Rachel E. Higbee 1813-1891

HIGBEE, MATTHEWS, ISETT, MALLROY

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 11/2/2020 at 08:31:04

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa Friday, January, 23, 1891 page 4

OBITUARY.

We are called to chronicle the death of another of the oldest settlers in this part of the county. The story of these pioneers is very interesting to all, and it is with feelings of a just and honest pride in her life and character that we write this brief historical sketch. The death of Mrs. Rachel E. Higbee occurred January 15 at the old homestead in Marshall township. She lived to round out her 78 years, having been born in Columbiana county, Ohio, January 15, 1813. She came of a distinguished family and was united in marriage to Joseph F. Higbee, July 2nd, 1829. A few years after marriage they determined to cast their fortunes in Iowa, and on the 1st day of September, 1836, crossed the river at Burlington and located on the 9th of the same month in Marshall township where they purchased a claim and made their life home. She was the mother of 15 children. To train and care for such a family is no small matter. But it seems that she was equal to the occasion, and with her mother wit easily mastered the situation. And when we remember that on her arrival here, the red man was still in the land, was a frequent visitor at her home and enjoyed her hospitality, we know that her labors of love and charity were of no ordinary kind. But on the other hand. along the line of progress, she had the pleasure and satisfaction of seeing the unbroken prairie developed and dotted all over with neat cottages, churches, school houses and villages. All this she witnessed in her day and what a grand thing it is to live and take part in such a great and good work. She loved to repeat the history of her time and having a remarkable memory, she could give a correct history of the early settlement of the pioneers, their families, their children, marriages and deaths. then in a food old age she was called to rest. "Her good works follow her." The funeral services were held in the church at Cairo, conducted by Rev. D T. Campbell. The interment was in the cemetery in Cairo.

The following from one who was born and reared near her and who knew her many excellent traits of character, gives some interesting facts: Rachel Matthews Higbee was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, January 15, 1813, being just seventy-eight years old on the day of her death. She was united in marriage with Joseph F. Higbee at the age of sixteen, having seen sixty-two years of married life. She was the mother of fifteen children and leaves sixty-five grandchildren and twenty-four great grand children. Mr. and Mrs. Higbee came to the territory of Iowa in 1836, using a pocket compass some of the time to guide them as there were neither roads nor landmarks. They settled in Virginia grove on the same farm where Mrs. Higbee died. Their son James was the first white child born in Louisa county west of the Iowa River. This event occurred in a house with neither chimney nor floor. Mrs. Higbee took care of a man by the name of Oliver Isett, who died in their house, the first white person who died in the county. In Mrs. Higbee was lost one whose memory retained the incidents of a pioneer life bravely borne as were all the trials and duties which came to her. She was always ready with a helping hand or a kind word for any who needed, until the stricken hands became helpless, and then pleasant and encouraging words seemed more plenty than ever. Even the indians who were numerous when she fist came here, knew her by the name of "Good Squaw." With charity for all and malice toward none, she passed away quietly and peacefully, leaving many to mourn for the true friends departed.

Bessie Mallroy.