When the Saints had to flee Nauvoo in 1846, the Higginbothams became refugees with them in the west, but not before Mrs. Higginbotham had given birth to Nancy's sister, Elizabeth Letitia. A family death resulted in a sizeable inheritance for them, if they could return to Tazewell County and make proper arrangements. Unfortunately, by the time they reached Virginia, someone already had spent their share of the estate. Disappointed and penniless, the Higginbothams settled down again in Tazewell County to earn a living and save money for the 2,000 mile trip to Utah. They shopped at David's store, and that is how David noticed the pretty teenager.
Family tradition says it was love at first sight.
They courted, and that December David and Nancy married. They moved into David's comfortable home at Burke's Garden, Virginia. David continued to prosper, and the couple experienced a good marriage. Except for one thing. David disliked Nancy's religion.