David W. Higby
David W. Higby, superintendent of the Allen County Children's Home for the past seven years, was born in Hardin County, Ohio, July 25, 1854, son of Elisha and Rebecca (Priest) Higby. His father was born in Canada but came to Columbus, Ohio, where he was married. Afterwards he located in Hardin County where he and his wife died. Their family consisted of four children, viz.: Mattie, who carried George Woods and now resides in Toledo; David W. ; Joseph, deceased; and Lydia, who married Richard Walker and lived in Hardin County until her death.
David W. Higby became a carpenter and worked at that occupation in his native county until his 24th year, when he came to Allen County. Locating in Harrod, he worked as a mill-wright and also conducted the Central House there until 1899. Having been appointed by the Board of Directors as superintendent of the Allen County Children's Home, he took up his duties at once and has discharged them in a manner to win the hearty commendation of all. The home has been in active operation which Allen County may well feel proud furnishing, as it does, temporary care and shelter for hundreds of homeless children until the management can place them in a permanent homes. Eighty-two little ones are now being cared for in the institution. They will be placed with families where they will be given parental love and reared to lives of usefulness and honor. It would be impossible to give an estimate of the good that is done in thus caring for children, many of whom would otherwise grow up on ignorance, poverty and vice. The farm belonging to the home has about 152½ acres of land and this with the work about the building which is a fine brick edifice, requires the employment of at least 10 persons. Mr. Higby has been in charge since the sixth year after it opened. He has everything in the most perfect working order and at the same time keeps the expense within reasonable limits.
Mr. Higby was married in 1878 to May Eubanks, a native of this county and a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Darby) Eubanks. Mrs. Eubanks was twice married, her second husband being Enoch Harvey. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Higby, namely: Maude, born December 23, 1880, who is the wife of Cliff Breese; and Blanche, born Febuary 23, 1885. Mr. Higby is a Democrat but dose not take a active part in politics. He is a member of Lima Lodge, No. 91, Knights of Pythias Lodge, and is a man who will ever be found true to his friends.