Individual Details
William Francis "Frank" Biggs
(11 Aug 1856 - 28 Jul 1926)
Santa Ana Register, Santa Ana, California, Saturday, July 31, 1926, Page 4, Col. 4: William Francis Biggs was born in Hancock county, Illinois, Aug. 11, 1856, and died in Santa Ana, July 28, 1926. Mr. Biggs spent most of his life in Illinois and Iowa, coming to Santa Ana in October, 1924. He was married early in life to Rose Springer, who lived but a few months after their marriage. A few years later, he was married to Miss Isabelle Baird, of Carthage, Ill. To them were born two daughters, Mary Agnes and Bertha Isabelle. the last named preceded her father in death a number of years. The other daughter, Mrs. Mary Velie, of Chicago, came to Santa Ana two months ago, because of the severe illness of her father, and was with him in the home when the sudden call came. The mother of these children passed away when they were quite small and after a period of years, Mr. Biggs was married to Stella Kirkpatrick, of Carthage. To them were born a daughter, Madeline, and a son, Emerson. This family resided in Ft. Madison, Ia., until two years ago when the mother was suddenly called by death.
The father, in failing health, accompanied by his son, Emerson, came to California in hope of recovering his health. He made his home in Santa Ana until his death. A few months later, his daughter Madeline, joined her father and brother in Santa Ana. At present, she makes her home in Los Angeles.
Mr. Biggs was a member and a loyal worker in the Methodist Episcopal church during his life. He also was an active member in the Masonic, Oddfellows and Modern Woodmen of America. He possessed a splendid baritone voice, which he used to good advantage in solo and choir work in the churches and organizations with which he was connected. This gift brought blessings and pleasure to his friends and associates.
Mr. Biggs was one of a family of 11 children, only one of whom survive him, a brother, S. E. Biggs of LaHarpe, Ill. Mrs. Mary Brockett, deceased, a resident of Santa Ana many years, was a sister. The immediate family remaining to mourn the loss of the father are, Mr. and Mrs. George S. Velie and daughter, Mrs. Isabelle Arras Patterson, Madeline and Emerson Biggs. ---A Friend.
Fort Madison Evening Democrat, Fort Madison, Iowa, Monday, August 2, 1926, Page 1, Col. 5: Former Resident of Fort Madison Called By Death. W. S. Biggs of Santa Anna (sic), Calif. Dies at His Home Last Wednesday. Word has been received in Fort Madison to the effect that W. S. Biggs who until two years ago was a resident of this city, died at his home in Santa Ana, Calif., last Wednesday. He wife died two years ago and soon after her death he left here for Santa Ana. His many friends here will be sorry to hear of his death.
The father, in failing health, accompanied by his son, Emerson, came to California in hope of recovering his health. He made his home in Santa Ana until his death. A few months later, his daughter Madeline, joined her father and brother in Santa Ana. At present, she makes her home in Los Angeles.
Mr. Biggs was a member and a loyal worker in the Methodist Episcopal church during his life. He also was an active member in the Masonic, Oddfellows and Modern Woodmen of America. He possessed a splendid baritone voice, which he used to good advantage in solo and choir work in the churches and organizations with which he was connected. This gift brought blessings and pleasure to his friends and associates.
Mr. Biggs was one of a family of 11 children, only one of whom survive him, a brother, S. E. Biggs of LaHarpe, Ill. Mrs. Mary Brockett, deceased, a resident of Santa Ana many years, was a sister. The immediate family remaining to mourn the loss of the father are, Mr. and Mrs. George S. Velie and daughter, Mrs. Isabelle Arras Patterson, Madeline and Emerson Biggs. ---A Friend.
Fort Madison Evening Democrat, Fort Madison, Iowa, Monday, August 2, 1926, Page 1, Col. 5: Former Resident of Fort Madison Called By Death. W. S. Biggs of Santa Anna (sic), Calif. Dies at His Home Last Wednesday. Word has been received in Fort Madison to the effect that W. S. Biggs who until two years ago was a resident of this city, died at his home in Santa Ana, Calif., last Wednesday. He wife died two years ago and soon after her death he left here for Santa Ana. His many friends here will be sorry to hear of his death.
Events
| Birth | 11 Aug 1856 | Hancock Co., Illinois |  | ||
| Marriage | 6 Jun 1877 | Hancock Co., Illinois - Rose Springer | | ||
| Marriage | 25 Dec 1882 | Hancock Co., Illinois - Mary Isabella "Belle" Baird | | ||
| Marriage | 7 Oct 1897 | Keokuk, Lee Co., Iowa - Stella Elizabeth Kirkpatrick | | ||
| Death | 28 Jul 1926 | Santa Ana, Orange Co., California | | ||
| Burial | Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison, Lee Co., Iowa | |
Families
| Spouse | Stella Elizabeth Kirkpatrick (1866 - 1924) |
| Child | Clara Madeline Biggs (1899 - 1968) |
| Child | Stephen Emerson Biggs (1904 - 1985) |
| Spouse | Rose Springer (1857 - 1878) |
| Spouse | Mary Isabella "Belle" Baird (1855 - 1893) |
| Child | Mary Agnes Biggs (1884 - 1977) |
| Child | Bertha Isabelle Biggs (1886 - 1909) |
| Father | William M Biggs (1811 - 1886) |
| Mother | Eliza Jane Van Winkle (1822 - 1901) |
| Sibling | Stephen A. Biggs ( - ) |
Endnotes
1. Ancestry.com.
4. Iowa Marriages, 1809-1992.
5. Iowa WPA Graves, iowawpagraves.org.
6. Iowa WPA Graves, iowawpagraves.org.
7. Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison, Lee Co., Iowa, Phone call to 319-372-7700 on April 17, 2017. Stella and William are buried there. Half of lot is for Lake Sympson and his wife Frederica. City Clerk verified all four burials..