married, son of Jesse Higbee and Susan Newmeyer, husband of Mary Higbee
d. cert 5310
------------
EDWARD HIGBEE was born in Ashland County, Ohio, January 1, 1847, being a son of Jesse and Susan (Newmyer) Higbee. He was married to Mary I. Birney December 29, 1867, a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Lakin) Birney, in Schuyler County. They had eight children, seven of whom are living: George B., born November 12, 1868, died in early infancy; Helen B., December 19, 1869, now the wife of W. A. Leyhe of Dallas, Texas; Edna B., January 4, 1873, now wife of John E. Markey, of Glenwood, Missouri; Florence D., September 4, 1875, now wife of Morgan G. Heap, of Twin Falls, Idaho; Frances E., August 29, 1877, now wife of Raymond Burkland, of Lancaster, Missouri; Walter Higbee, September 4, 1881; Daniel D. Higbee, May 4, 1888; and Zella Louise, November 21, 1890.
Judge Higbee, as he is familiarly called, moved with his parents to Johnson County, Iowa, in 1849, and was reared on a farm in that state. He attended the public schools of his community and then took a course at the Iowa State University. He read law at Iowa City and Bloomfield, and was admitted to the bar at the latter place in 1867. Immediately after this admission he moved to Schuyler County, Missouri, opening up an office at Lancaster for the practice of his profession. He tried his first case in the circuit court at Kirksville in November, 1867. In [illegible] he formed a law partnership with John C. Mills, at Lancaster, the firm being being known as Higbee & Mills. In 1905 they opened an office at Kirksville and the following year Judge Higbee moved with his family to that city, and has lived here and practiced since that time. Also in 1905 his son, Walter Higbee, who is a graduate of the law department of the Washington University, at St. Louis, became a member of the firm, and was put in charge of the Lancaster office. In 1911 Paul D. Higbee, his son, having graduated from both the academic and law departments of the Missouri State University, also became a member of the firm.
In 1898 and again in 1902, Judge Higbee was the Republican nominee for Judge the Supreme Court, and has also twice received the Republican nomination for Circuit Judge, but in these cases he was defeated by the Democratic opponent. While residing in Schuyler County, in 1894, Judge Higbee was elected Representative of that county, in spite of the fact that the county at that time had a normal Democratic majority of about three hundred. He served one term.
Judge Higbee is a member of Adair Lodge, No. 96, I.O.O.F., and of Kirksville Lodge, No. 105, A.F. and A.M., of Caldwell Chapter, No. 53, is Eminent Commander of Ely Commandery, No. 22, Kirksville, and a member of Moila Temple, St. Joseph. He is an ardent Republican and a devoted member of the Christian church having been a member of the official board for several years.
Although Judge Higbee gives his entire time to his law practice, he is interested in farming. He owns a farm of 330 acres one mile east of Lancaster, while he and his law partner own some choice farms in Adair County.
History of Adair County, 1911
By Eugene Morrow Violette
Page 930
------------
EDWARD HIGBEE.
Edward Higbee, of Kirksville, Missouri, is an attorney of high standing and is known outside of Adair county not only for his ability as a lawyer but also because of the service which he rendered the state as a member of the general assembly. His birth occurred at Ashland, Ohio, January 1, 1847, a son of Jesse and Susan (Newmeyer) Higbee, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Allegheny county, August 8, 1808, and the latter in Fayette county. The father was a farmer and after following that occupation in Pennsylvania for a time removed to Ohio in 1832. He settled on one hundred and sixty acres of timber land, which he cleared and developed into an improved farm. In November, 1849, he again moved, making his way to Iowa City, Iowa, where he located and became the owner of six hundred and forty acres of land. In 1865 he removed to Davis county, Iowa, but after four years spent there went to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he resided for a number of years. It was during that period that the mother of our subject went on a visit to southern Illinois, where her death occurred. The father died at the home of a son in Bloomfield, Iowa, in 1897. He was a man to whom religion was one of the great realities of life and was for many years a local preacher in his denomination.
Edward Higbee, who is the fifth in order of birth in a family of ten children, attended the schools of Johnson county, Iowa, and later was a student at the Iowa State University. However, his schooling was interrupted by the necessity of making a living and at the age of sixteen years he began teaching near Iowa City. He was thus employed during the winter and in the summer worked upon farms in the neighborhood, not only earning a livelihood in this way but also gaining much information as to successful methods of agriculture. He was attracted to the legal profession and read law at home for a time, later pursuing his studies under the direction of General James B. Weaver. He spent the year 1866 in the General's office as a student and in September, 1867, was admitted to the bar at Bloomfield. Iowa. In the fall of that year he removed to Schuyler county, Missouri, and opened an office in Lancaster, but his practice was not extensive for some time. He continued in that county until June, 1905, when he opened an office in Kirksville, the family home being established here in the following year. He is in partnership with John C. Mills, the firm style being Higbee & Mills, and they not only engage in practice in Kirksville but also maintain an office in Lancaster, Walter Higbee, the son of our subject, having it in charge. Higbee & Mills devote their time to the general practice of law and the many important cases that are intrusted to their care indicate their high standing in the legal profession. Aside from his law interests Mr. Higbee owns valuable real estate near Lancaster. His time is mainly devoted to his profession and his accurate knowledge of the law and of the courses of action open to the opposing counsel enables him to conduct his cases skillfully, usually bringing them to a successful completion. In 1894 he was elected a member of the state legislature from Schuyler county and served one term, supporting by his ballot and influence much constructive legislation.
Mr. Higbee was married December 29, 1867, to Miss Mary Isabelle Birney, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth A. (Lakin) Birney. Both parents were born in Ohio but removed to Illinois, the father engaging in the commission business in Chicago during the Civil war. In 1865 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he carried on mercantile pursuits for a time, after which he settled at Drakesville, Iowa. He subsequently removed to a farm in Schuyler county, Missouri, and resided there until he retired from active life, when he took up his abode in Lancaster, Missouri, where his death occurred. His widow continued to reside in that place with our subject until the family removed to Kirksville. She still lives with him and is active, although she has reached the venerable age of ninety-three years, her birth occurring in 1822. Mrs. Higbee is the second in order of birth in a family of seven children and by her marriage she has become the mother of seven. Helen B. is the wife of William A. Leyhe, a resident of Dallas, Texas, who conducts a number of piano stores throughout northern Texas and is meeting with gratifying success in this enterprise. He and his wife have the following children: Edna, Wilson, George and John L., while Joseph L., the second born, is deceased. Edna is the wife of John E. Markey, a resident of Glenwood, Missouri, where he holds the position of cashier of the Logan’s Bank, and they have two children, Helen and Mary Maud. Florence D. married Morgan G. Heap, a farmer and coal dealer of Twin Falls, Idaho, by whom she has two children, Morgan G., Jr., and Jennie. Frances E. is the wife of Raymond Burkland, a resident of Lancaster and cashier of the Schuyler County Bank. They have two children, Hilda Isabelle and Frances Christine. Walter resides in Lancaster and is an attorney and president of the Schuyler County Bank. He married Edna Reeves and they have one child, Elizabeth Mills. Paul D., who married Eileen E. McGinnis, is associated with his father in the practice of law. Zella Louise, who completes the family, is a teacher in the schools of Kirksville and resides at home.
Mr. Higbee is a member of the Christian church and is ever ready to support all movements for the betterment of conditions in his community. He is a republican in his political faith and fraternally is a member of Kirksville Lodge, No. 105, A. F. & A. M., and belongs to the chapter and the commandery at Kirksville. He is at present senior grand warden of the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Missouri. He also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the Grange at Kirksville and in all of these organizations his many admirable traits of character have won him warm friends, while his recognized ability has won him the respect of the community.
Missouri the Center State:
1821-1915, Volume 3
By Walter Barlow Stevens
PP 602-604
d. cert 5310
------------
EDWARD HIGBEE was born in Ashland County, Ohio, January 1, 1847, being a son of Jesse and Susan (Newmyer) Higbee. He was married to Mary I. Birney December 29, 1867, a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Lakin) Birney, in Schuyler County. They had eight children, seven of whom are living: George B., born November 12, 1868, died in early infancy; Helen B., December 19, 1869, now the wife of W. A. Leyhe of Dallas, Texas; Edna B., January 4, 1873, now wife of John E. Markey, of Glenwood, Missouri; Florence D., September 4, 1875, now wife of Morgan G. Heap, of Twin Falls, Idaho; Frances E., August 29, 1877, now wife of Raymond Burkland, of Lancaster, Missouri; Walter Higbee, September 4, 1881; Daniel D. Higbee, May 4, 1888; and Zella Louise, November 21, 1890.
Judge Higbee, as he is familiarly called, moved with his parents to Johnson County, Iowa, in 1849, and was reared on a farm in that state. He attended the public schools of his community and then took a course at the Iowa State University. He read law at Iowa City and Bloomfield, and was admitted to the bar at the latter place in 1867. Immediately after this admission he moved to Schuyler County, Missouri, opening up an office at Lancaster for the practice of his profession. He tried his first case in the circuit court at Kirksville in November, 1867. In [illegible] he formed a law partnership with John C. Mills, at Lancaster, the firm being being known as Higbee & Mills. In 1905 they opened an office at Kirksville and the following year Judge Higbee moved with his family to that city, and has lived here and practiced since that time. Also in 1905 his son, Walter Higbee, who is a graduate of the law department of the Washington University, at St. Louis, became a member of the firm, and was put in charge of the Lancaster office. In 1911 Paul D. Higbee, his son, having graduated from both the academic and law departments of the Missouri State University, also became a member of the firm.
In 1898 and again in 1902, Judge Higbee was the Republican nominee for Judge the Supreme Court, and has also twice received the Republican nomination for Circuit Judge, but in these cases he was defeated by the Democratic opponent. While residing in Schuyler County, in 1894, Judge Higbee was elected Representative of that county, in spite of the fact that the county at that time had a normal Democratic majority of about three hundred. He served one term.
Judge Higbee is a member of Adair Lodge, No. 96, I.O.O.F., and of Kirksville Lodge, No. 105, A.F. and A.M., of Caldwell Chapter, No. 53, is Eminent Commander of Ely Commandery, No. 22, Kirksville, and a member of Moila Temple, St. Joseph. He is an ardent Republican and a devoted member of the Christian church having been a member of the official board for several years.
Although Judge Higbee gives his entire time to his law practice, he is interested in farming. He owns a farm of 330 acres one mile east of Lancaster, while he and his law partner own some choice farms in Adair County.
History of Adair County, 1911
By Eugene Morrow Violette
Page 930
------------
EDWARD HIGBEE.
Edward Higbee, of Kirksville, Missouri, is an attorney of high standing and is known outside of Adair county not only for his ability as a lawyer but also because of the service which he rendered the state as a member of the general assembly. His birth occurred at Ashland, Ohio, January 1, 1847, a son of Jesse and Susan (Newmeyer) Higbee, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Allegheny county, August 8, 1808, and the latter in Fayette county. The father was a farmer and after following that occupation in Pennsylvania for a time removed to Ohio in 1832. He settled on one hundred and sixty acres of timber land, which he cleared and developed into an improved farm. In November, 1849, he again moved, making his way to Iowa City, Iowa, where he located and became the owner of six hundred and forty acres of land. In 1865 he removed to Davis county, Iowa, but after four years spent there went to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he resided for a number of years. It was during that period that the mother of our subject went on a visit to southern Illinois, where her death occurred. The father died at the home of a son in Bloomfield, Iowa, in 1897. He was a man to whom religion was one of the great realities of life and was for many years a local preacher in his denomination.
Edward Higbee, who is the fifth in order of birth in a family of ten children, attended the schools of Johnson county, Iowa, and later was a student at the Iowa State University. However, his schooling was interrupted by the necessity of making a living and at the age of sixteen years he began teaching near Iowa City. He was thus employed during the winter and in the summer worked upon farms in the neighborhood, not only earning a livelihood in this way but also gaining much information as to successful methods of agriculture. He was attracted to the legal profession and read law at home for a time, later pursuing his studies under the direction of General James B. Weaver. He spent the year 1866 in the General's office as a student and in September, 1867, was admitted to the bar at Bloomfield. Iowa. In the fall of that year he removed to Schuyler county, Missouri, and opened an office in Lancaster, but his practice was not extensive for some time. He continued in that county until June, 1905, when he opened an office in Kirksville, the family home being established here in the following year. He is in partnership with John C. Mills, the firm style being Higbee & Mills, and they not only engage in practice in Kirksville but also maintain an office in Lancaster, Walter Higbee, the son of our subject, having it in charge. Higbee & Mills devote their time to the general practice of law and the many important cases that are intrusted to their care indicate their high standing in the legal profession. Aside from his law interests Mr. Higbee owns valuable real estate near Lancaster. His time is mainly devoted to his profession and his accurate knowledge of the law and of the courses of action open to the opposing counsel enables him to conduct his cases skillfully, usually bringing them to a successful completion. In 1894 he was elected a member of the state legislature from Schuyler county and served one term, supporting by his ballot and influence much constructive legislation.
Mr. Higbee was married December 29, 1867, to Miss Mary Isabelle Birney, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth A. (Lakin) Birney. Both parents were born in Ohio but removed to Illinois, the father engaging in the commission business in Chicago during the Civil war. In 1865 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he carried on mercantile pursuits for a time, after which he settled at Drakesville, Iowa. He subsequently removed to a farm in Schuyler county, Missouri, and resided there until he retired from active life, when he took up his abode in Lancaster, Missouri, where his death occurred. His widow continued to reside in that place with our subject until the family removed to Kirksville. She still lives with him and is active, although she has reached the venerable age of ninety-three years, her birth occurring in 1822. Mrs. Higbee is the second in order of birth in a family of seven children and by her marriage she has become the mother of seven. Helen B. is the wife of William A. Leyhe, a resident of Dallas, Texas, who conducts a number of piano stores throughout northern Texas and is meeting with gratifying success in this enterprise. He and his wife have the following children: Edna, Wilson, George and John L., while Joseph L., the second born, is deceased. Edna is the wife of John E. Markey, a resident of Glenwood, Missouri, where he holds the position of cashier of the Logan’s Bank, and they have two children, Helen and Mary Maud. Florence D. married Morgan G. Heap, a farmer and coal dealer of Twin Falls, Idaho, by whom she has two children, Morgan G., Jr., and Jennie. Frances E. is the wife of Raymond Burkland, a resident of Lancaster and cashier of the Schuyler County Bank. They have two children, Hilda Isabelle and Frances Christine. Walter resides in Lancaster and is an attorney and president of the Schuyler County Bank. He married Edna Reeves and they have one child, Elizabeth Mills. Paul D., who married Eileen E. McGinnis, is associated with his father in the practice of law. Zella Louise, who completes the family, is a teacher in the schools of Kirksville and resides at home.
Mr. Higbee is a member of the Christian church and is ever ready to support all movements for the betterment of conditions in his community. He is a republican in his political faith and fraternally is a member of Kirksville Lodge, No. 105, A. F. & A. M., and belongs to the chapter and the commandery at Kirksville. He is at present senior grand warden of the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Missouri. He also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the Grange at Kirksville and in all of these organizations his many admirable traits of character have won him warm friends, while his recognized ability has won him the respect of the community.
Missouri the Center State:
1821-1915, Volume 3
By Walter Barlow Stevens
PP 602-604
married, son of Jesse Higbee and Susan Newmeyer, husband of Mary Higbee
d. cert 5310
------------
EDWARD HIGBEE was born in Ashland County, Ohio, January 1, 1847, being a son of Jesse and Susan (Newmyer) Higbee. He was married to Mary I. Birney December 29, 1867, a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Lakin) Birney, in Schuyler County. They had eight children, seven of whom are living: George B., born November 12, 1868, died in early infancy; Helen B., December 19, 1869, now the wife of W. A. Leyhe of Dallas, Texas; Edna B., January 4, 1873, now wife of John E. Markey, of Glenwood, Missouri; Florence D., September 4, 1875, now wife of Morgan G. Heap, of Twin Falls, Idaho; Frances E., August 29, 1877, now wife of Raymond Burkland, of Lancaster, Missouri; Walter Higbee, September 4, 1881; Daniel D. Higbee, May 4, 1888; and Zella Louise, November 21, 1890.
Judge Higbee, as he is familiarly called, moved with his parents to Johnson County, Iowa, in 1849, and was reared on a farm in that state. He attended the public schools of his community and then took a course at the Iowa State University. He read law at Iowa City and Bloomfield, and was admitted to the bar at the latter place in 1867. Immediately after this admission he moved to Schuyler County, Missouri, opening up an office at Lancaster for the practice of his profession. He tried his first case in the circuit court at Kirksville in November, 1867. In [illegible] he formed a law partnership with John C. Mills, at Lancaster, the firm being being known as Higbee & Mills. In 1905 they opened an office at Kirksville and the following year Judge Higbee moved with his family to that city, and has lived here and practiced since that time. Also in 1905 his son, Walter Higbee, who is a graduate of the law department of the Washington University, at St. Louis, became a member of the firm, and was put in charge of the Lancaster office. In 1911 Paul D. Higbee, his son, having graduated from both the academic and law departments of the Missouri State University, also became a member of the firm.
In 1898 and again in 1902, Judge Higbee was the Republican nominee for Judge the Supreme Court, and has also twice received the Republican nomination for Circuit Judge, but in these cases he was defeated by the Democratic opponent. While residing in Schuyler County, in 1894, Judge Higbee was elected Representative of that county, in spite of the fact that the county at that time had a normal Democratic majority of about three hundred. He served one term.
Judge Higbee is a member of Adair Lodge, No. 96, I.O.O.F., and of Kirksville Lodge, No. 105, A.F. and A.M., of Caldwell Chapter, No. 53, is Eminent Commander of Ely Commandery, No. 22, Kirksville, and a member of Moila Temple, St. Joseph. He is an ardent Republican and a devoted member of the Christian church having been a member of the official board for several years.
Although Judge Higbee gives his entire time to his law practice, he is interested in farming. He owns a farm of 330 acres one mile east of Lancaster, while he and his law partner own some choice farms in Adair County.
History of Adair County, 1911
By Eugene Morrow Violette
Page 930
------------
EDWARD HIGBEE.
Edward Higbee, of Kirksville, Missouri, is an attorney of high standing and is known outside of Adair county not only for his ability as a lawyer but also because of the service which he rendered the state as a member of the general assembly. His birth occurred at Ashland, Ohio, January 1, 1847, a son of Jesse and Susan (Newmeyer) Higbee, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Allegheny county, August 8, 1808, and the latter in Fayette county. The father was a farmer and after following that occupation in Pennsylvania for a time removed to Ohio in 1832. He settled on one hundred and sixty acres of timber land, which he cleared and developed into an improved farm. In November, 1849, he again moved, making his way to Iowa City, Iowa, where he located and became the owner of six hundred and forty acres of land. In 1865 he removed to Davis county, Iowa, but after four years spent there went to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he resided for a number of years. It was during that period that the mother of our subject went on a visit to southern Illinois, where her death occurred. The father died at the home of a son in Bloomfield, Iowa, in 1897. He was a man to whom religion was one of the great realities of life and was for many years a local preacher in his denomination.
Edward Higbee, who is the fifth in order of birth in a family of ten children, attended the schools of Johnson county, Iowa, and later was a student at the Iowa State University. However, his schooling was interrupted by the necessity of making a living and at the age of sixteen years he began teaching near Iowa City. He was thus employed during the winter and in the summer worked upon farms in the neighborhood, not only earning a livelihood in this way but also gaining much information as to successful methods of agriculture. He was attracted to the legal profession and read law at home for a time, later pursuing his studies under the direction of General James B. Weaver. He spent the year 1866 in the General's office as a student and in September, 1867, was admitted to the bar at Bloomfield. Iowa. In the fall of that year he removed to Schuyler county, Missouri, and opened an office in Lancaster, but his practice was not extensive for some time. He continued in that county until June, 1905, when he opened an office in Kirksville, the family home being established here in the following year. He is in partnership with John C. Mills, the firm style being Higbee & Mills, and they not only engage in practice in Kirksville but also maintain an office in Lancaster, Walter Higbee, the son of our subject, having it in charge. Higbee & Mills devote their time to the general practice of law and the many important cases that are intrusted to their care indicate their high standing in the legal profession. Aside from his law interests Mr. Higbee owns valuable real estate near Lancaster. His time is mainly devoted to his profession and his accurate knowledge of the law and of the courses of action open to the opposing counsel enables him to conduct his cases skillfully, usually bringing them to a successful completion. In 1894 he was elected a member of the state legislature from Schuyler county and served one term, supporting by his ballot and influence much constructive legislation.
Mr. Higbee was married December 29, 1867, to Miss Mary Isabelle Birney, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth A. (Lakin) Birney. Both parents were born in Ohio but removed to Illinois, the father engaging in the commission business in Chicago during the Civil war. In 1865 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he carried on mercantile pursuits for a time, after which he settled at Drakesville, Iowa. He subsequently removed to a farm in Schuyler county, Missouri, and resided there until he retired from active life, when he took up his abode in Lancaster, Missouri, where his death occurred. His widow continued to reside in that place with our subject until the family removed to Kirksville. She still lives with him and is active, although she has reached the venerable age of ninety-three years, her birth occurring in 1822. Mrs. Higbee is the second in order of birth in a family of seven children and by her marriage she has become the mother of seven. Helen B. is the wife of William A. Leyhe, a resident of Dallas, Texas, who conducts a number of piano stores throughout northern Texas and is meeting with gratifying success in this enterprise. He and his wife have the following children: Edna, Wilson, George and John L., while Joseph L., the second born, is deceased. Edna is the wife of John E. Markey, a resident of Glenwood, Missouri, where he holds the position of cashier of the Logan’s Bank, and they have two children, Helen and Mary Maud. Florence D. married Morgan G. Heap, a farmer and coal dealer of Twin Falls, Idaho, by whom she has two children, Morgan G., Jr., and Jennie. Frances E. is the wife of Raymond Burkland, a resident of Lancaster and cashier of the Schuyler County Bank. They have two children, Hilda Isabelle and Frances Christine. Walter resides in Lancaster and is an attorney and president of the Schuyler County Bank. He married Edna Reeves and they have one child, Elizabeth Mills. Paul D., who married Eileen E. McGinnis, is associated with his father in the practice of law. Zella Louise, who completes the family, is a teacher in the schools of Kirksville and resides at home.
Mr. Higbee is a member of the Christian church and is ever ready to support all movements for the betterment of conditions in his community. He is a republican in his political faith and fraternally is a member of Kirksville Lodge, No. 105, A. F. & A. M., and belongs to the chapter and the commandery at Kirksville. He is at present senior grand warden of the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Missouri. He also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the Grange at Kirksville and in all of these organizations his many admirable traits of character have won him warm friends, while his recognized ability has won him the respect of the community.
Missouri the Center State:
1821-1915, Volume 3
By Walter Barlow Stevens
PP 602-604
d. cert 5310
------------
EDWARD HIGBEE was born in Ashland County, Ohio, January 1, 1847, being a son of Jesse and Susan (Newmyer) Higbee. He was married to Mary I. Birney December 29, 1867, a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Lakin) Birney, in Schuyler County. They had eight children, seven of whom are living: George B., born November 12, 1868, died in early infancy; Helen B., December 19, 1869, now the wife of W. A. Leyhe of Dallas, Texas; Edna B., January 4, 1873, now wife of John E. Markey, of Glenwood, Missouri; Florence D., September 4, 1875, now wife of Morgan G. Heap, of Twin Falls, Idaho; Frances E., August 29, 1877, now wife of Raymond Burkland, of Lancaster, Missouri; Walter Higbee, September 4, 1881; Daniel D. Higbee, May 4, 1888; and Zella Louise, November 21, 1890.
Judge Higbee, as he is familiarly called, moved with his parents to Johnson County, Iowa, in 1849, and was reared on a farm in that state. He attended the public schools of his community and then took a course at the Iowa State University. He read law at Iowa City and Bloomfield, and was admitted to the bar at the latter place in 1867. Immediately after this admission he moved to Schuyler County, Missouri, opening up an office at Lancaster for the practice of his profession. He tried his first case in the circuit court at Kirksville in November, 1867. In [illegible] he formed a law partnership with John C. Mills, at Lancaster, the firm being being known as Higbee & Mills. In 1905 they opened an office at Kirksville and the following year Judge Higbee moved with his family to that city, and has lived here and practiced since that time. Also in 1905 his son, Walter Higbee, who is a graduate of the law department of the Washington University, at St. Louis, became a member of the firm, and was put in charge of the Lancaster office. In 1911 Paul D. Higbee, his son, having graduated from both the academic and law departments of the Missouri State University, also became a member of the firm.
In 1898 and again in 1902, Judge Higbee was the Republican nominee for Judge the Supreme Court, and has also twice received the Republican nomination for Circuit Judge, but in these cases he was defeated by the Democratic opponent. While residing in Schuyler County, in 1894, Judge Higbee was elected Representative of that county, in spite of the fact that the county at that time had a normal Democratic majority of about three hundred. He served one term.
Judge Higbee is a member of Adair Lodge, No. 96, I.O.O.F., and of Kirksville Lodge, No. 105, A.F. and A.M., of Caldwell Chapter, No. 53, is Eminent Commander of Ely Commandery, No. 22, Kirksville, and a member of Moila Temple, St. Joseph. He is an ardent Republican and a devoted member of the Christian church having been a member of the official board for several years.
Although Judge Higbee gives his entire time to his law practice, he is interested in farming. He owns a farm of 330 acres one mile east of Lancaster, while he and his law partner own some choice farms in Adair County.
History of Adair County, 1911
By Eugene Morrow Violette
Page 930
------------
EDWARD HIGBEE.
Edward Higbee, of Kirksville, Missouri, is an attorney of high standing and is known outside of Adair county not only for his ability as a lawyer but also because of the service which he rendered the state as a member of the general assembly. His birth occurred at Ashland, Ohio, January 1, 1847, a son of Jesse and Susan (Newmeyer) Higbee, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Allegheny county, August 8, 1808, and the latter in Fayette county. The father was a farmer and after following that occupation in Pennsylvania for a time removed to Ohio in 1832. He settled on one hundred and sixty acres of timber land, which he cleared and developed into an improved farm. In November, 1849, he again moved, making his way to Iowa City, Iowa, where he located and became the owner of six hundred and forty acres of land. In 1865 he removed to Davis county, Iowa, but after four years spent there went to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he resided for a number of years. It was during that period that the mother of our subject went on a visit to southern Illinois, where her death occurred. The father died at the home of a son in Bloomfield, Iowa, in 1897. He was a man to whom religion was one of the great realities of life and was for many years a local preacher in his denomination.
Edward Higbee, who is the fifth in order of birth in a family of ten children, attended the schools of Johnson county, Iowa, and later was a student at the Iowa State University. However, his schooling was interrupted by the necessity of making a living and at the age of sixteen years he began teaching near Iowa City. He was thus employed during the winter and in the summer worked upon farms in the neighborhood, not only earning a livelihood in this way but also gaining much information as to successful methods of agriculture. He was attracted to the legal profession and read law at home for a time, later pursuing his studies under the direction of General James B. Weaver. He spent the year 1866 in the General's office as a student and in September, 1867, was admitted to the bar at Bloomfield. Iowa. In the fall of that year he removed to Schuyler county, Missouri, and opened an office in Lancaster, but his practice was not extensive for some time. He continued in that county until June, 1905, when he opened an office in Kirksville, the family home being established here in the following year. He is in partnership with John C. Mills, the firm style being Higbee & Mills, and they not only engage in practice in Kirksville but also maintain an office in Lancaster, Walter Higbee, the son of our subject, having it in charge. Higbee & Mills devote their time to the general practice of law and the many important cases that are intrusted to their care indicate their high standing in the legal profession. Aside from his law interests Mr. Higbee owns valuable real estate near Lancaster. His time is mainly devoted to his profession and his accurate knowledge of the law and of the courses of action open to the opposing counsel enables him to conduct his cases skillfully, usually bringing them to a successful completion. In 1894 he was elected a member of the state legislature from Schuyler county and served one term, supporting by his ballot and influence much constructive legislation.
Mr. Higbee was married December 29, 1867, to Miss Mary Isabelle Birney, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth A. (Lakin) Birney. Both parents were born in Ohio but removed to Illinois, the father engaging in the commission business in Chicago during the Civil war. In 1865 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he carried on mercantile pursuits for a time, after which he settled at Drakesville, Iowa. He subsequently removed to a farm in Schuyler county, Missouri, and resided there until he retired from active life, when he took up his abode in Lancaster, Missouri, where his death occurred. His widow continued to reside in that place with our subject until the family removed to Kirksville. She still lives with him and is active, although she has reached the venerable age of ninety-three years, her birth occurring in 1822. Mrs. Higbee is the second in order of birth in a family of seven children and by her marriage she has become the mother of seven. Helen B. is the wife of William A. Leyhe, a resident of Dallas, Texas, who conducts a number of piano stores throughout northern Texas and is meeting with gratifying success in this enterprise. He and his wife have the following children: Edna, Wilson, George and John L., while Joseph L., the second born, is deceased. Edna is the wife of John E. Markey, a resident of Glenwood, Missouri, where he holds the position of cashier of the Logan’s Bank, and they have two children, Helen and Mary Maud. Florence D. married Morgan G. Heap, a farmer and coal dealer of Twin Falls, Idaho, by whom she has two children, Morgan G., Jr., and Jennie. Frances E. is the wife of Raymond Burkland, a resident of Lancaster and cashier of the Schuyler County Bank. They have two children, Hilda Isabelle and Frances Christine. Walter resides in Lancaster and is an attorney and president of the Schuyler County Bank. He married Edna Reeves and they have one child, Elizabeth Mills. Paul D., who married Eileen E. McGinnis, is associated with his father in the practice of law. Zella Louise, who completes the family, is a teacher in the schools of Kirksville and resides at home.
Mr. Higbee is a member of the Christian church and is ever ready to support all movements for the betterment of conditions in his community. He is a republican in his political faith and fraternally is a member of Kirksville Lodge, No. 105, A. F. & A. M., and belongs to the chapter and the commandery at Kirksville. He is at present senior grand warden of the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Missouri. He also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the Grange at Kirksville and in all of these organizations his many admirable traits of character have won him warm friends, while his recognized ability has won him the respect of the community.
Missouri the Center State:
1821-1915, Volume 3
By Walter Barlow Stevens
PP 602-604
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