HIGGINS, OWEN, (deceased), who was for over thirty years a resident of Springfield, Ill., was well known in that city and highly respected as a useful and enterprising citizen. He was born in Ireland, March 22, 1848, son of John and Catherine (Flynn) Higgins, both natives of Ireland, where they carried on farming. Mr. Higgins had small educational advantages but made the most of his opportunities and received a fair education in the country schools of his native land. He worked on the farm with his father until 1874, then emigrated to the United States, and after spending a short time in Pittsburg, Pa., and Rock Island, Ill., located in Springfield, where he lived the remainder of his life. He followed the trade of iron worker after coming to Springfield and was an expert in this line. He was industrious and energetic and accumulated considerable real estate. He never took an active part in politics, but was a Democrat all his life.
Mr. Higgins was married, in Springfield, January 25, 1878, to Miss Annie Hofferty, a native of Ireland, born January 1, 1856, daughter of Peter and Cecilia (Dwyer) Hofferty, both born in Ireland, where their entire lives were spent. They were farmers. Several children were born to Mr. Higgins and his wife, of whom the following survive: John B., stationary engineer for the Springfield Water Works, is married and lives at 1513 East Jefferson Street, Springfield; Peter F., unmarried, living at home with his mother; George W. and Charles V., yard masters for the Chicago, Peoria and St. Louis Railroad Company, at Springfield; Thomas J., a railroad machinist; Katie J. and Cecilia E., attending school and living at home with their mother. Mrs. Higgins owns the home at 1129 East Reservoir Street.
Mr. Higgins died March 13, 1907, and his remains are buried in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield. He was devoted to his family and friends and his loss was widely mourned. He was a devout member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, and was affiliated with Lodge Nol. 25, Court of Honor, and the Catholic Order of Foresters.