|
The son Thomas Biggs, born 1750, and known as the Tho Biggs of Pedmore, was a banker (known as 'Rufford Willan and Biggs)
bank in 1797; (Scotts Stourbridge' published in 1831 mentions the new bank of Rufford, Biggs and Rufford'). In addition to
the property mentioned above as owned by his fther he had property at Rouselench and Tardebigg, and owned Halesowen Vicarage.
He was for many years a J.P., also Church warden of Pedmore 1776-82, and again 1792; in 1774, 1783, and 1793-95 he was Overseer,
and in 1782 Parish Constable. A small room in Pedmore House, with iron barred window looking out onto the stable yard is
still known as the "Magistrates Room", where he used to hold his court. The entrance to the house was then from
the front through a narrow hall, which has since been added to, the two front rooms and the entrance made at the s. end.
He married in 1775 Theidisia, the daughter of John Hesketh, through whom we are believed to be connected with the Flints and
Newtons. Our family had part of the plate of Sir Isaac Newton. By her he had 3 sons and 9 daughters:-
George Pearpoint b. 1777, d.1817;
George Hesketh, b. 1779, d. 1836;
Thos Hesketh, b. 1792, d. 1831;
Eliza Dorothy, b. 1776, d. 1777;
Theodosia b. 1778, d. 1864;
Elizabeth b. 1782, d. 1863;
Ann, b. 1784, d. 1815, (married C.K. Wren);
Maria, b. 1786, d. 1873;
Dhalotte b. 1786, d. 1807;
Lucy, b. 1788, d. 1873 (married W. Prichard);
Jane, b. 1789, d. 1866;
Agnes, b. 1793, d. ---- (married J. Scott).
It has been stated that consequent on the marriage of the above Dorothy with F. Rufford that the latter was taken as partner
in to the bank and that he subsequently ran away to America with all the securities he could lay his hands on and caused very
heavy loss to the family, involving the sake of the property. Whether this is so or not, it is a fact most of the property
vanished. It is also generally supposed that the Ruffordfireclay property in Stourbridge, which subsequent turned out so
very valuable was Biggs property obtained at this marriage. If so, the first Thos. Biggs of Pedmore must have had property.
The monument still lin Pedmore church reads as follows: "This tablet is erected to the memory of Thomas Biggs Esq, of
this parish Pedmore, Worcestershire, who died Dec. 1st. 1831 in the 82nd year of his age. He was many years a most able upright
and active magistrate for the counties of Worcest and Stafford, and was beloved and respected by all who knew him. Also to
the memory of Theodisia his wife who died Sept. 2nd in the 54th year of her age." Borrows Worcester Journal of 8th Dec.
1831 also has the following notice under the heading "died":
"On Thursday the 1st inst. at Pedmore in this county in the 82nd year of his age Thomas Biggs Esq. Many years an
active, intelligent and most upright magistrate for the counties of Worcester and Staffore. His kind, humane, and benevolent
disposition will be long remembered by his neighbours, and his parental affection and truly Christian virtues will never be
erased from the memory of his afflicted family."
The Rev. Hesketh Biggs sold the Cradley property in 1854 for 30,000 pounds.
Next
|
