amuel Bigger, who succeeded David Wallace as Governor of Indiana, was born in Warren County, Ohio, March 20, 1802, and was the eldest son of John Bigger, a western pioneer, and for many years a member of the Ohio legislature. He was prepared for college in his own neighborhood, graduated with honors from the university at Athens, and afterward began the study of law. In 1829, he removed to Liberty, Indiana, where he was duly admitted to the bar, and soon secured a lucrative practice. He remained at Liberty but a short time, removing thence to Rushville, where his public life began in 1834 as representative of Rush County in the state legislature. He was re-elected in 1835, and shortly after the expiration of his term was chosen judge of the eastern circuit, a position for which he proved himself ably qualified, and which he held in an acceptable manner for many years. In 1840, he was nominated for governor by the Whig state convention, and after an exciting race was elected, defeating General Tilghman A. Howard. He was a candidate for re-election in 1843, but was defeated by James Whitcomb. After the expiration of his of his gubernatorial term, Governor Bigger moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and resumed the practice of law, which he continued until his death. September 9, 1845. "Governor Bigger possessed talents of a high order, rather substantial than brilliant. His judgment was remarkably sound, dispassionate and discriminating, and it was this chiefly that made him eminently a leader in every circle in which he moved, whether in political life, at the bar, or society at large." He was a man of fine form and presence. He was six feet two inches in height and weight 240 pounds. His hair was black, his eyes a blue hazel, and his complexion dark. The expression of his face was kind and benignant, and denoted goodness of heart. He was a patriotic citizen, an incorruptible judge and an executive officer of very respectable agility.