The State of North Carolina, USA

22 Feb 2009

Seeking ancestors prior to 1800

If I did my research right, here is the info I found.
Gordon Higgins (My Dad), born 1919 in Yancey County N.C. to Rothy and Savanna (Wilson) Higgins.
Rothy Higgins - Parents were Shelby & Sophronia (Fronia) McCourry Higgins.
Shelby Higgins - parents were Gaston & Susan Edwards Higgins.
Gaston Higgins - parents were John Higgins jr.& Winney (Phillips)Higgins. John was born in Buncombe County. North Carolina
John- parents were John & Nancy Higgins. John born in 1768 SC? died in Yancey Co, N.C.
I remember Dad talking about Ramsey-town. There are a lot of other decendents but as far as I can tell this is my direct line. I was trying to find out where they originally came from.

Vivian Higgins Byrd
vivianb AT embarqmail.com

- Webmaster's Findings -

HIGGINS RATHA 21 M W NC NC YANCEY EGYPT 1920
Rotha Higgins 21
Sovannah Higgins 19
Gordon Higgins 7/12

Source: Landmark, The (Statesville, North Carolina) 1907 April 9
Mrs Gaston Higgins, a young woman who lived on Bald Creek, Yancey County, was burned to death a few days ago.She was burning the trash from a clearing near her home and her clothing caught.

HIGGINS SHELBY 40 M W NC NC YANCEY EGYPT TWP 1910

HIGGINS SHELBY 28 M W NC NC YANCEY RAMSEYTOWN TWP 1900

see
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mjhiggins/n-cw16.htm
which includes census' for Gaston Higgins prior to 1920 as well as his service in the Union Army.


http://files.usgwarchives.org/nc/yancey/cemeteries/hensley08.txt
HENSLEY CEMETERY: On Bald Mountain just before reaching Riddle Branch, look up to the right on a hillside. Two cemeteries, one above the other, fenced and well kept.
Gaston Higgins, Co.G. 3rd NC MTD INFTY - 7-20-1848 – 2-7-1919(S/o John & Winnie Phillips Higgins)

Gaston Higgins appears on 1890 Veterans Census Schedule and refers to his service in 3rd N.C. Infantry (USA)

.......................................................

22 Feb 2009

Seeking Information on my ancestors

Hi,

Early on in my research I thought I had found something  about "Tom" Higgins and it may have had something to do with a book called the Annals of Modoc.

Also, Tom was the brother to Vincent Lafayette Higgins (diaries on file at WSU), Curtis Alexander Higgins (see this website link http://www.modoccountygenealogy.com/ModocCountyGenealogies/CurtisAlexanderHiggins.htm

and a few more from Yancey County NC.

Here is something that I've recently found:

William Thomas "Tom" Higgins b. 5-23-1849 Yancey County NC d. 4-06-1884
Referred to as "Tom" in most accounts of his life, he is buried in the Pullman I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Whitman County, WA, near the graves of his brother, Vincent L. Higgins and Emma (Reed) Higgins, Vincent's wife.

He is still on the Yancey NC census with his mother and several brothers as of 1870.

According to information located at Washington State University, William Thomas "Tom" Higgins came to Washington State in 1878 and located the NW Qr. 22-14-44 as a timber culture and the SW Qr. 15-14-44 as a homestead. He worked some in the Moscow Mountains getting out rails, posts and wood.

One Sunday, in April 1884, a friend, Louis Knott, took dinner with him at Bryant Brother's Ranch. Louis Knott was a hired hand at the ranch. Tom had a habit of lying down on his stomach, after eating, for a short rest. He usually carried a gun and the theory was that Louis Knott took Tom's gun and killed him while he slept. Louis Knott is alleged to have dug a hole about a hundred yards from the shack and buried Tom. The body was found by Roe Bryant, William Kincaid (1) and Tom Richardson. I believe this was William Moore Kincaid who left Missouri with his 7 children and his deceased wife's family and came to Washington (Joann Woolery was his wife's name).

At the trial, Louis Knott was defended by John B Allen and D J Crowley, both of Walla Walla, WA. J D Greer and W A Inman were local attorneys who took his side. Louis Knott was sentenced to hang but the date was kept secret to avoid a mob at the execution. An appeal to the supreme court was about to delay the case for a year and a mob lynched Louis Knott on 9-19-1884.

(1) William Kincaid is additionally significant in that Vincent Lafayette Higgins purchased his home in 1891 and lived there until 1920, when he built the brick home on the east side of the bridge. The location of the William Kincaid place was described as west of "the bridge".


Tammy Higgins Logston
Tamlog AT aol.com


- Webmaster's Findings –
- Subject to confirmation by inquirer -

Onsite: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mjhiggins/wa-state.htm#vincent


See http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mjhiggins/s-cw-2b.htm#Hosea  for 1860 Census and Hosea Confederate Army Service

-Confirmation needed that this is correct Curtis Higgins-
HIGGINS CURTIS A 24 M W NC MO JACKSON LEES SUMMIT P O 1870
Name Age
Peter S Alexander 31
Sarah A Alexander 26
Jenny De Alexander 5
Thos J Alexander 3
Fanny Bridgwater 18
Curtis A Higgins 24 Farm Laborer
Seymour Grey 20

HIGGINS CURTIS A 54 M W NC CA MODOC ADIN TWP 1900
Name Age
Curtis A Higgins 53
Mary E Higgins 45
Jessie B Higgins 14
Curtis A Higgins 1
Margaret M Higgins 78
William H Bean 29

HIGGINS CURTIS A 65 M W NC CA MODOC ADIN TWP 1910
Name Age
Curtis A Higgins 65
Mary E Higgins 54
Marinda Higgins 88
Curtis A Higgins 11

World War I Draft Registration Card
Curtis Alexander Higgins (JR.) 9 Oct 1898 White Modoc County, Ca.
Farmer - Employer C.A. Higgins, Nearest relative Ellen Higgins
Physical Description: Tall, Slender,Eyes Grey?, Brown Hair.

HIGGINS CURTIS A 72 M W NC CA MODOC ADIN 1920
Name Age
Curtis A Higgins 72
Mary E Higgins 63
Curtis A Higgins 21
Charles Gutzman 18


1930; Census Place: Adin Lookout, Modoc, California; Roll: 177; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 2; Image: 424 (No Image Available)
Name Age
Curtis A Higgins 83 b. NC Farmer
Mary E Higgins 73 b. NC
Dayrl E Goochman 13 Grandson b. CA
Fannie L Goochman 10 Granddaughter b. CA

http://www.modoccountygenealogy.com/AdinCemetery.htm
Modoc County Cemeteries-Adin Cemetery-County Road 89-Adin, Ca.
Last Name- First Name- Birth-Death-Notes - Headstone Image Link
Higgins Curtis A. 1846 1932
http://www.modoccountygenealogy.com/tombstones/higgins-curtis-a-1932.jpg
Higgins Mary April 21, 1906 Sept. 6, 1989
http://www.modoccountygenealogy.com/tombstones/higgins-mary-1968.jpg
Higgins Mary Ellen 1867 1939
http://www.modoccountygenealogy.com/tombstones/higgins-mary-ellen-1939.jpg
Higgins Marinda Mar. 20, 1819 Feb. 29, 1912 Mother
http://www.modoccountygenealogy.com/tombstones/higgins-marinda-1912.jpg
Higgins Thomas A. Mar. 25, 1902 April 28, 1968
http://www.modoccountygenealogy.com/tombstones/higgins-mary-1968.jpg

Some Information on Vincent Lafayette Higgins who went to live in the State of Washington

http://www.interment.net/data/us/wa/whitman/pullioof/pullman_ioof.htm
Pullman I.O.O.F. Cemetery - Whitman County, Washington
Lat: 46° 43' 53"N, Lon: 117° 11' 27"W T14N R45E Section 06
The cemetery is located on the west side of Pullman. As you get almost to the top of the hill, coming out of Pullman on Hwy 195, turn left up the hill onto Wawawai Pullman Rd, in 1/4 mi left onto Main St
Higgins, Emma L, b. 1868, d. 1930, 'Mother', OES
Higgins, V. L., b. 1851, d. 1941, IOOF & Mason, 'Father'
Higgins, William T, b. May 23, 1849, d. Apr 06, 1884, stone in bad shape

1930; Census Place: Ewartsville, Whitman, Washington; Roll: 2523; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 32; Image: 891 (No Image Available)
Name Age
V L Higgins 79
Emma James 53

HIGGINS VINCENT 69 M W NC WA WHITMAN EWARTSVILLE 1920
Name Age
Vincent Higgins 69
Emma Higgins 52

HIGGINS VINCENT L 59 M W NC WA WHITMAN EWARTSVILLE PCT 1910
Name Age
Vincent L Higgins 59
Emma L Higgins 42
Frankie B Higgins 19
Homer T Berden 27

HIGGINS VINCENT L 49 M W NC WA WHITMAN EWARTSVILLE PCT 1900
Name Age
Vincent L Higgins 49
Emma L Higgins 32
Frankie B Higgins 9
Cora L Reed 22
Fred Reed 19
Viola W Jordan 23

Tammy added the following 25 Mar 2009

William Thomas Higgins
Born: May 23, 1849 Died: April 6, 1884

William Thomas “Tom” Higgins was the brother to my great grandfather, John Nelson Higgins. He was born in Yancey County, North Carolina, to Hosea Higgins and Margaret Marinda Byrd Higgins. Tom’s father was killed during the civil war. Tom was one of six brothers, five of them living to adulthood. After the civil war, he and his brother Vincent, sensing nothing in the future on the old homestead, decided to go West. There was a man going to Missouri with wagon and team so they made a deal with the fellow to take them along to Missouri with him. They were to give the man $10.00 each so they scraped around and got the money and started out for the far west. They started their journey in the “fore” part of October 1870. They traveled every day and when they crossed the Mississippi River at Greens Ferry(1) they were in Missouri and the man was not slow in telling them so and promptly dumped them out. According to Vincent, they were a
“fast” and broke without a dollar. So they got a job picking cotton for a few days until they earned enough money to finish their journey. Vincent describes their destination as the land of ”Chills and ???” in his diaries. They remained there for five years (I believe Vincent and Tom stayed in Bellefont, Boone County, AR, for about 5 years). In about 1876, Vincent went to Jasper, Missouri and Tom went first to Idaho, working some in the Moscow Mountains getting out rails and timber. Later, Tom went on to the Washington Territory. Records from Washington State University show that Tom came to Washington State in 1878 and located the NW Qr. 22-14-44 as a timber culture and the SW Qr. 15-14-44 as a homestead.

Tom lived close to six years at his homestead in the Washington Territory about six miles south of Pullman. He had made friends with William Kincaid, the Bryant brothers and others, working for them occasionally. I believe he rented some of his property to William Kincaid for farming. He carried a pistol in his hip pocket.
Unfortunately, Tom’s young life was cut short by a trusted friend who had his eye on Tom’s property. He was only 34 years old when he was killed. The following details the account of Tom’s death, subsequent trial of his murderer and finally, the lynching of his murderer by a mob of men frustrated by the delay in justice being carried out.

Tom is buried in the Pullman (Washington) I.O.O.F. Cemetery near the graves of his brother, Vincent L. Higgins and Vincent’s wife, Emma Peed.

(1) Greens Ferry is now known as Moccasin Springs located in Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri.


Article Excerpts from the Palouse Gazette – April through August, 1884

MURDER!
Thomas Higgins Murdered in His Lonely Cabin Near Pullman and His Body Buried

Louis A Knott Arrested for the Crime

The Prisoner Examined and Held Without Bail

The Prisoner’s Statement

On Thursday afternoon of last week, just after the Gazette had gone to press, news reached town that Thomas Higgins, a farmer living some six miles from Pullman, in this county, had been murdered and his body buried. A warrant was sworn out by Monroe Bryant, charging Louis A Knott with the crime, and placed in the hands of Deputy Sheriff William B Spencer, who departed for Pullman to make the arrest. Coroner Livingstone, accompanied by Dr. Cal M Boswell, started on Friday morning to hold an inquest. About 3 o’clock Friday morning, Knott was brought in and lodged in jail. Along toward evening the coroner returned, bringing news that the verdict of the jury was that Thomas Higgins had come to his death from the effects of gunshot wounds inflicted by a pistol in the hands of Louis A Knott.

On Monday afternoon the preliminary examination of Knott was held before Justice C D Porter, W H Doolittle appearing for the territory. The prisoner said he had no money with which to employ an attorney and entered a plea of not guilty. Just after the examination commenced, W A Inman volunteered to act as attorney for the defense and after allowing him few minutes to converse with the prisoner the case proceeded.

The first witness called was E J BRYANT, who said…

”I live on a farm on Wilbur gulch, about 15 miles southeast of Colfax. Have known the prisoner since last September. He has been in my employ since September up to last Tuesday noon. On Sunday morning he was at my place and took some wheat and went across the creek to feed the pigs. He did not come back until late in the afternoon. He ate supper at my place. After supper he went with the rest of the hands to feed the horses, but did not return with them. After dark we became anxious about him and one of the boys took a lantern and went to the barn to see if a horse had kicked him, but could not find Knott. About 9 o’clock at night he came home and went to bed as usual. He went to work on Monday morning and worked until Tuesday noon, when after dinner asked for a settlement, saying he was going to quit. He refused to …section of paper missing in scan… next section is suspected to be the testimony of another Bryant brother and starts part
way into the examination…what evidence I could get. I made the complaint against Knott. I went with the deputy sheriff when he arrested Knott in Kingman and Fariss’ store at Pullman. There were some papers on his person (Witness was shown papers and recognized them as the ones found on Knott; he was also shown a coat which Knott had on when arrested, and said he had seen Higgins wearing a similar garment. His testimony as to the taking up of the body was the same as his brother’s). The pistol shown at the inquest looked like the one Higgins had. I never saw the defendant have one like it. Defendant spoke to me a few days before about how much the filings on Higgins’ land were worth. He asked me if Higgins could not get $4,000 for the filings on the place to leave it. I said I thought he could but did not think he would take $5,000. At the time of the inquest I saw some blood on the tick.

Testimony of W H Kincaid (William)

I have seen defendant a good many times working in my neighborhood. I have known Higgins about six years. The last time I saw him was on the 6th, when he and Louis Knott came to my house together about 9 o’clock in the morning, they stayed about three-quarters of an hour. When they left, Higgins said he would go to work on his timber claim. Knott went with him. (Pistol shown witness). I have seen that pistol, or one similar, a good many times in Higgins’ possession. He carried it in his hip pocket. The next time I saw Higgins was at the time of the inquest. I was with the Bryant boys when they made the search for Higgins. On Sunday, when Higgins was at my place he said he would come on Monday and help me measure 5 acres of ground to plant with trees. He didn’t come and when the Bryant boys came to where I was working on Thursday and told me what they had found, I laughed at them. I afterwards went with them to look for Higgins. As we
walked toward his house we came across fresh dirt and stopped. Mr. Richardson took a stick from the fence and put it in the ground. I got a hoe and dug down. I saw a rose briar with the roots up and the top down. I gave the hoe to E J Bryant and he dug some and uncovered the right arm of a man. We covered it up and went to the house where we found blood.


Testimony of H E Fariss

I reside in Pullman. Defendant came to lay camp on the railrod about a year ago. On Tuesday night after the 6th of this month he slept with me at Pullman. He said he was going to take land about six miles from Pullman and was going to Spokane to do it. I did not see a weapon in his possession. On the evening he was arrested he came to my store and said he wanted to leave his pistol in my care. I told him to put it in a drawer. He had on a red lined coat which I never saw him wear before. …

Again part of the article is missing from the scan and starts at some point with testimony of …Louis A Knott (defendant)

…natured and jovial. The talk I had with Bryant about Higgins’ property occurred over a month ago and nothing would have been thought of it if this murder had not been committed. Higgins’ coat, revolver and papers were given me by a big man, with black hair and mustache, who I met Sunday evening. He said if I would file on the land he would give me half of it. I didn’t ask his name. I suppose this will go hard with me, but I cannot prove where I was on Sunday afternoon and night.

The General Supposition

As to Knott’s actions after leaving Bryant’s house on Sunday morning is as follows:

He took the sack of wheat to feed the pigs, and after feeding continued on across the fields until he met Higgins. The two then went to Kincaid’s house and left together, going to Higgins’ place, where they evidently took dinner. After the meal Higgins sat down on the bed in the corner of the room. He evidently was sitting in about the middle of the bed, with his feet towards the foot, and probably looking over his filings, when Knott, who was sitting on a stool at his right, handling the pistol, placed the weapon to his temple and fired as powder marks were shown on Higgins’ face and the ball, after passing through his head dented the wall and dropped to the floor. This was done in an instant, and it is presumable the force of the shot turned Higgins’ head, when the pistol was fired again, this time the bullet entering the back of the head and lodging in the brain. Higgins then fell on his back and his murderer fired a third shot full at
his face, but missed his mark and the ball lodged in the corner of the building. After the shooting, the assassin must have left his victim lying on the bed and gone to Bryant’s where he took dinner at 3 o’clock. In the evening, after putting up the horses, during the time he was missed from Bryant’s, he must have gone to Higgins’ place, dug a hole in the garden about three hundred feet from the house, then gone to the house, carried his victim to the garden, deposited the body in the hole and covered it up. He then returned to the house, gathered up the bloody garments and papers, cut a piece out of the mattress, which was saturated with blood, turned the mattress over, put the tell tale clothes and piece of ticking in a sack and went to a gulch between Higgins’ place and Bryant’s and burned the sack and contents. He then went to Bryant’s and passed the night in bed. In the morning he went to work. At noon on Tuesday threw up his
job, got his money and went to Higgins’ place, got the coat, pistol and papers, and went to Pullman, where he passed the night with Mr. Fariss. On Wednesday morning early he hired a horseman and after going to Bryant’s and getting the $10.00 came to Colfax. After getting shaved he went to Mr. Perkins’… article is cut off.

… picks up in what is suspected as a Bryant brothers testimony, different issue of the newspaper…

work on Monday morning and worked until Tuesday noon when after dinner asked for a settlement saying he was going to quit. He refused to work on until night. While we were settling he told one of the boys to tell his brother that he wanted to see him before he (his brother) commenced work. He went down to the barn and when I got there his brother asked me to let Louis have $10. I didn’t have the money so I told him my brother would be home that evening when I would get it for him. This was satisfactory and he said he would get the money the next morning and he did so (I mean Louis). He said he was going to Pine creek and asked me how much I would give him to bring in some of my stray horses. I said $10 and he went away. I have known Thomas Higgins for 6 years, his place adjoined mine on the south. The last time I saw Higgins alive was on Friday or Saturday in the evening at my house. On Wednesday morning Thomas Richardson, one of my neighbors
asked me if I had seen Higgins. I said no. He said he believed that there was something wrong with him, that he had not seen him for two or three days. He has Higgins’ place rented. He said that when he came out of Higgins’ field on Tuesday evening he saw smoke down in the canyon and went to see what it was. It was a gunny sack full of rags and paper. I went to Pullman Wednesday evening and had a talk with a man named Farris. He said: “Louis Knott has quit you, has he?” He said Louis had said he was to take land about 6 miles from Pullman. My impression was that he meant Louis was going to jump land. I said jumping land was an up hill business in this country and went home. The next morning, me, my brother and Thomas Richardson went to look for Higgins. Went to where the rags were burned and then to Higgins’ house. Saw some blood on the floor. Left the house and went to where Mr. Kincaid was plowing on Mr. Higgins’ farm. Asked
him if he had seen Higgins. He said: “Not since Sunday, when he was at my house with Louis Knott.” He unhitched his team and went with us towards Higgins’ house. Down the hill across the draw we came to a place that looked as if dirt had been removed. Some one made the remark that the place looked queer. Richardson took a stick and prodded it into the ground. It was loose and the stick went right down. One of the boys got a hoe and dug into the loose dirt and we unearthed a human hand. We covered it up and went away. My brother went to Colfax to notify the authorities. On Thursday evening, Mr. Foster, Mr. Drinkwater, Mr. Richardson and myself took the body up and identified it as that of Higgins. There was a bullet hole in the head. I was there the next day (Friday) when the coroner took Higgins up and into the house. He was shot through the head from the right side. Bullet went through the head and struck the wall. Another shot
entered the back of his head and the doctors took it out of his brain. A bed was lying in the corner on the floor. There was blood there. It had run through the floor on to the sill and out on the ground. There was a piece cut out of the bed tick.

Monroe Bryant

Have known Louis Knott since last September. He was working for my brother and myself. On the evening of the 6th, he left about dark and was away three hours. When he came back he said he had been visiting or taking a walk. He went to work next morning and remained until Tuesday noon. I was with my brother and others when we found Higgins’ body. I went from home to Pullman and from there to Colfax. I went to Colfax for the purpose of looking into the matter of and arresting Louis Knott and seeing … article content is missing…

Orville Stewart

(Witness shown coat) I recognize the coat as similar to a coat I sold Thomas Higgins at Pullman on February 26th. I never sold a similar coat to Knott. Mr. Higgins was in my store on April 5th and had on a coat similar to the one shown. I think the pistol shown belongs to Higgins.

R. Lanning

I live at Pullman. The prisoner had a coat like that when he came to the stable. He tied it up and put it in a sack which he tied back of the saddle of a horse he got from me to go to Colfax. I went over to Higgins’ house, saw the blood on the floor. Went out, and by the corner of the house we saw blood on the ground. Went into the house and pulled the straw back from the head of the bed and found plenty of blood on the floor. Saw where a shot had gone through a board of the wall. Went outside, pulled off a batting, put my hand inside and took out the bullet. Afterwards saw near the head of the bed about 3 feet from the floor a dent made by a bullet which had fallen on the floor.



Dr Webb

I was acquainted with Higgins. Made an examination of his body at the inquest held on Friday. There was a gunshot wound entering the right temple and coming out on the left side. There was another wound in the back of his head at the base of the skull ranging up and dropping into his brain. Either would have caused instant death. A man might live a few hours with a shot from temple to temple. I should think the caliber of the weapon was between 36 and 44.

Dr. Roswell

I assisted Dr. Webb in making an examination. Found the wounds as Dr. Webb has stated. Either would cause instant death.

W B Spencer

I arrested prisoner at Pullman on Thursday evening (Witness shown papers). I recognize papers as found on the prisoner at the time he was arrested.

C P Edmunds

On Thursday, shortly before noon, prisoner came to me in C D Porter’s land office and showed me relinquishments on lands with the name of Thomas Higgins signed to them. (Witness was shown papers). I recognize the papers as the ones shown to me by prisoner. He wanted to file on the lands but the papers were irregular and he could not do so. I told him to have the papers remedied. He said Higgins had left the country but that he would have the papers fixed.

After summoning up the evidence, the justice held Knott, without bail, to await the action of the grand jury.

On Tuesday afternoon a GAZETTE representative visited the jail and found Knott confined in a cell with heavy shackles on his legs, every precaution being taken to prevent his escape or self destruction. He was quite talkative and answered questions without hesitation.

The Prisoner’s Statement…

…was as follows: “I know I am in a tight place, and chances are against me, but I am as innocent as on the day of my birth. I have no money and can do nothing. My parents live in Colorado, but I do not want them to know of this affair. They are in comfortable circumstances but by no means well off. I admit I was with Higgins on Sunday, and if he were alive I could prove it. On Sunday evening when I was absent from Bryant’s house I was taking a walk on the hillside. When I left Higgins on Sunday he was good… scanned article is missing balance of information.

… same issue of paper, continues… day morning early he hired a horse and after going to Bryant’s and getting the $10 came to Colfax. After getting shaved he went to Mr. Perkins’ bank asked about filing on land, showing the papers and also a relinquishment from Higgins to himself. As the law requires relinquishments to be made to the government, Mr. Perkins told him the papers were not correct and he would have to have them remedied. He said he would do so and went out. On Wednesday evening he took supper at the Baldwin House; after the meal he asked to have a bed saved for himself and also one for a friend he was expecting. He then loitered about town until 11 o’clock when he went to the hotel and asked if his chum had arrived yet. He received a negative answer and went to bed. Thursday morning he went to C D Porter’s office and asked Mr. Edmunds about filing on the land. Mr. Edmunds told him the relinquishments would have to be made
before a notary or justice. Knott asked if any notary or justice would do and he was answered yes. He said he would have the matter fixed up and left, going to Pullman where he was arrested.

The relinquishment papers found in Knott’s possession are the same handwriting as his signature in the Baldwin House register and it is pretty clear he drew them up.

Higgins had often expressed fear of being killed for his land and it is supposed he himself put the idea into Knott’s head.

The supposition that Higgins was buried several hours after death is based on the fact that when he was found one arm was under his head and the other stretched straight out from the body, showing he had become cold and stiff before he was buried.

Subsequent Gazette posts:

Deputy Sheriff Spencer is in receipt of a letter from Louis Knott’s father, living in South Pueblo, Colorado, in which he asks for detailed information concerning the murder with which his son is charged. A Gazette containing an account of the preliminary examination has been mailed him.

Subsequent Gazette posts:

The Knott Murder Case – The grand jury on Wednesday morning brought in a true bill in the case of Louis A Knott, held for the killing of Thomas Higgins, charging the prisoner with murder in the first degree. Damaging evidence is being accumulated against Knott and there seems to be little doubt that he will be convicted as charged. Knott has been doing considerable writing since in jail, and has done his case great injury thereby as his peculiar hand writing corresponds with the writing on the relinquishment papers he presented when he attempted to get hold of Higgins’ land. More than this, a letter has been received bearing the postmark of Pendleton, Oregon, and addressed to the Bryant boys at Pullman. The letter is signed by Bill Mitchell, and says “I (Bill Mitchell) killed Higgins, catch me if you can.” The letter is written exactly similar to that of Knott’s and the general impression is that Knott wrote it after his arrest and gave it
to the man Yates, who was released on bail, and that he (Yates) mailed it at Pendleton. Knott’s father came out from Colorado last week and is doing what he can to establish his son’s innocence. He believes him guiltless, although he admits evidence is very strong against him. He says the relinquishment papers particularly are damaging. The theory of the older Knott is that the crime could not have been committed by one man, and he says that even if his son committed the deed, he must have had help.

Subsequent Gazette article – The Noose Tightens – Knott has completed his biography. He tells the story of his life on one sheet of paper, from which it is inferred he has omitted the most interesting portion.

Subsequent Gazette details the DEATH SENTENCE – Immediately after the reading of the verdict of the jury in the Knott murder case, the attorney for the defense gave notice of a motion for a new trial. On Wednesday afternoon at 3 o’clock W A Inman submitted his motion for such a new trial but it was overruled and his honor commanded Louis A Knott to stand up and give his legal reasons, if he had any, why sentence should not be passed. The prisoner stood up and said “I don’t know. The prosecuting attorney made pleas and gave papers to the jury that were unjust and unfavorable to me and Thomas Richardson didn’t see me come away from the house. I own up I wrote some of the papers and some of them I didn’t write and it is a hard question for me to decide this case.” The judge then informed Knott that he asked him if he had anything to say because the law required him to do so. Knott continued: “I should think the letter coming to Monroe
Bryant would be cause for a new trial which would show somebody else did this.” Judge Wingard: “That matter was left to the jury.” Knott: “It looks to me as if such things might show the people in a case like this that this is cause enough for a new trial.” Judge Wingard: “The jury determined all matters of fact and they did not seem to think your way.” The court had no right to interfere with matters of fact” Knott hung his head a few moments in silence, when the court asked him if he had anything more to say to which he replied: “That’s all I can say in this case.” Judge Wingard then passed sentence as follows: “The court thinks you have had a fair trial, that you have been ably defended, and every advantage has been taken for you by your attorneys. The court is not aware of anything in which your trial has not been fair and the jury have determined your guilt. The court believes you guilty and it is now an
unpleasant, solemn and painful duty to pass sentence upon you. The sentence of the court is that you be taken hence to the jail from whence you came and there confined and at the time of execution, which will be fixed in the death warranty, that you be taken forth to the place of execution and hanged by the neck until you are dead.” The prisoner took his sentence as a matter of fact and in his unfeeling way sat down and commenced conversation with his attorney, betraying his stubborn disposition and a determination not to give up until the last possible chance was gone. He will be heavily ironed and a death watch kept over him until the execution, July 21st. (1884).

Subsequent Gazette post – A “BAD CASE” Truly – The following verbatim request, which is in the handwriting of the “Mitchell” letters introduced in court, explains itself:

Louis A Knott – Collfax Washington Territory

Palouse Gazette will you be so good and kind as to publish a statement for me I wood like for all that can com to com and seeme hung on the 21st of July for thisi s a bad case and I wood like to have the opportunity to address them all I can stand it because I am innocent I wood like to see a big attendance your truly Louis A Knott

The handwriting on the wall indicates that Louis A Knott is not a knave. He is wanting in sufficient quantity of common sense to attain that distinction. Inheriting enough inborn sense to keep him out of a refuge for idiots, he has ambled into the shackles displaying the mind of a child without the redeeming virtues. He is incapable of sustaining a role and cannot look his father in the eye for thirty seconds. His guilt is not questioned.

Yet another Gazette post – Departed – The “good bye; God bless and deliver you, my son,” has been spoken amid a carnival of tears, and the elder Knott has taken his departure for his Colorado home. Upon how unworthy an offspring the words fell, a jury had determined. Through it all, the father’s implicit faith in the protestations of innocence, uttered by the son has never wavered, and he goes vowing vengeance upon imaginary culprits who have cheated the gallows from which his son will step into eternity. In the presence of witnesses he declared his intention of being heard from, even after the culmination of this terrible tragedy. This resolution emanates from his present extreme solicitude and will of course be barren of results. Yet the old man’s sympathizers would that he had departed leaving the words unsaid. His feeble efforts to fasten the guilt upon other parties will avail nothing.

Subsequent Gazette post – Governor Newell Refuses - The following explains itself: Olympia, June 30, 1884 – To the Sheriff of Whitman County, W.T. – Sir: I have received a letter from G W Knott, Esquire, praying for me to commute the sentence of death passed upon his son, Louis A Knott, for the crime of murder, to imprisonment for life in the penitentiary. The father has gone to his home in Colorado and I will thank you therefore to state to the prisoner that I have given careful consideration to the communication of his distressed father, but cannot find any reasons contained therein why I should interfere to prevent the execution of the sentence pronounced in accordance with the law. I have great compassion for him in his dreadful condition, and if I could consistently do so would comply with the petition, but I cannot, and commend him to the mercy of the Great Judge, whose justice is appeased with the offerings of penitence and faith. I am
yours, very truly, W A Newell.

Later issue of Gazette – The Knott Case – The GAZETTE is informed that a bill of Exception will shortly be filed in the Louis A Knott case and steps taken to appeal it to the supreme court. If Knott’s attorneys are determined that an appeal shall be taken it is likely that the prisoner’s neck will be spared a year longer but he cannot expect to be freed by the law, his only chance for freedom is in escaping, and as he is closely guarded day and night, that is next to an impossibility.

The following two articles deal with the lynching of Louis A Knott.. also from the Palouse Gazette.

Hanged by a Mob
Louis A Knott Lynched
Higgins Avenged

Rebuke to the “Law’s Delay,” Administered by a Band of Resolute Men.

Early Tuesday morning our little city was thrown into a state of excitement by the report that Louis A Knott, the murderer of William Thomas Higgins, had been hanged by a mob. Inquiry revealed the following particulars:

About 1 o’clock Tuesday morning a man rapped at the door of Sheriff Marsh’s house, adjoining the county jail I this city. The sheriff answered the summons, and upon opening the door was informed by a man, whom he did not recognize, that there was a prisoner outside whom he wanted locked up. The sheriff saw a number of men standing in front of the jail door and also thought he saw others lying on the ground. Remarking that he would be out as soon as he dressed, he went into his room and commenced putting on his clothes. Just as he had finished dressing, his mother entered the room and said the yard was full of men. Mr. Marsh then went to the back kitchen door, but upon opening it was confronted by several masked men. He shut that door and turning around, left the house by the front kitchen door. He had no sooner entered the yard than he was surrounded by masked men, who demanded the keys to the jail. Mr. Marsh told them they had better let
Knott alone and let the law take its course, but they replied “justice demanded that they have the keys,” whereupon they pinioned the officer’s arms and forcibly took the keys to the jail from his pocket. They then demanded the key to the corral door and the sheriff informed them that the guards inside had it. A command was given to break in the door. The sheriff remonstrated and told them there was an armed guard inside and that they entered at their own peril. They paid no attention whatever to him but pried open the door with a crow bar. The mob entered the jail yard, pushing the officer in before them, and approached the outside door of the jail. The leader called through the bars for the death watch, who occupied the main room of the jail, to get up and open the door. When the guard appeared at the bars he was again ordered to open the door or be blown to pieces. He drew the staple and the crowd entered the jail. The leader, after
fumbling with the locks for a while, turned to Sheriff Marsh and asked him to unlock them. Marsh refused and the man renewed his efforts, finally succeeding in opening the door. The mob entered Knott’s cell, placed a rope around his neck and let him out. They took him to the front of the jail yard, threw the rope over the fence, and a number of their men on the outside hauled him up. After he was raised several feet it was discovered that he hands were not tied, and was lowered again, but his feet did not touch the ground. His hands being tied, he was raised again and the rope fastened to one of the fence posts on the outside. When he was hanged about fifteen minutes one of the mob felt his pulse and pronounced life extinct.… article section not scanned and continues later with eyewitness accounts …He made no resistance. I went to my residence and stayed there until the crowd left. Then I went out and saw Knott was hanging inside the
fence. He was dead. Had been hanging ten or fifteen minutes. Didn’t hear Knott say a word. All the mob were masked except the leader. When they were unlocking the inside door some one said: “Let’s have Yates.” I said: “You don’t want Yates.” The body was cut down at 8 o’clock. I saw one shotgun in the hands of the mob.

C H Warner

Some time last night Sheriff Marsh’s mother came to my house and said there was a mob at the jail. I got up, dressed and started with her to the sheriff’s house. When we reached the steps I saw a large number of men in front of the jail. Three or four of them came forward and told us to go in the house immediately. We did so. Did not recognize the men. Don’t know whether they were masked or not. It was dark. In about twenty minutes I looked out of the window and saw men pulling on a rope on the outside of the jail yard; about five or six of them. Heard one ask if that was high enough. Heard some one ask if they were sure he was dead. Some one said: “Let’s have Yates,” some said no, some said yes. One louder than the rest said: “No, we are done,” and in four or five minutes they started off.

John Larwood

I was guard in the jail last night. In the morning I heard footsteps. I was sleeping in front room of jail. I was called and went to the door. Was commanded to open door; hesitated a moment. Looked out and saw several men, among them Mr. Marsh. The order was repeated and I opened the door. They asked me to unlock it. I refused. They finally succeeded in getting it open. Several men went in the cell and brought out Knott with a rope around his neck. I did not see him alive again. Heard Knott say: “If you feel it’s your duty”.

Harry Benjamin

Last night I was sleeping in the room over the jail with William Spencer. Between 1 and 2 o’clock I was aroused by the jingling of chains in the jail below and a flood of light and hearing someone cry out, “Great God, he won’t hang without his hands being tied.” Went to the window; saw a man hanging against the fence; saw him let down and his hands tied; then someone said, “Now pull him up,” and they did so. Knott’s face was toward the wall, one man tunred him around and felt his pulse. All Knott said was “I’m condemned by the law and expected to be hung by the law.” A call was then made for Yates, some said yes and some no. I heard fifteen or sixteen voices. The mob left about fifteen minutes after I was awakened. I heard no names mentioned.

Oliver Hall

Was awakened by my mother, who said there were persons around the house. She had seen four persons come up the walk and go toward the jail. Afterward she got a light and went out to see what was going on. She saw persons standing in front of the jail. One man said: “Madam, put out that light”. She did so and went in the house. Some time after I heard the noise made while putting the rope over the fence. I didn’t get up until I heard the parties leave and going out I saw Marsh, Warner, Spencer, Benjamin and Larwood in front of the jail; also rope tied on outside of fence. Saw none of the participants and did not see Knott until after he was cut down.

David Marsh (Sheriff)

I am sheriff of Whitman county. Was at my home adjoining the jail on the night in question. I was awakened about 1 o’clock by some one knocking at my door. Got up and went to the door and found a man standing on the steps. He said he had a prisoner he wanted to lock up. Didn’t know the man. He was about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, heavy set, beard about two weeks old, between 30 and 35 years old, sandy beard, was not masked. Don’t know whether I would know him again or not. Don’t remember ever seeing him before. I saw four or five men standing in front of the jail. Thought I saw several more lying down. The man said his name was Thompson and he was from Palouse City. Told him to wait until I dressed. Went to my room. When I was about through dressing my mother came in and said the yard was full of men. I went through the kitchen and opened the back door. Four or five men were standing there. They had on masks made of white
cloth. I shut the door and went out the front door of the kitchen. When I got out I heard men inside talking to my wife. As soon as I was out the men gathered around me and demanded the keys to the jail. I said there was no use of that; they had better let Knott alone and let the law take its course. They said “Justice demands that we have those keys” and then went through me for them and got the jail keys. They then wanted to the key to the corral door. I told them the guards inside had it and if they went in they did so at their own peril. I didn’t recognize any of the voices. The man who came to my house said, “Bring on your sledges and break in the door.” A man stepped up and pried it open with a crow bar. They pushed me in the jail yard and all followed. There must have been 25 or 30 of them. They asked me where the guard was. I told them inside the jail. The leader called for him to open the door. The guard got up and
came to the door, when the leader said: “Open that door or we’ll blow you through.” The guard opened the door. The leader tired to open the cell door. He said to me: “You unlock this door.” I refused. He finally got it unlocked. They then went into the cell and put a rope around Knott’s neck and led him out. They said nothing, neither did Knott. Six or eight went in to the cell. They took Knott down in front of the jail. I picked up the keys and started to go out of jail; was told to hold on. I heard the noise of rope being drawn over fence. Told them my folks was scared and I wanted to go In the home. They allowed me to do so. Four of five followed me. When I got in front of jail, they were hauling Knott up alongside of fence.

The coroner’s jury found that Knott came to his death by hanging at the hands of unknown parties. Thus ended one of the blackest tragedies ever enacted within the limits of Whitman County.

Articles transcribed by Tammy (Higgins) Logston. Information on William Thomas Higgins located primarily in the diaries of his brother, Vincent Lafayette Higgins (currently on file at the Washington State University – Pullman, WA – MASC).

.....................................

21 Aug 2008

I am trying to track down prior family history for my grandfather, William Quincy Higgins, of Sparta, North Carolina – who died in the early 80’s (80-82). I know this is not much to go on, but I have little info as many of the family have died or scattered to the four corners… One of his sons, Samuel Higgins – born in Sparta – was my father (born in 1934). Wife of William Quincy Higgins was Docia Higgins.

Regards,
Brian Higgins glenfarclas63 AT gmail.com Singapore

- Webmaster's Findings -
Name: William Quincy Higgins Gender: Male Race: White
Date of Death: 27 Oct 1986 Death City: Gap Civil
Death County: Alexander Death State: North Carolina

Social Security Death Index
Name: William Higgins
Last Residence: 28675 Sparta, Alleghany, North Carolina, USA
Born: 7 Jul 1900 Died: Oct 1986

Source: North Carolina Death records-
List his parents as William Higgins & Mary Ann Wood
North Carolina Death Certificates Name: Maryanne Haggins (Higgins)
[Maryanne Wood] Gender: Female Race: White Age: 67
Birth Date: abt 1867 Birth Place: Wilkes Death Date: 28 May 1934 Death Location: Cherry Lane, Alleghany Spouse's Name: Wm Higgins
Father's Name: William Wood Mother's Name: Amelia Bell

Source: North Carolina Birth Index
Name: Claude Curtis Higgins Date of Birth: 24 Dec 1896
Gender: Male Race: White Birth County: Alleghany
Parent Name: William Higgins Parent Name: Mary Ann Wood
Roll Number: B_C004_66003 Volume: D 7 Page: 104

Name: Esther Faye Higgins Date of Birth: 16 May 1906
Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Alexander
Parent Name: William Higgins Parent Name: Mary Ann Wood
Roll Number: B_C003_66002 Volume: D-11 Page: 114

Name: Lonnie R Higgins Date of Birth: 2 May 1904
Gender: Male Race: White Birth County: Alleghany
Parent Name: William Higgins Parent Name: Mary Ann Wood
Roll Number: B_C004_66003 Volume: D 6 Page: 128

Name: Walter Hardin Higgins Date of Birth: 12 Sep 1908
Gender: Male Race: White Birth County: Alexander
Parent Name: William Higgins Parent Name: Mary Ann Wood
Roll Number: B_C003_66002 Volume: D-14 Page: 139

and

http://www.citizentimes.com/obituaries/obit.php?id=10290

Crate Higgins - The Asheville Citizen-Times (Jan/4/2004)


Burnsville - Crate Higgins, 93, of Bald Creek, Burnsville, died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2004, at his home. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Milus (d. March 8 1974) and Effie Higgins and husband of Edith Arrowood Higgins who died in 1987. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Horace, Ned (April 26 1930- March 7 1961) and Ray (Roy) Higgins.

He is survived by his daughter, Virginia Higgins of Manassas, Va.; two sisters, Clillon Bailey of Burnsville and Nettie Leigh Pate (b April 26 1930) of Naples, Fla.; brother, Cecil Higgins of Burnsville; and special caregivers, Dwight and Yvonne McIntosh of Burnsville.

The funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, of which he was a member, with Pastor Davy Shelton officiating. Burial will be in Cane River Baptist Church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home, where the body will remain until taken to the church to lie in repose 30 minutes prior to the services.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Services are being provided by: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Published: 2004-01-03 © 2003 ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES

North Carolina Deaths
Name: Crate Higgins Gender: Male Race: White
Hispanic Origin: Non-Hispanic
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Last Name: Higgins Age: 93 Years
Date of Birth: 26 Sep 1910 Birth County: Yancey
Birth State: North Carolina Residence County: Yancey

Residence State: North Carolina
Residence Zip Code: 28714
Education: 10th grade
Date of Death: 1 Jan 2004
Death County: Yancey Death State: North Carolina
Autopsy: Autopsy Not Performed
Autopsy Findings: Autopsy findings were not considered
in determining cause of death
institution: Residence Attendant: Physician
Burial Location: Burial in-state
Recorded date: 7 Jan 2004
Source Vendor: North Carolina State Center for Health
Statistics

Name: Crate Higgins
Last Residence: 28714 Burnsville, Yancey, North
Carolina, USA
Born: 26 Sep 1910 Died: 1 Jan 2004
State (Year) SSN issued: Railroad Board (Issued
Through) (Before 1951 )

Name: Milus Higgins
Last Residence: 28714 Burnsville,Yancey,North
Carolina, USA
Born: 8 May 1892 Died: Mar 1974
State (Year) SSN issued: North Carolina (1956 )

Name: Horace H. Higgins
Last Residence: 28714 Burnsville, Yancey, North
Carolina, United States of America
Born: 16 May 1913 Died: 30 Dec 2000
State (Year) SSN issued: North Carolina (Before 1951)

1930; Census Place: Egypt, Yancey, North Carolina; Roll: 1730; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 6; Image: 430    (No Image Available)
Name                  Age
Milas (Milus) Higgins 39
Effie Higgins           36
Crate Higgins 18
Horace Higgins 16
Cecil Higgins 13
Roy Higgins 11
Clarice Higgins 8

HIGGINS MILUS M W NC NC YANCEY EGYPT 1920
Name                   Age
Milas (Milus)Higgins un
Effa (Effie) Higgins 25
Crate Higgins 9
Horace Higgins 6
Cecil Higgins 4
Ray A (Roy) Higgins 1

HIGGINS JAMES H 62 M W NC NC YANCEY EGYPT TWP 1910
Name Age
James H Higgins 62
Elizabeth Higgins 58
Rendy Higgins 32
Milus Higgins 17
Effy Higgins 16
Thomas Higgins 12
James Higgins 9
Zary Higgins 6
Other Higgins families living nearby

HIGGINS JAMES W 53 M W NC NC YANCEY EGYPT TWP 1900
Name Age
James Higgins 53
Elizabeth Higgins 43
Isaac Higgins 23
Rinda Higgins 20
Mira Higgins 15
Bachus Higgins 12
Susanna Higgins 10
Milas Higgins 8
Thomas Higgins 3
James Higgins 1

Household:1880
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age
Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace

James H. HIGGINS Self M Male W 32 NC Farmer NC NC
Elizabeth HIGGINS Wife M Female W 21 GA Keeping House NC NC
Isaac HIGGINS Son S Male W 4 NC NC GA
Rinda HIGGINS Dau S Female W 2 NC NC GA

Source Information:
Census Place District 233, Yancey, North Carolina Family History Library Film 1254988
NA Film Number T9-0988 Page Number 544A

http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/nc/yancey/cemeteries/higins05.txt
YANCEY COUNTY, NC - CEMETERIES - Higgins Cemetery