A Lawrence Auction Treasure

By Valerie Britton - The Lawrence family was one of the earliest families to settle in Troy.  Sadly, on January 4, 2009, news came that one of Troy’s most prominent citizens, Pia Lawrence, had passed away. 

On July 24, 2009 I attended the country estate auction where the contents of Pia’s circa 1810 homestead was sold. This was one of those rare estates that remained packed with many items from 175 years ago, untouched!  There was a combination of emotions under the large tents of bidders.  Piece by piece Lawrence history was passed off into the hands of strangers as friends and family helplessly watched.  Mixed among these emotions were those of bidders excited and thrilled with their treasures.  My own sentiment that day was a combination to the two.  It broke my heart to see everything in one of Troy’s most historical homes be sold, but if it had to happen, I was eager to have a little piece of it for myself.

My most memorable purchase of the day was the only item that was related to the railroad.  When the telegraph came forward I knew it held a story that I couldn’t pass up.  I was ecstatic when I discovered that the telegraph once belonged to Station Master, John Herbert Bigelow, who worked at the depot for about fifteen years beginning in the late 1800’s.  Prior to becoming agent in Troy he was a railroad employee in Fitzwilliam.  John’s son Charles also worked at the Troy station as a railroad clerk.  John Bigelow’s daughter, Mary A., was married to Frank G. Lawrence and she inherited the telegraph from her father.   The telegraph is now back on the desk in the Station Masters office in the depot museum where it can be preserved, protected and enjoyed for years to come.

May 19, 1881 – Mr. A. G. Hurlbutt, for some fourteen years depot master is succeeded by Mr. Bigelow of Fitzwilliam.

May 26, 1881 – Mr. Bigelow, own new station agent, having been in the employ of Mr. Cummings at Fitzwilliam Depot for several years, understands his business and seems disposed to attend the same.  He comes here, recommended by those who have known him for years, as being an honest, faithful, temperate young man, who will be likely to treat people well who have business at the depot, and he will no doubt go on the principle of what is far for one is fair for another.

August 6, 1884 – Troy – J. Bigelow, our station agent, who has been indisposed for several weeks, has concluded to rest awhile and Fred Page from the Keene office has come to assist Murray Bliss in the duties at the depot.

August 14, 1891 – Station Agent Bigelow is confined to house with a severe cold.

December 30, 1891 – Mr.&Mrs. H. H. Bigelow were called to Fitzwilliam last week by the serious illness of her father, David Putney, who has since died.