Solomon George Higley III
2nd great-grand uncle of Wenda Fore
Private Co. A MI Chandler Cavalry Company
Dates of Service: 18 Aug 1861 - 22 Nov 1861
Private Co. A 12th MI Infantry
Dates of Service: 27 Jan 1864 - 15 Jan 1866
Solomon George Higley III was born to Solomon George Higley II and Eleanor Batts Higley on 19 September 1835 in Genoa, Cayuga County, New York. His siblings were Polly Ann born in 1828, William “Henry” born in 1837 (who also served in the Civil War), and Eleanor born in 1840 (my great-grandmother). The family moved to Adamsville, Cass County, Michigan in 1854.
Solomon’s Civil War history began when he enlisted at age 26 in White Pigeon, Michigan as Private on 18 August 1861 in Company A, Michigan Chandler Cavalry Company. The Chandler Horse Guard was organized by William C. Hughes, Berrien County, acting under authority of the Secretary of War, and mustered into the service of the United States 9 August 1861, as companies A and B. After serving three months, the War Department, owing to some irregularity in the mustering in, ordered the troops mustered out and to be immediately re-mustered, the muster to conform to United States regulations. The enlisted men of the command declined to be re-mustered; consequently the troops were disbanded. The company mustered out on 22 November 1861. U.S., American Civil War Regiments, 1861-1866.
In June 1863, Solomon age 28, and his brother William age 25 were listed on the U.S., Civil War Draft Registration Records, 1863-1865, as living in Ontwa, Cass County, Michigan as Laborers, born in Michigan. They were both single. In the remarks column was the note for Solomon: Was drafted and (as?) furnished Substitute. However in the 1890 Veterans Census Solomon’s service was listed as 27 January 1864 to 15 January 1866.
The 12th Michigan Infantry Co. A joined the original 12th Infantry as they returned to Michigan on furlough for thirty days. The 12th reassembled at Niles and returned to Little Rock, Ark, where it arrived April 1, (1864). The regiment was engaged in long marches and frequent skirmishes with the enemy, and in doing picket and guard duty until October, when it arrived at DeVall’s Bluff, Ark. The regiment was then separated into detachments, the different companies occupying posts wherever their services were needed until January, 1866, when the detachments were ordered to assemble at Camden, where the regiment was mustered out of service February 15, 1866. The 12th started at once for Michigan, and at Jackson, the 27th and was paid off and disbanded the 6th of March. They were engaged with the enemy at Clarendon, Ark., June, 1864; Gregory’s Landing, Sept. 4, 1864.
(U.S. American Civil War Regiments, 1861-1866)
On 18 August 1867 Solomon G. Higley of Adamsville, Cass Co. Mich. age 31, married Wealthy H. Keene, born 21 April 1848, also of Adamsville, Cass County, Mich. age 19. They were married by Mr. H. Emerson, Justice of the Peace. (Michigan, Marriage Records 1867-1952.)
Solomon and Wealthy Higley had four children: Sophia in 1870, Helen in 1873, Leo B. (or George) in 1876, and Leonard in 1881.
In the 1870 U.S. Federal Census the family lived in Calvin Township, Cass County, Michigan with a daughter, Nora, age 6/12. In the 1880 U.S. Federal Census they lived in the same place with Nora age 10, Helen age 7, and Leo age 4.
Solomon applied for a pension 17 May 1880 – Application no. 354,437, and Certificate no. 227,159. The 1890 Veterans Schedule – Special Schedule-Surviving Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines, and Widows, etc. lists the following information: Higley, Solomon G., Private Co. A, 12 Mich Inf. 27 Jan 1864 – 18 Jan 1866 – 2yrs 16 days. Disability Incurred Chronic Dysentery, Discharged on Surgeon_?_.
The Twelfth Census of the United States, Schedule No. 1 – Population shows them living in Ontwa Township, Cass County, Michigan. Solomon is 64, and Wealthy is 52, and they have been married for 32 years. Their son Leonard is 18. Solomon is listed as a farmer who can read, write, and speak English. His home is owned, and he has a farm. The 1910 U.S. Federal Census also has them living in Ontwa Township, Cass County, Michigan. Solomon is 74 and Wealthy is 62; they have been married for 42 years. His native tongue is English; Occupation – Own Income; and their home is mortgage free. He is able to read and write.
On 25 September 1912 Solomon G. Higley passed away at age 77 in Ontwa, Cass County, Michigan. His death certificate indicates that he died of a cerebral hemorrhage contributed by Arterio-sclerosis. He is buried in Shaffer Cemetery, Calvin Township, Cass County, Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Wealthy, and his four children who all live in the area. His obituary in the Edwardsburg Argus, Oct. 3, 1912 lists his sister, Mrs. Eleanor Simmons (my great-grandmother) of Grand Rapids, as being with him during his illness. It also details that he was a member of the J. B. Sweetland Post, G.A.R. at Edwardsburg, whose members served as pallbearers. The funeral was held at his home on Sept. 17th, the Rev. C. H. Anderson officiating.
On 7 October 1912, Solomon’s widow, Wealthy, applied for his pension – Application No. 994.406, Certificate No. 753,290. She died one year almost to the day of Solomon’s passing – 24 September 1913. Her cause of death was Lymphatic Leukemia. Contributory factor – Unable to take nourishment because of enlargement of neck. She is buried in Shaffer Cemetery Calvin Township, Cass County, Michigan beside her husband Solomon.
GRAVESITE: Shaffer Cemetery, Calvin Township, Cass County, MI
Written by Wenda Fore, April 2020