Company founded by Charles Michael Higgins (born Ireland) in New York in partnership with his brother-in-law John Gianella Snr. in 1885. Began as just Charles M Higgins in 1880. Produced a range of popular inks including India, indelible, and laundry ink, later expanding into adhesive manufacture; originally based in Brooklyn the company expanded with offices in New York, Chicago and London (106 Charing Cross Road) selling products world wide; Charles Higgins died 1929 and was succeeded by his son Tracy. Became an incorporated company in 1930.