John Higginbottom was born in Tupton, North Wingfield, Derbyshire in 1847. He was the son of Martha Higginbotham and, probably, John Foulds. He was being taken down the coal mine by his father at the age of seven either to operate the fans that brought fresh air into the mines or to operate the gates for the wagons.

He married Sarah Ann Thompson in Islington in 1875 and was described on the marriage certificate as a widower. At that time he was living in Durham City.

When his daughter Eleanor Hannah (Ellen) was born in 1876 they were living in Low Willington in County Durham. When his wife died, in 1883, they lived at Sleetburn Colliery, Brandon & Byshottles, Co. Durham.His date of death is unknown.

He had five brothers, who called themselves Foulds or Higginbottom at various times, and one sister.