Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Higinbotham, Harlow N ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 7, 2007, 8:22 pm Author: Genealogical & Biographical Record HARLOW N. HIGINBOTHAM. None of the native-born sons of Will County surpass Mr. Higinbotham in far-reaching influence. For years he has been connected with one of the largest mercantile establishments in the world, the success of which has been promoted by his able oversight. But his prominence is not limited to mercantile circles. In public affairs he has been a leading figure. As president of the World's Fair he gained an international distinction. It was his enthusiasm that did much to start the movement for the exposition that achieved greatness in its fulfillment, rendering possible, in the midst of our busy workaday world, the establishment of a "Dream City," more fair than artist's brush could reproduce, and more beautiful than the imagination of the beholder had ever conceived. Nor has he, in the remarkable success of his later years, forgotten the home of his boyhood. He still retains his interest in Will County, among whose people his name is often mentioned as a worthy candidate for United States senator. Near the old home where he was born he has built a mansion that is perhaps the most elegant of any country home in Illinois. When possible for him to secure a day's respite from his business cares he may be found at the old homestead, superintending its many important interests, and giving directions regarding the management of the estate. The creation of this beautiful place is itself the work of a master-hand; a "dream city" with park and palace, a vision of enchanting grace never to be forgotten by the passer-by. Needless to say, the people of the city and county are proud of this place, and prouder yet of the career of the owner, and who is still alluded to as "one of our boys." Harlow N. Higinbotham is a prince among men, and a marvelous production of our western civilization—a brain firm and fine as adamant, a heart pure as gold and tender as a woman, a knight of the twentieth century, who hardly without self- realization, is a true type of an humble follower of the "Nazarine." The true story of the inner life of Harlow N. Higinbotham will never be written; he must and will live in the hearts of those whom he has benefited. The various benevolent, institutions which he has helped to establish and put on a sound financial basis will assist to keep alive the memory of a man whose whole life can be an example to every young man, not only in Will County, but in the whole world. The result of his financial success we can see and estimate, but the good deeds done, the suffering relieved, the happiness and sunshine entering at his command thousands of hearts, we cannot see, except in occasional glimpses, they are written in the Book of Life, from whence the real reward will emanate. The evening of his life will be spent in the old homestead, and as the shadows lengthen on the hillside, proclaiming the dawn of the real life, his retrospections will be pleasant, his rest well earned, and the old Will County friends dearer than ever. Additional Comments: Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/higinbot922gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ilfiles/ File size: 3.8 Kb