Daniel M. Highley
For sixty-five years the Highley homestead in Richmond Township has responded to good management and industry, has furnished the corps of the soil, a comfortable home and enabled the various members of the family to enjoy the good things of life. Mr. D.M. Highley lives on the old far, so endeared to all members of the family by its many associations, and assists his mother in its cultivation. The place is the old James Highley farm, which was entered direct from the government in 1847 by James Highley.
Daniel M. Highley was born on this place April 13, 1852, a son of James and Sarah (Myers) Highley. The parents came to Grant County from Union County, Indiana, locating on the northwest corner of section twenty-three in Richland Township. There the father spent all his life and died on July 6, 1891. His widow now owns the old homestead, and manages it with her son Daniel. There are seven children in the family, five sons and two daughters, six of whom are yet living: David F.; Samuel M.; Daniel M.; Lydia, deceased; Clayburn, of Jonesboro; Martha, wife of William Eller; and Jacob M., of Miami County.
Daniel M. Highley was reared on the farm he still lives on, where he had a wholesome environment and learned the lessons of industry as well as those of books. He attended the district schools, and after completing his education remained at home and worked on the farm until he was about thirty years of age.
He then established a home of his own, by his marriage on January 8, 1882, to Mary E. Weaver. Three sons were born to their union. Ora and Omar, twins were born November 24, 1882, while the third is Wilbur F. Omar is a graduate of the common schools. His brother Ora married Dora Julian. They have four children, Herman, Velma, Zelma and Earl. Wilbur married Inez Miller and had two children, Walter and Charlotte.
The family are members of the Christian Church. In politics Mr. Highley is a Republican, and has for a number of years taken an active part in local politics and has served as supervisor of his township. He is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land in section fifteen of Richland Township, besides which he is closely identified with the management of the old homestead, which consists of one hundred and sixty acres.
Submitted by: Gina Reasoner