From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, publ. 
1894 - Page 81-82
 
GEORGE C. HIGBEE.  "Uncle Sam" placed his interests in trustworthy and efficient hands when 
he bestowed upon George C. HIGBEE the title of postmaster of Beaver Dam, Wis., for no more 
capable official could anywhere be found.  He is courteous, accommodating and accurate, and 
few, if any, have been the mistakes that he has made since entering upon his duties. He is a 
native of St. George, Vt., where he first saw the light on the 26th of January, 1826, a son of Lewis 
and Sarah (BAKER) HIGBEE, who were also born in the Green Mountain State, the former being 
of Welsh and the latter of Dutch descent.  The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, 
Elisha HIGBEE, was a soldier of the War of 1812, and was established at barracks at Burlington, 
Vt.  Lewis HIGBEE was a farmer during the early part of his life, but in later years he was in the 
hotel business in Burlington.  He was an intelligent and influential citizen, well known and highly 
respected and represented his county in the State Legislature of Vermont.  An incident which 
befell him during the campaign of 1844 is well worth mentioning.
 
During that time Henry Clay visited Burlington, and a large crowd gathered at the docks to 
welcome him.  Mr. HIGBEE stood on a woodpile near the water, and as the boat struck the same 
he was thrown into the water, but was caught by Mr. Clay.  Being quick-witted and possessing 
great presence of mind, he immediately shouted, "Hurrah for Henry Clay!  He saved his country 
twice and Lewis HIGBEE once!"  In 1858 Mr. HIGBEE, accompanied by his wife, came to Beaver 
Dam, where he made his home until his death in 1864, the death of the wife and mother occurring 
in 1868.  George C. HIGBEE was reared in his native State and was educated in the schools of 
Burlington. When but about fourteen years of age he became a clerk in a mercantile 
establishment, where he remained several years, but in the fall of 1852, immediately after casting 
a vote for Gen. Scott, he emigrated to the then far West, located at Beaver Dam and secured 
work as a clerk in a mercantile establishment, continuing until 1857.  He then turned his attention 
to farming on a fine tract of land comprising 360 acres, which he owned and had previously 
purchased at various times; but after fifteen years devoted exclusively to farm work he disposed 
of his place and became a traveling salesman for the Woolen Manufacturing Company of Beaver 
Dam, a position for which his genial disposition and natural mother wit eminently fitted him.  For 
seventeen years he filled this position in a manner to reflect the highest credit upon him, but in 
April, 1892, entered upon his duties of postmaster of Beaver Dam, to which position he had been 
appointed by President Harrison, and owing to his able management of the same and to the 
entire satisfaction he has given to all classes, he has been continued in office during Cleveland's 
administration.  Mr. HIGBEE is one of the foremost citizens of Beaver Dam, and has served as a 
member of the county board several years as town clerk, and in various other capacities of more 
or less importance.  He was married in March 1857, to Miss Mary J. HINCHLIFF, a native of New 
York but of English descent, and to their union five children have been given: William L., Harriet 
S., Helen L., Anna L., and Cora (deceased).  In politics Mr. HIGBEE has always been a stanch 
Republican, and as a substantial and law-abiding citizen he has not his superior in the county.
 
Submitted by Carol