Jonas Higbee, a ship master, and Maria Smith from Little Cow Harbor (now Centerport) were married in 1817 by the renowned “Marrying Minister” Reverend Joshua Hartt. They had 7 children- 2 sons; twins Jonas and Shepard, and 5 daughters; Phebe, Irene, Elizabeth, Frances, and Susan. Here are the stories from the remarkable lives of sisters Irene and Susan.

Standing, left to right: Phebe Higbee Denton, Irene Higbee Jarvis, Elizabeth Higbee Johnson Bishop.  Seated, left to right: Frances Higbee Lewis, Susan Higbee Udell Bunce.