Pvt., 12th Kansas Infantry
1833-1900
William I Bigelow was born 12 May 1833 at Columbus, Franklin Co., OH.
He married Jane Lytle on 24 Feb 1855 at Mansfield, OH. They had seven
sons: Russel, Henry, Arthur, Andrew, Willard, Bertrand, and Alpheus.
They relocated to Gardner, Johnson Co., KS in 1859.
William I Bigelow enlisted 23 Aug 1862 in Company I Regiment 12 of the
State of KS as a Sergeant. His service ended 30 Jun 1865. While he was
away from home two of his sons died of diphtheria. He served at least
part of his enlistment as a clerk. It is apparent why he was selected
to be a clerk when one views the 1875 Kansas Census and the 1880 Federal
Census. He served as a Census taker and his penmanship was beautiful.
After returning home he helped to found the First Presbyterian Church of
Gardner, KS. He died 22 Mar 1900 at Gardner, Johnson Co., KS. He is
buried at Gardner, KS. He was the son of the Circuit Rider Rev. Russel
Bigelow.
