SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

George Higgins, Page 479

GEORGE HIGGINS, who is widely and favorably known to the citizens of the town of Greenbush through his connection with the postoffice for so many years, either as Postmaster or assistant, has been a resident of that town since the fall of 1860.

    Mr. Higgins is a native of the Green Mountain State, and was born in West Haven, Rutland County.  His parents were Dan and Hannah Higgins, natives of Connecticut, and for many years residents of Rutland County, where their deaths occurred.  George Higgins was reared and educated in his native State, and in early life was engaged in agricultural pursuits.  In 1860 he came West and located in Sheboygan County, Wis.  He was accompanied by his sister, Miss Harriet Dorinda, who has since presided over his home.  On coming to Greenbush, he purchased land, and for several years was engaged in farming.

    In politics, Mr. Higgins was a Whig in early life, and cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Taylor.  On the disruption of the Whig party, he associated himself with the Republican party, and has since been identified with that political body.  Since his residence in Greenbush, he has held various local offices.  He was chosen Town Clerk at an early day, and held that office for several years, and was elected Chairman of the town in 1862.  In 1865 Mr. Higgins was chosen Assessor of the town, serving his constituents most acceptably.  In 1887 he was appointed Postmaster at Greenbush by President R. B. Hayes, and served under his and the following administrations of Presidents Garfield and Arthur.  On the election of Mr. Cleveland in 1884, by the expressed wish of the people, regardless of party, he was continued in office, but resigned after a year and a-half's service under the Democratic administration.  D. T. Sullivan was appointed to succeed Mr. Higgins, but he retained the latter as Deputy, so he continued in the office, in company with Albert Keach, who had been appointed Assistant Postmaster.  While serving in that capacity, he was appointed Postmaster by Benjamin Harrison on his accession to the Presidency, and filled that position until he was superseded by Albert Keach, the present incumbent.  The latter retains Mr. Higgins as Deputy; so that he has been connected with the Greenbush Postoffice, either as principal or deputy, since 1877, covering a period of sixteen years.  It is but fair to state in this connection that the management of the business of the office while in his care has been most satisfactory to the patrons and the postal authorities.

    Mr. Higgins has a brother, Alvarizo, who came to Wisconsin one year prior to the time that he and the sister came.  The brother afterward married Mrs. Elizabeth Helen Ward, the widow of a Union soldier, and now resides in Greenbush.

    Socially, Mr. Higgins is a member of Acassia Lodge No. 176, A. F. & A. M., of Plymouth, and of Greenbush Lodge No. 78, I. O. O. F., of Greenbush.  He has belonged to the last-named lodge since 1869.

    For thirty years Mr. Higgins and his sister have lived in Greenbush, and have endeared themselves to their fellow-townspeople by their many worthy traits of character.  As a public officer, he has ever been prompt and exact in the discharge of duty, courteous and accommodating to all with whom he comes in contact, whether in a business or social way.  He and his sister are held in high regard by all who know them.