John Woodman Higgins

John Woodman Higgins (September 1, 1874 October 19, 1961) was an American businessman and owner of the Higgins Armory Museum

Early & Personal Life

John Woodman Higgins was born to Milton Prince Higgins (December 7, 1842 MArch 8, 1912) and Katharine Elizabeth (Chaplin) Higgins. (December 11, 1847 January 9, 1925))Except for one year in Atlanta, John Higgins was schooled in Worcester. He was poor in spelling and languages but shared his father's natural talent and interest in mathamatics and mechanics. He also possessed a fascination with metalworking and spent many hours observing blacksmiths, farmers and factory workers at work. Like many of his contemporaries, he was also enchanted by the chivalric tales of knights, a common literary theme at the time. After graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute he joined the Plunger Elevator Company with his father. When the company was sold, the two men purchased the Worcester Ferrule and Manufacturing Company, reorganizing it in 1905 as Worcester Pressed Steel Company. When his father died in 1912, John Higgins became president and treasurer, positions he held until 1950 when his oldest son took over. He travelled many times to Europe. He had purchased some copies of armor but in 1928 he purchased a group of armors from Sir Joseph Duveen. This was his first truly significant acquisition and was followed by several equally important purchases during the next decade. He now realized he needed somewhere to house his...
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