Colonel Jacob C. Higgins
| Jacob C. Higgins | |
|---|---|
Colonel Jacob C. Higgins
|
|
| Birth name | Jacob C. Higgins |
| Born |
March 7, 1826 Williamsburg, Pennsylvania |
| Died | June 1, 1893 (aged 67) Johnstown, Pennsylvania |
| Buried | Grandview Cemetery Johnstown, Pennsylvania |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Years of service | 1847–65 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands held |
|
| Battles/wars | |
Jacob C. Higgins (1826–1893) was a native commander of Pennsylvania troops who participated in both major military conflicts of his time, the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. Among his Civil War commands, he guided the 125th Pennsylvania Infantry regiment under heavy fire during the 'Bloodiest Day in American History' at the Battle of Antietam and likewise during the 'Second Bloodiest Day of the Civil War,' May 3, 1863, at the Battle of Chancellorsville. Following the muster out and return home of the 125th PA, the Gettysburg Campaign sent cavalry under Confederate General John D. Imboden to threaten vital railroad resources at Altoona and iron production facilities in the Juniata River watershed; in response, Emergency Militia was organized by Colonel Higgins and minimized this northwestern incursion.
In 1826, Jacob Higgins was born to John and Mary R. Higgins in Williamsburg, PA, in what would later become part of Blair County. Growing up in a rugged, mountainous region of the state, and coming from an ancestry of "hardy stock", Higgins learned early many of the characteristics of toughness, and independence.
Following the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, Higgins soon joined "The Wayne Guards," Company M of the 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry in 1847. Mustering at Pittsburgh, the 2nd Regiment was shipped off to the seat of war in Mexico and assigned to the army of General Winfield Scott.
By September 1847, General Scott's army had pushed within striking distance of the Mexican capitol but first had to assault the remaining stronghold at Castle Chapultepec. Higgins was wounded during the assault on the Castle but, one day later, shared the capture of Mexico City. The Regiment was mustered out July 21, 1848.
At the outbreak of the Rebellion in 1861, he was at Portage Iron Works at Duncansville, PA, and promptly responded to the first call for troops by Governor Curtin, who telegraphed him to come to Harrisburg at once. He was then Colonel of the First Regiment, Fourth Brigade, Eleventh Division, Pennsylvania Militia. On April 20, 1861, he was commissioned Captain and Quartermaster of the Second Brigade (General Wynkoop's) under General Patterson.
In July, 1861, he was mustered out of service and at once recruited Company G, First Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was commissioned Captain on August 1, 1861. On September 27, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the First Pennsylvania Cavalry and commanded five companies. At the Battle of Dranesville, December 20, 1861, he commanded the five companies which led Union forces into the fight:
...
Wikipedia