Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 493 & picture page 491; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Daniel M. Higgins. Although this gentleman is still quite
a young man, he has become well-known as a successful farmer, who
pursues the most approved methods in the management of his estate,
keeping it above a par in its improved and orderly appearance, and
making of it an attractive as well as remunerative piece of property.
He is also held in good repute as an honest, upright man and citizen,
who, although not a member of any religious organization, is a liberal
contributor to the church and all good causes.
The parents of our subject, Hiram Higgins and Elizabeth
Baughman, were married February 14, 1844, and took up their residence
in Cass Township, this county. The mother had been born in that
township December 10, 1828, and the father had opened his eyes to the
light in Kentucky, March 4, 1820. They occupied a farm in the township
mentioned until the death of the husband, October 27, 1883. The widow
remained at the old home two years, then took up her residence with her
daughter, Mrs. Ellen Landis, with whom she still makes her home.
Our subject was born October 25, 1852, being the fourth son in a
family that included seven sons and two daughters. He received his
education in the district schools of his native township, and resided
under the parental roof until his marriage, which was solemnized
December 20, 1883. He then established his own home on the homestead,
remaining there until the 1st of March, 1889, when he took possession
of his present place of abode.
The property purchased by Mr. Higgins consists of two hundred
and forty acres on section 25, Deerfield Township, upon which the
various improvements had been made that make it a desirable place of
residence. The dwelling is a two-story brick structure, well built, and
designed with a view to the comfort of the occupants, the main part
being 18x36 feet, with an "L" of the same size. It contains eight large
rooms with porches, etc., and has pleasant surroundings. The barn is
36x40 feet, with an immense shed attached 16x80 feet in size, affording
adequate shelter for a large number of animals, and much fodder.
The charming woman who has the oversight over the home and
household affairs, was formerly Miss Sarah E. Heller. She was born in
Deerfield Township, September 17, 1858, to worthy parents who gave her
a good education and home care. Her father, John J. Heller, was born in
Ashland County, Ohio, and died March 29, 1879, at the age of forty-nine
years. Her mother, Lydia (Zimmerman) Heller, who is still living, is a
native of Deerfield Township. Mr. and Mrs. Higgins have three little
sons: Howard C., born September 25, 1884; Charles M., June 6, 1886, and
Boyd V., January 31, 1890.
Mr. Higgins takes no active part in political work other than to
deposit a Democratic ballot upon election day. He evinces no desire for
public office, but served satisfactorily as Collector in Cass Township.
He is a member of South Fiatt Grange, No. 1644.
The reader will notice on another page, a view of the pleasant homestead of Mr. Higgins {page 491}.
