[1][2] John Higgins was the Newcastle town crier, known locally as a bellman, in the mid to late 19th century.
In addition to this he would also carry out unofficial/private briefs, usually concerning lost/missing or straying persons, children or animals and lost or stolen property.
[3] Before he got the job of town crier, his life had been varied, having sold sweets (candy), clothes pegs, toys, lambs, had been a knife and scissors sharpener, cleared snow, collected for lotteries, and anything else which came his way, and from which he could make a profit.
He cut a fine figure in his top hat, tail coat and cane, as he walked the streets and exuded an air of distinction.
A short bio appears on page 458 of Thomas Allan's Illustrated Edition of Tyneside Songs and Readings.