Gould Higley was operated on at St. Joseph’s hospital in Omaha on Tuesday and it was found that the appendix was badly inflamed and had to be removed. His condition yesterday morning was so dangerous that Harry and Mrs. S. E. Higley were sent for. Pneumonia had set in and it is said it is only a question of a few days or perhaps hours that he can live.

Blair Courier 2 Aug 1900

The death of W. G. Higley, which occurred last Thursday at the St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha was a severe shock to this community where he has so long lived and has so many warm personal friends. For a number of years Mr. Higley has been on the sick list. Not sick abed by any means but in constant ill health. Some two weeks ago his condition became much worse and he went to the St. Joseph Hospital to undergo treatment and an operation. Last Tuesday he was operated on. His troubles were various. Pus had gathered in the gall bladder and the appendix was in a serious condition. A post mortem examination proves that the appendix and stomach were in a cancerous condition. His remains were shipped to Blair Tuesday morning, the burial services were from the home of his brother, Harry, Rev. Harper officiating at the house and the Odd Fellows at the cemetery. Mr. Higley was 41 years old and has lived in or near Blair all his life. He wa married to Miss Maud Blanchard three years ago. He leaves as immediate members of the family two brothers, Harry and Vernon, an aged mother and his young wife. Mr. Higley seemed conscious all through his sickness that his case was very serious but kept cheerful throughout and retained consciousness to the very last. – Pilot. ~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~

Note: Born 9 Jan 1859 at Vernon, Waukeshaw, WI; died 26 July 1900 Omaha, NE; Buried Blair Cemetery; Find a Grave 82274052; Father Thomas Higley; mother Sarah E. (Lewis) Higley