My Genealogy Hound

EDWARD HIGHLANDS, one of the progressive and prosperous farmers of Cumberland county, whose foresight and energy have enabled him to acquire large landed possessions, is a representative of one of the old Cumberland county families. His great-grandfather Highlands, was a native of Ireland, and on emigrating to America, purchased land of the government.

William Highlands; son of the emigrant, was one of the pioneers, and at one time owned a large amount of land. He married a Miss Peoples.

James Highlands, son of William and father of Edward, was born on the old Highlands homestead in Southampton township in 1822, and died Nov. 15, 1880. He was a prosperous farmer, and was known as a man of inflexible will and great force of character, as well as of the strictest integrity. He married Mary Stough, who was born in Southampton township, on what is known as the George Koser farm. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Koser, in Shippensburg, in March of 1904. She was sincerely beloved for her womanly qualities. Nine children were born to James and Mary Highlands, all of whom lived to mature years: Margaret, now deceased, was the wife of Conrad Clever; Jane is Mrs. George Mower; Susan, deceased, married George Cope; Belle died at the age of sixteen; Ann married John Cope, and resides in Missouri; Emma F. married George Koser, of Shippensburg; Catherine is the wife of Gilbert Beattie, a successful farmer of Southampton Township; Edward; and Harvey died in 1890.

Edward Highlands received his education in the Hippensteel school house, and was brought up to a thorough understanding of the duties of an agriculturist. He remained at home until his twenty-fifth year, when he rented a farm in Southampton township, until September, 1881, remaining from 1876 to 1880 on his father’s farm. He then bought out the Peter Rebuck farm, which comprised fifty-six acres, and which has a bank barn fifty-six feet long; he also has a farm of 120 acres given him by his father. Mr. Highlands has been particularly successful as a wheat grower, some years harvesting 1,600 to 2,000 bushels. Hay-growing is also one of his specialties, he baling as high as 150 tons annually. He has added to his landed possessions, and owns now a number of farms, among which may be mentioned the old Mansion farm, which was first taken up and improved by his great-grandfather. It has 120 acres of richly cultivated land, and is managed by his son, Lorin. Mr. Highlands also owns the Michael Hale farm of 101 acres, all joining, thus securing over 400 acres in one tract. Success has attended all his efforts, and he has apparently the marvelous ability to turn everything he touches into money. Possessed of unlimited energy and business acumen, his wisdom and foresight have won him more than a competence. While his personal affairs have consumed his entire time, he is a stanch Democrat, content, however, to be but a worker in the ranks. He is an earnest advocate of good schools, and has given his children a liberal education. In disposition he is jovial and affable, and prosperity has not lessened his friendliness to all the world.

On Jan. 12, 1875, Mr. Highlands was married to Laura R. Williams, who was born in Southampton township, a daughter of Joseph and Harriet (Maxwell) Williams, and who was educated in the public schools at Leesburg. Six children have blessed this union: Mary, wife of Hugh Rebuck; Anna Mabel, a graduate of the Cumberland Valley State Normal, class of 1899, and for four years a successful teacher; Lorin J., a graduate of the Model Department of the Cumberland Valley Normal School; Berenice E., a graduate of the same institution; and Georgia Williams and Alva Belle, at home. The family are all very popular and they hold an enviable social position.