George Higgins was born at Hardington Marsh in about 1847. He was the youngest son of William Bishop Higgins (a farm labourer) and his wife, Hannah (nee Genge).

When George was about ten, his father died.

By April 1871, George was a gunner with the Royal Horse Artillery at Aldershot.

On 3 August 1885, he married Mary Jane Leaver at Gloucester. At that time, he was a hostler living at 6 Sherborne Street, Gloucester.

In April 1891, he, Mary, and their two young sons lived in a four-room house at 60 Suffolk Street, Gloucester. George was a general labourer.

In March 1901, George was in the Gloucester workhouse.

He has not been traced after this date.