Middletown transcript., 1912-06-08
DEATH OF W. PEARCEN BICCS
A WeII-knOwn Citizen Long Pro-
minent in Public Affairs

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The many friends of Mr.. William Pear
cen Bigge, heard with much regret Of bis
death on saturday evening last, at 8 80
o'clock in his home on Uass Street. Al
though Mr.. BiRgs had been i'll for several
months and his condition had been for
some days much weaker, still his death
came as great shock to the community
where he was so we'll know during his
long residence.
Mr.. Biggs was son of John and Diana
Bell Biggs, and was born on the Biggs
homestead in Pencader hundred, January
22d, 1885, His father was a native OF
Cecil county, Nd, where he was born
October 18th, 1885. While young man
John Biggs removed to Psncader hundred
and became large land owner. He had
10 children, eight SONS and two daughters,
William Pearcen being the ninth child.
William P. Biggs received his early
education in the public schools of Peh-
cader, and afterwards attended the New
Jersey Academy at Pennington, N. J.
After remaining upon his fathers home
place, Locust Grove, until he was of age,
he thereafter farmer the land on his own
account.
In 1870 he bought the McCracken farm
of 2I6 acres, upon which lie was engaged
in farming for 10 years, raising grain and
peaches, aud was unusually successful
therein.
Mr.. Biggs was all his life a Democrat,
actively participating in the political
struggles of bis time. He was twice
elected a Representative to the State
Legislature in 1875 and 1889. In 1890 his
brother, Governor BeI jamin I. Biggs, ap-
pointed him clerk OF the peace for New
Castle county. and he held that otiice Tor
five years. In 1880 he gave up active
farming and removed with his family to
Middetowr, where he built a handsome
brick residence He was a member OF
Union Lodge, No. 5. A. F. & A. NJ, of
Middletown.
M. Biggs was married in Pencader
hundred, January I7th, 1865, to Fannie,
daughter Of James and Clara c. Pierce
BouIden, and four children were born to
them-Fletcher A. P, who died young;
Bessie, who also died young; Nellie, who
died at the age of IL, and Cara NJ, wife
of Mr.. Ge Irge Janvier, teller in the Citi-
zens' National Bank Of Middletown. He
is also survived by his widow.
The funeral services we're under the
charge OF Rev. Vaughan S. Collins pastor
of Bethesda NJ. E Church of which the
deceased was member.
The exercises opened with the reading
by Rev. Collins Of the Goth Psalm and
part OF the I5tn chapter OF lst Cor.
Then a quartette composed of Mrs. J.C.
Alston. Mrs. Samuel Price, and Messrs.
Howard A. and Clarence E. Pool sang
"Rock of Ages" and Rev. F. H. Moore,
D. D., prayed. The quartette next sang
'Nearer My God to Thee" and Rev. L.
W. Layfeld of FELTON, made thu princi-
pal address which wac largely reminiscent
of the days long ago when, during his
pastorate at Bethel Church, the deceased
was a leading and very active member
Rev. Collins also made some remarks of
a eulogistic character upon the deceased.
The Rev. w. H. Hutchin was also present
together wish a large number of people
from home and abroad.
The ceremonies ended with a Sc cond
prayer by Mr.. Colins.
There are many beautiful f1wer n en-
entoes from friends, tome of them being
elaborate designs of the finest roses, pinks
and lilies.
The remains we're followed to the place
Of int' rment, Bethel cemetery, by many
carriages, and the usual ceremonies were
observed at the grave.
The pail bearers were Messrs. Andrew
Eliason, Alexander Metten, Patrick Ma
loney, William Matthews, William
Lucas, and Henry Schroeder.