Elias Higbee

Elias Higbee (October 23, 1795 – June 8, 1843) was an associate of Joseph Smith, a prominent Danite, He and his family joined the gathering of Latter Day Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, later that year. In 1833 the Higbees and other Latter Day Saints attempted to settle in Jackson County, Missouri, but were forced to return to Kirtland in 1835. They again tried to settle in Missouri in 1836, this time in Clay County. While in Missouri, Higbee was a Caldwell County judge and a leading officer of the county militia. He also served missions in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. On October 8, 1840, Higbee was appointed by Smith to the committee charged with organizing the construction of the Nauvoo Temple.

Higbee unexpectedly died of cholera