1999

Fairmont Free Press, Thursday 07/11/1901

Anna Mary Higinbotham (1883-1901) WV

Miss Anna Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Higinbotham, died at her home in the First ward early yesterday morning, after a long illness of consumption. All who knew her will remember her as a bright, young lady of kindly disposition and gentle manner, loved by all acquaintances. Some time ago her parents went with her to Phoenix, Ariz., and other health resorts in the far west, in the hope that the change would prove of great benefit to her health, but all efforts were without avail, and she returned but recently to her home. The funeral will take place tomorrow morning at ten o’clock, and the interment will be in Maple Grove cemetery.

The Indiana (PA) Democrat 12/21/1904

Mamie C. Higginbotham (1891-1904) WV

Three persons were killed and four others seriously injured by the collapse of the suspension bridge across the Elk River, which connects east and west Charleston, W. Va.

The dead: Mamie Higginbotham, aged 11; Annie Humphreys, aged 17; Ollie Gibbs, aged 15. The injured: Zelia Smith, aged 17, compound fracture of elbow; William Holmes, negro, driver, cut and bruised; Henry Fielder, driver, serious internal injuries; Elma Tucker, aged 13, Both arms and leg broken.

On the bridge when it went down were six children on their way to school and a number of other pedestrians, together with six teams. The noise of the crash was heard throughout the city. The bridge went down without warning, but a number of those who were near the ends of the structure managed to reach land before it collapsed. Those who went down with the wreckage fell a distance of 40 feet into the ice-covered water of the river. The steamer Baxter broke the ice to allow small boats to reach the scene and the rescue work began immediately. The injured were first assisted to the shore, and later a search was made of the river for dead bodies. The bodies of Mamie Higginbotham and Annie Humphries were taken out and the search continued until nightfall, but no others were found. A girl named Lillian Callender saved herself by hanging to a cable. Ollie Gibbs died tonight of injuries received.

The bridge was a single span 500 feet in length, and was built in 1852. It had been known to be unsafe some time, and heavy traffic was not allowed on it.

During the Civil War one cable of the bridge was cut by General Wise when he evacuated Charleston, the bridge at the same time being partially burned. The same cable was afterward spliced and has been in use ever since.

The accident was caused by two cables on the north side slipping from their moorings. When that side dropped another cable snapped, and the floor tilted and turned completely over.

Clarksburg News, Monday 08/12/1907

Samuel Higinbotham (1846-1907) WV

Samuel Higginbotham Dies Of Dropsy-Prominent Farmer of Simpson Creek Dies After a Useful and Successful Life-Funeral Tomorrow

Samuel Higginbotham, a prominent farmer living on Simpson Creek, near Bridgeport in this county, died yesterday evening at four o'clock from dropsy and heart trouble.

The deceased was 63 years of age and one of the best known farmers in Harrison county. He was a member of the M. E. church at Bridgeport and had been through life a faithful and consistent Christian. As a citizen none stood in higher regard among his fellowmen. His life was based upon the principles of honesty and straightforwardness in all business transactions and his policy was awarded by material success.

Mr. Higginbotham is survived by one brother, William Higginbotham, living near Bridgeport, and one sister, Mrs. Luther Lowe of Sullivan, Illinois.

The funeral will take place at Bridgeport tomorrow at an hour not yet appointed.

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