HIGGINS, PATRICK (b. 1810, d. 4 SEP 1872)

Note: As told by Marilyn (Davito) Campbell; daughter of Mary (Higgins) Davito:

One of the earliest settlers to the Braidwood, IL area was William Higgins who came in the early 1840's about the time of the potato famine in Ireland. He bought a farm from the government but spent most of his time trading and peddling in the area. He had three (3) sons, the youngest known as "Professor John." He taught in the local schools in the middle 1880's, then he left the area! William's brother Patrick (our great-great grandfather) followed him to America and settled on a farm along the KanKakee River across from the Township of Custer Park. How surprised I was to learn my great-great grandfather settled land across the river from where I lived many, many years ago. The "original" William Higgins to the Braidwood, IL. area was our great-great grandfather Patrick's brother. He was John Henry's, Michael's, and Bernard's uncle.
Then my great grandfather Bernard named his son, my grandfather William B. Higgins Sr. Then William Sr. had a son and named him William B. Higgins Jr. (my uncle), and he has a son William Higgins III, my cousin.
Most immigrants kept using the same name over and over to try to drive geneologists "crazy." Ha! My grandfather, William B. Higgins Sr., was a farmer also, and a mechanic owning his own shop after he left the farm. He also bartended and loved Irish whiskey. I have fond memories of him singing songs and his "Irish wit."
His children and grandchildren were his prize possessions in life -- strict Roman Catholic and "diehard" Democrats -- today most remain Catholic, but more are Republicans than Democrats. Ha! Ha!
My great grandfather, Bernard, a brother to John Henry, your great grandfather, came to Braidwood to live in 1873 operating a store, then tended bar in a building owned by the Eureka Coal Company.
He married Elizabeth Doyle, daughter of another Irish pioneer family in 1879. They bought a large farm in the area and rented several others where Bernard gave employment to striking coal miners during many strikes in the coal mines. He also operated Higgins Coal Mine -- most was lost during the Depression.
That's about all the information I have at this point.

Braidwood was estableshed as a coal mining town. It was really swampland until the coal mining companies set up ditches to drain the townprior to that it was farms.

There is a possibility that Patrick and Mary Catherine attended St. Rose of :ima Catholic Church in Wilmington IL. He farmed on the out skirts of Wilmington.


The following information was received from Richard Higgins, Copied from Church Records.



1. Andrew died Aug. 27, 1893, Aged 1 yr./ John D. died Aug. 3, 1897, Aged 6 mos. Children of A.P. & M.S, . Gillan -Gillan/
Mary born Aug. 16, 1899, died Nov. 6, 1906 [ Lennon]

LOT 123 [ W 1/2, Peter Currey. 5 1/2, Peter Riley.]
1. Mary Ellen, dau. of Peter & Ann Curry, died Aug. 15, 1878, Aged 8 Years, 11 mo., 15 ds. [epit.]
2. John, son of P. & A. Curry died June 24, 1872, Aged 1 Yr., 3 Mos. "Gone but not forgotten".
3. Mary, wife of Timothy Ryan, died Nov. 29, 1861, Aged 63 Years. Native of Clonbon, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. "May she rest in peace. Amen." [ This marker may belong in lot 104.]

LOT 124 [ Ownership: W 1/2, Thomas W. Kelly. E 1/2, John Evans.]
1. John Evans/ Ellen his wife/ James Evans Sr.
-Evans [ E. Wunderlich] / Henry/ Daniel/ Frank

LOT 125 [ Empty of markers. Ownership: W 1/2, Matthew Lealus. E 1/2, Patrick Naughton (or P. Norton).]

LOT 126 [ Empty of markers. Ownership: W 1/2, Patrick Naughton (or P. Norton). E 1/2 John Hennesy.]

LOT 127 [ Ownership: Patrick Higgins.]
1. Catherine wife of P. Higgins died Aug. 15, 1880; Aged 65 Years, Erected by J. Higgins
2. Patrick Higgins died Sept. 4, 1872, Aged 62 Yrs. Native of Clonkoose, Parish of Gorthletthra, Co. Leitrim, Ireland.
"May his soul rest in peace." "Farewell my wife and children all. From you a father Christ doth call. Mourn not for me it is in vain. To call me to your sight again."
3, William P. son of J. & J. Higgins died Feb. 9,1879, Aged 1 Yr. 11 Mo. 16 Ds.
"What to us is life without thee; Darkness and despair alone. When with sighs we seek to find thee. This tomb proclaims that thou art gone."

LOT 128 [ Ownership: unknown.]

LOT 129 (Ownership: Patrick Brennan.]
1. Hines
2. Brennan

LOT 130 [ Ownership: unknown.]
1. Alice Mary Quigley died July 21, 1900 Age 53 yrs.
2. James L. Quigley died Mar. 23, 1888 Age 48 yrs.
3. Sacred to the memory of Catherine Lonergan, Native


Page 33

Note: SETTLED IN BRAIDWOOD, IL. IN 1873, HE WAS A STORE OWNER, BAR TENDER, FARMER, & ALSO OPERATED THE HIGGINS COAL MINE. BURIED IN MT. OLIVET CEMETERY IN BRAIDWOOD, IL.
HE MARRIED EIZIABETH DOYLE IN 1879. HE BOUGHT A LARGE FARM IN THE AREA AND RENTED SEVERAL OTHERS WHERE HE GAVE EMPLOYMENT TO STRIKING COAL MINERS DURING MANY STRIKES IN THE COAL MINES. HE ALSO OPERATED "HIGGINS COAL MINE" MOST WAS LOST DURING THE DEPRESSION.

Note: TEACHER IN THE BRAIDWOOD AREA IN THE 1890'S

Note: BURIED IN OSAWATOMIE CITY, KS CEMETARY

Note: JOHN HENRY HIGGINS & CATHERINE A.HIGGINS ARE BURIED IN THE SAME PLOT AS THEIR PARENTS, IN GRAND JUNCTION, IA.

Note: JAMES WAS A PRVAITE IN THE US ARMY IN "WWI" HAD A LEG AMPUTATED

Note: THE BIOGRAOHY OF JOE HIGGINS
by
GRANDSON
JASON STEINKAMP

DECEMBER 11, 1994

Joe Higgins, my grandpa, was born October 1, 1915 in Woonsocket, South Dakota. He joined an older brother, Jerry who was born in 1910 and a sister, Mary, who was born in 1912. Later to join the family was two younger brothers; Samborn in 1921 and Bernard born in 1919. All of these children were born at home.

The family tree cosisted of Grandpa Joe's mom, Julie Ann Mackey, whom he called "ma" and his father, John Peter Higgins, whom he called "pa". His grandmother, Ann Collins Mackey (Julie's mother) was the only grandparent that he knew and was from Churdan, Iowa. The others weredead by the time he was born. When asked what he called his grandparents, he replied, " I didn't call them much, they were all dead ". All of his grandparents came from Ireland alone.

Grandpa's family was very religious. He remembered attending Mass dressed up and fasting from midnight to 10:30 A. M. Mass was two hours long. Went to Catholic school and quit after 8th grade because of his dad's failing health. He had to stay home and work on the farm.

His grandparents were coal miners in Pennsylvania. [NOTE: The mian coal minning was done in Wilmington, IL.]

When I asked him if he'd ever takena vacation when he was a child, he said they never knew what a vacation was. He rememberes the time they would all get in the car and go to the county fair once every year. He would get a Quater and thought that was great! It would buy a hamburger, shake, and a candy bar.

Grandpa joe was named after his mother's brother.

Some of Grandpa Joe's Favorites are Babe Ruth candy bar bought at the dime store for 5 cents. It was a lot bigger than the ones we have now. His favorate kind of ice cream was home made: vanilla and walnut maple. His favorite saying is "Jesus, Mary and Joseph". Favorite singer is Bing Crosby singing Caroline Moon. He also enjoys listening to Lawrence Welk's orchestra and singer Kate Smith. Favirite movie was any western, especially those that Gene Awtry was in. It was a silent movie and had the words at the bottom of the screen that you had to read along, while a lady played the piano. Admission was 10 - 5 cents. His favorite season was spring. He loves to see everything come to life. His favorite hobby is fishing and baseball.

He recalls playing baseball with neighbors in the pasture. He said they'd play for hours, but when they'd lose the ball it was time to quit, because no body else would have a ball. They would bring an old cream can with them to drink out of. There would be no running water nearby.

Grandpa's favorite movie star was Tom Mix - cowboy. His favotite holiday was the Fourth of July. It was a day of rest. Favorite cartoon was Maggie and Gigs and also Dagwood and Blondie

The best day of his life was when he got married. He said after "baching" it for a year, it was nice to have somebody do his work.

The times were rough as a child. He lived through the depression and lots of drought. Neverknew where the next meal would come from. They lived very cautious and still had 5 crop failures in 5 years due to the droughts in South Dakota. They then moved to Iowa. Grandpa thinks things are better now in this time period.

His favorite thing to do when he was a child was to mow hay. He had a favorite horse, "Mandy". In fact they usually had about three horses at a time.

My grandpa was born and raised on the farm. He is 79 years old and still lives on his farm. He said he loves the country and wouldn't want to move to town. "Living today is a world of different" compared to when he was growing up. somethings easier and some not. He said there was so many diseases back then that didn't have any cures. They didn't have very good transportation. People today are much more independent, which is probably good. He notices that teenagers are the biggest difference from when he was growing up. He never got to go to town because he had no money. All he knew was work.

My grandpa said the most valuable possession he has everhad is his good health. He has not quite done everything he would like to do. I hope he is around along time yet to come. He is one great guy!


I did this report ten months before Grandpa Joe passed away. I sure miss him.

Note: Bernard P. Higgins Sr.

Bernard P. Higgins, Sr. LaFeria, TX Bernard P. Higgins, Sr., age 85, of LaFeria, Texas, formerly of Kouts, Indiana, passed away September 15, 2005 at his home in Texas. He was born April 4, 1920 in Woonsocket, South Dakota to John P. and Julia Ann (Mackey) Higgins and had worked as a farmer, Carpenter and Laborer with the Local 81 Union. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in LaFeria, and the Valparaiso Moose. On September 21, 1940 he married Lois Busker who survives of Texas along with their 15 children: Mary (Larry) Woerdehoff of Buchanan,MI, John (Linda ) Higgins of Kouts, Bernie (Regina) Higgins of New Carlisle, IN, Judy (Robert) Miller of Boardman, Ohio, Lois (Jerry) Bruder of Valparaiso, Joe (Connie) Higgins of Kouts, Barbara (John) Hughes of Garland, TX, Marleen (John) Miller of Kouts, Tim (Marianne) Higgins of Tigard, OR, Christine (Tony) Stepp of Palm Beach, FL, Nancy (Wayne) Powell of Trenton, IL, Pat (Connie) Higgins of Kouts, Teresa (Mike) Lane of Kouts, Brian (Nancy) Higgins of Yuba City, CA, Janie (Robert) Latham of Terrell, TX; 49 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and three brothers. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 23, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Kouts, with the Rev. Thomas T. Tibbs, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Kouts. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at Kosanke Funeral Home, Kouts. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Kosankefuneralhome.com
Published in The Times on 9/19/2005.
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Published in The Times on 9/19/2005.

Note: DIED IN CARROL, IA AT ST. ANTHONY'S HOSPITAL

Note: LANEASE HAD ALZHEIMER'S AND WAS PLACED IN THE SIOUX VALLEY, VERMILLION CARE CENTER IN MARCH OF 2002 WHERE SHE PASSED AWAY JAN. 18, 2003. SHE WAS 70 YEARS OLD. SHE GRADUATED FROM JEFFERSON , SD HIGH SCHOOL. AFTER WHICH SHE WENT TO COLLEGE AND TAUGHT SCHOOL IN GIBSON #13 COUNTRY SCHOOL, AND THEN AT RYAN COUNTRY SCHOOL. La NEASE'S PASSED AWAY @@ ABOUT 2:30 AM IN THE VERMILLION CARE CENTER AT VERMILLION, SD. SHE HAS BEEN BATTELING ALZHEIMER'S SINCE ABOUT 1994. THE PRAYER SERVICE WAS TUESDAY @@ 7:30 PM ON JANUARY 21, 2003 IN JEFFERSON, SD AT ST.PETERS CATHOLIC CHURCH. THE FUNERAL SERVICE WERE JANUARY 22, 2003 @@ 10:00 AM ALSO IN JEFFERSON, SD AT ST. PETERS CATHOLIC CHURCH. SHE WAS BURIED AT THE CEMETERY IN ELK POINT, SD. A LUNCH AND SOCIAL FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOLLOWED AT THE JEFFERSON, SD SENIOR CENTER.



This was submitted by Lila August 03, 1998

On November 8, 1932 Jerry and Irene Higgins became parents for the first time, LaNease was born in Jefferson, SD. La Nease entered first grade at St Boniface Porocihal School in Sioux City, IA, attending various schools as the family moved to different communities. She graduated from 8th grade at Jefferson St Peters Elementery School in 1938 . She entered Jefferson Public High School, while there she was active in a number of avtivities. She played Trumpet in the band participated in school plays and was involved in public speaking. She graduated from Jefferson Public High School in 1950. La Nease went on to college, the first year she went to Mitchell Teachers college, her second and third year she attended college in Brookings, SD and became a teacher. Her first teaching job was at Gibson #13 country school east of Jefferson SD, about 1/2 mile north of the Jefferson race track. When she first went to look at the school before school began in the fall it was filthy dirty. There were crackes around the windows where dirt and rain had blown in all summer. LaNease and her family worked for two weeks cleaning to prepare for school to start. She only had about 10 students grades 1-8. Some of them walked to school, some rode their horses, there was a small stable in one corner of the play ground and some students were brought by their parents. LaNease lived about 8 miles away and never missed a day except for two snow storms that year. We were living on what we called the Benjamin place, 2 miles west and 1 mile south of Jefferson, SD. La Nease didn't have a car or know how to drive so her father took her back and forth to school. Her second and third years of teaching were at Ryan Country School, one mile east and two miles north of Elk Point, SD. Again 1-8 with only about 10-12 students. She moved from her family home and lived with her Uncle Joe and Aunt Jenette Schmitz and family whom lived about 3/4's of a mile north of the school. One of the functions at the school was after a school meeting or school play. The females children included would pack a lunch for two in a decorated container,with no identification on the outside, only upon opening was it known whim had brought that container, it would be sold to the highest male children included bidder, and they would have evening lunch together, it was called a box social lunch.

This is where she met her future husband Jerry Steckelberg. His family lived across the road from the school and farmed in the area. Jerry was born December 25, 1930 on there farm northeast of Elk Point, SD. He was the fourth of four children born to John and Beryle Steckelberg. Jerry and LaNeace were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elk Point, SD on July 3, 1952. Jerry at that time was in the army being shipped to Japan.

They have lived there married life and raised 6 children near Elk Point, SD where Jerry farmedthe family farm until January of 19__. At that time Jerry and LaNease began working at the Union County Courthouse as Custodians. They worked their until 19__ when they retired. Jerry and LaNease are parents of six children and the grandparents of 5 children.

Lila Jean the oldest was born January 10, 1955 in Sioux City, IA she lives and works in Elk Point, SD in the Warranty Dept. at Aaladin Industries Inc.

Jerry Lynn the oldest boy was born August 12, 1957 in Sioux City, IA he lives and works in LeMars, IA for Plymouth County as a Deputy Sheriff, he has been in Law Enforcement for 20 years. Lynn is engaged to Mary Jo Sitxman also of LeMars where she is also in Law Enforcement as a Criminologist.

Lori Jane was born June 22, 1960 in Akron, IA. She purchased a parcel of land from the family farm and moved a house to the site a 1/4 mile north of her parents where she lives. She works for The United States Postal Service in Sioux City, IA.

Lyle John was born May 22, 1961 in Akron, IA he lives in Jefferson, SD with his wife of 11 years and there 5 children. Lyle is employed with O'Keef Elevators. Lyle is married to Joan Trudo on August 8, 1987 at St Peters Catholic Church in Jefferson, SD she was born October 11, 1966. Both Lyle and Joan are very active in the Church and School activities.

There children are:

Alyssa born August 7, 1988, she lovesanimals espicially Dogs. Enjoys reading and computers.
Brendan born December 26, 1989, he is interested in reading,TV, and computers.
Reidborn October 15, 1991, he enjoys every animal from Ants to Zebras, he also likes to read, watch TV and play on the computer.
Gloria born April 9, 1994 loves Mom and Dad, & playing in things like 1 year olds do.
Baby # 6 is due around the 15th of Janruaryof 1999.

Dale Gene was born September 15, 1962 in Akron, IA. The third son of Jerry and LaNease. Dale lives on his grandpa John Steckelberg home place which he purchased from the his father. He works for Solar Plastics in Sioux City, IA as the Head of the Maintenance Department.

David Joseph was born June 3, 1968 to Jerry and LaNease in the Akron Hospital. He is the youngest and is also in Law Enforcement. He lives in Bearsford, SD.

Note: MICHAEL MARRIED CONNIE PRINCE IN 1981 THEY DIVORCED IN 1985 IN SIOUX CITY, IA


Mike was at work and colapsed from a massive coronary, he was taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital where he died.


Michael D. Saunders


Michael D. Saunders, 48, of Sioux City died suddenly Monday, Sept. 17, 2007 at a Sioux City hospital.

Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Dan Guenther officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m., today, with a 7 p.m. parish vigil service, at Christy-Smith Larkin Chapel, 2320 Outer Drive.

Michael was born Nov. 13, 1958, in Sioux City, the son of Dale and LaTricia (Higgins) Saunders. He was raised in Sioux City before moving to California for a few months, then about five years in Phoenix, Ariz., and about 10 years in Durango, Colo. He moved back to Sioux City in 1993.

He was a graduate of East High School, Class of 1977, where he participated in football, swimming and track. He played college football for Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan. He was the delivery driver for Bush Dry Cleaners in Sioux City and also worked inside at the Pro Shop at Floyd Golf Course. He enjoyed golfing and going to Morningside Mustangs sporting events, following the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Cubs, and canoeing on the river with his friends. As per his wishes, he was a tissue and organ donor, so he may give life to other recipients.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather LaTricia and Vern Pranke of Sioux City; two brothers, Bill and Patti Saunders of Sioux City and Bob and Kendra Saunders of Ida Grove, Iowa; one sister Marie and Paul Primm of Sydney, Neb.; one stepbrother, Greg and Julie Pranke of Sioux City; three stepsisters, Becky and Leon Stidfold of Altoona, Iowa; Cheri and Chris Van Schepen of Pleasant Hill, Iowa and Janice Pranke of Minneapolis, Minn.; a special friend, Ruthie Jager of Sioux City; five nieces and nephews, Jacob, Nathan and Casey Saunders and Allie and Fletcher Primm.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dale; grandparents William and Augusta Saunders and Jerry and Irene Higgins.

A memorial has been established in Mike's name in care of the family.

Mike will be remembered most for spoiling his niece and nephews on birthdays and holidays, arguing about anything or nothing, giving great "hard" hugs, helping everyone whenever they needed it, working hard, playing harder and for believing in the Vikings. Mike will be missed by his family and his many friends at Bush Cleaners, Floyd Golf Course and the Tav on the Ave.

Event: Type: Divorced
Date: 1985
Place: SIOUX CITY, IA

Cause: CANCER @@ 4yrs OLD

Note:



Othmer Boeckman
CARROLL


Mass of the Christian burial for Othmer R. Boeckman of Carroll will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2006, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Breda.

Mr. Boeckman, 73, died Sunday, July 30, at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines.

The Rev. James McAlpin will preside at the Mass. Lector will be Mackenzie Riedell. Gift bearers will be Miranda Boeckman, Tucker Boeckman and Chelsie Riedell. Servers will be Brandon Boeck-man, Erin McDermott and Aly McDermott. Eucharistic ministers will be Theresa Boeckman and Larry and Sharon Clark.

Casket bearers will be Larry Boeckman, Dean Boeckman, Daryl Boeckman, Jeff Boeckman, Austin Boeckman and Casey Riedell. The Breda Catholic Order of Foresters will have an honor guard.

Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery at Breda with military honors by the Breda American Le-gion.

Visitation started at 2:30 and the Foresters led a rosary at 3 this afternoon at Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll. St. Bernard Parish will hold a Christian wake service at 7:30 tonight at the funeral home.

A son of August and Florence (Bergman) Boeckman, he was born July 11, 1933, at Breda, graduated from St. Bernard High School there in 1951 and spent most of his life in community.

Mr. Boeckman worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. until entering the Army in October 1956. He was honorably discharged in July 1958.

He and Mary Ann Boje were married June 25, 1960, at St. Lawrence Church.

The Boeckmans made their home in Breda. Mr. Boeckman worked for Breda Telephone Co. until 1997 then became employed by Long Lines Ltd. We went to work for Schaller Telephone Co. in Janu-ary.

He was a member of St. Lawrence Parish, Breda American Legion, Catholic Order of Foresters and Loyal Order of Moose and was a former member of St. Bernard Parish. He enjoyed farming and golf.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann, of Carroll; five children: Robert Boeckman and wife Theresa of Carroll, Kim Bauman and husband Dennis of Carroll, Kristy McDermott and husband Michael of Carroll, Thomas Boeckman and fiancé Kris Larson of Carroll and Tim Boeckman of Des Moines; nine grandchildren; a brother, Duane Boeckman, and his wife, Madonna, of Breda; two sisters: Kathleen Fox of Atlanta, Ga., and Joan Boeckman of Omaha, Neb.; and brothers- and sisters-in-law: Jack and Mary Boje of Corpus Christi, Texas, Doris Rayer of Omaha, Neb., Sara and Michael Casey of Plano, Texas, and Tom and Shirley Boje of Omaha, Neb.

Mr. Boeckman was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Larry Boeckman; a brother-in-law, Jim Fox; and his father- and mother-in-law: Elmer and Mary Boje.

Cause: CONTRACTED ENCEPHALITIS @@ AGE OF TWO

Note: DAVID DIED IN DENVER CO

Note: WAS THE DAUGHTER OF A IRISH PIONEER FAMILY IN 1879

Note: FELL IN TUBE OF BOILING WATER AND WAS SCALDED,AT AGE 4 DIED OF SHOCK.

Note: BESSIE WAS A SCHOOL TEACHER. DIED IN CHILD BIRTH AFTER CHRISTMAS.

Note: DIED OF DIPTHERIA AT 10 YRS OLD

Note: SADIE WAS A SCHOOL TEACHER