Closson Press

Author: Bob Cole
“Thomas Bigger. I was born in Ireland in the County of Antrim. I was married the 23rd day of May 1773, and sailed from Londonderry the 9th day of August 1773, and landed in Baltimore the 16th day of October 1773. My son Matthew was born the 9th day of March 1774.” With these words Thomas Bigger began his autobiography. He never added to these words. This book uses family records and historical documentation to finish the story Thomas began. It is the story of one of the first families to settle in what is today Washington County of Pennsylvania. It tells of their trials and tribulations and how their faith helped them to bring dreams to reality. It tells of the historical events they witnessed and people they met as a wilderness surrendered to civilization. Among those others are names like Captain Samuel Beelor, Chief Logan, Colonel William Crawford, Matthew Dillow, and George Washington.