John Gilbert Higgins facts for kids

John Gilbert "Jack" Higgins (born May 7, 1891 – died July 1, 1963) was an important person from Newfoundland. He was a politician, a Senator, and a lawyer. He played a big role in Newfoundland's history.

Jack Higgins' Early Life

Jack Higgins grew up with his older sister, May. His father passed away when Jack was still a child.

Education and Achievements

From age five, Jack went to Saint Bonaventure's College. He was a very bright student. In 1909, he was chosen as one of Newfoundland's Rhodes Scholars. This is a special scholarship that allows students to study at Merton College, Oxford University in England.

While at Oxford, Jack studied law. He was also a talented athlete. He became the captain of the Oxford-Canadian ice hockey team. This team toured Europe and was amazing! They won all 17 of their games. They scored 204 goals and only let in 17 goals against them.

His Career Journey

In 1913, Jack Higgins became a lawyer. This means he was officially allowed to practice law in Newfoundland and England. He started his law practice in St. John's, Newfoundland.

Serving in World War I

In 1916, Jack joined the Canadian Corps. He was part of the St. Francis Xavier Hospital Unit. He served for the rest of World War I in England and France. After the war ended, Higgins returned to Newfoundland. In 1919, he started a law firm with Harry Winter.

Political Involvement

Jack Higgins was very involved in Newfoundland's politics. During the Newfoundland National Convention, he strongly disagreed with Joey Smallwood. Smallwood wanted Newfoundland to join Canadian Confederation, which meant becoming part of Canada.

Higgins became a leader in the Responsible Government League. This group wanted Newfoundland to remain an independent country. He actively campaigned against joining Canada in the 1948 Newfoundland referendums. When Newfoundland officially joined Canada on March 31, 1949, Higgins showed his sadness. He hung black crepe on his door as a symbol of mourning.

Leader in the House of Assembly

In Newfoundland's first provincial election on May 27, 1949, Higgins was elected. He became a member of the Newfoundland House of Assembly. He represented St. John's East for the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The party leader, Harry Mews, did not win his own seat. So, Jack Higgins became the province's first Leader of the Opposition. This meant he was the main voice against the government. However, Higgins preferred his law work to politics. He did not run for re-election in 1951.

Becoming a Senator

On January 15, 1959, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker appointed Higgins to the Senate of Canada. This is a special part of Canada's Parliament. Higgins was Newfoundland's first Progressive Conservative member of the Senate. He served there until he passed away in 1963.