My Genealogy Hound

William H. Higgins was born in St. Francis County, Ark., in 1844, a son of Jeremiah and Martha Higgins, natives of Indiana and Arkansas respectively. He passed his boyhood days in much the same manner as other farmer lads, receiving such advantages for an education as could be obtained from the meager facilities of the district. His father moved to Texas in 1853, but returned after a residence there of two years. Young William began fighting life’s battle at the age of twenty-three, choosing the occupation of farming, which he has since continued. He was married in 1867, to Mary E. Saratt, who died in 1879, leaving seven children: Martha A., Mary J., Melissa E., Josephine, Melinda C, Auazablin and Rosie L. Mr. Higgins was married in 1883 to Martha A. Ellis, who was also called from earth three years later, having borne one child: Elsie J. For his third and present wife, Mr. Higgins married Martha J. Elliott, an estimable lady of culture and refinement. Mr. Higgins enlisted in the Confederate army in 1861, in Company H, Fortieth Tennessee Regiment, participating in the battles of Island No. 10, Dalton (Ga.), Allatoona and Resaca. At the first-named engagement he was captured and removed to Springfield (Camp Butler), Ill., and at the battle of Allatoona, again taken prisoner and sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, remaining in prison seven and a half months. He was exchanged at Richmond (Va.) and released on parole, but before this term expired the final surrender took place. After the war Mr. Higgins returned home, where he resumed his occupation of farming, and now owns 424 acres, with 110 cleared and improved. He is also successfully engaged in stock-raising. He is a member of the Wheel, and Alliance. His views politically are Democratic, and in religious faith he is a Methodist. He is a leader, not a follower, in all public enterprises, to which he contributes liberally, and under his able and efficient management the success of any movement largely is assured. Mrs. Higgins is a member of the Baptist Church.