Patrick Higgins Obituary

Patrick Higgins, for many years a well-known character of the Harper’s Ferry neighborhood, died last Sunday at his home at Sandy Hook, in the 84th year of his age. Higgins was the first man to be arrested by John Brown and his followers when they made their raid on Harper’s Ferry 56 years ago. He was at the time a watchman at the bridge across the Potomac, and when Brown and his party made their appearance he courageously called on them to halt. They drew their guns on him, and hew as taken along with them as a prisoner. Watching his chance, Higgins soon found opportunity to make a dash for liberty. Guns cracked and bullets whizzed all about him, but he hid behind some iron pillars and in the darkness finally made his escape. A negro who attempted to break away from the party, and ran into the light, was killed. Higgins was a watchman and switchman for the railroad company for many years, and though he never drew very big wages, he managed to accumulate considerable property, leaving an estate of some $25,000. Higgins was an original character, and had often been written up by journalists, who found that his experiences during the John Brown raid were extremely interesting.