The following biography, and the portrait above, are from History of Lapeer County, Michigan : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers (1884) by H. R. Page p. 54.

GEORGE W. HIGLEY was born in Vermont in 1830 and came with his parents to Lapeer in 1831. His lather took up a large tract of land from the government on section 10 in the township of Lapeer, which he occupied until his death. Mr. Higley now owns a part of the original farm, and also eighty acres a mile to the south. He has been engaged in farming and lumbering, and was also a clerk in Detroit one year. In December, 1880, he organized the firm of Strong & Higley for the purpose of engaging in the sale of groceries, provisions and boots and shoes. Their store is located on the corner of Nepessing and Mason Streets, Lapeer. Mr. Higley has held the office of highway commissioner for the township of Lapeer.