1840, 1847, 1855 JOHN BIGGS, (Hosier).
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Son of John and Elizabeth Biggs of Leic. where he was born 11 April 1801 ; was elected a member of the newly formed council in December 1835 for Middle St. Margaret's Ward, appointed a J.P. 1836, alderman 1841, again mayor 1847 and 1855, and three times returned to Parliament for the borough. He was the leading member of the firm of Biggs and Sons, and by his commercial powers did much for the advancement of the hosiery trade in the town, in fact he was a practical businessman. His great kindness and benevolence gained for him the respect of the industrial classes.
AId. John Biggs died unmarried 4 June 1871, aged seventy, and was buried at the Welford Road Cemetery. M.L His statue in Welford Place, erected by public subscription, was unveiled in 1873. His will, a short record bearing date 3 February 1866, was proved at Leic. 26 June 1871 by Joseph Biggs of Tunbridge Wells, brother, the sole executor, to whom administration was granted. Effects under £1,000. The bulk of his estate passed to his said brother.
Population of Leic. 1841, 50,806.
During his third mayoralty, 18 June 1856, he was elected to represent the borough in Parliament in room of Richard Gardiner, deceased, and in his place, Ald. John Dove Harris was elected mayor for the remainder of the term.
