rodbigelow@netzero.net 
Child of Herbert and Alice (Ellis) Bigelow:
159B1.21311 Irene, b ____ ; d ____ ; m Louis C. Belden; 1 son Louis C., jr
Sources:
Bigelow Society,The Bigelow Family Genealogy, Vol II, pg 436
child;
Howe, Bigelow Family of America; p 435;
Notes in Big Soc Library:
from "California of the South", Vol. II; 1933; pg 609-610; F 867; M22; by
McGroaty, John S.
Like many successful business men, the late Herbert
Milton Bigelow owed his progress to his own unaided exertions and throughout
practically the entire period of his residence in Los Angeles figured prominently
in the management of Bullocks, Inc., making his mercantile knowledge
and experience a valuable asset to the corporation. Mr. Bigelow was as well
known for his public spirit as for his business ability and enterprise and
was richly endowed with those attributes which endear a man to his fellows.
He was a kindly, friendly man, known and loved by all classes. Born in Jefferson
county, Illinois, he was but six months old when his parents, Lindsay N.
and Jennie M. (Barren) Bigelow, removed to Palmyra, Wisconsin. At the age
of thirteen, he left home and went to live with an uncle, D. M. Fay, at that
time a merchant of Grundy Center, Iowa, where his public school education
was completed.
Even at this early age, Herbert M. Bigelow was making
his own way in the world. As a clerk in his uncle's store, he began his business
career, working for his room and board. In 1882 he entered the employ of
Stark Brothers, engaged in merchandising at Grundy Center, and continued
in the service of that dry goods firm until 1891, when he purchased
the business. His industry, fidelity and capability had won for Mr. Bigelow
the confidence, respect and friendship of his former employers and these
he retained throughout the years. He conducted the store at Grundy Center
on a profitable basis until 1906, when he sold out, came with his family
to Los Angeles, and in March, 1907, was made superintendent of Bullock' large
department store. For nineteen years he occupied the position and beginning
in 1926 to assume the responsibilities of vice president and a director of
Bullocks, Inc., and continued in these capacities until the close of his
career. He passed away at his home in Los Angeles, April 24. 1933, when he
was nearly seventy years of age.
At Grundy Center, Iowa, on the 6th of September, 1888,
Mr. Bigelow was married to Miss Alice A. Ellis, born in 1865 in Stephenson
county, Illinois, which adjoins Jefferson county, in which Mr. Bigelow was
born. She was the daughter of Phineas and Susan (Boyer) Ellis, who were natives
of the state of New York. They moved with their family to Grundy Center,
Iowa, in 1876, where the father built up a prosperous grain business and
was also active in public affairs, serving for a number of years as a member
of the Iowa legislature. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis died in Iowa. The marriage of
Herbert M. Bigelow and Alice A. Ellis resulted from a friendship dating from
schooldays, when he was thirteen and she eleven years old. Their mutual affection
grew with the years and they were really '"pals" to the time of his death.
Into this ideal home life was born a daughter, Irene, who is the wife of
Louis C. Belden and they have a son, Louis C., Jr.
The funeral rites were held Monday, April 24, 1933, when
hundreds of southland citizens from all walks of life gathered at the Bigelow
residence, located at 209 South Irving boulevard, to pay their last
tribute to the memory of Herbert M. Bigelow. Expressing in color and fragrance
the tender thoughts behind them, three truckloads of flowers from far and
near adorned the room and hallways of the home. Following a hymn by
Walter Young, of Bullock's store, Dr. Frank Fagerburg, pastor of the First
Baptist Church, at which Mr. Bigelow was a regular attendant, read the Scripture
and in his eulogy dwelt on the thought that God plants in the human breast
no dream nor hope of good that He does not bring to fruition. Following the
services, more than two hundred automobiles joined the funeral cortege to
Inglewood Cemetery, where the interment took place.
A beautiful memorial service for Mr. Bigelow was conducted
at Bullock's store by the officers and directors, the ceremony including
the following tribute by John C. Bullock, president of Bullock's, Inc., who
said: "He was a rare character all too seldom met, who understood human
nature and seldom failed in his judgment of an individual. He loved his fellowmen
and as a result everyone who knew him was his friend. Mr. Bigelow always
worked hard and enthusiastically for all that is good. My sincere sympathy
goes out to his family."
Another who knew him well gave the following testimonial
to his worth: "It is true that Mr. Bigelow was in close touch with the finer
spirits seeking to enhance the welfare of the community and his spare but
active figure was often seen at public gatherings called to discuss matters
of civic import. There are many connected with the Bullock organization,
holding high positions today, who owe their start and inspiration to
his friendly interest. It was in March, 1926, that he relinquished the duties
of superintendent to a younger executive, who had developed under his
guidance, and since then the heavier burdens were gradually transferred to
the younger group, while his helpful suggestions and advice as an executive
were ever forthcoming. He had an important part in the development of Bullock's,
strengthening the individual in the methods and ideals of the house,
so that the work of building the business should be carried forward to increasing
accomplishments."
The editor of a local paper said of him: "Before coming
to Los Angeles, Mr. Bigelow was a leading merchant of Grundy Center, Iowa,
and when Governor Cummins was the state executive he was a member of the
governor's staff. He served as president one year and for many years as treasurer
of the Iowa Association of Los Angeles and belonged to many civic bodies.
He was a member of the blue lodge and chapter of Grundy Center, Iowa, and
was a Knight Templar Mason and a Shriner in Los Angeles. He was a member
and a director of the Downtown Association of Los Angeles, a member
of the Kiwanis Club; and for years belonged to the board of the McKinley
Home for Boys. He loved to be of service to others and always gave a helping
hand to those less fortunate than himself. Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow were members
of the First Baptist Church in Grundy Center and attended the Baptist Church
in Los Angeles. Mr. Bigelow took a keen interest in the activities of
the Community Chest, the Chamber of Commerce and he was a member of the Jonathan
Club.
"Loyal to his friends, beloved by his family, Herbert M. Bigelow will be
greatly missed in the community."
rodbigelow@netzero.net
