SAMUEL BIGGS
Page 538
SAMUEL BIGGS
Page 538
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SAMUEL BIGGS, President of the State Bank of San Jose, is at the head of one of the largest and most solid financial concerns of Mason County. The bank was established in 1892 with a capital stock of $25,000, and although soon afterward came the trying days of the panic, when banks on every hand suspended operations, yet this institution preserved its credit, and now ranks among the substantial concerns of its kind, The bank building is a credit to the village of San Jose, and of it Mr. Biggs is half-owner. It is an elegant two-story brick structure, with an imitation stone front. The first floor is occupied by the bank, while on the second is situated a fine hall. In addition to this important enterprise, Mr. Biggs is engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 1, township 21, range 5, Allen's Grove Precinct, where he owns and operates four hundred and forty acres of choice land adjoining the village of San Jose. He is a native of Ohio, having been born in Clermont County, January 13, 1834. His parents, David G. and Elizabeth (Anderson) Biggs, were born. Thence about 1830 they migrated to Clermont County, Ohio, where their family was increased by the birth of their two children. The brothers and sisters of our subject were named: William E., Margaret J., John A., Catherine A., David F. and Mary R. E. All are still living with the exception of David F. The parents are deceased. In 1855 Samuel Biggs came to Illinois as settled near Delavan, Tazewell County, where he worked as a farm laborer for two years. Later he went across the plains to Pike's Peak, where he worked in the mines for a short time. From there he went to Denver and soon afterward returned to Illinois. The trip westward had been made with an ox team and it required from March 15 to July to reach the journey's end. When passing through Kansas, Mr. Biggs noticed many Indians and buffaloes, but habitations of white men were very few. Having gained in experience, though not in money, Mr. Biggs returned from his trip west, and for two years continued to work as a farm laborer. July 7, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac C. and Agnes Brown. This lady was born in England, October 1, 1838, and accompanied her parents to the United States in infancy. She died January 25, 1881, after having become the mother of four children. Oliver S., who was born May 6, 1861, married Frances Rummel, March 3, 1887, and now lives in Allen's Grove Township. Matilda, who was born March 6, 1864, married Henry Rummel, November 17, 1887, and they reside in Logan County. Agnes E. died March 27, 1885; Jeannette died in infancy. February 19, 1884, occurred the marriage of Mr. Biggs to Miss Elizabeth F., daughter of George W. and Mildred Corbin. Mrs. Biggs was born in Douglas County, Ill., May 21, 1854, and is a lady of amiable disposition, devoted to the welfare of her family. Her only daughter, Mary E., was born February 1, 1885, and is a bright child, the pet of the household as well as of a large circle of friends. August 12, 1862, Mr. Biggs enlisted in the defense of the Union, becoming a member of Company H, One Hundred and Eighth Illinois Infantry. He was with Army of the Mississippi under General Ulysses S. Grant, and participated in the battle of Haynes Bluff and Arkansas Post. While he was not wounded, he was not so lucky in escaping disease. While in camp at Young's Point, he was seized with a severe attack of the measles in February, 1863. The following March he was honorably discharged for disability. After his discharge he returned home to his family in Mason County and resumed farming as soon as he was able. In 1865, Mr. Biggs purchased eighty acres of his present farm, upon which he at once commenced the work of improvement. As prospered, he has added to his original purchase until he is now the owner of four hundred and forty acres of as fine farming land as is to be found in the county. In addition to this tract he owns four hundred acres in Barber County, Kan. In politics he is a Democrat and has held a number of minor offices in the township. The family has a warm place in the hearts of the people of San Jose and Allen's Grove Township, and is prominent in social circles. |