Leander A. Bigger

Leander A. Bigger was born on a farm in Henry County, Ohio, on October 1, 1844. He was the son of Matthew and Elizabeth Adams Bigger. Matthew was a woolen manufacturer. There were five children. Samuel, and Leander lived in Hutchinson, Kansas. Martha lived at Lima, Ohio; Eliza married Scott Henry, and Stephan lived in Hancock County, Ohio.

The home of James Biggins was built in 1880.

This photo was taken in 1916. Back row: George, Carl, James Jr. Biggins; front row: Margaret Biggins Box, Jessie Biggins Reynolds, James Biggins, Sr., wife, Sarah, Sadie Biggins Anglemyre.

Leander grew up on the home farm in Henry County. He served in the Civil War in the First North Carolina Volunteers. He graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan. He then went to Hutchinson, Kansas.

In 1874, he returned to Ohio and on December 25th was married at the bride's home in Napoleon to Mary Irene Chaffin.

Leander A. Bigger was one of the men who built Hutchinson and fostered its growth. Mrs. Mary Irene Chaffin died at her home on May 7, 1896, leaving daughters Mary and Diadamia. In 1903 Mr. Bigger married his second wife, Mrs. Emma Evarts of Topeka, Kansas. While on a trip in California, Leander died at Del Monte, California.

Submitted by: Mrs. Lillian French Partridge, Kansas