Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Higgins, Alexander M. February 1, 1906
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Dorothy Strawhand https://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00034.html#0008405 April 11, 2020, 5:33 pm

Virginian Pilot February 2, 1906

                       SUDDEN DEATH OF COLONEL HIGGINS

Commander Of Seventy-First Regiment, Council Member And Prominent Business 
Man Died Yesterday Afternoon

                    MILITARY HONORS TO BE GIVEN AT FUNERAL

Colonel Alexander M. Higgins, commanding officer of the Seventy-first 
regiment, Virginia Infantry Volunteers, real estate and insurance agent, and 
member of common council, died yesterday afternoon at his residence.
The announcement of the death came as a distinct shock to his many friends.  
Although it had been known that he had been unwell and confined to his home 
on East Main street for several days, it was not thought that his condition 
was serious.  The change was noted early yesterday morning.
Colonel Higgins was conscious almost to the moment of death, which came 
unexpectedly, even to the watchers at the bedside.  He was surrounded by his 
family.  He was 42 years of age and considered in the very prime of his 
life.
Besides being one of the most prominent military figures in the state, 
Colonel Higgins was a successful business man and a leader in the political 
life of the First ward, where he resided at 480 Main street.  He was a 
native of Norfolk and was born in the house in which he died.  His parents, 
John and Margaret Higgins, were numbered among the pioneers of this section.
As the senior member of the firm of A.M. Higgins & Co., he was prominent in 
the real estate business in Norfolk.  He was secretary of the Lafayette 
Residence Park Company.
Common and select councils have been called to meet this afternoon at 5 
o'clock to take action on Colonel Higgins' death.  It is also announced that 
the staff officers of the Seventy-first regiment will meet today to arrange 
for the burial.  It is expected that the entire regiment will be called 
together to attend the funeral.  As yet the arrangements have not been 
announced, although the funeral will probably occur on Saturday afternoon. 
   
                 A Notable Record As Military Man

Colonel Higgins at the time of his death in command of the Seventy-first 
regiment of infantry, Virginia Volunteers, had an honorable military record 
in the volunteer service and as a veteran of the Spanish-American War.
As A.M. Higgins he entered the services of the state July 1, 1876, as a 
private in Battery B, First Virginia artillery.  He served in this capacity 
with distinction until his discharge October 7, 1881.
On May 28, 1887, he enlisted as a private of Company A, Fourth Virginia 
infantry.  He rapidly rose in the rank, until 1893, when he was elected 
captain of the company.  He retired from this position in 1895.  But he 
continued to be identified with the volunteer service until March 3, 1898, 
when he was appointed captain inspector of rifle practice, Fourth Virginia 
Regiment, on Colonel Nash's staff.

                        Promoted In Spanish War

On May 15, 1898, Colonel Higgins was mustered into the United States service 
for the Spanish-American War.  He entered with the rank of captain and 
quartermaster, on the staff of Colonel Geo. W. Taylor, Fourth Virginia 
volunteers.  He was among the first volunteer troops to leave Norfolk for 
Cuba.  His regiment went to Havana, Cuba, and during the war was stationed 
in the posts beyond and near that city.
Colonel Higgins' ability was quickly recognized and later in 1898 he was 
promoted to brigadier quartermaster on the staff of Brigadier General Henry 
C. Hasbrouck, in command of the second brigade, second division, seventh 
army corps. This position he occupied until the return of his original 
command to the United States.  He was mustered out at Savannah, Ga., April 
27, 1899.  Following this he was connected with the army department for 
several years in the paymaster's office.

                         Made Head of Regiment

Colonel Higgins was elected commander of the Seventy-first regiment of 
infantry, Virginia volunteers, October 10, 1900.  This position he filled 
with distinction at the time of his death.  He was prominently spoken of as 
adjutant general of Virginia, in case the present incumbent declined to 
longer serve.
                             His Family Life

Colonel Higgins married Miss Louise Johnston, of Norfolk, and leaves one 
child, a girl, Turner Higgins.  He is also survived by two sisters, Miss 
Mary and Miss Margaret Higgins and two brothers, J.D. Higgins, of 
Washington, D.C., and Edward Higgins, of Norfolk.
The funeral arrangements will be announced later.  He will be laid to rest 
with military honors from St. Mary's Catholic Church, of which he was a 
member.   Colonel Higgins was a member of several orders and was up to the 
time of his death active in the organization of the Young Men's Association, 
recently formed by the Young Catholics of Norfolk.


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