Mary Helena Bigelow, daughter of Joseph A. and Emily Taylor Button was born April 1, 1862 near Iowa Falls, Iowa and died at Alden, Iowa May 1, 1939, aged 77 years and 1 month. When about a year old the family moved to Alden and from that time on this has been her home.

On October 8, 1884 she was united in marriage to George Orra Bigelow who preceded her in death on June 6, 1933. To this union one child, George Fay, was born, who with his two children, survive her.

After finishing the Alden public school she taught in rural schools for several years and was active in the old time Lyceum for which this town was famous. Her interest in such work continued during her lifetime. She was one of the organizers of the Stulithis Circle which was the forerunner of the present Federated Woman’s Club. At one time she was President of the county organization of women’s clubs.

Among the other societies which she was active in as long as she was able to be were the Eastern Star Lodge and the Alden Cemetery Association. She was a past Matron of the local O.E.S. chapter and for several years until failing health presented was installing officer.

In 1887 she and her husband entered the restaurant business and for the next twenty-five years was mainly engaged in that business. After leaving the restaurant she became secretary of the Alden Mutual Telephone Company, which position she held for fifteen years until she retired.

Source: The Alden Times, May 4, 1939

Helena (Mrs. George O. Bigelow), Alden, Hardin County, Iowa.
Born Iowa Falls, Iowa April 1, 1862; daughter Joseph Albert and Emily Margaret (Taylor) Button; educated high and normal schools; married Alden, Iowa October 8, 1884 George Orra Bigelow; one son, George Fay. School teacher before marriage. President and charter member of Stulithis Circle; Worthy Matron of O.E.S., Order of the Eastern Star; appointed by the Mayor a member of the Board of Trustees of the Public Library and elected its secretary; member D.W.C. Society of Congregational Church and prominent in social life, literary work and philanthropic activities.

Source: Women’s Who’s Who of America 1914