I agree that research, comparison to similar signed rifles or documented rifles, and facts are critical to correctly identify a rifle to a specific gunsmith. If the rifle is fully signed by the maker, it does not need attribution because it is a fact, given it is in original condition and there are no identifiable issues. Attribution means “to attribute to”, not a clear and known fact. That is why the word exists.
I am not aware of any other marked W. H. H. rifle of this period in the South. If anyone is, please
comment.
There are in fact at least 2 William H. Higgins I can identify as related to the Higgins Clan of gunsmiths. One is repeatedly documented as a silversmith in KY and the other is repeatedly identified as a blacksmith in AL. This is in the census and the family history. Of course, with the Higgins Clan, gunsmiths, blacksmiths, and silversmiths are all closely related and multi-talented. However, this rifle is not silver mounted.
There are several other possible initial matches in the South, as with almost any initial marked candidate.
Given that Palmer A. Higgins was in Butts County, GA in 1830 with his family, then in KY in 1850, then in AL after 1850, it seems there is a good possibility of GA rifles looking like KY rifles looking like AL rifles. However, I may be misunderstanding the connections.
And then there is the comment in Dan Wallace’s notes that the Hobbs rifle came from the Hobbs family, although I have no other documentation to prove it.
Higgins, Palmer (1803-1889). gunsmith. 1850, Trigg County, KY. Palmer, 47, gunsmith; Hannah, 46, William 23, silversmith; all 3 born in S.C.; Charlotte, 19, born in Alabama; Mary, 9, born in Kentucky; William Jr, 2, born in Louisiana [Census]. Palmer was born in 1803 in Laurens County. Palmer died on 14 February 1889 in Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama. His father was William Higgins and his mother: Nancy Ashley; his wife was Hannah Farrow (1804-1883) whom he married c.1819 in Laurens County, South Carolina. Palmer had a son William (1827-1870) who was a silversmith [family genealogy].
Higgins, William H. (1817-1868). blacksmith. 1850, Chambers County. William H. Higgins, born in SC, $800 real estate, 32, blacksmith; Adeline, 33, wife; Lavina, 7, both born in GA; William, 4; John, 1, both born in AL; John Lavin, 26, born in GA [Census].
William H. Higgins was born August 4, 1817. The family resided in Butts County, Georgia, a few years and then moved and settled in Chambers County, Alabama, twelve miles north of LaFayette. Mr. Higgins was an excellent mechanic and conducted a smithy, providing well for the support and comfort of his family. In religious faith the family were Baptist. He was esteemed by his neighbors as a just and upright man. He was an affectionate husband and a kind and indulgent father and his wife, Adaline, was a most estimable woman, a congenial companion and devoted mother. They were the esteemed friends and neighbors. . . . [William] died September 5, 1868 of cancer. He suffered a great deal. . . . [He was buried] at the cemetery at old Bethel Church. . . . [from the Clark family genealogy, 1905 on Ancestry].
