Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1851-08-16
Bioeraplm.
From the Pcnusylvanian
SKETCH OF TIE LIFE OF WILLIAM
BIGLER.

ii is not until man emerges from the
comparative obscurity Of private life, and
assumes a prominent part in public affairs
that the community inquire into his personal
history, and seek to ascertain by what sue
cessful steps he has attained positon.-
Some are relatively great---others are more
indebted TO adventurous circumstances rath-
er than TO individual character and as they
are thrown upon the surface by accident,
pass from the scene without note or marx -
others again, particularly in this country,
achieve greatness, trained in the school of
adversely, with none Of the advantages Of
wealth, position, or influence. BY indomit-
able perseverance, unwaveriug industry. and
high moral integrity, they assume their pro-
per place among their fellow men. OF such
is the subject of the present brief sketch.
WILLIAM BIGLER, the Democratic candi-
date for Governor Of Pennsylvania, was
born in Cumberland county, December
1913. His father was a respectable and in
tellgent farmer much beloved by his neigh
bors. His means being small, and his fam
| lily large, he was induced TO exchange his
small farm in Cumberland for large tract
of wild land in Mercer. Tc this place he
removed i'll 1920, and commenced the ar
duous task of clearing the forest. William
! Bgler was al this time seven years of age !:
al ten he had the misfortune to lose his ia.
/ ther. lie was thus left with his widowed
?
amid the rude scenes of forest life, with in
cessant toll and severe privati0ns, entirely
dependant upon his own cXcrions and yet
it is under such circumstances that the in
nate energies of character are devcloped.-
Aided by his brothers, he maintained in
comfort his mother, sacrificing all selfish
considerations 10 the sacred duty of provi-
/ ding for her support. He reserved only the
/ pittance requisite in such locations TO pay
for the elementary education 10 be acquired
/ during the winter months. Many new resi-
| ding in Mercer, remember the bearing Of
! the boy his persevcring industry, sturdy
/ Independence, and filial devotion. His rigid
economy and sterling integrity gave promise
]
every sphere in which he has been called 10
move. Honesty of purpose, and stern prin-
ciple, were his guides. No lofty aspirations
made him discontented with his life of toll ;
and while he embraced every opportunity Of
improving his intellect, he engaged aCtvey
in the business of life. Fortunately, Mr..
Bigler was not one of those young men (con-
sidered by late traveller as the only unior-
tuuate ones she met with in our country,
who are born 10 an inheritance of wealth. -
His relations and positions in life called into
immediate exercise all the ability with
which hc was endowed He had neither
the time nor means to Indulge in ruinous
dissipation or theoretical specuIations, had
the tone aud temper OF his mind led him TO
such courses.
In 1929, he selected rs his fuluIe oCCupa-
ton the trade of a carpenter. Ia 1881, he
entered printing oiiice--that prolific school
of sound thought, and intelligent, well-oned
minds. His brother, late Speaker OF the
California House Of Representatives, and
now Democratic candidate for Governor of
that State, was then the publisher of the
Centre Democrat. In 1898, when hG: YET a
minor-beng but twenty years OF age--in
harmony with that determination of purpose
and sturdy independence which are c!ief
characteristics of his mind with m old
printing press and twenty dollars loaned by
a friend, he undertook the hardy, and, as it
appeared TO many of his friends, The fool
hardy enterprise Of establishing Democrat
ic paper in Cleariield ccuntv. The popuia-
ton was exceedingly sparse, his resources
meagre almost 10 penury without influence
without friends, without position, rle present
was dark, the future unPvcmIsing. Contrary
10 the advice of experienced age, against
every consideration Of personal comfort, he
boldly dared, selI-dependaut, the issue Of a
doubtful experiment. Being without the
means to employ the necessary assistance,
he was editor compoSIor, pressman, aud
DcrH.
The CicRfcd Democrat, under the super.
inlendence of Mr. Bgler, WAS couspicuously
active in this contest as an exponent of the
!. Democratic principle, The resources : of a
well stored mind were called into reuusi.
ton Firm and decided in lis political
principles, he expressed his sentiments in
strong aud energetic language yet ever
! courteous and urbane e-never forgetting the
man in The parlisan-he disarmed opposition
! OF lis virulence and malignity.
In 1888 he married The accomplished
daughter of A. B. Reed, ESQ OF CiearheId
The same year he sold out his printing
establishment and engaged N the more ac-
tive aud stirring business Of lumber met
, chant--not the mere director OF the physical
, energies of others, but practically IN The
labols and tolls incident to the business
! Taking TO market his own raiis he might
| be seen working as diligently as his own
men at the vay'ors rnr's he was really and
, cmqhatcalIy gaNznan. iH 1890 he was
I p.n,,1a,s as candidate 10 'na State Sen
]