Death Record Detail...
Name: Jacob Biggs
Sex: Male
Death Date: 20 Nov 1919
Death Place: Mineral Co., West Virginia
Age at Death: 85y 6m 10d
Birth Place: Elk Garden
Marital Status: M
Occupation: Miner
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Jacob Moon was the first born son of William L. and Catherine (Lipscomb) Biggs.

He was born May 10, 1834 in Ryan's Glade, Garrett County Maryland and died November 20, 1919 at Elk Garden, Mineral County, West Virginia. He was married to Ann Amelia Rinehart, daughter of Jacob and Anna Margaret (Wiles) Rinehart on September 15, 1853 by Rev. William Welsh, a Methodist circuit rider.

His second wife was Maria Kight. They were married by Rev. J.W. Hobb in Piedmont, Mineral county, West Virginia on December 24, 1879.

It is known that he sold Bibles, books and Fruit Trees and frequently took his grandson, Harvey Biggs with him as he visited customers. If his prospect was reluctant to make a purchase, he would ask, "If your child becomes ill unto death and the preacher asks for your Bible; what would you say?". He was very successful.

He was employed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad during the Civil War as a brakeman, a train dispatcher, and the Yard Master at New Creek, (Keyser) West Virginia. His employment with the railroad was terminated when he rode a mule, borrowed from the mine, through the train station after a bout of drinking.

He was a strong supporter of the Confederate cause and his buddy, John Bischoff, his daughter-in-laws father, was a Colonel in the Union Army. Despite their differences, they were life long friends.The 1870 census shows him living in Westernport, Allegany County, Maryland and having $200.00 in personal property. He was a coal miner at the time. He moved to Elk Garden, West Virginia in October of 1881 and worked in the coal mines near there. When his sons were old enough; they worked in the mines along side their father. He was also on the Board of Education while living there. On November 6, 1919, Jacob slipped and fell striking his head on the boardwalk and became paralyzed the next day and never recovered.

The following column, called "Breezes from Elk Garden" appeared in the Piedmont Herald, Piedmont, W. VA. on Friday, November 28, 1919: "On Thursday morning, November 20, 1919, in subdued tones the message went forth, Jacob Moon Biggs passed away. He had attained the ripe age of 85 years, 6 months, and 10 days. There was a brief funeral service at his late home on Saturday morning by Rev. C. J. Racey. The body was taken to Piedmont where funeral services were held in the First Methodist Evangelical Church. Eulogies were given by Rev. Racey, Rev. F. A. Killmon, and Rev W. C. Brian to a large congregation. The interment was in Philo. He leaves to mourn his departure, his aged wife, and Henry, William Biggs, Margaret Ravenscroft of Westernport, Elmer and Jacob L. of Ridgley, Rev Charles S. of Baltimore, Mrs. Lillie Bane of Keyser. He has twenty-four grandchildren. His flower bearers and pall bearers were grandsons of the deceased. The pall bearers were Charles, Herbert, John, Forrest, O. L. and Charles Biggs. Flower bearers were Ralph, Harvey, and Richard Biggs and Norris Ravenscroft." "Uncle Jake" as he was familiarly and affectionately called was a man of striking characteristics. He recognized no dark side of life but always saw the sunny side. His expressions were quaint and the charm of originality. He was the son of William Biggs and his mother's maiden name was Lipscomb. In his early life he lived in Piedmont and Westernport. He was the yard dispatcher for a number of years at Piedmont and during the Civil War was yard master at New Creek, now called Keyser. He came to Elk Garden, October 24, 1881 and was one of the first coal miners. He bought the first ticket on the Western and Central and Pittsburgh Railroad from Piedmont to Mineville, the route to Elk Garden.

Amongst his papers was found a well written and well preserved letter from his sister, Winnie, dated 1853. He was a member of the Board of Education at one time and took active part in securing good teachers. He was twice married. His first wife, Ann Amelia Rinehart, died forty-one years ago the 29th of November. To this union were born Henry, William, Elmer, and Charles Shannon Biggs, Mrs. Margaret Biggs Ravenscraft and Mrs. Lillie May Ellen Biggs Bane.

His second wife was Marie Sellen to whom was born Jacob Lawson Biggs. "Uncle Jake" always took great interest in church work and though not affiliated with the church by membership at the time, his home was the preacher's home, for he boarded earlier preachers free, some of whom were Rev. Marsh, Rev Pate, Rev Harris, and Rev. Long.

Two or three years ago while Rev. Landstreet was pastor of the M.E. Church in Elk Garden, at the time of a preachers meeting, "Uncle Jake" kneeled at the altar and consecrated his life to his Master. Rev. F.A. Killmon and other ministers were present. "Uncle Jake" wrote his name in the Church Register and said that it was the biggest contract he had ever signed and the contract was faithfully kept. The widow and children of the deceased desire to publicly thank the people of Elk Garden for their kindness during the affliction of their husband and father. William Kight (Maria's father) had charge of the funeral.

(Jean Carolyn Biggs-Linton-Bowman--Daughter of Charles Shannan Biggs, Jr. )

It has been said that his middle name came from his neighbor who had a last name of Moon.

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Letter to Shirley Biggs from her grandfather, Jacob Moon Biggs 3-15-1916

I was certainly surprised to get a letter from you but was glad to know that you thought enough of me to write to me. I don't think much of Billy Sunday. I wouldn't go 10 steps to hear him. I suppose I have some relatives in Fredrick county, my great-grandfather lived on the Monocacy River. His name was Williiam Biggs. He was an English soldier. Came here to fight for the British in time of Revolution and after the war was over he said, By god this county is good enough for me and he staid here. I have not been able to get out much this winter and am nearly blind ????is standing it good this winter. This is about all I have to write at the present. Be a good girl and write me often. Your old grand Dad, Jacob M. Biggs (From Maryland Biggs Hennin )

Contributor: Charles William Harvey (49417712) • [email protected]