Higgins, James L.

Submitted by Mike Miller

James L. Higgins, United States appraiser of customs in New Orleans, was in the railway service for many years before accepting his present responsibilities under the Federal Government. Mr. Higgins has been well known in social and fraternal as Well as in business affairs in and around New Orleans. He is president of the Louisiana Division of the Catholic Knights of America.

He was born at Algiers. in New Orleans Parish, August 26, 1876, son of James and Katherine (O'Brien) Higgins. After acquiring his early education in the Holy Name of Mary Parish school at Algiers he began work for the M. L. and T. branch of the Southern Pacific Railway at Algiers as a minor clerk. Thirty years of service with the freight traffic department brought him steady promotion until in later years he held the responsibilities of superintendent of the company's stock 1n direct touch with the extensive expert and import business of the Southern Pacific at Algiers. Mr. Higgins resigned from the railway company and on October 1, 1922, entered the federal service as United States appraiser of customs for the port of New Orleans. His offices are in the New Orleans Custom House.

Mr. Higgins for many years has been a prominent figure in the Catholic Knights of America, particularly in the state organization of the order. He served as president of the state organization from 1906 to 1912, and again in May, 1924, was honored by being elected President of the Louisiana Division of the Catholic Knights. During his younger years he served as a lieutenant in the Louisiana Artillery. He is a member of Council No. 1734, Knights of Columbus, a member of the Bienville Assembly, belongs to the Catholic Mutual, the Loyal Order of Moose and Eagles. For many years he was active in the Railway and Steamship Clerks Association, and still holds membership in that association. In politics he is a republican and a member of the National Republican League, and was elected chairman of the Louisiana State Central Committee April 30, 1925.

Mr. Higgins married Miss Gertie Legen. They reside at 527 Bermuda Street in Algiers. Their family consists of two children; Elizabeth H. and James L., Jr.

NOTE: The sketch is accompanied by a black and white photograph/drawing of the subject.

A History of Louisiana, (vol. 2), pp. 361-362, by Henry E. Chambers. Published by The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, 1925.