Ebenezer\ Samuel\ Jonathan^ Jonathan"^, Richard^), born at Eastham, Nov. 18, 1764; died at Standish, Me., Nov. 4, 1864; married Jemima Cole.

Elkanah Higgins who was a private in Capt. Isaiah Higgins's CO., Col. Zenas Winslow's regt. of Barnstable Co. militia; service Sept. 9 to 17, 1778, on alarm at Falmouth. Roll endorsed "on alarm at Bedford." Because of other men in Eastham bearing the name of Elkanah Higgins and of about the same age as this one, the identification is not certain.

176. THOMAS^ HIGGINS (Samnel\ Samuel\ Jonathan^, Jonathan-, Richard^), born July 25, 1775; died at Orleans about 1854; married (1) Jan. 7, 1802, Phoebe Hopkins, daughter of Joshua Hopkins; married (2), Mary .

177. ELL\KIM6 HIGGINS {EliaUm\ Samuel\ Jonathan^ Jonathan^, Richard^), born June 14, 1764; died Feb. 21, 1839; married Apr. 6, 1786, Sarah Higgins, who died Sept. 7, 1842, aged 75; daughter of Simeon and Martha (Knowles) Higgins.

He resided in Eastham-Orleans. Will dated Feb. 18, 1839; filed March 12, 1839. Gravestones at Orleans. He served on petit jury in 1798, was fish warden in 1797, and held some town office in 1802.

WiUiam Higgins lived on Mather's Neck, Lyme, between the Connecticut and Lieutenant rivers. His services in the Revolution were as follows :

"Third Regt. Connecticut Line, Col. Samuel Wyllys's. William Higgins, Lyme enhsted for three years; quarter master sergeant Jan. 1, 1777; appointed Quarter Master July 23, 1777; Ensign Nov. 15, 1778; continued to 1781. In 1781-3 he was in First Regt. Connecticut Line, Col. John Durkee's, and stiU Quarter Master; promoted Lieutenant Oct. 28, 1781; served to the end of the war. From Jan. to June 1783 he w^as stiU in the First Regt. Connecticut Lme, Col. Zebulon Butler, commanding; retired with the army in June, 1783; member of the Connecticut Society of the Cincinnati."

Administrator for his estate was appointed Oct. 8, 1804. His estate and that of his brother Seth Higgins were distributed to Samuel Summer (son of Dorothy Higgins) and Jemima Conklin. Hence we may conclude that both his children died before their father.

The name of Benjamin Higgins, sergeant, appears on the pay roll of Lieut. Lee Lay's for soldiers at Lyme, January, 1776; entered into service October, 1775.

Benjamin Higgins sold land on Mather's Neck formerly belonging to Christian Higgins, Sept. 30, 1808, reserving the use of half of it for his mother, Dolly Higgins. He was then living in Canajoharie, Montgomery Co., N. Y.

Authorities: Bailey's Early Connecticut Marriages, for Lyme; N. E. Hist. Gen. Register, vol. xxiv, p. 30; Town Records, Lyme, vol. i, p. 39.

180. CHRISTOPHERS HIGGINS {Christian\ Joseph\ Joseph^ Jonathan"^, Richard^), born June 23, 1758; died at New York, July 13, 1782, in his twenty -sixth year; married Oct. 12, 1780, Hepzibah Read.

He Hved on Mather's Neck in Lyme. No record of Revolutionary service has been found, but the tombstone of his child Phcebe states that he died a "prisoner" at New York, probably a prisoner of war.

i. Dorothy, b. 1781 (?); she sold to Richard Lord on March 28, 1806, land which descended to her from her honored father, Christopher Higgins, deceased.

181. JOSEPH^ HIGGINS (Christian^ Joseph\ Joseph\ Jonathan^j Richard}), born Dec. 31, 1761, in Lyme, Conn.; died at Rocky Hill, Conn., July 18, 1797; married Dec. 10, or 18, 1785, at Rocky Hill, Conn., Nancy Williams, born about 1757; died Oct. 13, 1807; daughter of Israel and Jane (Riley) Williams of Rocky Hill.

He was appointed surgeon's mate of the Fifth regt., Connecticut Line, on June 1, 1779; continued to 1781. In the formations of 1781-83, dating from Jan. 1, 1781, he was surgeon's mate of the Second regt. of Connecticut Line, Col. Heman Swift's, continued from 1777-1781; served to June, 1783, when the regt. was disbanded by Washington's orders, from camp near West Point. He was one of the members of the Connecticut Society of the Cincinnati.

He died of consumption after practicing nine years as a physician at Rocky Hill, Conn, He was a member of the Connecticut Medical Society very soon after its organization.

Mrs. Nancy Higgins married (2) Deacon Josiah Wolcott on Feb. 16, 1806. She died and Deacon Josiah Wolcott married (3) Mrs. Elizabeth Brown of Warren, Ohio.

Wolcott; went to Farmington, Ohio, vi. Mary, bapt. Aug. 6, 1797; d. at age of 72 years; married Feb. 8, 1819, Lewis Wolcott as his second wife; Hved at Farmington, Ohio. Child: Nancy Higgins, b. April 13, 1820, at Farmington, Ohio; married Sept. 13, 1837, Hon. Robert Morris Montgomery, b. Oct. 20, 1815.

Authorities: Stiles, Ancient Wethersfield, vol. i, p. 939; vol. ii, pp. 426, 844-5; Bailey's Early Connecticut Marriages (for Wethersfield and Rocky Hill) ; Wolcott Memorial, pp. 384, 407, 417; Descendants of John Dwight, 1874, p. 225.

(Elisha°, Elisha^, Elisha^, Jonathan^, Richard^), born June 2, 1762, in Massachusetts, probably at Williamstown; died at Brandonville, Preston County, Virginia (now in West Virginia), June 21,

1834; married Dec. 23, 1783, in Vermont, perhaps at Bennington, Persis Eggleston, born Dec. 23, 1764, in Windsor (Wintonbury Parish, now Bloomfield), Conn.; died Oct. 10, 1846, at Kingwood, W. Va.; daughter of EHsha and Elizabeth (Merrill) Eggleston.

Josiah Higgins - George Hagans - in his young manhood hved at Williamstown, Mass., and saw some service in the mihtia during the latter half of the Revolutionary War period. The four following records from Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the Revolution, are believed to refer to him:

Josiah Higgins : Private Capt. Peter Porter's detachment from General Fellows' Berkshire County Brigade. Entered service July 1, 1778, discharged Oct. 31, 1778, by order of Brig. Gen. Stark. Served four months under General Stark at Albany.

Josiah Higgras: Private Capt. Asa Barnes's co.. Col. Israel Chapm's regt. Enlisted Oct. 17, 1779, discharged Nov. 21, 1779. Service one month and nine days at Claverack. Regiment raised to reinforce the Continental Army for three months.

Josiah Higgins : Private Capt, Israel Harris's co., Col. Benjamin Simonds' Berkshire County regt. Enlisted Oct. 12, 1780, discharged Oct. 19, 1780. Service 11 days, including four days (80 miles) travel home. Company marched to the northern frontiers by order of General Fellows on an alarm.

Josiah Higgins: Private Capt. Samuel Sloane's co.. Col. Asa Barnes's Berkshire County regt. Service between Oct. 11, 1781, and Oct. 28, 1781, fourteen days. Mileage 80 miles allowed. Company marched to Saratoga by order of General Stark on an alarm.

Soon after the close of these military services, he may have proceeded north to Bennington, Vt., or to some other place near it, and there met and married Persis Eggleston. About a year after his marriage, in September, 1784, he was occupying leased land in Willsborough, New York, near Lake Champlain, and his father, Elisha Higgins, bought land adjoining Josiah 's at this time. In 1801 he owned a farm some five miles further south in the same town, also near Lake Champlain. About 1810 he and his entire family emigrated to the west, and in 1812 were in Delaware County, Ohio, as shown by records of Ohio, War of 1812, wherein it appears that in August and September of 1812 Josiah and Ebenezer Higgins served in the Ohio mihtia. Rev. Ambrose Eggleston says that Josiah and Persis (Eggleston) Higgins settled on the Little Scioto River, which is in Marion County, next north of Delaware County. Perhaps in 1812 the region was a part of Delaware County. They soon pushed on again westward and paused for a time in Perry County, Indiana. No records of them are to be found here, but the records of the Vincennes Land Office (at Washington, D. C.) show that on April 9, 1816, Josiah Higgins of Perry County, Indiana, filed a claim on a quarter section (160 acres) of land, being the northeast quarter of Section 13, Township 1 North, Range 13 West. This land was in Wabash County, Illinois, near the present town of Friendsville. He made his final payment March 20, 1817. On the same date Ebenezer and Urban Higgins, also from Perry County, Indiana, filed a claim on the southeast quarter of Section 18, Township 1 North, Range 12 West, and paid their first installment. They also made their final payment on March 20, 1817. John Marshall Hagans, grandson of Josiah Higgins - George Hagans, says : "The family reached the Ohio at Marietta, as I learn, sometime in the year 1812 or 1813. They built a boat and floated to Vincennes, Indiana, where they settled. Misfortune seemed to follow them. The two eldest sons, Joseph and Josiah, who were married, died, as did also their wives with the fever incident to the new country. . . . Uncle Zer and father then started out on a prospecting tour, both quite young, and after travelling east and south struck the rugged mountains of Virginia."

A glance at the map will show that a boat journey from Perry County, Indiana, to Vincennes is practicable, also one from Marietta, Ohio, to Vincennes. If they did strike the Ohio at Marietta, coming from Delaware County, which is about in the center of the state, north of Columbus, they doubtless floated down the Muskingum River. They may have reached Delaware County from the north, after reaching Cleveland or some other port on Lake Erie. In this letter Vincennes is stated as the place of settlement. Vincennes is not more than twenty miles from the place they actually did select, and was in 1817 the more important town. The family at this time seems to have numbered seventeen members. The locahty they selected was very unhealthy from malaria and other causes, and six of them found untimely graves in less than a year. In the fall of 1817 the surviving members of the family were all settled at or near Brandonville, Preston County, Virginia, and here their long pilgrimage came to an end. Preston County is now the northeastern corner of West Virginia, and borders on both Pennsylvania and INIaryland. Here the family seem to have prospered, on a mountainous region which reminded them of the hills of the lands they had occupied in the East.

a Methodist while still in the east, and may have been a member of the Methodist Church at Charlotte, Vt., almost directly across Lake Champlain from Willsborough, N. Y., between which places a ferry is said to have been operated. At any rate his son Joseph married a daughter of Ammi Fuller, a well-known Methodist of Charlotte. Hagans is described as a Methodist minister, which means probably a local preacher. He had musical ability and a Christian hymn written by him, both words and music, is extant in manuscript, and several pieces of sacred music by him were published. He is described as "strong in faith and hope." His wife, Persis Eggleston, was also a person of the same type, and is described as "a model woman, - died in triumph." John Marshall Hagans described his grandmother thus: "She was a short, stout old lady and according to my recollection, of the fair type, rather than of the dark, black-eyed style of grandfather's side. She always sat erect, never rested on her elbow or carelessly lounged in her attitude. I have sat on a little stool at her feet and listened to her stories of the 'red coats,' her invariable way of designating the enemy. She also related that when she was a young girl in her father's house, she distinctly heard the roar of the guns at the Battle of Bennington (Aug. 16, 1777). She said her father lived six miles from Bennington. As she was thirteen years old at the time, this might well be true."

iii. Thankful, b. June 28, 1788, in Vermont; d. in Willsborough, N. Y., "of scarlet fever, at about 16 years of age. Member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Triumphant."

June 19, 1842, at Uniontown, Pa.; married Jan. 29, 1822. at Brandonville, Va., Zalmon Ludington, Jr., of Petersburg and Uniontown, Pa. Children :

5. Horace, b. in Addison, Pa., June 26, 1832; d. May 16, 1917, at Omaha, Neb.; a physician; married in Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 27, 1866, Isabella Patterson Porter and had: Mary Taylor Ludington, b. Cincinnati, Ohio, April 16, 1868. She married (1) in Omaha, Neb., June 10, 1891, Charles Watson Hull; married (2) Aug. 23, 1911, William R. Mc- Keen, Jr. No children. Paul Hagans Ludington, b. in Cincinnati, Ohio, Oct. 24, 1872; residence Omaha, Neb.; unmarried; a physician.

7. Marshall Lidependence, b. July 4, 1839; married at Skaneateles, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1871, Harriet Foote Marvin. No children. He is Major General U. S. Army (retired).