Biggers - Eli
findagrave says he was born (according to Monroe County KY
Birth Records (could be when it was registered, however) on July 10, 1874. He’d not be 114 years old which was at the
top of the obituary found on findagrave stamped Dec 29, 1977.
Source: Unknown
Eli F. Biggers of RR 1, Kingman, the oldest
Spanish-American War veteran, died at age 114 in Danville Care Home, Danville,
Illinois, Saturday morning, Dec 24. Born
in Nobob, Kentucky, July 4, 1863 he was the son of Owen and Elizabeth Chapman
Biggers. He was one of eight children, six boys and two girls. Their father
died in Kentucky when he was two years old. He moved with his family to Weeping
Water, Nebraska, when he was in his teens and worked there, helping lay the
railroad, while covered wagons were still moving through the territory. The
family came from there to northern Parke County, where they settled near
Marshall. Their first home was the Bill Rusk farm. Mr. Biggers joined the Army on April 25, 1898
and served through all the Spanish-American War. His discharge shows the
following: Philippino Insurrection, 18990 San Francisco Del Monte, March 25;
Iuingua River Corssing, April 24; Pulalin 1st & 2nd
Trench April 24; Balumpit, April 25; San Thomas, May 4; Repulse of enemy
attack, San Fernando May 25; turning movement San Fernando May 26, 1899. He was in Co D, 1st So. Dakota
Volunteer Infantry under Captain Paul D. McClelland, who said he was an honest
and loyal soldier. He and his brother Thomas bought 20 acres in Parke County in
1908. In 1915, he bought 60 acres where he lived most of his life farming. His
favorite pastime was fishing in Sugar Creek which ran through his farm. In
later years he lived in a mobile home at his nephews, George and Doyne Staggs.
Mr. Biggers’ brother Thomas lived to be 101 and an older brother Jim of
Oakland, California lived to be 113. His grandfather died at 107 ½ and two
uncles at 104 and 106 in Kentucky. He and his brother Thom were both bachelors.
He is survived by the nephew, George W. Staggs of RR, Kingman; six great nieces
an nephews, 12 great great nieces and nephews and several great great great
nieces and nephews.