Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-05-14


Of Postmaster to the United States Senate.
In April, 1889, he Vas again re-app,inted
to his old position as Superintendent Of the
Railway Mail Service for New England.
succeeding Col. Geo. Z. Dame Of New
Hampshire. which position he held as tie
time of his decease.
MIR. Bigelow was married October 5,
1857. to Miss ElvirA NJ. Howe Of Skov he
gan. His family consists Of four children
Walter wSland, Nellie France. Julia May
and Harry Morris. His oldest son 10 mar
ried. His daughter Nellie. 10 NOE Mrs.
E. s. Neal Of this city and be daughter
Julia vas married in 1889 to Mr.. Charles
NJ. Saulson of New York. The youngest
son is a student in Cony Acsdamy, this
city. Mr.. Bigelo~'s parents are both de
ceased, but he has living three brothers
and one sister.
Mr.. Bigelow has resided in this since
1873. and although widely known through
out New England. it 10 here where nearly
twenty years of his active manhood. have
been passed. that he has been best known
where he has the widest and closest circle
of friends. for all Who knew him were his
friends. ard where his high and admirable
qualities were most appreciated. Mr. Big.
Glow was fine type of the broad brai.ed,
unselish and noble manhood. HE whole
nature was genial; his disposition happy
| his life sunny. Being As he Was intensely
interested in the principles and policy Of
the Republican party and haviag much to do
with its work, he was naturally brought in
to political sn,ssonism. but the heat Of Q
political campaign or party canvass never
left ruff upon his genial disposition. nor
did he ever lay up q personal i'll feeling
tward the most enthusiastic opponent. He
was too large hearted AID charitable for
that.
Mr.. Bigelow's great interest in National
and State affairs brought him into close
and intimate relations with the prominen,
members of the Republican party. 1t was
the party he had loved from boyhood. and
he loved its founders and leaders. He be
lieved in it because it had done 80 much
for humanity and the country. While never
having served officially in connection with
its great committees, yet those who were
thus connected with it often sought Mr.
B,selo IS counsel and advice. He had q
wonderfully clear and accurate knowledge |
of men; and upon them, As we'll a. upon
principles and events, his judgment va
ii Greet, far reaching and accurate. He
has been the trusted friend, counsellor and
COMPLIANT of the most prominent members
Of the republican party in State and
National affairs. Secretary Blaine's mes
sage of coincidence to his family, through
Postmaster Manley, speaks Of Mr.. Bigelo~
as the "honest man and true friend. )" words
full Of deep and sincere meaning.
Within the past few weeks President
Harrison invited Mr. Bigelow to his room
to consult with him upon important National
Instances might be widely multiplied to
show the esteem and confidence in which
Mr.. Bigelow was held by the great leaders
of the party and the highest officials Of the
nation.
In connection with the intricate and ex
acting duties Of his position Mr.. Bigelo-
exhibited great administrative abilities
He had worked up the high position he oc
TOD e., 49,, 49,, H.
play of pluck, ability and good judgment
He knew every one of the six hundred men
under his charge in New England, and
every one of tb' m loved and respected him
as an honored chief and true friend.
Isis safe to say that no man ever occu-
pied this important post who possessed so
thorough, practical and complete knowl-
edge Of its workings as did Mr.. Bigelow.
He made the business a careful study, in
troduced countless improvements into the
system. in nums rous instances brought or
der out of discord, and by his attention TO
its duties gave the business men and peo-
pie of New England the best and most COM
plsts railway service they have ever had.
His active mind was constantly studying
out new schemes to give better mail IA
cii;ies to the country. and his abilities in
this direction had been several times COM
mended by Postmaster Gen eral Wana-
msker. There is no doubt that had Mr..
Bigelow but lived he would have been
promoted at no distant day to the chief 20.
siton at the head Of the Railway NAL ser
vice Of the United States.
| But it is as the father, husband and
friend that Mr.. Bigelow will be longest
remembered, as he was here at his beet
His was eminently Of . domestic nature.
He loved home-it was to him the dearest
spot on earth His life was temperate,
chaste. lovable. The genial face was
always lighted by smile ): the hearty laugh
ca ne from kind heart the generous hand
shake was such q, always made and re-
tained friends. He had no arstocracy in
his make up, his sympathies we're with the
people, he leaves not an enemy.