Frances Bigger
BIGGER, AKERS, RUNNER, MCKEE, WHITE, HOWARD, SECRIST
Posted By: CJeanealogy (email)
Date: 12/8/2017 at 18:32:38
The Marion Pilot Thursday March 10, 1904
THE DEATH RECORD.
Mrs. Frances Bigger.
Frances Akers was born Sept. 13, 1823, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. When she was ten years old, her parents moved to Morgantown, Monongahala county, Virginia. In 1840 she was married to James K. Runner. Two children were born to this marriage, Mrs. Mary L. McKee, Saulsbery, Missouri, and Elizabeth T. White, Shenandoah, Iowa. Her husband died July 10, 1845. In 1845 she came with her parents in Iowa. In 1847 she was married to Joseph W. Bigger. To them were born seven children, J.H. Bigger, of David City, Nebraska, Julia Howard, deceased 1898, J.O. Bigger, Alice Secrist, of Marion, Iowa, Laura who died in infancy, J.E. Bigger, and Addie, who died in infancy. Her husband died in 1875.
In 1859, during a great revival that swept this whole community, she, with her husband, was converted, and joined the M.E. church, and joined this church of Marion. She had been continuously a member of this church for forty-five years. She came to this country when it was new, as the dates will show; but this home was a model one in every way, and a great civilizer--the kind of a home that had the greatest influence for all coming time. It was a most hospitable house she always had--one that could not be forgotten. It seemed to be the great delight of her husband and herself to do as much as could be done to make life a delight to as many as possible. To make children happy was her pleasure, and especially if the children did not have much at home, or if her home was blessed with more bounties or fruits that other in that[missing]. It was never any cross for a child to go on an errand to this true mother's house. She specially delight in those good old-fashioned visits, when a whole day was considered well spent in just visiting.
Mrs. Bigger was always cheerful. A smile was the readiest thing to come upon her face, and was perfectly at home there. She never smiled a smile she did not mean. It made no difference what the trial or the trouble, that bright cheerful way was never at a distance. She dissipated the clouds by her sunny face.
The deceased was a natural nurse. In those pioneer times, there was nobody professional that took care of the sick. To comfort, sooth, and often to cure was her skill. All the homely remedies that did so much in their day, were perfectly familiar to her. Her kindness of heart knew no end in such work. How many she helped in trouble or sickness and laid out for burial, the Great Accountant only knows.
Mrs. Bigger was a loyal friend. Once a friend always a friend,w as her motto. It was the hardest thing in the world for her to believe any evil report of her friends. And if they did go somewhat astray, she did not shun them. Many a person has been helped back to self respect by her unwavering friendship.
Nobody though of the departed as being aged. She did not look nor act old. With her daughters, she was always more of a companion than a parent. She did not assume those dignities of years that put her at a distance from those much younger.
Mrs. Bigger was a most devout christian. The Book was her constant companion. In her latter years shut in by infirmities, she knew His Word. She lived nearly 81 beautiful years; a true mother, a reliable friend. A devout christian has passed away; blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6665301/Frances-Bigger
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