John J. Higgins, known as Jack, was born on February 19, 1822 in Ashe County, North Carolina.  He was the fourth son of Linville Higgins and Juda Kirby.  His first wife was Elizabeth Simcox, known as Betty.  He and Betty had five children:

Curtis, Palmyra, Shubert Lunsford, John Raymond, and Alexander McKisseck.

Jack's second wife was Unknown Roundtree.  They had 2 kids:

Alice and John Wesley.