[2] Thomas Higginson contributed to social, educational and spiritual development of Vankleek Hill, Ontario and district during the early stages of community formation.
He was Superintendent of Schools for Prescott and Russell for many years, an Agent for the Bank of Upper Canada for the transmission of the proceeds of sales of public lands, and a member of the County Council.
The first issue of the weekly news publication The Economist in Vankleek Hill in 1858 was edited by Rupert Mearse Wells (later Speaker of the Provincial Legislature) and contained articles and poetry by Lieutenant-Colonel Higginson.
William Higginson, Thomas' son, added the upper portion to create a conservatory and also built the red brick house nearby.
When this project failed due to lack of consistent wind power, Mr. Thomas Higginson, (commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel of the Prescott Regiment on April 23, 1839) transformed the windmill into the first private observatory in Eastern Ontario.