William
S. Biggs, a successful rancher of Eldorado county, is now serving his third
term as county supervisor and is one of the capable and reputable detectives in
northern California, having engaged in this occupation for many years in
railroad and civic employment. Although he prefers the life of a rancher, Mr.
Biggs is still called to take charge of cases involving responsibility, and
which his knowledge and ability enable him to handle in a most satisfactory
manner. He is very popular as a friend and citizen, and has done many laudable
things that have won him a place in the hearts of those with whom he has come
in contact.
William
S. Biggs was born near White Rock, Sacramento county, October 30, 1874, a son
of William Thomas and Alice (Bolander) Biggs. The father was also born at White
Rock, and for a number of years was in the dairy business, after which he was a
railroad conductor on one of the first regular trains between Sacramento and
Placerville, and then worked for the railroad in various parts of the
northwest. He is now retired, and lives at Sacramento, California. The paternal
grandparents of William S. Biggs came to California by way of the Horn. The
grandfather died when a young man, and his wife later married George Sherman,
who had lived near White Rock since about the year 1846. He and his wife each
lived to an age closely approaching ninety years.
William
S. Biggs received his education in the grade and high schools of Stanislaus
county, California, after which he mined for several years. He then engaged in
railroad investigation work, and was the first assistant special agent over the
Sacramento division of the Southern Pacific Railroad, holding this position for
seven years, when he was made assistant chief special agent of the northern
district of the Southern Pacific Railroad. After two years he made captain of
the detectives on the Sacramento police force, which post he retained until
1916. In 1896, Mr. Biggs had acquired a ranch near El Dorado, and after leaving
the detective force came to this place to live. However, he has been frequently
called to serve on special assignments in detective work, and always has charge
of the hop fields during the harvest season, having thirty to forty deputies
under him at these times.
Mr.
Biggs married Miss Eva E. Cappleman, a native daughter, and descendant of an
old California family. They have become the parents of a daughter, Gertrude,
who is the wife of Roland Wise of Sacramento, and the mother of a son, Harold.
Mr.
Biggs is a member of the Masonic order, including the blue lodge and chapter,
and belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star. In politics he is a democrat, and
his diversions in life are chiefly hunting and fishing.
Transcribed
by Marla
Fitzsimmons.
Source: History of the
Sacramento Valley California Vol. III J. W. WOOLDRIDGE 1931. Page 245-246.
© 2004 Marla
Fitzsimmons.