Brewster Higley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brewster Higley VI
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Dr. Brewster M. Higley, late 19th century
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| Born | November 30, 1823 |
| Died | December 9, 1911 (aged 88) |
| Occupation | Otolaryngologist |
| Known for | Wrote the lyrics for "Home on the Range" |
Brewster Martin Higley VI was a doctor who became famous for writing a poem called "My Western Home." He was born on November 30, 1823, and passed away on December 9, 1911.
He wrote his poem around 1871 or 1872. It was first printed in a newspaper called the Smith County Pioneer in 1873. This poem later became the words for the very famous American folk song, "Home on the Range."
Because Dr. Higley wrote "Home on the Range" while living in Smith County, Kansas, the people of Kansas felt it truly described their state. So, on April 8, 1947, the Kansas government decided to make "Home on the Range" their official state song.
Early Life and Medical Career
Brewster Higley VI was born in Rutland, Ohio. His grandfather, Brewster Higley IV, was the person who founded Rutland.
When he was eighteen, Higley VI started studying medicine. He went to La Porte Medical College in La Porte, Indiana. He finished his studies in 1849.
After graduating, he moved to Pomeroy, Ohio. There, he started his first medical practice. He also worked as a doctor for a short time in Indiana.
In 1871, he moved to Kansas. He wanted to claim land there under a law called the Homestead Act of 1862. This law allowed people to get land from the government if they lived on it and improved it.
Family and Later Life
Dr. Higley was married five times and had several children. His first three marriages ended sadly when his wives passed away.
After these difficult times, Brewster married Mrs. Mercy Ann McPherson in 1866. Their relationship was not easy. Dr. Higley decided to leave his children with family in Illinois and secretly move away.
He arrived in Smith County in 1871. His marriage to Mrs. McPherson officially ended in 1875. A month later, in March 1875, he married Sarah Clemons. She was his last wife.
Dr. Higley spent most of his later years in Kansas. He passed away in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in 1911. He is buried in Fairview Cemetery there.
