Kinsmen and Kinswomen

Moving now to the next generation below the Revolutionary War soldiers, we come to Timothy Bigelow, Jr., or as he would be known during his distinguished legal career, Hon. Timothy Bigelow. He is a transitional figure of sorts, as he too was also a soldier in the war, serving alongside his father at the tender age of twelve. Here, in brief, is his story.

A portrait of Hon. Timothy Bigelow, from his Masonic biography, available online, here.

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from The Bigelow Society Quarterly April 1986 Vol. 15, No. 2, p 29.

Worcester, Massachusetts has produced its share of illustrious Bigelows, none better known than Col. Timothy Bigelow of Revolutionary War fame. His son Timothy Jr. of Medford, MA was also well-known, and native to Worcester.

Timothy5 Bigelow, son of Col. Timothy4 (Daniel3, Joshua2, John1) and Anna (Andrews) Bigelow.

Born there 30 April 1767, he was a mere boy when his father became active in the war, so that the son was left to his mother’s upbringing. He entered a printing firm, but his interest lay more in the reading of, than the printing of, books. In 1778 he was sent to study with the Rev. Joseph Pope, but the following year, 1779, he joined his father in the Continental Army on the Rhode Island campaign.

A seasoned soldier at fourteen, he again returned to his studies, and was admitted to Harvard University in 1782, graduating in 1786. He then read law, and was admitted to the bar in 1789. Until 1806, he practiced at Groton. There, on 30 Sept. 1791, he married Lucy Prescott, daughter of Oliver and Lydia (Baldwin) Prescott.

During his years at Groton, Timothy served first as representative, then as senator, in the state legislature, or General Court. In 1805, he was Speaker of the House. In 1806 he moved to Medford, and served that town also in the legislature, becoming Speaker in 1808, 1809, and from 1812 to 1819. During all this time he continued an active law practice, in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and is said to have pleaded 15,000 cases.

He traveled extensively, and wrote fluently of his travels in New York and northern New England. In politics he was a Federalist, and also an active Masonic member, elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

He died 18 May 1821 at Medford, and was survived by his wife, who lived until 15 Dec. 1852.