Mary (Unknown) Biggs

Descendants

Died 2 Sep 1794 in Brunswick, Virginia

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Carolyn Swanson [send private message]

Biography

Mary was the proven mother of Joel Biggs of Brunswick County and probable mother of John Biggs, Richard Biggs, and Stephen Biggs. In the two years preceeding her death she was noted as being blind and cared for by Joel Biggs. He received reimbursement for her care from St. Andrews Parish in 1792, 1793, and 1794, including for her burial costs. She passed away in 1794 in Brunswick County, Virginia.

Research Notes

1792 St. Andrews Parish, Brunswick County, Virginia Vestry Book entry: “At an Annual Meeting of the Overseers of the Poor at the Court House. 10th Sept. 1792.” Page: 187. Entry: “Joel Biggs for his blind mother. 5 (pounds).” Date: 5 Nov 1791. ^[1]

1792 St. Andrews Parish, Brunswick County, Virginia Vestry Book entry. Page: 189. Entry: "Joel Biggs for his mother." Additional sidebar entry: "For 94. Died Sep 2nd. 4 (pounds) 3 (shillings) 4 (pence).” Date: 5 Nov 1792. Note: See 1794 entry for duplicate reimbursement amount. ^[2]

1793 St. Andrews Parish, Brunswick County, Virginia Vestry Book entry: “At an Annual Meeting of the Overseers of the Poor rates for the County of Brunswick at the Court House of the said bounty on Monday the 23rd September 1793.” Page: 190. Entry: "To Joel Biggs for keeping Mary Biggs in 92. 5 (pounds), 14 (shillings).” Date: ? Nov 1792. ^[3]

1794 St. Andrews Parish, Brunswick County, Virginia Vestry Book entry: “At an Annual Meeting of the Overseers of the Poor at the Court House on the 23rd of October 1794.” Page: 192. Entry 1: “Joel Biggs for his blind mother. 4(pounds), 3(shillings), 8(pence).” Entry 2: "ditto for burying his said mother. ?(pounds), 6(shillings), 8 (pence).” ^[4]

Biggs in Brunswick County, VA 1766-1800

During the late 18th century in Brunswick County, Virginia, the presence of four individuals bearing the Biggs surname became notable for their frequent appearances in various legal documents, suggesting a likely family connection among them. These Biggs were Joel Biggs, John Biggs, Stephen Biggs, and Richard. While a single document reportedly confirms Joel Biggs and John as brothers, it remains the only known piece of evidence regarding their familial ties. The only other confirmed relationship is that of Joel Biggs and his mother Mary.

John Biggs, the first to emerge in Brunswick County records in 1766, later relocated to Charlotte County around 1791, where he remained until his death in 1802, leaving no known descendants in Brunswick County.

Joel Biggs, first emerged in Brunswick County records around 1771, later relocated to Georgia and passed away in 1807, with no known descendants remaining in Brunswick County.

Richard Biggs, who surfaced in records in 1783, continued to reside in Brunswick County until his death in 1822, and his descendants continued to call the county home. He appeared on John Biggstax list from 1783-1786, being noted as “not 21” on the 1783 tax list.

Stephen Biggs appeared in records in 1780, only to leave around 1784 for Charlotte County, and no known descendants remained in Brunswick County.

Additional Biggs in Brunswick County 1766-1800:

Joseph Biggs was involved in a Trespass Court Case from 1771-1772, but he was noted as a non-resident of Brunswick County.

Charles Biggs appeared as a plaintiff in a Chancery Court Case in 1783.

[Mary, Joel Biggs's mother, appeared in four entries in the St. Andrews Parish Vestry Book, with Joel Biggs being reimbursed by the Parish for the care of his blind mother, Mary.

Aaron, Joel Biggs's son, made a single appearance in the Brunswick County Personal Property records in 1796 before relocating to Georgia, where his father, Joel Biggs, later joined him.

Willis, another son of Joel Biggs, first appeared in Brunswick County records in 1797 but left around 1800 for North Carolina and Tennessee, eventually losing his life in the War of 1812, with no known descendants of his remaining in Brunswick County.

It's worth noting that while there were Briggs in Brunswick County, there were also several typos of Briggs when referring to individuals with the name Biggs.

Source: Carolyn Swanson (6th great granddaughter of Mary.)

Sources

1. ↑ This abstract notes the reimbursement from the parish to Joel Biggs for the care of his blind mother. “Saint Andrew’s Parish Vestry Book 1732-1798 Brunswick Co., VA”, database, FamilySearch: Joel Biggs and his mother, 1791, 1792.
2. ↑ This abstract notes the reimbursement from the parish to Joel Biggs for the care of his mother and the date of her death. “Saint Andrew’s Parish Vestry Book 1732-1798 Brunswick Co., VA”, database, FamilySearch: Joel Biggs and his mother, 1792.
3. ↑ This abstract notes the reimbursement from the parish to Joel Biggs for the care of his mother in 1792 and provides her name: Mary. “Saint Andrew’s Parish Vestry Book 1732-1798 Brunswick Co., VA”, database, FamilySearch: Joel Biggs and his mother, 1792, 1793.
4. ↑ This abstract notes the reimbursement from the parish to Joel Biggs for the care and burial of his blind mother. “Saint Andrew’s Parish Vestry Book 1732-1798 Brunswick Co., VA”, database, FamilySearch: Joel Biggs and his mother, 1794.

• Saint Andrew's Parish Vestry Book 1732-1798 Brunswick Co., VA. Pages 187, 189, 190, 192.