When Nelson Higginbotham moved from his native Youngsville, Louisiana to Biloxi in the early 1920s, it was to seek work in the Biloxi’s booming seafood industry. He immediately began work with Southern Shell Seafood Factory and later was a deckhand on many fishing vessels. Higginbotham was able to purchase a boat of his own, the NORTH AMERICA. He captained this boat with the help of his sons, working as crew. Aboard the NORTH AMERICA, Captain Higginbotham made a significant contribution to Biloxi’s seafood industry and was chosen as Shrimp King for the Biloxi Blessing of the Fleet in 1969.