JAMES W. BIGGER. Of the prominent, prosperous and respected citizens of Robinson township, none are better or more favorably known than the gentleman whose name opens this brief sketch. 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. 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, and accordingly they embarked for the New World not many days after their marriage. After landing in America they came to Pennsylvania, first locating 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 left the old hunting grounds, and often compelled the adventurous pioneer to flee for life to Fort McDonald; but as new settlers entered, and the forests were cleared away, the Redmen roved farther 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. Samuel Bigger was born on the old Bigger homestead in Robinson township, this county, which is now occupied by his son Matthew. Samuel passed his youth on the old place, being employed in the usual manner of a farmer boy, and in early manhood married a Miss Wills, a native of Ireland, who bore him a large family of children, of whom are yet living: Thomas, Elizabeth, James W., Matthew, Mary J., Ann, Jennette, Martha, Samuel and Jane (twins); John died when he was about two years old. The father was a Presbyterian, then a Seceder, and afterward a member of the U. P. Church, in which he was an elder. In politics he was first a Democrat, then a Whig, finally a Republican. James W. Bigger, the second son of Samuel Bigger, first saw the light of day November 30, 1828. He remained on the old homestead during his boyhood and early youth, receiving his education in the common schools of the period, which, to quote the gentleman's own language, were: "According to my judgment better adapted to give the pupil a more thorough knowledge of the branches taught than the schools of the present day." On January 1, 1857, Mr. Bigger was united in marriage with Miss Sarah H., daughter of the late Richard Donaldson, a resident of Hanover township. Children came to brighten their pleasant home as follows: Jennie W., Esther Mc., Lizzie, Isaac, Ida and S. W. (twins), Richard, W. M. and J. M. Of these, Lizzie is deceased, while the other children are scattered, some living near their parents, others gone far from the home nest. The mother died June 8, 1891. Mr. Bigger has continued to reside on the farm where he had settled immediately after his marriage. He is a representative citizen, and in politics has ever been a firm advocate of the principles embodied in the platform of the Republican party. In religious faith he has for many years been a member and liberal supporter of the Robinson United Presbyterian Church.

Text taken from page 1182 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 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/.

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