FRANK SMITH BIGELOW

Frank Bigelow, well known and highly respected citizen of Blair, died suddenly at eight o’clock a.m. Saturday at his home in north Blair at the age of 69 years, 7 months and 4 days.

He had been about his usual duties on the day prior to his death, and in apparently normal health. When he awoke Saturday morning he complained of severe pains in his back, and Mrs. Bigelow asked him to remain in bed while she busied herself with her duties. On returning to him, she found him dead.

Deceased was born in Strawberry Point, Iowa August 10, 1861. He came to Blair forty three years ago, and has since then been a resident continually.

In the year 1883, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Sadie Huffman. To this union seven children were born, all of whom have passed on except two, Mrs. Ed Wolff and Mrs. Fred Nemetz, both of Blair. The mother of this family is still living in Blair. There are eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Mr. Bigelow was the last of a family of five to pass on. A nephew, Dale Stough, resides in Lincoln, Neb.

In 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow moved from Missouri to Nebraska, which place has since been his home.

Deceased was always a good citizen, friend and neighbor. His work was never questioned, and among men he was held in high esteem. He took a great interest in civic affairs, and for a long term of years he has been identified with the city administration as councilman from his ward. In this capacity he served the city faithfully, and at all times in an honorable manner, looking always to the good of the city in the administration of his office.

He was a member of the W.O.W. and for twenty years held the office of Council Commander of his lodge; he also served as Grand Watchman for many years.

Feb. 1, 1913 he was married to Miss Minnie Carter at Des Moines, Iowa. Since then they have resided in Blair. Mrs. Bigelow survives him.

The news of his death came as a shock to the community, and from all sides sorrow was expressed. That he will be greatly missed in both civic and private life goes without saying. Always free to express his opinion is an honest. straight forward manner, his place will not be easily filled. The funeral services were held at the Christian church at two thirty p.m. Tuesday with Rev. Hargett officiating, and interment was made in the Blair cemetery. The Mayor and City Council, his colleagues in the administration of public affairs, attended the funeral in a body, thus expressing their sympathy to the sorrowing relatives who are left to mourn.

#2 Printed in the Thursday, March 19, 1931 Pilot-Tribune, Blair, Nebraska

CITY COUNCILMAN IS STROKE VICTIM

F.S. BIGELOW BURIAL RITES HELD TUESDAY AFTERNOON

Frank Smith Bigelow, city council man from the First Ward, was found dead at his home last Saturday morning. He had not been feeling good for a short time, but was apparently feeling improved Saturday early when Mrs. Bigelow set out to take care of the morning chores. Physicians stated that death was due to a stroke of apoplexy.

The deceased was born at Strawberry Point, Iowa, August 10, 1861, and 1883 was united in marriage to Mrs. Sadie Huffman. To this union seven children were born, only two of whom are living: Mrs. Ed Wulff and Mrs. Fred Nemetz of this city. The children preceding him in death are: Mina Bigelow, Mrs. Donald Jones, Jesse Bigelow, Bessie Bigelow and Adell Bigelow. The mother of this family lives in Blair. There are eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow moved from Missouri to Nebraska and three years later they moved to Blair where they have since made their home.

Mr. Bigelow was an energetic man taking interest in various activities of life. In early life he farmed for a time but later became interested in the restaurant and hotel business, then in insurance, laundry, wholesale and retail feed and flour business. The death of Mr. Bigelow brought to a closing a very active career in the public affairs of the community. Mr. Bigelow served as a fireman, night watch, police judge and for numerous terms as a city council man. Last spring the citizens of the First Ward again expressed confidence in him by re-electing him as their representative on the city council. As councilman he was loyal to his constituents and everyone knew where he stood. He was a member of the order of Woodmen of the World and for twenty years held the office of council commander at his lodge; he also served as grand watchman for many years.

On February 1, 1913, Mr. Bigelow was married to Miss Minnie Carter at Des Moines, Iowa, and since that time they have resided in Blair.

Funeral services were conducted at the Christian church Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, with Rev. A.J. Hargett officiating, after which interment was made in the Blair cemetery. His wife, Mrs. Minnie Bigelow, survives him.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

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