Enoch Haigh, a well known and representative farmer of Somers Township, living on Section 8, represents one of the old and prominent pioneer families of Kenosha County. He was born in Paris Township, on the 24 of February 1844. Three years before this his parents, John and Sarah (Lawton) Haigh, natives of England, had taken up their abode in this county after crossing the Atlantic to the new world. The father purchased forty acres of land, on which he engaged in farming until 1849, and then, attracted by the gold discoveries on the Pacific coast, he made the long and arduous trip across the plains to California, hoping to win a fortune in the mines. He was lost, however, in the mountains and undoubtedly starved to death. His widow retained her residence in Kenosha County throughout her remaining days, passing away in 1892. In their family were four children: Enoch; Mary Jane; John, deceased; and Elizabeth.
Enoch Haigh spent his youthful days amid pioneer conditions and surroundings. He was but eight years of age at the time of his father's demise and from early youth he has known earnest toil. He attended the common schools through the winter seasons to the age of fifteen years and in the summer months worked on the farm, and when his textbooks were put aside he devoted all of his attention to farm work on the old homestead until he attained his majority. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Somers Township and has resided thereon continuously since, his home being on Section 8. At every point in his career he has been actuated by the spirit of laudable ambition that has resulted in steady progress along business lines. From time to time he has invested his earnings in more land until today he has five hundred and seventy acres, constituting a very valuable and productive farm.
In 1871 Mr. Haigh was married to Miss Charlotte Bowers, and they have become the parents of three children; John; Charlotte, who married Thomas Birchell and has two children; and Sadie, the wife of Harry Dixon.
In his political views Mr. Haigh is a Republican. He has served as Chairman of the Town Board for eight or ten years and has been a member of the School Board. His religious belief is that of the Presbyterian Church.
(Source: City and County of Kenosha A Record of Settlement by Frank H. Lyman, Vol. II, Chicago, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1916)
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| Partial 1887 map of Somers Township Section 8 E. Haigh parcel |
"A very pretty home wedding was solemnized Thursday evening, December 29 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Haigh when their eldest daughter, Charlotte Edna was united in marriage to Mr. Thomas Birchell of Yorkville. Rev. McNary of the Presbyterian Church officiated in the presence of about one hundred invited friends and relatives. After the usual congratulations and best wishes a bountiful wedding dinner was served. The display of gifts was both useful and beautiful showing the high esteem in which the young couple is held. After the wedding trip the happy couple will be at home on the Birchell farm in Yorkville."
(Source: Racine Journal publication date January 6, 1905)
Marriage of Haigh and Dixon
One of the prettiest home weddings that ever occurred in Somers was solemnized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Haigh on Wednesday evening, December 2, 1903, when their youngest daughter, Sadie May, was united in marriage to Harry Raymond Dixon of Wilmington, Delaware, in the presence of over 80 invited guests.
The bridal party, moving to the sweet strains of the wedding march from Lohengren played by Miss Mabelle Laura Cook, entered the tastily decorated parlor and took their position under a beautiful arch and here exhanged the vows which made them one. Rev. McNary of the Presbyterian Church performed the ceremony.
The bride was most becomingly attired in cream crepe de chine with ribbon trimmings and carried bride's roses. The little ribbon girls wore white. After the usual congratulations, the guests repaired to the dining room, where a most sumptuous dinner was served. They were the recipients of many beautiful and costly presents. The bride was reared in Somers and the groom is a young man whose prospects are of the brightest. They will make their home in Joliet, Illinois where the groom has fitted up a beautiful home.
(Source: Racine Journal publication date December 8, 1903)
Enoch Haigh Obituary: November 19, 1917
Enoch Haigh for many years chairman of the Somers Town Board and one of the most prominent farmers in the community, died Monday (1917) at his home near Somers at the age of 73 years. He had been in failing health for over a year and had been confined to his bed for many months. Enoch Haigh was born near the Town of Paris and was the son of Mrs. Mrs. John Haigh, early pioneers of Kenosha County. Early in his life he moved to his farm near the Town of Somers, where he has spent the greater part of his life. He was one of the most prominent men in the history of the Somers community. In addition to being Chairman of the Town Board for several terms he served as Commissioner and as School Officer of the Township.
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his wife, one son, John Haigh, and two daughters, Mrs. Thomas Birchell and Mrs. R.H. Dixon. The funeral services will be held Thursday morning from the house near Somers, after which interment will be made at the Sylvania Cemetery.
More About Enoch Haigh
Enoch Haigh was born in Paris Township on February 24, 1844. His parents, John and Sarah (Lawton) Haigh had come to America in September of 1841. In 1849, Enoch's father went to California during the Gold Rush. He never returned. This left his wife Sarah with four children to raise; Enoch, Mary Jane (married John Henderson-Block 1, Lot 4, SD), John, and Elizabeth. Sarah married again to James Buckley and he was awarded guardianship of the children. Enoch worked on the family farm until he became of age. Then he purchased land in Section 8 of Somers Township where remained for the rest of his life. He married Charlotte Bowers, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Lee) Bowers, in 1871 and they had four children. Enoch died November 19, 1917. Charlotte died on January 12, 1936.
Children of Enoch Haigh and Charlotte Bowers
John Haigh. Born September 1, 1874 at Sylvania. Married Katharine Lytle, daughter of Henry Lytle on April 5, 1900. They had four children. Farmed his father's farm. Died April 12, 1944 and is buried in Sunset Ridge Cemetery in Kenosha.
Charlotte Edna Haigh. Born March 24, 1882 in Somers Township. Married Thomas R. Birchell, son of James Birchell on December 29, 1904 at Somers. They had two children. Died December 22, 1943 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Somers.
Sadie M. Haigh. Born July 31, 1883 in Somers Township. Married to Harry R. Dixon on December 2, 1903. They had 3 children. Sadie died April 28, 1951 buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Somers.
Jesse Harold Haigh. Born November 30, 1890. Died November 10, 1910. Buried at Sylvania Cemetery,.
(Source: Mary Ann Culshaw Falk and the Sylvania Cemetery Board of Trustees)
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