Joseph Bigham (1804 - 1898)

Born 27 Jan 1804 in Hagerstown, Washington, Maryland, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Mary Ann Kershner — married 3 Jun 1830 (to 7 Sep 1846) in Hagerstown, Washington, Maryland, United States

Husband of Adelia Deliverence (Paisley) Bigham — married 12 Apr 1849 in Bond, Illinois, United States

Descendants

Died 28 Feb 1898 at age 94 in Donnellson, Montgomery, Illinois, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: John Freeman [send private message]

Biography

Early Years

Joseph Bigham was born in Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland, on January 27, 1804, ^[1]. His parents were Joseph Bigham, Sr., and Elizabeth (Embich) Bigham. Joseph was the oldest of eight children, four girls, and four boys.

Per “Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois,” published in 1892, and one of his obituaries, Joseph’s great grandfather, Bryan Bigham, was born in Ireland and came to America before the Revolutionary War, settling in the area near Lebanon, Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Hugh Bigham, was born in Pennsylvania. Joseph’s father, Joseph Bigham, Sr., was born in Pennsylvania, which is where he married Joseph’s mother, Elizabeth Embich, in the Lutheran church. Elizabeth was the daughter of Christopher Embich, who was of German descent and a soldier in the Revolutionary War. ^{[2] [1][3]}.

Life in Pittsburgh

Information handed down by Joseph’s descendants suggests that Joseph Bigham, Sr., moved his family to Pennsylvania sometime after the christening of Samuel at St John’s Evangelical Church, in Hagerstown, Washington, Maryland. Notes from Dilla Mae Hanner Shoemaker in a letter to Maxine Shoemaker Plumb (Dilla’s daughter) stated that she believed they moved somewhere near Pittsburgh in 1806 and returned to Hagerstown in 1810^[4]. Another note made by Ralph Arthur Bigham (grandson) indicated that they moved to Butler County, Pennsylvania in 1810 and returned to Hagerstown in 1813 ^[5]. The 1810 Census does show a Joseph Bigham living in Hopewell Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, which is just northwest of Pittsburgh^[6]. During his time there he "witnessed the scene of Comodore [sic] Perry bringing his British prisoners from Lake Erie"^[1]. This event would have occurred in 1813. Since the next baptism in St. John’s Church happened in February of 1812 we must assume that his father must have been routinely traveling between the two towns and Jr. was staying with other relatives in the vicinity^[7]. In fact the 1820 Census does report a William Bigam living in Plum Twp., Allegheny, PA, however at the time of this writing his relationship to Joseph, Jr. is unknown^[8].

Back to Hagerstown

A few years later it appears his father tried to leave Hagerstown again. Family notes appear to indicate his father tried living in Ohio for a few years. A Hugh Bigham (relationship is undetermined) was shown to have died in Warren Co. Ohio in 1807^[9]. The 1820 census shows a Joseph Bigham living there while not noteing the name in Washington, MD. This could be possible since his sisters, Elizabeth and (Anna) Maria, were baptized in the St. John’s Evangelical Church in 1820 and 1824 respectively ^[10].^{[11] [12]}

In about 1818, when Joseph was about 14 years old, Joseph's father taught him the shoemaker trade. His father had learned the trade from George Brendle of Hagerstown, Maryland. At about this time, Joseph is said to have professed the Christian religion. Joseph's schooling lasted about six months, although he continued to acquire knowledge while working. ^[1]

Marriage

On about May 31, 1830, Joseph married Mary Ann Kerschner in Washington County, Maryland ^[13]. At that time, the county did not require the Minister or the couple to submit a form confirming that the ceremony had subsequently occurred. Mary Ann was a native of Washington County. While living in Maryland, Joseph, and Mary Ann would have the following children: Samuel Joseph, Mary Ann, and Emanuel Kerschner^[14].

Moving to Ohio

In about 1835, Joseph moved his family to Greene County, Ohio, perhaps moving with relatives, where the couple added the following children to the family: James Henry, Charles Harrison, and Catherine Jane Elizabeth^{[1] [14]}

Moving to Illinois

In 1845, Joseph moved his family to Montgomery County, Illinois^[1], acquiring farming land from the government in East Fork township near Donnellson^[15]. Joseph and Mary Ann then had their seventh child, John William^[14]. Per the secondary source referenced above, “[a]lthough the land was wild upon which [Joseph] settled, and the implements he used to cultivate his land crude and unhandy, the soil was rich, and as the work of clearing progressed and the crops were put in, it yielded a rich return.” ^[2] Joseph also employed his shoemaker trade, running a small cobbler's shop at his farm residence. Joseph was also noted as being a great hunter and expert marksman^[1].

On September 6, 1846, Joseph’s wife, Mary Ann, died^[1]. On about April 12, 1849, Joseph married Adelia (“Dilly” or “Delia”) Paisley, the daughter of Robert Paisley and Elizabeth Sanford. The marriage license was issued in Greenville, Bond County, Illinois, and lists her name as “Delia.” Adelia’s name likely was derived from the name of her grandmother Deliverance (Paine) Paisley, the wife of William Paisley of Guilford County, North Carolina^[16]. Adelia had come to Illinois in about 1816, settling in Elm Point, Bond County, Illinois, with her parents^[17]. Her father founded the Bear Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Donnellson, Illinois, and died in about 1837^[18]. Adelia lived with her mother until she married Joseph.

In February 1850 Joseph and Adelia had a daughter, Samira Maria, who joined her seven half-siblings on Joseph’s farm outside Donnellson, Illinois. The 1850 federal census lists Joseph's real estate as valued at $1,400^[14]. The 1855 Illinois census lists Joseph living with his wife and seven children, with Joseph’s oldest son, Samuel Joseph, having died in 1852^[19]. This census also lists Joseph owning livestock valued at $1,000^[20].

By 1860 Joseph is living with Adelia and three of his children; Charles, John, and Samira. Sarah Tulford, a servant, is also living at the farm. Joseph’s farm consists of 200 acres of improved land and 120 acres of unimproved land ^[21]. His real estate is valued at $4,200 (more than one million dollars adjusted to 2013 dollars) and his personal property is valued at $1,100. Joseph’s farm is producing Irish potatoes (65 bushels), butter (150 pounds), hay (22 tons), wheat (33 bushels), Indian corn (100 bushels), and oats (30 bushels). He also possesses slaughtered animals valued at $260, eight horses, six milk cows, 23 cattle, 23 swine, and livestock valued at $300^[22]. Joseph’s son Emmanuel appears to be living at an adjacent household with his brother James and sister Catherine ^[21]. The 1860 federal census does not list a value for the real estate of Emmanuel’s farm, so it is conceivable that Emmanuel and his siblings are living in a separate dwelling on their father’s farm. The 1865 Illinois census lists Joseph, now age 61, living with his three daughters and two of his sons, likely John and Charles^[21].

In 1870 Joseph, age 65, continues to farm, living with his wife and son Emmanuel. Children Charles, Catherine, John, and Samira are living in an adjacent household, likely on Joseph’s farm. Joseph’s farm is valued at $4,000, with personal property valued at $1,500^[23].

His final years

The 1880 federal census lists Joseph, age 76, living with his son Charles and a servant named Sarah Compton, Joseph’s wife Adelia having died in April 1880. Joseph’s daughter Samira is living on a nearby farm with her husband, Harrison Shelby Hanner, and their two sons^[24].

Per the Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, “[n]ow, when well along in years, this worthy gentleman has a good farm of two hundred acres all under cultivation, and eighty acres of timber, and can now sit down and enjoy the fruit of his labor. For many years he has been identified with the interests of Montgomery County and in him the community has a faithful and unswerving friend, ever alert to serve its best interest and generous in his contributions toward every movement tending to the general advancement.” Joseph’s “first Presidential vote was cast for Jackson, but he is now a staunch Republican.” ^[2]

"The Donnellson Presbyterian Church History, 1819-1937," and his obituaries indicate that Joseph lived with his son Emmanuel until his death. Joseph is noted as being a small man, weighing no more than 110 pounds, who made a living as a farmer and a shoe and boot cobbler. He was also a devoted member of the Bear Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church, perhaps joining after the marriage to his second wife, Adelia. He was known to enjoy writing about scripture^[1][18].

Joseph died on February 22, 1898, near Donnellson, Illinois. His last request was that "my whole household may live truly religious." ^[1]

Research Notes

Birth Records

Obituary

Biography

Letter from Nora Ellen Bigham Davis

Census Records:

Population Schedule: 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880

Agriculture Schedule: 1860 – Ancestry.com (I don’t have access to this image)

Illinois State: 1855, 1865

Marriage Records:

Mary Ann Kershner: FamilySearch – 2 sources

Delia Paisley: FamilySearch – 4 sources

Other Records:

Bureau of Land Management – 4 sources

Donnellson Presbyterian Church – 1 source

Death Records.

Obituary – Joseph’s & Dilly’s

Letter from Nora Ellen Bigham Davis

Illinois Statewide Death Index

Probate records – 2 sources Ancestry.com (I don’t have access)

Find a Grave – picture taken of the gravestone

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9} "Obituary for Joseph Bigham", Freeman Family Archives, Currently in possession of Scott Day Freeman. Citing: Montgomery News, Montgomery, IL, 22 Feb 1898, Page(s) 5.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois. archive.org, Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL, as of 1892, (https://archive.org/details/portraitbio00chap, Accessed: 11 Feb 2024), pp352 &353
3. ↑ ”Ancestor Search”, DAR.org,database,(https://services.dar.org/public/dar_research/search_adb/default.cfm, accessed: 20 Feb 2024), entry for Christopher Embich, Jr., DAR Ancestor #A204607.
4. ↑ “Notes from Dilla Mae Hanner Shoemaker”, Personal copy in the files of Scott Day Freeman
5. ↑ “Notes from Ralph Arthur Bigham”, Personal copy in the files of Scott Day Freeman
6. ↑ "United States Census, 1810", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XH22-6N4: Wed Oct 04 21:02:11 UTC 2023), Entry for Joseph Bigham, 1810
7. ↑ "Maryland Births and Christenings, 1650-1995", database with images, FamilySearch.org, (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HY2B-22T2, Accessed: 17 Feb 2024), Kath. Bigham, Hagerstown, MD, 17 May 1812, Citing: Records of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hagerstown, Washington, MD, Daughters of the American Revolution, Washington, DC, 1935, Vol. I, image 322.
8. ↑ "United States Census, 1820", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHGQ-G95 : Thu Oct 05 04:17:01 UTC 2023), Entry for William Bigam, 1820.
9. ↑ "Wills, estates and guardian records, 1800-160, box 1-3", database with images, FamilySearch.org, (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89QP-599J-H?i=786&cc=1992421&cat=497315, Accessed: 17 Feb 2024), Hugh Bigham, Warren, OH, 20 Sep 1807, Citing: Warren County Clerk's Office, Lebanon, OH, n.d., image 787-792.
10. ↑ "United States Census, 1820", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHLS-YCY: Wed Oct 04 17:07:07 UTC 2023), Entry for J Bigham, 1820.
11. ↑ "Maryland Births and Christenings, 1650-1995", database with images, FamilySearch.org, (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HYLM-PB6Z, Accessed: 17 Feb 2024), Elizabeth Bigham, Hagerstown, MD, 01 Jun 1820, Citing: Records of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hagerstown, Washington, MD, Daughters of the American Revolution, Washington, DC, 1935, Vol. I, image 387.
12. ↑ "Maryland Births and Christenings, 1650-1995", database with images, FamilySearch.org, (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HY2B-15PZ, Accessed: 17 Feb 2024), Maria Bigham, Hagerstown, MD, 11 Dec 1824, Citing: Records of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hagerstown, Washington, MD, Daughters of the American Revolution, Washington, DC, 1935, Vol. I, image 440.
13. ↑ "Maryland County Marriages, 1658-1940", database, FamilySearch.org, (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q297-FTB1, Accessed: 17 Feb 2024), Joseph Bigham & Mary Ann Kershner, Washington MD, 5/31/1830, Citing: Clerk of the Circuit Court form various counties, Annapolis, MD, n.d.
14. ↑ ^{14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3} United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M85D-ZBW: downloaded 01 Feb 2024), Joseph Bigham, Montgomery, IL, citing: NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington D.C.; National Archives Administration, n.d.).
15. ↑ General Land Office Records, 1776-2015. GLOECORDS.BLM.GOV, database with images, (https://glorecords.blm.gov/search/default.aspx, Accessed: 11 Feb 2024), entry for: Bigham, Joseph, Montgomery, IL, 01 Jan 1849, citing: Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records, Springfield, VA, 2007, doc #23989.
16. ↑ "Illinois, County Marriages, 1810-1940", database with images, FamilySearch.org, (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X2TS-CB9, Accessed: 17 Feb 2024), Joseph Bigham & Delia Paisley, Bond, IL, 4/12/1849, Citing: Bond County-County Clerk Marriage Licenses, 1817-1872, Illinois State Archives, Springfield, IL, n.d., Microfilm 4539851, Image 724.
17. ↑ "Mrs. Dilly Bigham", image, Freeman Family Archives, Currently in possession of Scott Day Freeman, Phoenix, AZ as of 2024. Citing: Montgomery News, Montgomery, IL, 23 Apr 1880.
18. ↑ ^{18.0 18.1} "Donnellson Presbyterian Church History 1819-1939", Freeman Family Archives, Currently in possession of Scott Day Freeman, Phoenix, AZ as of 2024.
19. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/46169752/samuel_joseph-bigham: accessed February 20, 2024), memorial page for Samuel Joseph Bigham (20 Feb 1831–4 Feb 1852), Find a Grave Memorial ID 46169752, citing Donnellson Cemetery, Donnellson, Montgomery County, Illinois, USA; Maintained by Scott Day Freeman (contributor 48047198).
20. ↑ "IL State Census 1855,” database with images, FamilySearch (: downloaded 01 Feb 2024), Joseph Bigham, Bond, IL, Illinois State Archives, Springfield, IL
21. ↑ ^{21.0 21.1 21.2} "United States Census, 1860," database with images, FamilySearch (: downloaded 18 Feb 2024), Joseph Bigham, Montgomery, IL, citing: NARA microfilm publication M653 (Washington D.C.; National Archives Administration, n.d.)
22. ↑ CITATION NEEDED
23. ↑ "United States Census, 1870," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M6HV-41Z: downloaded 00 Jan 1900), Joseph Bigham, Montgomery, IL, citing: NARA microfilm publication M539 (Washington D.C.; National Archives Administration, n.d.).
24. ↑ United States Census, 1880, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXVB-MJQ: downloaded 18 Feb 2024), Joseph Bigham, Montgomery, IL, citing: NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.; National Archives Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm # 1254237

• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/46169748/Joseph-Bigham: accessed 13 Jan 2024), memorial page for Joseph Bigham (1/27/1804 - 2/22/1898), Find a Grave Memorial ID 46169748, citing: Donnellson Cemetery, Donnellson, Montgomery, IL; Maintained by Scott Day Freeman (contributor 48047198).