The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-05-06
. shining Mark.

L
HONORABLE LfFE-HIs MILITARY AND CIvIi
sERvfCEs-FULL CT YEARS AND FULL OF
HoNoRs-THE FUNERAL TO-DAY, &C, &C.
Colonel Thomas B. Bigger died at hi,
residence. in this city, yesterday morning
after an Illness OF brief duration. in th,
eighty-sixth year Of his age. The event
was not unexpected. Since the news OF bis
alarming illness had become known hi.
many friends had feared that a! his ad.
vanced age he could not hope long 10 sur
ylye serious attack. The intelligence Of
his death caused a widespread feeling OF
sorrow. The demise Of so old and highly
valued citizen calls for more than pass
ing notice. aud we present some OF The lead
ing events Of his long and honorable career.
Thomas Bibb Bigger was born in Prince
Edward county. February %, 1895, and at
an early age entered life as clerk in Pc
tersburg. In October, 1872, he ef. Peters
burg with the volunteers under Captain
AlcRae to take part in the war then being
waged with Great Britain. He served in
ibis campaign with distinction, and received
promotion. After the war ended he settled
la this city, and served rs clerk in several
mercantile establishments. lie was after
wards an exchange broker, and m 1914 was
appointed By President Polk postmaster OF
Richmond. He served in thfs cdpacity until
1862. when Mr.. Seger, then member Of
the House OF Delegates, superseded him as
postmaster. The people OF Richmond filed
the vacancy thus created by the unanimous
election OF Colonel Bigger.
He was for many years member OF the
old Board OF Aldermen, and also of the
City Council. During the latter years OF his
life he was clerk in the Office Of the late
Auditor, William f. Taylor.
At an early age the deceased attached
himself to the Masonic fraternity, and was
probably at the time OF his death the oldest
Mason in the State. He was also the last
survivor Of the gallant band that marched
from the Cockade City to Canada.
Colonel Bigger ioinedthe Richmond Light
Infantry Blues May G, 1920, and was sue.
cessiveIy promoted until April %, 1882,
when he was elected captain OF the corps,
He was also at one time lieutenant-colone
of the old FIRST Virginia regiment. He
always manifested the iveliest interest in
his old command. After his resignation as
captain he was an honorary member, and
was an efficient member OF the Old Blues
Association.
After the war ended Colonel Bigger's
property was attached and sold 10y order ol
the United States Court to pay TO the United
States Government money which he had
been compelled to pay to the Confederate
Government in 1861, and which came into
his hands, while acting rs postmaster Under
the former Government.
The deceased leaves several daughters
and three sons, all Of whom are widely and
iavorably knOwn-John Bell Bigger, late
clerk Of the House OF Delegates; william
j. Bigger, late assistant clerk OF the House
and Captain Charles p. Bigger, Supcrin
tendent OF the City Almshouse.
Colonel Bigger was taken sick last Satur'
day, and from the first there were fears o
fatal result. He was somewhat better
Monday, but reapsed Tuesday, and con
tinued 10 grow worse until relieved Dy
death.
The funeral will take place from the Mon
umental church this evening at D O'Clock
The Richmond Blues will assemble ct
O'Clock, the First regiment at q O'Clock,
and the Old Blues Association at O'Clock
Colonel Bigger had long since passed The
allotted age Of man, but OF him it could be
said with truth that he had not ontliyed
his usefulness. Up to his removal from OF
flee on the 1st OF January last he was ac
lively engaged in business, and in the iul
po.session OF Ms faculties. Whether iedgeO
from the standpoint Of a public officer or as
private citizen, the deceased was man
above reproacb. He was a good citizen, 9
tender husband and father, tried and
trusted public officer, genial companion,
and faithful friend. During his long and
useful career in this city but few men be-
came more widely known or more de-
servedly popular. In his death another
golden cord is severed that linked Us IN
chains Of love to the Richmond OF by-Sont
DAYS; Virginia loses Il son who loved hel
with a woman's tenderness, and Richmond
a citizen who reflected credit in every ca
pacity in which he was called to act
Full OF years and full OF honors, he goes
down TO the grave Gas one who wraps tht
drapery OF his couch about him and lies
down 10 pleasant dreams lending at the
Masters call life noted not more for ~
usefulness than IFS bIameessness lfC
whose sun "set not down behind darken
cd west, but melted away into the bright
ness OF heaven" and left the twilight OF
shining example.
The funeral OF such man is no ordinary
occasion, and Richmond will to-day nc
doubt pay to the memory OF the deceased
spontaneous parting tribute OF respect and
affection.