James William Higgins born 27 Jan 1836 in Maine (likely Hallowell, Kennebec County) to Jesse & Mary (Hinckley) Higgins.
CENSUS: 1860 in Lake, Berrien, Michigan: J W (23 ME lumberman) HIGGINS.
Sources: Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers 1861-65
Name: James W Higgins
Residence: Niles, Michigan
Age at Enlistment: 24
Enlistment Date: 8 Dec 1861
Rank at enlistment: Sergeant
Enlistment Place: Niles, MI
State Served: Michigan
Survived the War?: Yes
Service Record: Enlisted in Company B, Michigan 9th Infantry Regiment on 15 Oct 1861.
Promoted to Full 1st Lieutenant on 23 Nov 1864.
Promoted to Full Qtr Master Serg on 01 May 1864.
Promoted to Full 2nd Lieutenant on 01 Aug 1864.
Mustered out on 15 Jul 1865.
Birth Date: abt 1837
I cannot find him in 1870, no further information than this. I am fairly certain that all records are the same person, but of course I could be incorrect as this isn't based on family knowledge and just records researching, but I have not found another likely candidate in Maine who could have gone to Michigan.