My Genealogy Hound

JOHN W. HIGGINBOTHAM resides in township 46, range 24, where he has a fine farm. His prominence among the citizens of Johnson County is the result of his straightforward dealings with all, as well as the enterprise which he displays in the management of affairs. He is well known, for he has spent his entire life in Missouri, and since locating in this county has ever maintained a deep interest in its progress.

Our subject was born in Cooper County in 1846, to John M. and Louisa (Stringfield) Higginbotham. The father, who was a native of Georgia, spent but two years of his life in that state, as his parents early emigrated to Kentucky. There he lived until attaining his seventeenth year, when he journeyed to Indiana and spent the intervening time until 1840, the year of his advent into Missouri. Here he passed the remaining years of his life, following the combined occupations of farming, brick-making and milling. He passed away in 1879. His good wife, the mother of our subject, is still living in Rogers, Ark., aged eighty years.

Our subject attended the district schools of both Pettis and Johnson Counties, this state, for a short time only, as his studies were interrupted by the outbreak of the Civil War, and the schools were disorganized. He received thorough training in farm work, and when ready to begin the struggles of life for himself, at the age of thirty years, he was fully acquainted with all the detail work which makes of any business a sure success.

Mr. Higginbotham came to Johnson County in 1865, and has been engaged in brick-making and farming ever since. He has a beautiful tract of land near Knobnoster, upon which stands his residence. He is widely known in this vicinity, and his many friends have nothing but good wishes for his success. He was married, in February, 1875, to Mrs. Catherine (Obert) Woodmancy, whose parents were natives of New Jersey. She, however, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y. By her union with our subject, she became the mother of two children, one of whom died when young. George resides at home.

Our subject is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and is highly regarded in this connection, and is Steward in his congregation. Politically he has always been a Democrat, on which ticket he has served three terms as Highway Commissioner. He keeps abreast with the times in his calling, availing himself of all possible sources of information in his chosen work. He is greatly respected, and has the confidence of all who know him.