Born in 1841 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Higby was living in nearby New Brighton when he enlisted in the Union Army in August 1862.[1][2] He served as a private in Company F of the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry during the Appomattox Campaign, which took place from March 29 to April 9, 1865, in Virginia. For his conduct in this campaign, he received the Medal of Honor a month later, on May 3, 1865. His official citation reads simply: "Capture of flag".[1][3]
After the war, Higby returned to New Brighton before settling in Oklahoma.[2] He died on February 19, 1903, at age 61 or 62 and was buried in McLoud, Oklahoma.[1]
