OBIT: James R. BIGHAM, 1905, Altoona, Blair County, PA

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JAMES R. BIGHAM,

One of Altoona's oldest and best-known residents, died at 6:30 this 
morning, at his late residence, 712 Twenty-second street, of a 
complication of diseases, after being ill for over eight months.  The 
deceased was the son of Emanuel and Amelia Bigham, deceased, and was 
born at Newry, August 10, 1832.  He came to Altoona when quite young 
and has lived here ever since.  He was employed as a carpenter by the 
Pennsylvania railroad company for over seventeen years, having been 
placed upon the retired list three years ago.  At one time he was one 
of the city's most prominent contractors and builders, having built 
some of the city's oldest buildings, among which are the Fidelity bank 
and the large stone residence occupied by John Lloyd on Broad avenue.  
He was considered an expert in that line of business and during the 
Centennial exhibition at Philadelphia and International exhibition in 
1876 he was appointed chief carpenter, being stationed at the main 
entrance building.  Mr. Bigham served three years in the construction 
corps, under Colonel Wright, chief engineer in Sherman's army during 
the civil war, and witnessed some of the hardest fought battles of the 
rebellion.  He was identified with the Sacred Heart church and also 
belonged to the Carpenters' union of this city.  His wife and three 
sons and one daughter survive - Thomas J. of Altoona, Oscar V. of 
Philadelphia, J. Howard of Brooklyn and Miss Ella, at home.  One 
brother, A. J. Bigham, and one sister, Mrs. Mary Conrad, also survive.  
Requiem mass will be said over his remains at 10 o'clock Saturday 
morning at the Sacred Heart church.  Interment in St. John's cemetery.

Altoona Mirror, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, August 24, 1905