Higley Family Genealogy & History

Brewster Martin Higley VI, born on November 30, 1823, was an esteemed otolaryngologist and the author of "My Western Home," which later became the iconic American folk song "Home on the Range." Written during his time in Smith County, Kansas, the song resonated deeply with Kansans and was later declared the official state song on April 8, 1947. Higley pursued his medical education at La Porte Medical College and established his career in Ohio, Indiana, and eventually Kansas, where he claimed land under the Homestead Act of 1862.

Brewster Higley VI was the grandson of Brewster Higley IV, the founder of Rutland, Ohio. He experienced a turbulent family life, marrying five times and fathering several children. His first three marriages ended tragically, with his wives succumbing to disease or injury. He left his children with relatives during a tumultuous fourth marriage with Mrs. Mercy Ann McPherson, which ended in 1875. He spent his later years with his final wife, Sarah Clemons, in Kansas, and died in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in 1911.

Dena Higley, born on September 26, 1958, is an acclaimed American writer known for her influential work in daytime television. She has served as head writer for the popular soap operas "Days of Our Lives" and "One Life to Live." Higley's notable achievements include a Daytime Emmy Award win for Best Writing on "One Life to Live" in 2008 and a Writers Guild of America Award for "Days of Our Lives" in 1999. Her career has been marked by significant contributions to the genre, enhancing her reputation as a prominent figure in soap opera writing.

Dena Higley grew up in East County, San Diego, as the eldest of three children. She pursued her passion for the arts by obtaining a BFA in Theatre from the University of Southern California. Married to Mark for 25 years, she is the mother of four children, including an autistic son and two adopted children from Vietnam and Ethiopia.

Harvey Vanzandt Higley, born on October 26, 1892, in Cheshire, Ohio, was a prominent figure in both the chemical industry and American politics. With a degree in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Higley went on to lead the Ansul Chemical Company as president and chairman. A dedicated veteran, he served as Wisconsin State Commander of the American Legion and later as chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin. Appointed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Higley became the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, playing a crucial role in establishing Veterans Day as a national holiday. He served in this capacity until 1957, leaving a lasting impact on veteran affairs before retiring to Wisconsin.

Mark Higley is a notable American politician known for his enduring role as a Republican member of the Vermont House of Representatives, representing the Orleans-Lamoille District since 2009. Higley’s political career has been rooted in Vermont, where he was born in Brattleboro. His long-standing service in the Vermont legislature highlights his commitment to his constituents and the Republican Party, making him a prominent figure in Vermont politics.