Elizabeth Bigler
1852–1856
Significant Facts
Born: around 1809 in New York
Died: November 15, 1873
Married: John Bigler in Mt. Sterling, IL around 1847
Maiden Name: Graham
Family
Father: no info
Mother: no info
Husband: John Bigler
Children: Virginia
Find out more about the time period and interests of Elizabeth Bigler
Biography
Details of Elizabeth Graham’s early life are unknown. Exactly when she and John Bigler were married is also unknown. In 1849, after the discovery of gold in California, John, Elizabeth, and their daughter Virginia began the long journey via oxcart from Mount Sterling, Illinois to Sacramento. In Sacramento, the Bigler home became a popular social center. After completing two terms as Governor, John was appointed as the United States Minister to Chile from 1857 to 1861. The family moved to Chile with John, but returned to Sacramento when his foreign assignment ended. Tragically, the entire Bigler family died with a two-year period. John died on November 29, 1871. Virginia died on February 5, 1873. Elizabeth Bigler outlived her husband and daughter. She died on November 15, 1873 at the family home in Sacramento. All three Biglers are buried in the Sacramento City Cemetery.
Bibliography
Books
- Cook and LaDue, The First Ladies of California, Xlibris Corporation, 2007
