PHILIP C. HIGBEE

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 525:

Philip C. Higbee

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 7, Post-office, Deerfield).

   The subject of this sketch was born at Egg Harbor, Cape May county, N. J., in 1831.  His father, Edward Higbee, was a native of the same State, as was also the mother, formerly Miss Dorcas Soey.  The former was by trade a blacksmith, but in later years gave his attention to agricultural pursuits.  They had in their family nine children, and of this number Philip was the youngest.  After living in his native State until seven years of age he went to Indiana, there making his home until 1880  when he started for Missouri, taking 68 days in making the trip, and during this time he did not sleep in a house.  His settlement was made on the site of his present home in 1881, the purchase made constituting what was for many years known as the Redfield farm, one of the landmarks of Vernon county.  By many at that time it was thought to be worn out, on account of the long period during which it had been cultivated, but under Mr. Higbee's careful management and labor it has become one of the most productive homesteads of the county.  The crop of corn raised the first year he owned the place was sufficient, at the prices for which he sold it, to pay for all the land, and in subsequent years it has netted him excellent returns for the time and labor expended.  Surely such a statement of facts redounds with credit upon Mr. Higbee, and speaks well for his good judgment and wisdom in the direction of agriculture.  The improvements about his home are convenient and above the average.  It is but the truth to say that in his efforts he has been liberally aided by his family, to whom there is indeed "no place like home," for as yet they are an unbroken family.  Mr. H.'s wife was formerly Miss Parthenia Driggs, of Indiana, to whom he was married in 1856.  They have seven children:  Nathaniel, Sarah, William Walter, Charles, George, John and Clara.  Mr. Higbee owns 280 acres of land.

[Transcribed by Marty Patton]

 A - B    C - D     E - G     H - L     M - N     O - R     S - T     U - Z

Please contact the County Coordinator if you have family information or photos that can be displayed on this page.