Benjamin Biggs

Benjamin Biggs was an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Delaware and later as the 46th Governor of the state. A member of the Democratic Party, Biggs was born in 1821 and had a notable career that included military service during the Mexican-American War, as well as significant involvement in both state and national politics. His tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives spanned from 1869 to 1873, after which he returned to his agricultural pursuits before eventually serving as governor from 1887 to 1891.

Early life and career

Benjamin Thomas Biggs was born on October 1, 1821, near Bohemia Manor in Cecil County, Maryland. He was the son of John and Diana Bell Biggs. His early education took place at the Methodist Pennington Seminary in New Jersey and Wesleyan University in Connecticut, where he developed skills that would later serve him in public life. Biggs's formative years were marked by a commitment to education and a burgeoning interest in public affairs, which would shape his future political career.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Biggs was also a soldier. During the Mexican-American War, he was appointed as a major in the Delaware militia, an experience that likely influenced his understanding of leadership and governance. Following the war, he returned to civilian life, where he became a teacher and a farmer. His agricultural work primarily involved tending to peach orchards in central New Castle County and the adjacent areas of Maryland. This connection to the land and local economy would ground his political identity in the realities of his constituents.

Biggs married Mary Beekman, and together they had five children: John, Elizabeth, Benjamin T. Jr., Jennie, and Willard. However, only three of his children—John, Jennie, and Willard—survived into adulthood. The family resided at 210 North Cass Street in Middletown, Delaware, and were active members of the Methodist Church, which played a significant role in their community engagement.

His political career began in earnest when he became involved with the Whig Party, participating in the Delaware Constitutional Convention of 1852. Although the outcomes of this convention were ultimately rejected, it marked Biggs as an influential figure in state politics. Following the dissolution of the Whig Party, he transitioned to the Democratic Party, which was characterized by its Southern leanings and opposition to the policies of President Abraham Lincoln and the Republican Party. This shift reflected the political climate of the time and Biggs's alignment with the prevailing sentiments in Delaware.

House tenure

Biggs's political aspirations led him to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 1860 election, where he was narrowly defeated by George P. Fisher, a candidate from the People's Party. The People's Party was a local coalition that included Republicans and members of the Constitutional Union Party, and the political landscape was still in flux. However, by the 1868 election, the political dynamics had shifted significantly in Delaware, particularly following the federal supervision of polling places and the emancipation of enslaved individuals in the state.

In 1868, Biggs successfully ran for the U.S. House, defeating Republican Alfred T. Torbert. He was re-elected in 1870, further solidifying his position within the Democratic Party. His congressional service began on March 4, 1869, and continued until March 3, 1873. During his time in the 41st and 42nd Congresses, Biggs found himself part of a minority party, which limited his influence and effectiveness in the House. The political landscape was dominated by the Republican Party, and despite his electoral success in Delaware, Biggs's contributions at the national level were constrained by the dynamics of a divided Congress.

His tenure coincided with the administration of President Ulysses S. Grant, a period marked by significant political and social upheaval in the United States. However, Biggs's time in Congress did not yield substantial legislative achievements, as he often found himself in a position where his party's agenda was overshadowed by the majority. After completing his two terms in the House, he returned to his agricultural roots, focusing on his peach orchards and stepping away from the national political arena.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Biggs's legislative focus was reflective of the Democratic Party's priorities at the time. The party was largely characterized by its support for states' rights and opposition to federal intervention in local affairs, particularly regarding issues of race and civil rights. While specific details of the bills he sponsored or supported are not documented, it can be inferred that his legislative interests aligned with the broader Democratic agenda, which often resisted the Reconstruction policies being implemented by the Republican majority.

Biggs's committee assignments and specific legislative actions during his congressional tenure are not extensively recorded, but his position as a member of a minority party likely limited his ability to influence significant legislation. The political context of the late 19th century was one of intense partisanship, and as a Democrat in a predominantly Republican Congress, Biggs's role was primarily one of representation rather than leadership.

After leaving Congress, Biggs remained active in Delaware politics, eventually being nominated as the Democratic candidate for governor in 1886. His election to the governorship came at a time when the political landscape was shifting again, and he served from January 18, 1887, until January 20, 1891. During his governorship, he advocated for various reforms, including better representation for New Castle County and improvements to voting procedures, although he faced challenges in enacting these changes.

Benjamin Biggs passed away on December 25, 1893, at his home in Middletown, Delaware. He was buried in the Bethel Church Cemetery in Chesapeake City, Maryland. His legacy includes not only his political contributions but also the impact of his family, as his son John held significant positions in Delaware's legal system. The Gov. Benjamin T. Biggs Farm has been recognized for its historical significance, being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, further cementing Biggs's place in Delaware's political and agricultural history.