George Bigalow

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

George Bigalow

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

A well known citizen and business man of Newfoundland, is Mr. Bigalow, who was born on the old family homestead at this place, April 20, 1855. His father is a native of the same locality, born in 1811, and his death occurred there in 1891. His educational privileges were very meager, and at an early age he began working at the forge and in the iron business, a pursuit which he followed for some years, but finally abandoned in order to engage in building. He was a good mechanic and many of the substantial structures in this part of the county are his handiwork. He was a man of intensely religious nature, a Methodist in belief and was one of the chief contributors toward the support of that denomination in Newfoundland. He married Elizabeth Lyon, a daughter of James Lyon, who resided near Boonton, and they became the parents of seven children, namely: Jeanette, the wife of Samuel Truax; Jonathan, was a soldier in the Union army and was held as a prisoner of war in Libby prison; Susan, wife of Charles A. Monks; Milton deceased; Daniel, James, and George.

The last named quipped himself for the duties of life by learning the carpenter's trade, and soon took up contract work, which he has since continued. He is one of the firm of Bigalow Brothers, proprietors of a saw and turning mill in Newfoundland, and through their industrial interests they have done much to improve and beautify this locality. They have erected a number of important structures, including the addition to Brown's hotel, the McConnell residence, the addition to the hotel in Stockholm and several cottages there, and the residences of William Post, Leo P. Wise, Mrs. Watkins, and James H. Owens of Newfoundland.

Mr. Bigalow was married December 28, 1880 to Sarah J. Davenport, daughter of Edward Davenport and Sarah (Fredericks) Davenport. Four children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bigalow, but their first born, Reuben, is now deceased. The others are Bertha, Leonard, and Horace, all at home. The family attended the Methodist church and Mr. Bigalow has been an active worker therein since boyhood. For several years he has served as superintendent of the Sunday-school, and does all in his power to promote the growth and advance the work of the church. In his political views he is a Democrat, but has never taken an active part in political affairs. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a kind father and good husband, striving at all times to cherish a sweet disposition.

Transcribed by Christopher Cresta