The Placer herald., 1871-12-02
DEATH OF EX-GOVERNOR BIGLEK.

Governor John Bigler died at his resi-
dence in Sacramento at O clock " ednesday
morning last, from dropsy, after a lingering
and painful illness. Of his life the Cn'on
says:
Ex-Governor Bigler was born near Car
Isle, in the State of Pennsylvania, OF pa
rents Of German descent, on the oth gay
of January, 1906, and had therefore
nearly completed his sixty-seventh year
Few men who knew him before lis final SICK
ness would have placed his age above sixty
so hale and hearty was his appearance. lie
was born farmers boy and early INJURED
to toll, and being the oldest Of the family
was required to help lis father in bis struS-
gles to support a family. Dickinson College
being located at young Bigler's birthplace
he entered that institution, but did not grad
uate, bis father moving to Mercer county
before the sons education was complete.
Soon after the removal, John Biger went to
learn the printing business in Plttsburg, ana
in 1927 became the editor of a Democratic
paper at Bellefonte, Center county, in which
position he continued five years. Afterwards
he studied law and was admitted to the bar
in 1910, practicing at Mt. Sterling till lS49,
when, with his wife and only child, he took
up his march with other gold hunters for the
Pacific coast. 1t is known to be fact that
he drove an OK team across the plains, and
took his turn at standing guard with the rest
of his companions. The long and weary
J.. p1ot Of
gust, 1S49, when he pitched his tent for a
final resting place in Sacramento. Accus-
toned to labor, he sought employment, and
obtained situation in the store Of an auc-
tioneer. Afterwards he cut wood out OF town
and hauled it in for sale, and still later assist
ed in unloading steamers as a common hand,
at two dollars an hour. In the Fall Of the
year and but a short time after his arrival,
he was elected to the first Legislature of
California from this county. On the assem-
bling of the Legislature at San Jose, he was
elected Speaker pro tem., and before the
session closed, on the resignation of DIR.
White, he succeeded as Speaker. Again
elected to the Legislature in 1850, he was
reelected Speaker. During this year the
ing the trying scenes John Bigler nobly vim
dicated his claims as a friend to suffering
humanity. In 1851 he was elected Gov
crnor Of the State over the Wing candidate,
Pearson b. Reading, and was reelected tc
the same high position two years after. En-
joying the full confidence of bis party, he
was again a candidate in 1866, but was de-
ed InI Rif,lar
was prominent as an advocate Of James
Buchanan for the Presidency in the State
Convention, and was one of the delegates
sent from California that assisted in the nom
nation. lie received as the reward of his
friendship and unwavering Democracy, the
position Of envoy and Minister to Chile,
which he held while Buchanan was at the
head of the Government. Andrew johnson
appointed him one of the Pacific Railroad
Commissioners, since which time he has held
no office. Governor Bigler took part also
as a delegate from California in the national
conventions Of his party that nominated Nc
! Clelan and seymour. When Minister to
Chile, and residing at Santiago, Harry
MoiSSo presented Lirneolf and nsked the
friendly assistance of Governor Bigler in
procuring place for him in some mercantile
house. The Governor exerted himself to
procure his countryman, though under the
ban and an exile from California, situation
and with success. The friendly act was re-
memhered by the now South American Rail
road King and millionaire, and less than 9
year ago the Governor received a check by
which he was enabled to purchase comfort.
able homestead in this city, in which his last
breath was drawn.