Family History
" ...Whatsoever you record on earth shall be be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their own works..."
The Life Story of John Sommers Higbee
As recorded by John Somers Higbee in his diaries, and supplemented with other voices from the past, this intriguing book transports the reader back in time to the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It chronicles his life as a faithful servant to the Lord and a prominent leader in the Church.
“March 28, 1850 – Very boisterous rain, and hailstorm through the day. The sea looks like swallowing us up, now in the valleys, and then on the mountains height, tossing to and fro. It’s no pleasure to me, but I feel willing to endure as a soldier of my Blessed Redeemer, the will of Him who sent me. No earthly treasure would tempt me to undertake such a journey..."
Flee with the Higbee families as they are forced to leave their homes in Missouri. As they suffer from the cold during the winter in a stable without doors or chinking, praying in gratitude for their shelter.
Go with John to prison in Richmond. Stay three days with him in a dungeon. Mourn with him when his parents die as martyrs from the cold and exposure.
Take a long look across the Mississippi River as John helps an endless caravan of covered wagons cross in February of 1846.
Mourn with him as his wife, Sarah Ann, dies in Iowa. Accompany John and the first group of pioneers across the plains to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Watch him ferry immigrants across the Platte River when they get to Wyoming.
Go to Provo with John as he leads a group of pioneers to settle there as directed by Brigham Young.
Sail with John in 1850 on his mission to England. Sympathize as he presides over seasick and dying passengers during raging storms.
Follow John through the trials and triumphs of his life. And witness how through all of it, he stands firm and steadfast in his faith as a mighty instrument in the hands of the Lord.
Descendants of John Somers Higbee, and all those drawn to the remarkable lives of the past will cherish this book. Add it to your collection today.
6" X 0.97", 311 pages, B&W
Frontiers of Hope
Do you think your life is hard? Have you ever wondered how your faith would measure up against the faith of a pioneer? After reading Frontiers of Hope you may find your faith has grown...
What would you do if an angry mob forced you to leave your home in the winter with only the clothes you were wearing, and whatever you could carry? Learn about some families who found shelter in a cave on a bluff during a rising flood. One mother gave birth to a son in the rain on the banks of a river.
Would your faith be shaken after you helped bury both of your parents, and your wife? Read about a difficult winter when one pioneer family lived for months on venison and wild honey. They felt it was a privilege to live in a stable with no door, chimney, or chinking.
Would you be willing to help protect the Prophet by attending secret meetings? Find out what prevented two young boys from being killed when they refused to take an oath...
Read these and other little-known stories from American history and the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These intriguing true stories transport the reader back to the 1830s. Elias, Isaac Jr., and John Somers Higbee were prominent leaders. They associated closely with Joseph Smith, and with Brigham Young. Accompany them on their long journeys on their Frontiers of Hope - from Missouri to Nauvoo, to Washington D.C., and back to Nauvoo, and across the plains to Salt Lake and to Provo, and to England. Watch helplessly as Elias' apostate sons participate in plans to murder the prophet, Joseph Smith.
6" X 9", 78 pictures, Referenced, Indexed, 193 pages, B&W
Surviving... The Great Depression
(Children)Enjoy 50 true stories during challenging times - experiences from the lives of Duane and Blanche Higbee. Do allow these captivating stories to transport you back in time to The Great Depression. Join in many exciting adventures alongside Duane during these years filled with adversity. Admire him for providing for his family after his father's death. Watch him try to rescue his shoes as they disappear down the river. Cheer for Duane while he boxes! Ride with him in the cold wind, on top of dangerous freight trains. How does Duane get himself out of jail? Blanche is another great storyteller. Enjoy her entertaining "good ole days" farm stories, too!
8.5" X 11", 123 pictures, 96 pages, B&W
Fort Utah
(Children)Many large pictures, and some paintings by Samuel Jepperson of the history of early Provo, are shared in this fascinating story book. President John Somers Higbee, with his brother, Isaac, Jr. and Dimick B. Huntington as counselors, were in charge of the first settlement in Provo. They had many difficulties with the Indians. Discover how Squaw Peak got it's name. Learn about the Battle of Provo River with the Utes, where Joseph Higbee (the son of Isaac Jr.) was killed. Read how the people fished in the Provo River and in Utah Lake. An exciting story is about Chief Sowiette, who rescued the pioneers. Fort Utah was compiled especially for children, and for those who love Provo.
8.5" X 11", 68 pictures, 54 pages, Color
Higbee Frontiers of Hope
This book is about Isaac and Sophia Higbee and their sons, Elias, Isaac Jr., and John Somers, who joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1831 and 1832. It gives insight into the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In Part I Isaac and Sophia's many grandchildren, and their families, are highlighted. Part II focuses on Silas Somers Higbee, another grandson, a son of John Somers Higbee, and some of his descendants. Information for this book was taken from the Official Higbee Magazines that were compiled by the Higbee family from 1955 to 1958. Genealogy and other data was shared by Alta Higbee Jacobsen. It is a great book.
8.5" X 11", 700 pictures, Indexed, 742 pages, B&W
Duane and Blanche Higbee
(Youth)"This book is a tribute to the many good works of Duane and Blanche Higbee. Like the pioneers before them they took what little they were given and accomplished much. Dad built 29 houses and 24 apartments. They are still being used. He also worked on some church buildings, which have served thousands. Mom taught well over 750 children to read, including Janet and me. Most important is their family. I am thankful for the things my parents have done for me, and all that they did for my family, and the great legacy they left us. Their stories go back to a time that is similar, and yet, very different. They preserve pieces of history for posterity." (Jay H. Higbee)
8.5" X 11", 323 pictures, 286 pages, Color
Growing Up In Pullman
This is a short history about Jay Harrison Higbee. He wrote most of it, himself. It's all about his life up until the time he got married. His mother and father added a little to it: "When Jay was a baby we'd put him to bed at night and it was kind of hard to get him to go to sleep. We'd cover him up and he'd kick out of the covers and stand up in the crib and he'd grab hold of the sides of the crib and he'd say, 'Drink, drink, drink.' And his dad said to him, 'Oh, come on now. You just had one.' And he'd shake the sides of the crib and say, 'Daddy, daddy, I ain't got all day.'" (Duane and Blanche Higbee) Grandkids especially, will enjoy reading this history with all the cute stories.
8.5" X 11", 99 pictures, 34 pages, Color