Dr. Henry BIGGS, a resident and practicing physician of Grand Junction, was born August 9, 1822, in Gibson County, Tennessee. His parents were Luke and M. (Bennett) BIGGS, both natives of North Carolina. The father was of English descent, born in 1795; the mother was of English-Irish origin, born in 1798. They immigrated to Stewart County, Tenn., in 1819, and a year later to Gibson County, where the father departed this life in 1858, and the mother in 1859.
The subject of this sketch was raised and worked on his father’s farm until nineteen years of age, when he engaged in the same occupation for himself. A year later he became an overseer, and in 1845 began the study of medicine under tuition of Dr. A. BIGGS, a resident of Arkansas. He entered the Botanical Medical College at Memphis, Tenn., in 1847, graduating in 1849. He immediately began the practice of his profession at La Grange, Tenn. In 1850 he went to California, where for seven months he was interested in mining. About that time cholera became epidemic in Sacramento City, whither the brave doctor went, practicing in a private hospital on Jay Street. After the disappearance of the disease he returned to La Grange, receiving an extensive patronage. In 1853 he entered the Eclectic Medical College at Philadelphia, Penn., receiving a diploma the next year. Again he went to La Grange, where he remained ten years, and met with great success. After a year’s practice in Memphis he engaged in the drug business in La Grange, where he was also interested in molding and farming, together with his profession. In 1868 he closed out his business, and in 1869 went to New York and matriculated in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College one term. During this time he visited all the seats of medical progress in that city. He returned to Memphis, practicing for one year. His office was on Main Street. In 1871 he went to La Grange; one year later to Saulsbury, where he remained until 1875, when he located at present place of residence, where he has had a large and profitable practice, in connection with which he is interested in agriculture.
He is a good and substantial citizen. Although he has met with several financial misfortunes, he is now in easy circumstances, all made by his own efforts. He is a Republican. In 1869 he was elected to the State Legislature to fill an unexpired term. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in good standing with the Masonic lodge, at La Grange. The Doctor was united in marriage in March, 1855, to Mrs. Cassandra NEVELS. This union resulted in the birth of James William, now a resident of Arkansas. Mrs. BIGGS died, and in 1873 the Doctor united with Julia W. MASON, of Georgia. There is no issue.
Transcribed by David Donahue
Source: Goodspeed Pub. Co. History of Tennessee: From the Earliest Time to the Present ; Together with an Historical and a Biographical Sketch of Fayette and Hardeman Counties, Besides a Valuable Fund of Notes, Original Observations, Reminiscences, Etc., Etc. Nashville: Goodspeed Pub. Co, 1887.