Frank W. Higgins

Frank W. Higgins
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Name	Frank W. Higgins
Order	35th
Office	Governor of New York
Term start	January 1, 1905
Term end	December 31, 1906
Lieutenant	Matthew Linn Bruce
Predecessor	Benjamin Barker Odell Jr.
Successor	Charles Evans Hughes
Birth date	18 August 1856
Birth place	Olean, New York, U.S.
Death date	12 February 1907
Death place	Olean, New York, U.S.
Party	Republican
Spouse	Clara M. Hardy
Alma mater	University of Rochester
Profession	Businessman, Politician

Frank W. Higgins was an American businessman and politician who served as the 35th Governor of New York from 1905 to 1906. A member of the Republican Party, his tenure was marked by efforts to regulate public utilities and improve the state's canal system. His career was cut short by his untimely death shortly after leaving office.

Early life and education

Frank Wayland Higgins was born on August 18, 1856, in Olean, located in Cattaraugus County. He was the son of a prominent local merchant and banker. Higgins attended local schools before enrolling at the University of Rochester, where he graduated in 1878. His education provided a foundation in the classics and business principles, which he would later apply in his commercial and political endeavors in Western New York.

Business career

Following his graduation, Higgins entered the family's mercantile and banking businesses in Olean. He became a director and later president of the Exchange National Bank of Olean, establishing himself as a significant figure in the regional financial community. His business acumen extended to various enterprises, including involvement with the Olean Street Railway Company and several local manufacturing concerns, which solidified his reputation and connections throughout the Southern Tier region of New York.

Political career

Higgins entered politics as a Republican, serving as Mayor of Olean from 1888 to 1889. He was elected to the New York State Senate in 1893, representing the 51st District. In the New York State Legislature, he became a powerful figure, eventually rising to the position of President pro tempore of the Senate. His legislative work focused on banking, insurance, and transportation issues, earning him the respect of party leaders like Thomas Collier Platt and Governor Benjamin Barker Odell Jr..

Governorship of New York

Elected in 1904, Higgins assumed the governorship on January 1, 1905. His administration was characterized by a focus on progressive-era reforms, particularly the regulation of public utilities and railroads. He signed legislation creating the New York State Public Service Commission, a landmark body granted power to set rates and standards for utilities and transportation companies. Another major initiative was his advocacy for the Barge Canal, a massive modernization project for the state's Erie Canal system, which was approved during his term. He also dealt with issues related to labor law and conservation.

Later life and death

Choosing not to seek re-election in 1906, Higgins was succeeded by Charles Evans Hughes. He returned to his business interests and private life in Olean. His retirement was brief, as he died suddenly from heart disease on February 12, 1907, at his home. His death was widely mourned across New York, and he was buried in Mount View Cemetery in Olean.

Category:1856 births Category:1907 deaths Category:Governors of New York (state) Category:New York (state) Republicans Category:University of Rochester alumni