BIGELOW, Samuel E. Jr. - 1890 Bio (1825-1907)

BIGELOW, FORBUSH, HOLLIDAY, HAMILTON, HAMMOND

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 7/28/2007 at 16:33:17

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Page 370

Samuel E. BIGELOW, manufacturer of boots and shoes, is at the head of one of the oldest establishments of Fairfield, he having begun business in that line in 1858, and carried it on continuously since, covering a period of thirty-two consecutive years. Until 1870, he also carried on the leather business in connection with his other line of work, and the two have yielded him an excellent income.

The story of Mr. BIGELOW's life is as follows: He was born in Sutton Township, Worcester County, Mass., February 20, 1825, and traces his ancestry back to 1642, when John BIGELOW emigrated from his home in England to become a resident of the new Colony, which had been established on the other side of the water only twenty-two years before. His father, Samuel BIGELOW, was born in the town of Charlton, Worcester County, July 2, 1793, and having attained to mature years, was joined in wedlock with Cynthia F. FORBUSH, their union being celebrated October 10, 1815. The lady was born in Grafton, Mass., May 21, 1794, and her people were originally from Aberdeen, Scotland. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Humphrey BIGELOW, served his country during the last four years of the Revolutionary War, entering the army when only sixteen years of age. In 1844, accompanied by his family, Samuel BIGELOW removed to Washington County, Ohio, and fourteen years later he came to Fairfield, where he and his wife spent their last days. His death occurred March 10, 1882, he having attained almost the age of ninety years. The mother died March 20, 1872, at the age of seventy-eight years. Mr. BIGELOW engaged in the same business which his son carries on. In fact Samuel learned the business with his father, and for some years, as partners, they continued operations in that line.

The subject of this sketch spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native State, and on the 5th of February, 1852, made choice of a life companion, Miss Mary J. HOLLIDAY. Their union was celebrated in Marietta, Ohio. Mrs. BIGELOW is a daughter of Angus McDonald HOLLIDAY, and a native of Shelbyville, Mo. Three children have been born of their union: Susan Kate, wife of Edward HAMILTON, of Kansas City; and Cynthia L., widow of Dr. Samuel HAMMOND, of Fairfield. They lost one child, Millicent Virginia, who was born November 25, 1867, and died September 21, 1870.

In politics, Mr. BIGELOW is a Republican, having supported that party many years. He has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests, but served one term as Alderman, and once as City Clerk. He was made an Odd Fellow in Ohio, being initiated into the mysteries of the order in Marietta Lodge in 1847, and now holds membership with Jefferson Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F., of Fairfield. His residence in this city covers a period of more than a third of a century, and with its business interests during the entire time he has ben prominently connected, in this manner aiding not a little in the upbuilding and growth of the city.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.