Folger Allen 8 BIGELOW
15146.331 Folger Allen 8 BIGELOW,
son of Daniel Folger 7 (
Nathan 6 , Nathan 5, John
4, John 3,
Samuel 2, John
1), and Charlotte (Lottie) (BARNES) BIGELOW,
was born 11 March 1868; died 16 Sept 1891 from accidental gunshot. Information
on his death came from a group in Chicago doing a tribute to 50 Chicago Artists;
Daniel Folger Bigelow among them. A copy of the obituary below was sent
as well as other information....ROD 5/1/98.
Sources:
Howe, Bigelow Family of America pages 477 - 478;
Bigelow Family Genealogy Vol II page 34;
Note:
Subject: Folger A. Bigelow
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999 14:53:07 -0800
From: jschatz@inos.com (John Schatz)
Dear Rod Bigelow,
I was pleased to find your information concerning
Folger A. Bigelow. Several years ago I purchased one of his original
watercolor landscapes, and have been unable to learn anything about the
him until now.
If you would be able help me find out more about the painting or the artist,
I would be very interested.
Thank you.
John Schatz
jschatz@inos.com
When the people of Chicago Museum contacted me, they mentioned that
Folger had such great promise as an artist. Even more talent (promise) than
his father Daniel.........ROD 11/20/99
Note2:
Subject: A Folger A Bigelow Painting
Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2002 21:39:06 EST
From: Bob Harrison RLHTPC@aol.com
Rod....Happened to be following up on a painting that I bought in Montreal
in
the late 60's....This painting has been a favorite of mine and today I
discovered more about Folger and his father thanks to your family
website....Passing this painting along to you as an FYI....I now live
in
Baltimore and my painting is proudly displayed in my dining room....Would
be
interested in knowing more about Folger even though he lost his life
tragically at such a young age...Thanks...Bob Harrison
Obituary of Folger Allen BIGELOW (below) Chicago Tribune
Sept 17, 1891:
KILLED BY HIS FRIEND
_______________________
Accidentally shot while examining a new revolver
___________________
Folger A. Bigelow, a Young Artist, bought the weapon
which caused his death in the hands of Arthur L. Courtenay--
___________________
Folger A. Bigelow, a young artist,
was instantly killed at his father's residence, No. 5032 Prairie Avenue,
last evening by the accidental discharge of a revolver in the hands of Arthur
L. Courtenay, a friend. The circumstances of the affair are exceptionally
sad because of the close friendship which existed between the two men.
Mr. Bigelow's father, Daniel F. Bigelow, the
well known artist, has for a long time occupied the first floor of the dwelling
at No. 5032 Praire Avenue. On the second floor lives Mr. Courtenay, his wife
and two children. The two families have always been on intimate terms and
were accustomed to come and go at their pleasure. The basement was used as
a common storage-room, in which was kept the fuel for both families, and
it was there that the fatal accident occurred.
Early in the evening Mr. Courtenay went below
to chop some kindling wood, and he had been at work a few minutes when the
younger Bigelow came in. Suddenly Bigelow remarked that he had bought a new
revolver. "I'm not used to handling it, Courtenay," he said, "and it needs
cleaning. If I go up and get it will you clean it for me?" Courtenay said
he would, and Bigelow went to his room. Returning with the weapon he handed
it to Courtenay, who pointed it toward the wall and snapped the trigger.
The pistol failed to discharge, however, and two more attempts were attended
with the same result.
Thinking something was wrong with the revolver,
Courtenay desired to remove the cylinder so as to clean every part. Pressing
his thumb against the trigger he drew it back. His thumb slipped and the
revolver was discharged when Bigelow, who was standing close beside his friend,
fell to the floor. A small stream of blood down his shirt front caused Courtenay
to spring forward, but Bigelow was dead in three minutes. The bullet had
penetrated his heart.
Courtenay rushed up-stairs and told young Bigelow's
father that his son was dead below, and the remains were taken to the parlor
of the Bigelow apartments. Mr. Bigelow refused to have Courtenay placed under
arrest.
The dad man was 23 years old, and gave promise
of becoming prominent in his profession. He was associated with his father
in the Athenaeum Building. He was a favorite in social circles and among
his companions. Mr. Courtenay is 33 years old, and is employed in the carpet
department of Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co's retail house. An inquest will
be held today.
Note:
Subject: Water Color
Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2003 21:45:46 -0700
From: Cecille Diez <rdiez1@cfl.rr.com>
Mr. Bigelow:
I would like to inquire about a small, sweet water color I've had for
over 30 years. The signature is Folger A Bigelow. The
piece had been in a garage in Orlando, Florida, for many years before
I found it. I have never investigated the artist until
now.
I saw a reference on your site by a Mr. Knowles to an artist with the
same initials. Can you respond as to whether this
piece of mine could be further identified?
Thank you.
Cecille Diez
From: Jo Tunstall < jotunstall@earthlink.net >
Date: 07/19/04
I reached your site and the Bigelow Society site and was much impressed.
I'm going to be spending days and days tracking down family members. Thanks.
I can send you some information on Folger A. Bigelow as soon as I dig
into my files and have a chance to xerox what I have. He was the
son of Daniel Folger Bigelow, the artist, and was, I think, an even better
artist than his father. Unfortunately, he died in a gun accident when he
was 24 and that was that. We have several of his paintings, including a
charming one of what we think was his house and dog, done when he was only
14.
Cheers,
Jo Tunstall
Jo sent articles and pictures; see
page 2 ........................................ROD 07/30/04
Modified - 07/30/2004
(c) Copyright 2004 Bigelow Society, Inc. All rights reserved.
Rod Bigelow - Director
rodbigelow@netzero.net
Rod Bigelow (Roger Jon12 BIGELOW)
P.O. Box 13 Chazy Lake
Dannemora, N.Y. 12929
< rodbigelow@netzero.net > 
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