Eastham Town (part 9 of 9)

This indicates that the family journeyed westward through New York and went as far as central Ohio and that they then went obliquely backward through Ohio toward the river at Marietta. The date of their being in Ohio is fixed as in 1812 or 1813.

From gentlemen connected with schools in Wooster and Marietta, and also at Adams Mills, in Ohio, Dr. Horace Ludington failed to find any record of the family at any of these places.

From the Adjutant General of Ohio, under seal of his office, was received the information that the militia records of Ohio show that Josiah and Ebenezer Higgins were enrolled in a company from Delaware County "to repel threatened invasion" and that they served from August 23 to September 24, 1812. The same authority lists a William Higgins who served in an entirely separate command from June 1 to August 12, 1813.

Here in the Ohio records is found Josiah and Ebenezer Higgins, both of whom are identified with the Josiah Higgins family and who were enrolled from Delaware County, which is in central Ohio, in 1812, agreeing very well with the Hagans account that they went to central Ohio and were there in 1812 or 1813.

The parallel between this record and the Eggleston account of the Josiah Higgins family is very striking. According to the Eggleston record, Josiah Higgins "removed to the Little Scioto river." The Little Scioto River is certainly in Ohio and there is also a Scioto River in that state. A map will show that Delaware County is not far from the upper part of the Scioto River, and will also show that Upper Sandusky is in this same general region.

It will be shown positively later on that Josiah Higgins disappears from the New York records in 1810, so to find the family in Ohio in 1812, and in a locality that agrees quite closely, and to find these two records agreeing almost exactly with the Hagans story, is surely more than a coincidence.

Although Harrison Hagans states that several of the Hagans children were born in New York, he does not specify the place of residence of his family. It is, however, possible to approximate this place from the family tradition. Writing to Mr. Wilbur E. Hagans, Judge John Marshall Hagans wrote: "As far back as I can go is my great grandfather, of whom my father [your grandfather] once told me he had but a faint remembrance as follows: He was about four years old [which would be in 1800] when he was playing along the shores of Lake Champlain, and making some noise in the bushes he frightened a moose that was swimming toward the shore, when his grandfather [who you have discovered to be named Elisha] raised up and said, 'Ah, you little rogue, you have spoiled my shot.' On another occasion he said his grandfather lived on Cape Cod and was a fisherman."

It is interesting to note this detailed account of the circumstances under which Harrison Hagans saw his grandfather for the only time, and to note that it agrees perfectly with Harrison Hagans' statement to Dr. Horace Ludington : "My paternal grandfather I saw once when I was quite small," and also the corroboration that this grandfather is associated with Cape Cod.

For present purposes, however, the chief interest lies in the episode being located "along the shore of Lake Champlain," for this is a very definite locality.

Ambrose Eggleston's record is that Joseph Hagans married a Miss Fuller. Harrison Hagans refers to her as "Mary," so she was probably Mary Fuller. It is true that Mr. Wilbur E. Hagans' list refers to her as "Polly," but that seems more likely a nickname for Mary than her actual name.

John Marshall Hagans says that "Ammi bore his mother's maiden name. Fuller" in referring to Ammi Fuller Hagans, a son of Joseph and Mary (Fuller) Hagans.

Joseph Squire Hagans, also a son of Joseph and Mary (Fuller) Hagans, is quoted by his daughter. Miss Margaret J. Hagans, as saying that he "was born on Otter Creek" in Vermont.

From a daughter of Fernandez (Hagans) Byrne and also from one of her sons, it is learned that Fernandez (Hagans) Byrne, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Fuller) Hagans, was born in Vermont "near a lake." -

Reference to the Census of 1790 will show there was an Ammi Fuller who lived m Charlotte, Vermont, and Charlotte is almost opposite Essex, N. Y.

Judge John Marshall Hagans said that Harrison Hagans, his father, was "born at Vergennes," and Vergennes is on Otter Creek, and is not far from Charlotte.

From family sources, then, it seems fixed that the Hagans family lived somewhere on the New York shore of Lake Champlain, and probably toward the southern half of that lake.

Since George Hagans was married in 1783 and had children born in Vermont or New York between the years 1784 and 1807, it follows that the 1790 Census should show him as the head of a family somewhere "along the shores of Lake Champlain," either in New York or in Vermont.

It will be recalled that Harrison Hagans also said that his "maternal grandparents" he "often saw," -^o it was postulated that some locality must be found where could be discovered the George Hagans family as well as an Eggleston family that could be identified as the parents of Persis (Eggleston) Hagans.

It has been shown that Elisha and Elizabeth (Merrill) Eggleston, the parents of Persis (Eggleston) Hagans, "removed into Essex County, New York," thus fixing a definite locality for them.

The modern county of Essex was originally embraced within the present county of Clinton, and both were originally a part of Washington County. In 1790, Clinton County embraced the present county of Essex, so there is no discrepancy at all in Ambrose Eggleston's statement.

Without going into detail that any one can prove by the 1790 Census, it may be stated that only Clinton County, N. Y., lay "along the shore of Lake Champlain" in 1790.

There is one Hagans family listed in New York in 1790, but they lived in Ulster County, and there were no Egglestons in that county in 1790. The only county that satisfies the requirements is Clinton County, and here there are no Hagans at all listed in 1790.

The Egglestons listed, however, are Elisha, Abraham, and Judah Eggleston, and reference to the photograph of the children of Elisha and Elizabeth (Merrill) Eggleston will show that they may all be identified as brothers of Persis (Eggleston) Hagans. The 1800 Census adds Richard Eggleston as the head of a family, thus strengthening the proof. The Elisha Eggleston here listed must have been the father of Persis (Eggleston) Hagans, and not her brother Elisha, because the son, Elisha, Jr., did not go to Essex County, but lived and died in Stephentown, Rensselaer County.

As Essex County - or as it was in 1790, Clinton County - locates the Eggleston grandparents of Harrison Hagans beyond any doubt, it should be that George Hagans would be found there, too, but he is not. There are, however, three Higginses listed there in 1790, as follows: Elisha Higgins, Elisha, Jr., and Josiah. The 1800 Census gives Elisha, Josiah, and Isaac Higgins. All

Four Higgins men thus come under discussion : Elisha, Elisha, Jr., Josiah, and Isaac, and it remains to determine the relationship between them. In the case of Elisha and Elisha, Jr., there is no doubt.

Ambrose Eggleston's data says that Hannah Higgins, who married Richard Eggleston, was a sister to Josiah and repeats this fact in speaking of Josiah Higgins. It may be said, therefore, that Josiah and Hannah Higgins were brother and sister. The 1790 Census shows that Elisha Higgins' family consisted of two adult males and two females. Elisha Higgins, Jr.'s family consisted of one adult male and two females. Isaac Higgins does not appear as the head of a family in 1790, although he does so appear in 1800, thus fixing his marriage as after 1790. Josiah Higgins' family is given as one adult male, three males, and one female. From this it would appear that Josiah Higgins was older than Elisha, Jr., in 1790 and that Isaac, being unmarried, was younger than Elisha, Jr.

From Elisha Higgins, Jr.'s, Bible record it is learned that his first child was born in April of 1790, so he probably married about 1789. Hannah Higgins would seem to have married Richard Eggleston sometime about 1790, as he does- not appear as the head of a family in 1790. It is true that Ambrose Eggleston lists a son born to them in 1780, but as their other two children were born in 1794 and 1797, it is believed this date 1780 probably is an error for 1790.

As both Elisha Higgins, Jr., and Hannah Higgins seem to have married at about the same time, and as Isaac Higgins must have married not long after 1790, it is a reasonable inference that they were brother and sister, and therefore children of Elisha Higgins, Sr. If now, Josiah Higgins were a brother of Hannah, he, too, was a son of Elisha Higgins, Sr.

Harrison Hagans says he saw his Hagans grandfather once, about the year 1800, and was impressed with his snow-white hair. George Hagans, father of Harrison Hagans, was born in 1762 and was therefore but thirty-eight years old in 1800. As will appear later, Elisha Higgins, Sr., was born in 1727, and thus seventythree years old in 1800, when Harrison Hagans might very well have been impressed with his snow-white hair.

According to the Town Book of Essex, First Book, Elisha Higgins, Josiah Higgins, and Isaac Higgins are all found on the road list as late as 1810 for Josiah, 1818- for Elisha, and 1820 for Isaac. Elisha Higgins, Jr., died in 1818, according to his Bible record, and he must have been Elisha Higgins, Jr., because he had a child born in 1816, at which date Elisha Higgins, Sr., would have been ninety-one years old.

The Hagans tradition is absolutely silent, save for one slip, regarding the family of George Hagans. Harrison Hagans gave his maternal ancestry clearly, but not his paternal. Judge John Marshall Hagans relates one incident that throws a good deal of light on the question in the light of present knowledge, although Judge Hagans misinterpreted it because of his lack of knowledge of the Hagans ancestry.

In attempting to approximate the date of birth and ancestry of Persis (Eggleston) Hagans - this was before Judge Hagans was aware of Harrison Hagans' "memorial" - Judge John Marshall Hagans wrote to Mr. Wilbur E. Hagans: "Another incident may help you some. Father once told me, probably forty-four or five years ago, when I was exercising my juvenile talents as a drummer, that I was doing the music act in a very imperfect manner - that his uncle Isaac, who was the best drummer he ever saw, did it this way - illustrating by what he [father] called the 'double drag', 'single drag,' etc. So that one Isaac was a brother of grandmother Persis, doubtless."

Recalling that John Marshall Hagans stated that George Hagans had one sister and no brothers, it is clear why he should have concluded that this "uncle Isaac" must have been an Eggleston. The Eggleston records show that there was no Isaac Eggleston among the brothers. of Persis Eggleston.

It is obvious that Harrison Hagans' uncles must have been Egglestons or Hagans - or Higgins. As there was no Isaac Eggleston to be his uncle, the only conclusion is that reference was made to an Isaac Hagans - or Higgins, and it is settled beyond question that there was an Isaac Higgins, who was in all probability a brother of Josiah Higgins - George Hagans, and who lived in the same locality in New York.

Mr. Wilbur E. Hagans had some correspondence with a Mrs. Almira Stickney, who was a granddaughter of Hannah (Higgins) Eggleston through her daughter Hannah Eggleston. Mrs. Stickney wrote: "One of the Higgins cousins lives in Marshall, Michigan. . . . She said she had once had her mother, Betsey Higgins', Bible record. ... I think this Higgins had two wives, or rather first and second wife. Betsey and Sallie, the first wife's children. The second children's mother's name was Polly Higgins. The children's names were Julius, Estus, Woolsey, and Jerusha."

Through the kindness of a daughter of the Jerusha Higgins just mentioned, Mrs. Letitia D. Maxham of Burlington, Vt., this Bible record was secured and this proves that these children named by Mrs. Stickney were those of Elisha Higgins, obviously, Elisha Higgins, Jr. Mrs. Stickney was a daughter of Hannah Eggleston, who was a daughter of Hannah (Higgins) Eggleston. The "Higgins cousin" referred to by Mrs. Stickney was a daughter of Betsey Higgins, who was a daughter of Elisha Higgins, Jr. It therefore follows that Hannah Higgins and Elisha Higgins, Jr., were brother and sister. Ambrose Eggleston specifically states that

Josiah and Hannah Higgins were brother and sister. If now, Hannah and Elisha, Jr., were brother and sister, then Josiah and Ehsha, Jr., were brothers and the relationship of Josiah Higgins to Ehsha Higgins, Sr., is proved.

In another letter Mrs. Stickney wrote: "My mother was left an infant only two months old at the time of her mother's death. An uncle and aunt on her mother's side took her and kept her. ... I have forgotten which was the Higgins, the uncle or aunt; she always spoke of them as uncle and aunt without calling thera by their first names, used to speak of uncle Isaac and uncle Elisha and Judah E."

Mrs. Stickney's mother was Hannah Eggleston, whose father was Richard Eggleston and whose mother was Hannah Higgins. Her uncles and aunts were, therefore, either Egglestons or Higgins. There was no Isaac Eggleston to be her uncle, and the only Elisha Eggleston uncle lived in Stephentown, Rensselaer County. Judah Eggleston certainly was among her uncles, and he did live in Essex, N. Y., where Hannah Eggleston was born and raised.

It is believed, therefore, that no possible doubt can exist that Josiah, Elisha, Isaac, and Hannah Higgins were brothers and sister, and that they were children of Elisha Higgins.

Harrison Hagans' reference to an "uncle Isaac" undoubtedly referred to Isaac Higgins, and thus agrees perfectly wdth the facts discovered through the 1790 and 1800 censuses and Mrs. Stickney's statements.

It remains to produce the evidence disclosed by such public records as exist. Inquiry of the clerk of Washington County, which originally embraced the present counties of Chnton and Essex, shows that no records in the name of Higgins or Hagans appear in that county at that period. The Clinton County records contain one deed (Liber A, page 109) from which the following abstract is made : -

"This indenture made the 23d day of September in the year of our Lord 1784, between William Gilliland of Willsborough, in the county of Washington, and state of New York, on the one part, and Elisha Higgins, of Willsborough aforesaid, yeoman, on the other part. . . . Beginning at the northeast corner of a lot of land formerly rented to Jotham Gardner, and now in the possession of Josiah Higgins, . . . thence east to Lake Champlain, and thence southerly along the same to the place of beginning, containing one hundred and forty -five acres of land."

The acknowledgment is, in part, as follows: "Be it remembered that on the 27th day of October in the year of our Lord 1789, personally appeared Josiah Higgins, one of the subscribing witnesses to the within indenture."

This deed proves that in September, 1784, Elisha Higgins was a resident of Willsborough, and that he bought land from William Gilliland, who owned most of that country, and that Josiah Higgins was also a resident of Willsborough and was "in possession"

In Smith's "History of Essex County" may be found a map, attributed to Roger A. Heirn, and supposed to have been drawn in 1786, that gives the exact location of this Higgins tract. It may be here said, however, that it is included within the present town of Essex. This same map is also of interest in that it shows a tract belonging to E. Eggleston.

Among the Essex County records three deeds are recorded that require notice. In Liber A, page 29, is recorded the deed from which the following is abstracted: -

"This indenture made the 16th day of April in the year of our Lord 1799, between Elisha Higgins of Willsborough, County of Essex, and State of New York, of the first part, and Isaac Higgins, of the town, County and State aforesaid, of the second part, . . . beginning at the northeast corner of a lot of land on which Daniel Ross now lives, and runs thence west to a certain fence, now a division fence between Elisha Higgins and Elisha Higgins, junior, . . . supposed to contain sixty -two acres of land, be the same more or less, and the said party of the first part doth save and reserve to himself the use or profits arising from one equal half of said land during his life."

This deed is extremely interesting in several ways. The deed to be next quoted will prove that this land was a part of the land purchased by Elisha Higgins from Gilliland. The original purchase was one hundred and forty-five acres. This deed shows that at some previous date Ehsha Higgins had conveyed roughly the west half of his purchase from Gilliland to Elisha Higgins, Junior. Unfortunately, the deed of this transfer cannot be found. The above deed does specifically name Elisha Higgins, Junior, whose relationship to Elisha Higgins cannot be doubted. The most interesting feature, however, is the Hfe interest reserved by Elisha Higgins "during his life." In the light of the fact that Elisha Higgins was born in 1727, it becomes clear that he was seventy-two years old in 1799, and it was quite reasonable that he should have made this provision for the rest of his life. It also is evident that no person outside of Elisha Higgins' immediate family would have accepted any such deed.

Another deed, Essex County, Liber A, page 36, is of interest. "This indenture made the 23rd day of March in the year of our Lord 1801, between Isaac Higgins of the town of Willsborough, County of Essex and State of New York, of the first part and Daniel Ross, of the town, County and state aforesaid, Esqr., of the second part . . . beginning at the northeast corner of the farm whereon the said Daniel Ross now lives, thence west 260 rods to Elisha Higgins, Junior's land . . . And it is understood that the above courses are to stand agreeable to the courses mentioned in and bj^ a certain deed of said premises executed by William Gilliland to Elisha Higgins. . . . with the appurtenances of a good, secure, perfect, absolute, and indefeasable estate of inheritance in the law, in fee simple, without any manner of condition to alter, change, determine, or defeat the same."

By this deed Isaac Higgins conveys to Daniel Ross, who was one of the early judges in that locality, the land that Elisha Higgins had deeded to him about two years before, and in which deed a life interest was reserved to Elisha Higgins. It is obvious that some means must have been taken to abrogate this life reservation. Elisha Higgins, Sr., was not dead, as the next deed shows, and all efforts to find such an abrogation have been unsuccessful. The next deed to be quoted may be the explanation.

Essex County records. Liber B, page 231: "This indenture made the 23rd day of March in the year of our Lord 1801, between Josiah Higgins of the town of Willsborough, County of Essex and State of New York, of the first part, and Isaac Higgins of the town, county, and state aforesaid of the second part, . . . containing fifty acres of land, being the south half of said Lot No. 10 in Judd's Patent, so called, the one half of which is to be to the use and benefit of Elisha Higgins during his natural life."

It will be observed that on the same day that Isaac Higgins conveyed his property to Daniel Ross, and thus deprived Elisha Higgins of the life interest in that property, Josiah Higgins conveys approximately the same amount of land to Isaac Higgins and also includes in his deed a reservation for the benefit of Elisha Higgins similar to the one abrogated. That any such combination of circumstances could possibly represent anything but a family arrangement cannot be well doubted.

Judd's Patent is one of the numerous patents granted in northern New York at the close of the French and Indian War. It is shown on a map that accompanies one of the volumes of the Documentary History of New York. It lies approximately five miles south of the land that Elisha Higgins purchased from WilKam Gilliland.

These deeds exhaust the records of land transfers, and nothing was to be found in the probate records. These deeds, however, prove conclusively that Elisha, Elisha, Jr., Josiah, and Isaac Higgins were inhabitants of Willsborough, N. Y., between the years 1784 and 1801, and it may be said that no other records were found for the years subsequent.

From the last deed quoted, it is certain that Elisha Higgins, Sr., was living as late as March 23, 1801. As the 1800 Census does not list him as the head of a family, he was living with some of his children, other than Josiah or Elisha, Jr.

The 1790 Census gives Elisha Higgins, Sr., a family of two male adults and two females. As Isaac Higgins does not appear at this date as the head of a family, it must be concluded that the two males thus recorded were Elisha Higgins, Sr., and Isaac Higgins.

The Hagans record has it that George Hagans dictated and signed a statement, which appeared in the Bible belonging to Mr. Wilbur E. Hagans, "this is the anniversary of my mother's death; she has been dead fifty years." This statement^ was dated May 7, 1828, so from this it would appear that the wife of Elisha Higgins, Sr., died May 7, 1778. As there is no Hagans tradition regarding a mother of George Hagans, except the above, it is believed that Elisha Higguis did not marry again; he was fifty-one years old in 1778.

This supposition is borne out by the Census of 1790. Here . two females are listed in the family of Elisha Higgins, Sr. One of these was certainly Hannah, who married Richard Eggleston. The other was probably the one referred to by John Marshall Hagans when he wrote: "The sister, he had only one, married a man by the name of Adams." This daughter apparently emigrated to Ohio and died there. She surely cannot be confused with Hannah, who married Richard Eggleston, and who died at Essex m 1797.

The present town of Essex was originally a part of the town of Willsborough - named for Wilham Gilliland, as Elizabethtown was named for his daughter - and was set off in 1806. It was my good fortune to see the first Town Book of Essex through the kindness of C. C. Stafford, Esq., of Essex. In the Road List, beginning in 1806, are found the names of Josiah, Elisha, and Isaac Higgins, as well as data indicating their respective assessments. Josiah and Elisha are rated at fifteen hundred dollars, and Isaac at two thousand dollars. Josiah Higgins appears as late as 1809, Elisha until 1818, the year of his death, and Isaac continues through the first book, which ends with 1820.

It thus appears that Josiah Higgins left Essex about 1810, while Elisha and Isaac remained there. Thus the record agrees perfectly well with Ambrose Eggleston 's statement that Josiah Higgins "removed to the Little Scioto river," and approximates the date of this removal. This record also substantiates the Hagans tradition that George Hagans, who had lived in New York "along the shores of Lake Champlain," "reached the Ohio at Marietta, as I learn, sometime in the year 1812 or 1813."

Ambrose Eggleston states that Joseph Higgins married Miss Fuller. John Marshall Hagans says, speaking of the children of Joseph Hagans : "Ammi bore his mother's maiden name of Fuller." A daughter of Joseph Squire Hagans, who was a son of Joseph Hagans, states that Joseph Squire Hagans said he was "born on Otter Creek, Vermont." Otter Creek is, as a map will show, a stream in northern Vermont that flows into Lake Champlain just above Vergennes, and just above opposite Essex, N. Y.

This locality would indicate the probable residence of tTie Fuller family. Reference to the 1790 Census will show that Ammi Fuller was a resident of Charlotte, Vt., a town almost directly across Lake Champlain from Essex, N. Y. The facts seem to be that Joseph Hagans married Mary Fuller - this from the Hagans and Eggleston data. On the authority of Joseph Squire Byrne, in a letter to me, Fernandez Hagans, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Fuller) Hagans, died in 1881, aged seventy-four years. This would fix her birth in 1807 and as she married in 1824 this date seems probable. Joseph Hagans was surely living in Vermont, and probably near Charlotte, in 1812, if his son Joseph vSquire Hagans was born on Otter Creek in that year, but it is equally certain that Joseph Hagans later joined his father and was with the family in Illinois, where both Joseph Hagans and his wife, Mary (Fuller) Hagans, died in 1816.

Here again the Hagans tradition respecting Joseph Hagans' wife is substantiated by Ambrose Eggleston's data, and it further corroborates the fact that George Hagans lived in Essex, N. Y.

Another correspondence between the Hagans and Eggleston records must be indicated. Harrison Hagans says that George Hagans was "a local preacher, M. E. Church," and that Persis Eggleston was his wife. Ambrose Eggleston states that Persis Eggleston married Josiah Higgins who "was a Methodist preacher."

Can anything be stronger than these parallels constantly found between the Hagans tradition of George Hagans and the Eggleston data and the public records of Josiah Higgins.^ They begin in New York and continue into Ohio and later are found in Illinois. Presently it will be sho^^^l that Harrison Hagans' statement to Dr. Horace Ludington, independently corroborated by John Marshall Hagans, that his Hagans - or Higgins - grandfather was born on Cape Cod, and that George Hagans was born in Massachusetts, will be fully substantiated.

The chief thing to be done with respect to the family in Massachusetts is to show the identity of Elisha Higgins of Willsborough, N. Y., with the Higgins family of Massachusetts. This is easily done.

In the Registry at Adams, Mass., Book 1, page 60, is a deed in which "Elisha Higgins, of Willsborough, County of Washington, and State of New York," conveys to "William Hambleton, of W^illiamstown, County of Berkshire, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts," land described as "lying and being in Williamstown aforesaid, containing thirty -five acres, it being the east end of the first division fifty acre lot No. twenty-five drawn in favour of House Lot Number Eleven."

This deed is dated January 2, 1787, and it shows that Elisha Higgins, of Willsborough, N. Y., sold property in Williamstown, Mass. In the Pittsfield Registry - Book 2, page 620 - is a deed whereby "Benjamin Simons of Williams Town in the County of Berkshire & Province of Massachusetts Baj'^" conveys to "Elisha Higgins of the Town and County aforesaid" property described as "lying and being in Williams town aforesaid, containing Thirtyfive acres, and being the east end of the first Division fifty acre lot No. Twenty-five drawn in favor of House Lot No. Eleven."

This deed is dated August 10, 1765, and proves beyond question that the Elisha Higgins of Willsborough, N. Y., is identical with the Elisha Higgins of Williamstown, Mass., and also that in 1765 Elisha Higgins was a resident of Williamstown.

The Pittsfield Registry contains deeds to or from Elisha Higgins, of West Hoosack or Williamstown, in the years 1754, 1762, 1763, 1765, 1767, 1768, 1769 and 1773. As George Hagans - Josiah Higgins was born in 1762, and was probably the oldest child, it follows that George Hagans - Josiah Higgins was probably born at or near Williamstown, although no record of it has been found, and that the other children of Elisha Higgins were probably also born there.

The volumes of Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the Revolution (as they are arranged alphabetically it is not necessary to give the page) list four revolutionary services in the name of Josiah Higgins, of Berkshire County. These services occurred in 1778, 1779, 1780, and 1781. Other Josiah Higginses are listed, but they were not from Berkshire County. If Josiah Higgins - George Hagans were born in 1762, as the Hagans record is, it would agree quite well with him doing emergency military duty in 1778.

Elisha Higgins also saw revolutionary service, and according to the Massachusetts records was a resident of Williamstown in 1777, and was, incidentally, a member of the expedition against Ticonderoga in 1775.

It is very interesting in this connection to read John Marshall Hagans' letter which says: "Grandfather (that is George Hagans), I have been informed, was a friend and compatriot of Ethan Allen in the struggle between New York and its claim to Vermont and the Land Grant Settlers which eventuated in the recognition of Vermont as a state."

However, it is believed that all possible existing evidence abundantly bears out Harrison Hagans' statement that George Hagans was born in Massachusetts, although it has been impossi- . ble to find any record of the birth of Elisha Higgins' children.

Quoting from a personal communication from the Secretary of the Commonwealth: "x\n examination of the record index to the Muster Rolls series, 1710-1774 shows that ... an Elisha Higgins, birthplace Eastham, residence Hoossack, age 27 years, enlisted into the Colonel's co., Col. Dwight's regt., from the town of Pelham, according to a descriptive list dated Camp at Fort Edward, July 26, 1756."

If Elisha Higgins were 27 years old in 1756, he would have been born in 1729. This agrees very well with the Eastham record that Elisha Higgins, son of Elisha and Sarah (Lewis) Higgins, was born at Eastham, November 21, 1727.

The fact that this Elisha Higgins is specifically stated to have resided in Hoosack - which is Williamstown, Mass. - and to have been born at Eastham - which is certainly on Cape Cod - would seem to settle positively that the Elisha Higgins of Willsborough, N. Y., had resided for a number of years prior to settling in New York in Williamstown, Mass., and also that he was born at Eastham, Mass.

Once again a statement made by Harrison Hagans regarding his ancestry has been tested by public records and found correct, save that the name is Higgins and not Hagans.

It is believed that it is not necessary to further prolong this discussion. While it is true that it has been condensed as much as possible, still the essential points have been considered. It will be seen that practically every bit of circumstantial e\'idence from the Hagans family tradition may be compared with matters of public record relating to Josiah Higgins and found in substantial agreement. Is it not strange that George Hagans should have had a son Josiah, but none named George, under such circumstances? The name Josiah absolutely disappears from the grandchildren of George Hagans.

It was only natural that the George Hagans' children did not repeat the Hagans story. John Marshall Hagans very well expressed this when he said: "The fact of there being so little knowledge of the family history in the possession of the present generation is because those who preceded us cared but little, apparently, about a record of their trials and vicissitudes, of which I am led to believe they experienced many."

The Reason For The Change Of Name

As was stated in the introduction to this discussion, the reason that impelled Josiah Higgins to change his name to George Hagans is a thing entirely separate from the identity of the man, and the identity of George Hagans is the point of genealogic interest here under discussion.

Recognizing, however, that the question why the change was made is a very natural one, the very imperfect knowledge that exists upon this point will be here given for the sake of completeness.

The only existing evidence from family sources is as follows: Judge John Marshall Hagans, it may be recalled, quoted Joseph Squire Hagans to the effect that the "name was originally Higgins" and in this connection Judge Hagans continued: "Whether the change of name occurred in New York or not, I am not able to say. The intimation I got from Squire was that it occurred at Mt. Carmel. He was not very definite, however, in his information though quite certain as to the fact of the change of name. He would not say why, although I pressed him. He would repeat the remark that 'some of the older boys got into trouble out west.' "

Following the plan of comparing the family tradition with whatever outside evidence might be available, the records at Mt. Carmel were searched in the effort to find such evidence, and, in addition, the legendary history of that locality was given careful consideration, in short, every efi'ort has been made to discover the reason why the name was changed.

Without going into detail that can serve no purpose, it may be stated that nothing has ever been discovered that can, even with remote probability, be assigned as the cause.

The worst that was discovered, and this is the single story that bears any evidence of authenticity, was an attempt to pass counterfeit money. This circumstance can be positively dated as not earlier than 1838, or at least twenty years after George Hagans had settled in Virginia. Consequently it need not be detailed.

The only evidence, and this from Hagans sources, is "that some of the older boys got into trouble out west" and here the subject must rest until additional data is discovered. It must be confessed that it is difficult to imagine whence such data could come after the search that has been made and just a century after the change was made.

Pope says that "half our knowledge we must snatch, not take," and this seems true in matters genealogic in general and very appropriate to the present case in particular.

It is far easier to follow the traveled road than to blaze the first trail, and it is hoped that this discussion may be of value to those whose ancestry is otherwise lost to them. The search for the material here presented has been long and, at times, difficult, but the result has amply repaid the effort. Chiefly for the benefit of others a list of sources investigated has been appended. This list contains only public records because they are available to any one and because the data from family sources has been indicated in the text.

It is believed that this discussion places George Hagans where he properly b elongs, and it is most gratifying to know that he did have an ancestry and was not, like Melchizedek, "without father and without mother." It also adds its mite to the sum total of genealogic data hitherto unpublished.

If, in addition, it may give encouragement to others unfortunate enough to have Topsy-like ancestors, the writer and his associates will indeed be glad.

List Of Sources Investigated

Secretary of State. Colonial and Revolutionary Records. Land and Probate Records at Pittsfield. Land Registry at Adams. Registry of Probate at Northampton. Worcester County Land and Probate Records. Springfield Registry. Proprietor's Record of Williamstown.

Appendix Higgins Of Eastham

Two men named Higgins, Thomas and Alexander, were early residents of Plymouth Colony. Their relationship to each other and to Richard Higgins is unknown. Those who accept the view that Richard Higgins was a son of Rev. John and Elizabeth (Clynton) Higgins have no difficulty in assuming that. Thomas Higgins was a brother of Richard Higgins, but that view is not accepted in this volume. What is known of Thomas Higgins of Plymouth, New England, is brief.

"Thomas Higgins having lived an extravagant (i. e., wandering or erring from the straight path) life, was placed with John Jenny for eight years to serve him as an apperntice, during wch time the said John (agrees) competently to provide for him and at th' end thereof to give him double app'ell, 12 bushels of corne and 20 acres of land. Dated Plymouth Jan. 1, 1633." - Plymouth Colony Records, vol. 1.

John Jenney was the well known miller of Plymouth. He died in 1644 and was succeeded by his son Samuel. Thomas Higgins must have been thirteen or fourteen years old in 1633, if his apprenticeship expired at his majority and at the end of eight years from Jan. 1, 1633. His subsequent history is unknown and Plymouth records contain no further mention of him. He either died or removed from Plymouth. A Thomas Higgins was an early resident of New Netherlands {New York Biographical and Genealogical Record, vol. xiv, p. 198). It is possible that he was identical with Thomas of Plymouth, but nothing is known to prove this to have been the fact. There were Higgins families in New York City in 1790, as shown by the census of that year. Possibly they were descendants of Thomas Higgins of New Netherlands, and it is remotely possible that they were also descendants of Thomas Higgins of Plymouth, who was not the same man as Thomas Huckins, a respected resident of Barnstable, Mass., whose family continued there.

"Jan. 3, 1636-7. Alexander Higgins took the oath of fidelity and was admitted to dwell and reside with John Weeks and John Alden or thereabout." {Plymouth Colony Records, vol. 1.) He acquired land in Plymouth, but soon sold it and removed, as is shown by the following record: "Nov. 17, 1637. Richard Wright of New Plymouth, tailor, for £ 4, 15 shillings sold to George Russell of the same town, yeoman, all his lands with improvements upon the same upon Oulbery playne, four or five acres which he bought of Mr. Alexander Higgins." {Plymouth Colony Records, vol. xii, p. 24.) From the fact that he was to live with or near John Alden, it has been inferred that he was a resident of Duxbury, but the aforesaid record shows that he lived in Plymouth for a short time. The title "Mr." may indicate that he was of superior social position. Felt in his "History of Salem, Mass.," says that Alexander Higgins had a grant of land in that town in 1637. If so, all three references may refer to the same man. He probably was dissatisfied and returned to England. No mention of his death in New England or of any descendants has been discovered.

ABRAHAM HIGGINS, born about 1666; died at Greens Farms, now Westport, Conn., March 21, 1757, in 92d year; married before Feb. 28, 1694-5, Sarah Middlebrook, born Nov. 12, 1675, at Fairfield, Conn.; died March 24, 1756, at Greens Farms; daughter of Joseph Middlebrook, Jr.

"Dec. 11, 1696. Joseph Middlebrook hath Given unto his Son-in-law Abraham Higgins as may appear by a deed bearing date 28 Febry 1694-5 his second devident at Compoe. The land is in quantity seven acres and a quarter and five rods, be it more or less, and is bounded on ye southwest with land belonging to ye heirs of Mr. Jones deceased; on ye northeast with ye loy laid out to the widow Wheeler, on ye northwest and southeast with highways."

Mrs. Sarah Higgins owned the covenant at Fairfield First Church, March 24, 1694-5. Later Abraham and Sarah were members of the church at Greens Farms. On April 30, 1716, Abraham Higgins gave land to Rev. Daniel Chapman to induce him to settle in the work of the ministry at Greens Farms, which he did. Jan. 22, 1716-7 Abraham Higgins buys land in Petticote Lane of John Lockwood. Feb. 6, 1716-7 Joseph Applegate and Abraham Higgins were bondsmen for Joseph Applegate, administrator on the estate of John Applegate. July 25, 1725, Abraham Higgins of Fairfield bought land of Patrick and Mary Bulmow.

The will of Abraham Higgins of Fairfield, dated Jan. 14, 1744-5, recorded Aug. 2, 1757, gives 30 shillings to the church of Christ in Fairfield West Society; to beloved wife Sarah the west end of his dwelling house; to daughter Sarah one acre of salt meadow (after her decease to be my son Abraham's) ; to son Samuel all my lands lying in ye wood where he now dwells in Fairfield;

Authorities: Gravestone at Greens Farms, Conn.; Fairfield Records, vol. A, p. 376; vol. 3, p. 237; vol. 3, p. 545; vol. 3, p. 725; Fairfield Probate Records; Schenks' Fairfield.

SAMUEL2 HIGGINS (Abraham^), bapt. Sept. 20, 1708, at Fairfield; died about 1791; married (date unknown) Miriam Belden, born Nov. 11, 1714; died ; daughter of William and

Samuel Higgins settled in the West Society of Fairfield, and was dwelKng there when his father made his will in January, 1745. In later time he may have lived in Norwalk. The distribution of the estate of Samuel Higgins of Norwalk(?) is dated April 6, 1795. "To widow of deceased one undivided third part of Dwelling house and Barn of deceased in common with Sarah Gilbert, Abigail Hurlburt and Martha Osburn, daughters of said deceased. To heirs of Samuel Higgins of Weston. To grandsons John, Michael and Abner Higgins. To Sarah Gilbert, wife of Benjamin Gilbert, land near the old homestead of Abraham Higgins. To Abigail Hurlburt, wife of John Hurlburt, daughter of deceased, land near the old homestead of Abraham Higgins. To Martha Osburn, wife of Isaac Osburn, daughter of the deceased. To grandchildren, William Rockwell, Mary Bedient, Anne Rowe (wife of Lyman Rowe), Uriah Rockwell, Dorothy Bowren, Jonah Rockwell, Noah Rockwell and Ebenezer Gilbert."

John Belden of Norwalk sells to Samuel Higgins of Fairfield land in Norwalk bounded north, south, and east by said Higgins' land, Sept. 16, 1745. "Lying east of Pimpewauge near said Higgins' dwelling house."

They were admitted to full communion, Greens Farms, 1742. Abraham Higgins, Junior, administrator on estate of Gershom Lockwood. (Colonial Records of Conn., 1751-57, p. 82.) Dec. 15, 1755, elected tithing man. (Fairfield Book B.) Removed to Bedford, N. Y. "Abraham Higgins of the town of Bedford in Westchester Co. in the Colony of New York quits claim unto Thos. Belden and Daniel Belden of Norwalk certain land in Norwalk in the parish of Wilton bounded by land of Ichabod Cole, Charles Sloan, and Lewis McDonald, and Silas Hecocke, Hezekiah DeForest, John Burchard, Michael Middlebrook, Samuel Bells, records.) "Daniel Belding of Norwalk sells to Abraham Higgins of Bedford, Westchester Co., Colony of New York, certain land in Norwalk, Feb. 25, 1762." (Norwalk records, vol. 11.) Will of Henry Laight of Bedford Aug. 5, 1760. Witnesses: Abraham Higgins, John Higgins, Gabriel Higgins. (Pelletrieu, Westchester Co. Wills, p. 174.) Moses Higgins witnesses will of Marcus Moseman of Bedford. (Pelletrieu, Westchester Co. Wills, p. 286.) March 7, 1768, Abraham Higgins of Bedford compelled Daniel Belden of Norwalk to settle claim he had against him. Probably a foreclosure of mortgage.

vii. Perhaps Abraham. "April 6, 1756, Samuel Odell appointed Guardian to Abraham Higgins a minor who lately belonged to East Chester in ye Province of New York." (Paper on file at Fairfield.) viii. Elisha, bapt. Nov. 27, 1748. ix. Elijah, bapt. Jan. 27, 1753.

Tammsin Higgins and John Higgins, both of Weston, on guardian bond to Michael and Samuel Higgins, minors under 14 years of age. (No date.) (Fairfield probate.)

John Higgins of Weston appointed guardian to Michael Higgins, a minor. Michael appeared and made choice of his brother John as guardian March 24, 1795. John Higgins appointed guardian of his brother William, 15 years old, Aug. 1, 1795, also to Samuel, 14:}4 years old, 1797. William appeared Nov. 16, 1795, then 16 years old.

Will of Samuel, Junior, dated Nov. 26, 1787. Samuel Higgins of Weston, to beloved wife Tammsin. Personal estate to John, Abner, William, Michael Dunning and Samuel, Proved and approved Feb. 25, 1788. (Fairfield Probate Records, vol. E, p. 353.) Witnesses: John Noyes, Azor Belden, Jr., Molly Marvin. (Paper on file.) Benjamin Gilbert executor.

Court at Fairfield, Jan. 18, 1790, orders real estate of Samuel Higgins, late of Norwalk, deceased, to be divided according to his will. Appoints John Silliman Andrews of Fairfield, David Lambert and Daniel Duncan of Weston, to make distribution. Tammsin Higgins and William Sterling appointed executors on estate of Samuel Higgins, Junior, Feb. 25, 1788. Accounts against estate shown Nov. 28 and Dec. 16, 1789, Daniel Duncan and John S. Andrews appraisers. Inventory taken by them. Thej' add to the inventory of Samuel Higgins, late of Norwalk, deceased, Jan., 1791. The distribution dated Oct. 18, 1792, exhibited for probation April 21, 1794, gives to widow Tammsin Higgins the dwelling house where she last lived in Weston, and ten acres in Wilton parish in Norwalk. To John, eldest son, lands. To Abner and William, certain land. To Michael Dunning, certain land. To Samuel, land in Wilton, etc.

GABRIEL^ HIGGINS (Abraham\ Abraham^), born March 16, 1741, at Fairfield, Conn.; died "Aug. 1, 1809, aged 57"; married (1) March 2, 1763, at Westport, Conn., Sarah Gray, born March 27, 1742; died at Bedford, April 4, 1814, aged 70 years, 12 days. Gabriel Higgins went from Fairfield, Conn. (Greens Farms, now Westport), to Bedford, Westchester County, N. Y., and lived there all his life. He was ensign of militia in 1775 and lieutenant in 1778. Probably saw service in the Revolution. He was a farmer. His will, dated Feb. 16, 1809, was proved April 24, 1812, at White Plains (Liber E, p. 229) and mentions four sons and four daughters.

Authority: Bolton's History of Westchester County, p. xx;' Bailey's Early Connecticut Marriages (Westport); Erdeley's MS. copy of Bedford Cemetery inscriptions, Lenox Library, N. Y.

Moses Higgins went from Greens Farms to Bedford, N. Y., with his parents and spent his life there. He was a farmer. His age, inscribed upon his gravestone, does not agree with his birth date on Fairfield records.

Abner Higgins quitclaims to certain property which was his grandfather's Samuel Higgins to the satisfaction of my brother John Higgins Nov. 27, 1793. - Norwalk Land Records, vol. 17, p. 356.

John Higgins buys land in northerly part of Weston, June 8, 1795. April 28, 1795, Abner Higgins sells land to John Higgins. Thomas and John Belden sell to John Higgins land near a place called Cole's Fallow, near land sold to Jesse Bedient. Bela North bound to John Higgins, June 21, 1797. - Norwalk Deeds, vol. 18, pp. 9, 29, 42, 124.

"William Higgins of Franklin, N. Y., sells to John Higgins land which came to him through heirship from his grandfather, Samuel Higgins, late of Norwalk and his father, Samuel Higgins, late of

Weston deceased, lying in parish of Wilton, bounded by Michael Higgins's land." - Norwalk Land Records, vol. 19, p. 43; date not given 1798(?).

SAMUEL* HIGGINS (SamueP, Samnel\ Abraham^), born Feb. 17, 1783; in Connecticut; died Sept. 3, 1832; married Sept. 24, 1804, Elizabeth Bulkeley, born March 28, 1785; died Oct. 23, 1866; daughter of William Bulkeley of Southport, Conn.

He lived in Greenfield, Conn., but removed to SpencertowTi, Columbia Co., N. Y. Farmer. Grandfather of Miss Helen C. C. Higgins of Mt. Kisco, N. Y.

DAVID^ HIGGINS (Moses\ Abraham\ Abraham'^), born Jan. 16, 1771, at Bedford, N. Y.; died there June 21, 1857, aged 86 years, 6 months, 5 days; married (date not found) Elizabeth Lyon, born Nov. 26, 1775; died Nov. 8, 1843; daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Mead) Lyon.

BRADLEY^ HIGGINS {John\ Samuel\ SamueP, Abraham^), born Nov. 28, 1793, probably at Norwalk, Conn, (but descendants say in New York City) ; died April 30, 1885, in Mexico, Oswego Co., N. Y.; married in New York City, Dec. 31, 1819, Maria de la Montayne, born 1797; died 1883.

SAMUELS HIGGINS {David\ Moses\ Abraham'', Abraham^), born July 3, 1813, at Bedford, N. Y.; died at Yorktown, N. Y., April 4, 1891; married (date unknown) Jane Riker, born June 8, 1813, at Rhinebeck, N. Y.; d. March 30, 1891, at Yorktown, Westchester County, N. Y. Names of children, if any, not found.

He resided in New York City with parents until 4 years old, when the family removed to Otsego Co., N. Y., and thence to Richland. Educated at Mexico Academy and attended Union College. Studied law in Mexico and was admitted to the bar. He practiced there for several years and then settled at Oswego, N. Y. Mr. Higgms was a Democrat of the old school; elected district attorney in 1851, collector of port of Oswego under President Buchanan, and was recorder of Oswego. At his 84th birthday he was dean of the Oswego Bar Association, and still hale and hearty, faculties as good as twenty -five years before. He was then in active practice of the law and justice of the peace.

i. Frederick M., b. Jan. 18, 1852, at Mexico, N. Y. Physician and surgeon. Residence, Boseman, Montana, and Brooklyn, N. Y. (about 1900"); unmarried.

JOHN D'AUBY^ HIGGINS (John Bradley^ Bradleif, John\ Samuel^, Samuel^, Abraham^), born June 9, 1858, at Oswego, N. Y.; married June 6, 1889, Virginia M. Kingsford, born Nov. 2, 1862, at Oswego, N.Y.: daughter of Thomson Kingsford.

This John Higgins may have been a brother or nephew of Abraham Higgins of Fairfield, Conn. The records of Bedford, Westchester County, N. Y., show that a John Higgins owned a home lot there in 1688 and was inhabitant there in 1690. It is possible that this earlier John was father of both Abraham Higgins of Fairfield, and the younger John Higgins of Westchester County, but no evidence therefor has been obtained. The younger John Higgins had at least one son, also named John.

J0HN2 HIGGINS (JoAn^), born about 1706; died shortly before Sept. 1, 1750, in East Haven, Conn.; married about 1733 Mary Auger, born Aug. 28, 1711, in East Haven, Conn.; died there Oct. 24, 1787, aged 76 years; daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bradley) Auger of East Haven and sister of Daniel Auger of the same town.

"Johii Higgins, a minor, son of John Higgins late of Westchester in the Province of New York deceased, before this Court made choice of Daniel Bradley of East Haven to be his Guardian, who was aUowed on bond of £100, Monday May 3, 1725."

"Aug. 7, 1727. Daniel Bradley, allowed Guardian of John Higgings, minor son of John Higgings, formerly of Westchester in the Province of New York, deceased, discharged from his bond." (New Haven Probate records, vol. v., pp. 228 and 386.) These decisions show that in 1725 John Higgins was fourteen or more years old, and that in 1727 he had attained his majority. He died about 1750, for "Sept. 1, 1750 Daniel Auger of New Haven was allowed to be guardian to Timothy Higgins, minor, son of John Higgins late of New Haven, deceased," and in 1755, "Mrs. Mary Higgins was allowed to be guardian to Isaac, John and Abraham Higgins, minor children of John Higgins, late of New Haven, deceased." - New Haven Probate records, vols, vii, p. 653; viii, p. 476; ix, p. 100; x, p. 119.

It would appear that John Higgins came to that part of New Haven known as East Haven when in his minority, and lived with or served Daniel Bradley of that town until his majority, and then settled and married there. His children were scattered after his death, and aU settled in different towns.

Probably resided in Milford, Conn., and had a son Timothy and possibly other children born there. He probably served in the Revolution as did his son Timothy and it is not easy to separate their records. The first of the following belongs to Timothy, Senior, and probably the second also : -

"Timothy Higgins, private Oct. 5, to Oct. 15, 1777, in Capt. Jehiel Bryant's Co., Col. Joseph Thomson's regt. of Militia (Connecticut); marched to Peekskill or Fishkill."

"Timothy Higgins, private, from March 30, to May 19, 1777, in Capt. Jared Shephard's Co., Col. Thomas Belden's regt. in Brig. Gen. Erastus Wolcott's brigade."

Little is known of this Isaac Higgins. It is believed that he lived in Stratford or Weston, Conn., joining his relatives in the latter place. The census of 1790 shows an Isaac Higgins at Weston, with a family of three, presumably himself, wife and daughter. This is probably Isaac Higgins, Junior.

Isaac Higgins, Senior, is probably the Isaac Higgins who was a private in Capt. Jonathan Hale's Co., Col. Erastus Wolcott's State regt., serving at Boston, January - March, 1776.

"John Higgins of New Haven, administrator on estate of Esther Higgins, Authorized to sell all the real estate of said Esther, deeded land to Ebenezer Higgins, July 26, 1798." - Vol. xv, p. 498.

"John Higgins deeds to Daniel Hand a certain piece of land in Killingworth, six acres more or less, land that formerly was my honored mother's, Esther Higgins, deceased. Feb. 5, 1799." - Killingworth records.

TIMOTHY^ HIGGINS {Timotkif, John\ John'), born 1755 in Milford, Conn.; died 1829 at Wolcott, Conn.; married Hannah Ailing, born 1759; died 1833.

Timothy's father was a resident of Milford at his birth and Timothy continued to reside there until 1803, when he removed to Middlebury, Conn. In 1819 he removed to Wolcott, Coim., whither his son Fitch Higgins and his son-in-law Jonathan Bement had preceded him. In Milford he was engaged as a shipping merchant.

Timothy Higgins, junior, was a Revolutionary soldier. Possibly the services given to Timothy Higgins, senior, belong to him. - Col. S. B. Webb's Ninth Regt., Capt. Charles Whitings Co.

Mrs. Hannah (Ailing) Higgins was of the New Haven Allings. In the crypt under Center Church, New Haven, are monuments of Hannah Ailing and Fitch Ailing, with whom Timothy Higgins' descendants claim connection.

Harriet Higgins, born Nov. 15, 1785, used to spend much time with her Ailing grandparents in New Haven. Mrs. Ehzabeth Evans of Seymour, daughter of Harriet Higgins and Beers Radford, wrote in 1906 to Mrs. Benham: -

"My knowledge of the Ailing family is what mother used to tell of them. She used to stay in New Haven with them. There was a Laura, who married Prof. Stebbins of Yale and went with him to Maine when it was a province [i. e. before 1820], and Fitch I mentioned. One says he was Mrs. Higgins' father, another her brother."

"Mr. Fitch Ailing died Nov. 18, 1771, in 23rd year." Inscription in the crypt of Center Church, New Haven, Conn. - Neio Haven Historical Society's Collections, vol. iii, p. 471.

ii. Lyman, b. 1783; married Betsey Upson. iii. Harriet, b. Nov. 15, 1785; married Beers Radford; lived in Middlebury, Conn.; her daughter married Julius H. Bronson. iv. Laura, b. 1787; d. 1875; married Elias Tibbies of MiKord,

An Isaac Higgins, probably this one, was in 1790 (according to the U. S. Census of that year) a resident of Weston, Conn., having a family of three, probably himself, a wife, and a daughter.

Isaac Higgins served in Capt. Najah Bennett's co.. Gen. Waterbury 's State Brigade, 1781. In service at Greens Farms March 15, 1781 ; was fifer. Also, probably the same Isaac.

Isaac Higgins, private, in Capt. Rogers' co., Col. Samuel B. Webb's regt. (Third Regt. Conn. Line); enlisted July 5, 1781, for three years for the town of Fairfield. By reorganization became private in Fourth Regt. Connecticut Line, from July 5, 1781, to Dec. 31, 1781. In 1783 it was reported that he had served 16 months, 6 days, up to Jan. 26, 1783. Fifer. At enlistment described as a weaver, aged 17, 5 ft., 7 in. tall, residence Stratford. Pension lists of 1818 report him as number 93 on the pension roll, reported dead, unless the report refers to his father, Isaac^ Higgins.

LYMANf HIGGINS (Timothy\ Timothy\ John\ John'), born in 1783 in Milford, Conn.; died July 31, 1866, aged 83, probably at Wolcott, Conn.; married Jan. 25, 1808, Betsey Upson, born in 1799(.?); died Nov. 15, 1853; daughter of Samuel Upson of Wolcott, Conn.

He withdrew from the First Congregational Church of Wolcott, and became an Episcopalian. Warden of the Episcopal Church at Wolcott, 1829-1844. He was a peddler of tinware and Yankee notions in the southern states, chiefly in Virginia and the Carolinas, from 1810 to 1840.

FITCH^ HIGGINS {Timothy\ Timothi/, John\ John'), born 1793 in Milford, Conn.; died in Kenosha(.?), Wis.; married (1) Amanda Royce, born ; died about 1840; married (2) .

He removed to Wisconsin as a pioneer, and was engaged in the real estate business. A citizen of honor and good report. Subscribed for church bell in Wolcott. Bound himself with others to pay the minister's salary in 1835. Member of prudential committee of church, 1832.

TIMOTHY^ HIGGINS (Timothy\ Timothif, John\ John'), born Dec. 8, 1800, in Milford, Conn.; died in Plantsville, town of Southington, Conn.; married Nov. 4, 1824, Jean^te Carter, born Sept. 5, 1803; died ; daughter of Elihu Carter.

When a young man he went down Wolcott Mountain to Southington with his worldly effects tied up in a cotton handkerchief to work for Asa Barnes. He stipulated to have steady work, as he wanted no "nick days," and to have fifty cents a day when not on job work. Of quick perception, great executive ability and systematic economy, working in his tan yard fifteen hours a day. By these forces with the Divine favor he was greatly successful, as to this world's goods, until 1833, when his life was turned from Mammon unto God. Since that time, in the language of Oakes Ames, but not in its spirit, "he has put his money where it could do the most good." Since which period also he has filled a large place in the religious labors of church and society. His right hand knows what his left hand does not, for he is a man who gives $1,500 a year in charities out of an income of $2,500. He joined the Congregational Church in Southington, April 6, 1834. Was elected deacon Dec. 2, 1838, and served until 1874, when he was dismissed to Plantsville. He was in the tanning business with Dea. Edward Twichell, father of Rev. Joseph H. Twichell of Hartford, Conn.

LUCIUS H.6 HIGGINS (Timothf, Timothy\ TimoUuf, John\ John}), born July 4, 1832, in Plantsville, Conn., died Jan. 24, 1916, at West Hartford, Conn.; married Sept. 3, 1863, Louise Young Blakesley of New Haven, Conn., living at West Hartford in 1916.

Lucius H. Higgins received his early education in the local schools of Plantsville and prepared for college at Monson Academy', Monson, Mass. He entered Yale College and was graduated in 1860. He then took a year's course in the Yale Divinity School and then attended the Andover Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated in June, 1863. He was one of a group of seven young men who within a few years entered the ministry from the Plantsville Congregational Church. Rev. Joseph H. Twichell of Hardford, Conn., a lifelong friend of Mr. Higgins, was one of this group and assisted at his funeral service.

Mr. Higgins' first pastorate was at Lanark, 111. He was there ordained and installed as pastor in 1866, where he remained nine years. He resigned on account of poor health and returned to New Haven, Conn., where he rested a year. From 1875 to 1900 he held pastorates at Huntington, Mt. Carmel, and Hanover, Conn. In 1900 he retired from the active pastorate and took up his residence at West Hartford, where he built a house on School Street. This house in 1906 with several others was burned, and Mr. Higgins was the first to rebuild. The troubles incident to this fire contributed to his long illness. Mr. and Mrs. Higgins celebrated their golden wedding in 1913. Mr. Higgins was a member of the West Hartford Congregational Church and was a Mason. His pastorates were fruitful. His keen interest in the community life, his choice spirit, and his undoubted sincerity and fidelity in his high calling made him a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. He was a friendly man and made many friends.

Abraham Higgins of Weston, Conn., is possibly the Abraham Higgins born Feb. 26, 1748, at East Haven, Conn., son of John and Mary (Auger) Higgins, but more probably a son of one of the Higginses of Westchester County, perhaps son of Abraham^ Higgins (Abraham^) of Bedford, N. Y.

"April 6, 1756 Samuel Odell was appointed guardian to Abraham Higgins, a minor who lately belonged to East Chester in the Province of New York." - Paper on file at the Probate Office, Fairfield, Conn.

An Abraham Higgins, probably this Abraham, was a private in Capt. Jabez Wheeler's co.. Col. Whiting's Fourth MiUtia Regiment, commanded by Lieut. Col. Jonathan Dimon; at Peekskill Oct., 1777. In service from Oct. 5 to Oct. 30, 1777. - Record of Connecticut Men in the Revolution, p. 520.

In 1790 Abraham Higgins was living at Weston, Conn., and having a family of eight, probably consisting of himself, wife, four sons and two daughters. The names of the oldest of these children are not known, but the three following were his children. His descendant. Dr. Royal Lacey Higgins, says: "The old stone house built by Abraham (or John) Higgins was in the north part of the town of Easton, Conn., near Hattertown," and near the southwestern corner of the town of Newtown, Conn.

J0HN2 HIGGINS (Abraham^), born April 19, 1781, probably in Weston, now Easton; died Jan. 31, 1821; married April 19, 1801, Hannah Lacey, b. Feb. 11, 1782; died Sept. 30, 1863, at Monroe, Conn.; daughter of Zachariah and Betty (Rowland) Lacey of Fairfield or Bridgeport.

Hoyt, son of Epaphroditus Hoyt. iv. Lacey, b. July 19, 1814; married Priscilla Silliman. V. Harriet, b. Dec. 26, 1817; married Seth Hoyt of Bethel, Conn.

ROYAL LACEY4 HIGGINS (Lacey\ John\ Abraham'), born Aug. 10, 1841, at Roxbury, Conn.; married Feb. 3, 1870, Mary Elizabeth Watkins, born Feb. 14, 1840; daughter of James Y. and Catherine (Wamsley) Watkins.

Royal Lacey Higgins was a graduate of the Belle\aie Hospital Medical College in 1867 and has since been a physician, engaged in the active practice of medicine. Residence, Norwalk, Conn.

"William Higgins emigrated from old Bridgewater and settled in Chesterfield about 1765. He was a North of Ireland man who married a Welsh wife." So wrote Mortimer L. Higgins in 1910, then aged ninety-four years and a lineal descendant of the said William Higgins. An attempt to discover this William Higgins in the records of the town of Bridgewater, Mass., ended in failure, as the records of that town show no William Higgins and in fact no Higgins whatsoever prior to 1765. However, in the town of Medfield, some twelve miles northwest of Bridgewater, is found a William Higgins and wife Deborah, and three children born to them there.

This William Higgins of Medfield attempted to gain a residence in Boston, as the records of the Boston selectmen show: "June 9, 1742. Ordered that Mr. Savell warn William Higgins who lately came into this town from Medfield with his family to depart the Town as the law directs." It seems probable that he left Boston and returned to Medfield, and that the son William, born Sept. 1, 1739, in Medfield was the William Higgins who about 1765 settled in Chesterfield. W^e have no direct evidence either way. Another William Higgins arrived at Boston, April 22, 1766, in the schooner John & Jaz, from Ireland, a shoemaker. {Records of Boston Selectmen. Miscellaneous Payers^ 1760.) Whether this Irish William Higgins, shoemaker, was permitted to remain in Boston is unknown.

In 1790 there were two William Higginses and a Joseph Higgins residing in Boston. Whether one of these was the Irish William of 1766 or the Medfield William of 1742 is unknown, but the probabilities seem to favor the hypothesis that the Irish William remained at Boston, and that the Medfield William or his son William settled at Chesterfield. In this we may be mistaken, but for want of definite evidence we shall so place him.

Lived in Medfield and Boston and is probably the William Higgins who settled at Chesterfield, Mass., or the father of the William Higgins who did so.

Simeon, b. . He was one of the first settlers of Chesterfield. See Holland's History of Western Massachusetts, vol. ii, pp. 183, 185; Barrie's History of Goshen, Mass. (at that time a part of Chesterfield). No trace of Simeon's family has been found. He served in the Revolutionary War as follows:^

"Higgins, Simeon, Chesterfield. Private, Capt. Robert Webster's CO. of minute men, Gen. Pomeroy'.s regt., which marched April 21, 1775, in response to the alarm of April 19, 1775; Ebenezer Webber's co.. Col. Samuel Williams' regt., enlisted Dec. 17, 1776; discharged March 20, 1777; service, 3 mos. 11 days; at the northward, including 8 days (180 miles travel home) ; roll endorsed 'Majr. Clap's Regt.'; also, Capt. Daniel Pomeroy's detachment from Gen. Davidson's (Hampshire Co.) brigade; enlisted July 1, 1778; service to Oct. 31, 1778; under Gen. Stark in northern department.

"Hegens, Simeon, Chesterfield. Private, Capt. Robert Webster's CO., Col. Fellow's regt.; muster roll dated Aug. 1, 1775; enlisted April 27, 1775; service, 3 mos. 12 days; also, Capt. Benjamin Bonney's Co., Col. John Dickerson's (Dickinson's) regt.; enlisted Aug. 17, 1777; discharged Aug. 22, 1777; service 8 days; company marched to Bennington Aug. 17, 1777, on an alarm to reinforce army near that place."

He settled in Chesterfield, Mass., about 1765. He was a farmer and died of cancer. The census of 1790 gives him a family of four sons under sixteen, and two daughters. All but the two eldest children were baptized at Chesterfield, Sept. 20, 1790.

"Higgins, William. Private, Capt. Ebenezer Webber's co., Lieut. Col. Samuel Williams's regt., enlisted Dec. 17, 1776; discharged March 20, 1777; service 3 mos. 11 days at the northward; including 8 days (160 miles) travel home. Roll sworn to at Chesterfield and endorsed 'Major Claps Regt.'

"Higgins, William. Private, Capt. Benjamin Bonney's co.. Col. Ezra May's regt.; enhsted Sept. 20, 1777; discharged Oct. 14, 1777; service, 29 days, including travel (100 miles) home; company marched on expedition to Stillwater. Roll dated Chesterfield."

"Higgins, Lewis. Pay roll for 6 mos. men raised by the town of Chesterfield for service in the Continental Army during 1780; marched July 7, 1780; discharged Dec. 5, 1780; service 5 mos. 8 days, including 9 days (180 miles) travel home.

"Higgins, Lewis. Descriptive list of men raised to reinforce the Continental Army for the term of 6 mos., agreeable to resolve of June 5, 1780, age 16 yrs. ; stature, 5 ft. 6 ins.; complexion, fight, engaged for town of Chesterfield; arrived at Springfield July 4, 1780; marched to camp July 5, 1780, under command of Capt. Frothingham, of the artillery; also, Private, Capt. Ebenezer Strong's Co., Col. Sears' (Hampshire Co.) regt.; enlisted Aug. 10, 1781; marched to Albany Aug. 17, 1781; discharged Nov. 20, 1781." There is no trace of his marriage or family.

Lorenzo H. Higgins now of Burlingame, Kansas, wrote: "Elijah Higgins was my great-grandfather. I was in my 16tli year when he died Feb. 5, 1854, and remember him well, having been at his home often during his lifetime; and I am sure I have heard him say that his father's name was William, and that he served in the American Revolutionary War; also that his son William was named for his (Elijah's) father. I also visited at Elijah's son William's many times and remember his talking of his grandfather William Higgins to the same effect as had his father (Elijah).

"My cousin, Mrs. Lucy (Langdon) Totman, Easthampton, Mass., daughter of Elzina Higgins, says that she is quite sure she has heard her mother say that her (Elzina's) great-grandfather was William Higgins and that he served in the American Revolutionary War."

Barney Higgins lived at Chester, Mass. He was a farmer. His children were baptized by the Worthington minister. Their births are recorded at Chester.

LEWIS^ HIGGINS {Elijah\ William^), born July 30, 1788, in Chesterfield, Mass.; died April 10, 1853; married at Whately, Mass., Mary Todd, born Oct. 15, 1789; died May 13, 1874, at Westfield, Mass.; daughter of Rev. Asa and Abigail Bishop Todd,

Northampton; died Feb. 10, 1847, aged 62 years, 4 months, 12 days; daughter of Luther and Rhoda Pomeroy. Family given in Pomeroy Gen., p. 429; married (2) Nov. 23, 1820, Mary Kinne of Chesterfield.

LUTHER3 HIGGINS {Elijah^ William^), born Feb. 15, 1794, in Worthington, Mass.; died March 25, 1846, in Worthington; married Lydia Ring of Chesterfield, born 1792 at Worthington; died Nov. 27, 1866(.'^), at Rochester, Minn.; daughter of Eleazer and Damaris (Johnson) Ring of Worthington, Mass.

Mrs. Higgins' father was a direct descendant from Andrew Ring, son of William Ring of Leyden, Holland, and the widow, Mary Ring, who afterward came to Plymouth, N. E., with son Andrew and two daughters. Andrew Ring married Deborah Hopkins, daughter of Giles Hopkins, who came in the Mayflower with his father, Stephen Hopkins.

B. Tower; residence, Worthington, Mass. ii. Mortimer L., b. Jan. 22, 1817; married Louisa Brown, iii. Angeline D., b. August, 1820; married (int. Nov. 21, 1838) Franklin Church of Middlefield, Mass.; residence Springfield, Mass.; son, Henry F., living at Boston in 1911. iv. Corydon Webster, b. Jan. 17, 1823; married Harriet Chapin. v. Corinthia D., b. August, 1826; d. at Pacific Grove, Cal.; married Feb. 16, 1847, Francis Dresser of Goshen, Mass.

ALMON WEBSTER^ HIGGINS {Lewis\ Elijah\ William'), born June 1, 1813; died July 14, 1902; married Sept. 21, 1842, Lucy A. Clapp, born Feb. 4, 1821. Residence, Chesterfield and Westfield, Mass.

MARY E.4 HIGGINS {Lewis\ Elijah\ William^), born March 6, 1815; died July 25, 1875; married June 5, 1844, Chauncey W. Langdon, born July 21, 1815, in Westhampton, Mass.; son of Lester and Anne (Thompson) Langdon of Westhampton.

ELIJAH HAFFORD^ HIGGINS (Lewis\ Elijah\ William^), born Aug. 6, 1819, at Chesterfield (?); died - - ; married (1) Zilpha Callies; married (2) Sarah Almira Prentice, born Jan. 30, 1830, at Worthington; daughter of Alpheu^ and Sarah (Ward) Prentice of Worthington, Mass.

MORTIMER L.^ HIGGINS {Luther\ Elijah\ William^), born Jan. 22, 1817, in Worthington, Mass.; living November, 1910, in Minneapolis, Minn.; married Oct. 18, 1840, Louisa Brown,

CORYDON WEBSTER^ HIGGINS {Luther\ Elijah\ William^), born Jan. 17, 1823, in Worthington, Mass.; died at Salt Lake City, Utah; married June 21, 1853, Harriet Ward Chapin, born March 1, 1832; died July 14, 1872, at Osborne, Mo.; daughter of Judge Moses and Lucy T. (Barton) Eabbe Chapin.

Cory don W. Higgins was a Presbyterian clergyman; graduate of Williams College, 1849; studied for ministry; preached at Avon, Spencer, and Newfield, N. Y., Cottage Grove, Wis., and Osborne, DeKalb Co., Mo.

NORMAN HARRISON^ HIGGLNS (Almon Wehster\ Leuns\ Elijah^, William^), born March 29, 1846, at Chesterfield, Mass.; living; married (1) Oct. 4, 1872, at Chicopee, Catherine Clapp, ii. Edward Herbert, b. April 4, 1883; married in Albany, N. Y. January, 1910, Caroline Maud Lewis of Westfield, Mass. One child: James Arthur Higgins, b. July 17, 1911, at West Springfield, Mass. iii. Arthur William, b. July 2, 1885.

WILLIAM LINCOLN^ HIGGINS (Martin Luther\ Jacob Gershom'^, Lewis^, Elijah^, William^), born March 8, 1867; married Oct. 8, 1890, Anna Juliette Clapp, born Dec. 21, 1868, at Northampton, Mass.; daughter of James and Juliette (Miller) Clapp.

William Lincoln Higgins attended the public schools of Chesterfield and then took an elective course at Deerfield Academy. He took up the study of medicine and graduated from the University Medical College in New York in March, 1890. In September of the following year he began the practice of medicine at South Coventry, Conn., and has since resided there.

He is a fellow of the Connecticut Medical Society, a member and ex-president of the Tolland County Medical Association, a member and trustee of the First Congregational Church, president of the South Coventry Library Association, a member of the Grange, a member of the Connecticut Pomological Society, a director and vice-president of the Horseshoe Park Agricultural Association of Willimantic, of which he was one of the incorporators. He is also secretary and trustee of the Connecticut Colony for Epileptics at South Coventr3% In 1916 he was nominated and elected to a seat in the Connecticut General Assembly.

The records of Essex County and of the town of Gloucester show a number of Higginses. Nothing has been discovered as to their origin. Possibly they came southward from some settlement on the Maine coast. If this was the fact, it is possible that they were descendants of Richard Higgins through his grandson, Beriah Higgins of Kittery. Since there is no positive evidence that Beriah had a family, it has been thought best not to attempt in any w^ay to connect these Essex County men with known descendants of Richard Higgins. It seems also impossible to connect them with any other Higgins stock in New England. That they were direct emigrants from England or Ireland is also possible.

Administration on the estate of Timothy Higgins of Gloucester was granted to widow Elizabeth on Oct. 27, 1740. Inventory £17.17.00. No mention of children or heirs. His widow married (2) a Hardy, perhaps William Hardy.

*--. "Timothy Higgins, Gloucester. List of men raised to serve in the Continental Army (year not given), residence Gloucester; engaged for the town of Gloucester." Gloucester records give him three children, but Essex County deeds show a fourth, Samuel.

Children of Timothy and Mary. i. Timothy, b. March 3, 1759; married Susannah Knowlton. ii, EHzabeth, b. April 28, 1761; hving, unmarried, March 19,

TIMOTHY^ HIGGINS (TimotJnf, Timothy^), born March 3, 1759, in Gloucester, Mass.; died April, 1839; married (int. Aug. 11, 1781) Susannah Knowlton.

"Timothy Higgins, Ipswich. Private, Capt. John Burnham's CO., Col. INIichael Jackson's regt.; Continental pay accounts for service from March 1, 1777, to Dec. 31, 1779; residence Ipswich; credited to the town of Ipswich."

Susannah Higgins of Wenham, widow of Timothy Higgins, late a pensioner of the United States under the act of March 18, 1818, petitioned to obtain the balance of pension due and represents that her husband died April, 1839, and she is still his widow.

March 19, 1787, Timothy Higgins of Wenham, mariner, for £7 conveyed to William Hardy ci Gloucester, trader, all the right "I have in the estate of my late grandmother, Elizabeth Hardy deceased, the west end of a dwelling house of which she died possessed, for myself, my brother and sister, heirs of the late Timothy Higgins, our father, deceased." The deed is signed Timothy Higgins, Elizabeth X Higgins, Samuel X Higgins. On Aug. 14, 1787, the same three conveyed other property to William Hardy.

Timothy Higgins and Susannah had at least three children, but no record of them has been found. A child of Timothy and Susannah died Oct. 1, 1789, at Wenham. The census of 1790 shows that Timothy Higgins of Wenham had two sons in his family under sixteen years of age.

He probably gave up going to sea and settled at Annisquara parish where he was living from 1777 to 1797. He may have been a son of the first Timothy Higgins of Gloucester, but there is no proof for it that has been discovered. He bought land in the town of Gloucester and the earliest deed on record may possibly give a clue to his origin. "Lemuel Tucker, Job Tucker and Eunice Tucker, singlewoman of Cumberland County, Mass., John Tucker of the County of York, Martha Brock and Thomasin Smith of Gloucester, County of Essex, all heirs of John Tucker, late of New Gloucester, County of Cumberland, convey land to Edward Higgins of Gloucester for £176.6.8. Dated March 15, 1777. (Essex County

Deeds, vol. cxlvii, p. 133.) The same parties sold him another lot of land in 1778, and Edward Higgins sold these lands to Winthrop Sargent in 1788, but seems to have had some property remaining. The census of 1790 shows that he had a large family, probably five sons and seven daughters. He probably lived until 1805 or later.

Lucius Manlius, son of Rachel Higgins, b. Sept. 26, 1797. Sally, daughter of John and Sally Higgins, bapt. July 10, 1809. Joshua, son of Joshua and Tamma Higgins, bapt. July 23, 1809. , son of John and Sally Higgins, bapt. June, 1806.

John, son of John and Susannah Higgins, b. Feb. 15, 1655. John Park and Catherine Higgins mar. Dec. 30, 1804. David Higgins, Esq., and Elizabeth Prince mar. June 3, 1773. Michael Doyl and Elenor Higgins married Nov. 18, 1765. Oliver Luckis and Elizabeth Haggins married July 22, 1770. James Ford and Elizabeth Higgins Nov. 21, 1781.

Richard McClure and Frances (Fanny) Higgins June 1, 1779. Isaiah Higgins and Eliza Blashland Oct. 23, 1808. James Higgins and Elin Barrett July 21, 1757. Christopher Linch and Mary Higgins int. Dec. 12, 1754. John Presman and Mary Higgins Dec. 1, 1756. William Spooner and Mary Higgins July 27, 1786. Edward Fitzgerald and Rachel Higgins July 18, 1803. William Higgins and Hannah Beaverstock married by Rev. John Murray Sept. 1, 1800.

Benjamin Higgins, born perhaps about 1756; living July 21, 1823, at Peru, Mass.; married (1) at Spencer, Mass., about 1777, Mary Drury; married (2) (int. July 21, 1823) at Peru, Mass., Mrs. Mary Stowell.

The date of his birth is doubtful, because his age as stated at time of enlistment and as stated at the time of- receiving pension do not agree. At one time it seemed as if he might have been a descendant of Richard Higgins of Eastham, but further study of records showed that he could not be identified with any known Benjamin Higgins of the records of the Cape Cod towns. The census of 1790 shows him living at Spencer with one female in his family, doubtless his wife Mary. He probably had no children. Revolutionary service records appear to show that he is the same Benjamin Higgins who lived later at Partridgefield, now the to^Ti of Peru, Mass. This identity may be an assumption on the part of the compilers of "Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the Revolution," from which these records of service are taken. Certainly there was a Benjamin Higgins living at Peru in 1823.

Tilley Higgins is said to have come from Ireland. He was in Berwick, Maine, in 1744, or earlier, and is called a trader and importer. He served as a juryman May 14, 1754. He planted some of the beautiful elms in South Berwick, particularly those in front of the house which he built, next to the Congregational Church, and which is still owned by his descendants. His will, dated July 16, 1777, proved Sept. 16, 1777, named all the children mentioned below, also Tilley, Michael and Joana Wentworth, children of his daughter Mary Wentworth, deceased.

ii. Mary or Molly, b. March 23, 1750; d. Jan. 15, 1777; married June 21, 1769 Paul Wentworth, b. Oct. 3, 1743; d. Feb. 9, 1781, son of Col. John and Joanna (Gilman) Wentworth. Paul Wentworth was selectman of Somers worth, N. H., in 1774, second Major in 1775; represented Somersworth in the legislative conventions of 1776-8. He lived a little out from the site of the present town of Great Falls, on the road to Dover, six miles from Dover Landing. Children: Joanna Wentworth, b. Nov. 10, 1770, married Capt. Hiram Rollins; Molly, b. March 28, 1772, d. aged 6 months; Tilley Wentworth, b. July 26, 1773, d. at South Berwick, Maine, Nov. 12, 1801 , married Elizabeth Rollins, was a sea captain, and had no children; Michael Wentworth, b. May 31, 1775, d. Aug. 30, 1777.

In Limington, Maine, there were early settlers named Hagens. Many of the Limington settlers came from Scarborough, and probably the Hagenses did also, Walter Hagan or Hegan was a resident in the town in 1792 and Walter and Aaron Hegans were selectmen there 1804-1837.

He was a man of ardent temperament, energetic, honest, and devout. He was constable in 1788, surveyor of highways in 1796, inspector of shell fish in 1799, on the school committee in 1800 and 1809, tithingman in 1805, and hog reeve. Deacon of Congregational Church.

Higgens, Edmund, Scarborough. Descriptive list of men raised in Cumberland Co. for the term of 9 mos. from the time of their arrival at Fishkill, agreeable to resolve of April 20, 1778; Capt. Larrabee's co.. Col. Fogg's regt.; age 19 years; stature 5 ft. 10 ins.; complexion, hght; residence, Scarborough; arrived at Fishkill June 17, 1778; also, list of men returned as received of Maj. James Johnson, Superintendent of Cumberland co., by Jonathan Warner, Commissioner, at Fishkill, June 25, 1778; engaged for town of Scarborough.

Higgins, Edmund. List of men raised in Cumberland Co. fo: the term of 9 mos. from the time of their arrival at Fishkill, agreeable to resolve of April 20, 1778, returned as received of Jonathan Warner, Commissioner, by Col. R. Putnam, July 20, 1778; engaged for to^Ti of Scarborough; arrived at Fishkill June 17, 1778.

Hegins, Edmund. Descriptive list of men raised in Cumberland Co., to serve in the Continental Army for the term of 9 mos. from the time of their arrival at Fishkill, agreeable to resolve of April 13 (20), 1778; mustered in from Gen. Thompson's brigade May 26, 1778, by Daniel Ilsley, Muster Master, and delivered to Major James Johnstone, Supt. for said county; age, 19 yrs; stature, 5 ft. 10 ins. ; complexion, light, also, list of men raised in Cumberland Co. as returned by Brig. Lemuel Thompson, dated Brunswick June , 1778; engaged for town of Scarborough. He

SAMUEL^ HIGGINS {Edmund}, Edmund'), born Feb. 16, 1792; died about 1860; married Sept. 23, 1815, Hannah Skilling. He was a captain, and lived at Black Point.

DYERi HIGGINS, born about 1772 in New York City, or in Montgomery Co., N. Y., lived at Homer, N. Y., and removed to Birmingham, Ohio, where he died about 1852. His ancestry is unknown. Possibly his name was Obadiah, Noadiah, or Jediah. He married three times. By first wife he had

M0SES2 HIGGINS {Dyer]), born April 29, 1799, probably at Homer, Cortland Co.,N.Y.; died at Henrietta, Lorain Co., Ohio, in 1865; married in 1822 Betsey Mitchell, born in New York State, Feb. 11, 1801; died at Springfield, Vt., in 1885, daughter of James and Loraine (Sutton) Mitchell. She was of Scotch ancestry.

He attended public schools in New York State. At the age of 18, he emigrated to the West with others of the family, driving a four ox team, conveying the family goods and supplies. He located at Henrietta, Ohio, where he cleared a farm and lived the rest of his days. He was active in politics and a staunch Whig.

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON^ HIGGINS (Moses\ Dyer^), married March 26, 1866, Adelia W. Hatch, b. July, 1840, in Bridgewater, Vt.; died October, 1897; daughter of William and Caroline Hatch.

He attended public schools and assisted his father on the homestead during his boyhood. He left home at 21 years, and shipped as a mariner on the Great Lakes for one season. He then entered the employ of the Atlantic & Great Western R. R. Co. During the Civil War he was engaged in constructing bridges in Pennsylvania and various southern states for two years. In 1864 he came to Springfield, Vt., but afterwards returned to Ohio and thence removed to Meadville, Penn., where he engaged in preparing material for the construction of stations and railroad bridges. In 1865 he returned to Springfield, Vt., where he has since (1913) made his home, following his trade as carpenter. He has been one of the leading contractors and builders, and has erected the finest residences and public buildings of the town. In 1870 he erected his own residence, and afterwards other houses for investment. For 15 years he was a millwright and installed much machinery in the mills of this section. Since retiring, he has been employed in care of his real estate. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as trustee of the village. He is a mason, Congregationalist, member of the Springfield Church.

i. Clarence, b. July 8, 1867, at Kent, Ohio; married Alice Slade of Springfield, Vt. Residence, Springfield. He is a machinist. He has one son, Edward, b. 1889. ii. Helen, b. Oct. 6, 1869, in Springfield, Vt.; married Wilbur Herrick.

The census of 1790 shows four families of Higginses living in this county. They were Charles Higgins of Chesterfield, having a family of six persons; Joseph Higgins of Chesterfield, having a family of six persons; a second Joseph Higgins of Chesterfield (the statistics of his family show that he was not the same as first Joseph), also having a family of six persons, and John Higgins of Winchester, N. H., also having a family of six persons. Their relationship to each other, if any, is unknown. They may possibly be descended from Richard Higgins of Eastham, through the branch which settled at Hardwick, Mass., about 1740, but that is very uncertain.

It is possible that the name of these Cheshire County men was originally Huggins or Huckins, and that they descend from the Huggins family early at Dover, N. H. - See Pope's Pioneers of New Hampshire.

JOHN HIGGINS was at Halifax, Vt., in 1749. From family documents it appears that he came from Winchester, N. H., and lived later in Cheshire, N. H., and St. Johnsbury, Vt. Madison Higgins, who lived at Littleton, Vt., thinks that three brothers came over from Ireland; one located in Boston, one in Maine, and one in Danville, Vt. This may be a confused tradition of the removal of the Huggins family from eastern New Hampshire to Cheshire County and vicinity. The places named are near together. It may be that John of Halifax, 1749, born 1720-5, was the migrant from the eastward, and that he had sons, John of W^inchester, N. H., who married Sarah Burt, and Charles of Chesterfield, 1790, and Joseph of Chesterfield. The second Joseph Higgins of Chesterfield may have been son of the first Joseph.

J0HN2 HIGGINS (probably son of John^ Higgins of Halifax, Vt., in 1749), date of birth unknown; married Nov. 22, 1775, Sarah Burt. He was a farmer and resided at Winchester, N. H.

GEORGE WASHINGTON^ HIGGINS (John^ John,^ John') , born Jan. 28, 1818, at St. Johnsbury, Vt. ; died Nov. 3, 1877, at Chelsea, Mass.; married Jan. 27, 1853, at Burke, Vt., Caroline Nancy Denison, b. Sept. 5, 1828, at Burke, Vt. (living in 1911), daughter of Lucius and Katherine (Bennis) Denison of Burke, Vt., and Norway, Maine.

EDWARD EVERETT^ HIGGINS (George Washington\John\ John}), born April 4, 1864, in Chelsea, Mass., living 1911 at Tarrytown, N. Y.; married June 10, 1896, Mary Austin White, b. Sept. 21, 1864, at Chelsea, Mass., daughter of Capt. Austin Jonas and Sarah Louisa Augusta (Chambers) White of Chelsea, Mass.

Edward E. Higgins was president of The Success Co., publishers of "Success," a magazine. Resigning from this he resides at Rosebrae, Tarrytown, N. Y., and is a farmer.

Pages 41, 54-55. When Thomas Higgins and Samuel Oliver were appointed guardians of Richard Higgins, No. 20, they were called in the record his uncles. This record does not prove the marriage of Mary Higgins to Samuel Oliver, because Richard's mother was Elizabeth Oliver, sister of Samuel. It is therefore very doubtful that Mary Higgins married Samuel Oliver, as stated in the text. If she was not Mary Looker nor Mary Oliver, she may have remained "spinster." It has been said that she married Joseph Snow, son of Nicholas of Eastham. Joseph Snow appears to have been in Piscataway, 1672-79, and then to have returned to Eastham, temporarily if not permanently. No indication of his marriage to Mary Higgins has been found.