Los Angeles
County
Biographies
HERBERT
MILTON BIGELOW
Like
many successful businessmen, 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 experiences a valuable asset to the
corporation. Mr. Bigelow was a well-known
for his public spirit as for his business 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. (Barron) 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 capacity had won
for Mr. Bigelow the confidence, respect and friendship of his former employers
and these he retained through 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’s large department store. For nineteen years he occupied the position,
resigning 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) Elis, 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 was 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.”
Transcribed
by V. Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: California of the South
Vol. IV, by John Steven McGroarty, Pages 609-612,
Clarke Publ., Chicago, Los Angeles, Indianapolis. 1933.
© 2012 V.
Gerald Iaquinta.
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