THOMAS MOORE BIGGER. The sons of Erin are and ever have been among the leaders of all enterprises in which bravery, energy and enthusiasm are the requisite ingredients. No dangers appall, no obstacles conquer, no failures overcome the dauntless spirit of a true Irishman. About the middle of the last century Thomas Bigger, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, was there married to Elizabeth Moore, who was born in the same county. The young couple decided that their wedding trip should be an ocean voyage, accordingly they embarked for the New World not many days after their marriage rites were over. After landing in America, they came to Pennsylvania and first located on a piece of land near Hickory, this county, which belonged to George Washington, but was then in court. His rights, however, were soon established, after which Mr. and Mrs. Bigger settled on a farm in Robinson township, which is yet in the family name, being now the property of Matthew Bigger. The Indians had not then entirely abandoned the old hunting grounds, and often compelled the adventurous pioneers to flee for life to Fort McDonald, but as new settlers entered, and the forests were cleared away, the red men roved further west, finally leaving the pale faces, in undisturbed possession of their homes. Eleven children were born to Thomas and Elizabeth (Moore) Bigger, as follows: Matthew, Jane, John, James, Thomas, Ann, James, Samuel, Martha, Andrew and Elizabeth. Andrew Bigger, the youngest son of Thomas, was born April 1, 1793, and from boyhood was reared to farm duties, continuing to follow farming all his life. ln early life he was married to Miss Sarah Campbell, who was born January 8, 1796, in eastern Pennsylvania, and after their marriage settled on the farm of 500 acres, now owned by their son, Thomas M. Game was yet abundant in those days, deer, wild turkeys and panther being plentiful. Mr. Bigger was a stanch adherent of the Whigs until the Free-Soil party was organized, when he became a Democrat, and in religious faith was an organizer of the Robinson U. P. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Bigger were the parents of the following children: Mary A., Eliza, Jane, Martha, Rachel and Thomas Moore. Thomas Moore Bigger was born June 1, 1836, in the old home which is yet standing across the road from his present residence. He assisted with the general duties of the home farm during his boyhood, and on March 10, 1859, entered matrimonial life in company with Margaret, daughter of the late Andrew Donaldson, of Robinson township, this county. The children of this couple are Andrew R., born August 31, 1860; James D., born November 13, 1864; Sarah E., born January 5, 1868; Mary J., born April 30, 1870; and Martha M., born March 12, 1873, all of whom have enjoyed the advantages of a college education. Thomas Moore Bigger yet owns the old homestead, which is kept in a fine state of cultivation and yields him a good income. Politically he has always been a stanch Democrat, having served his township and party by filling various offices of honor and trust. He is an earnest member and hearty supporter of the Robinson U. P. Church.

Text taken from page 1014 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]